Name: Apple Cinnamon Fritter Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 apples (peeled and cut into small dice); 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar (packed); 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon butter (melted); ½ cup dark brown sugar (lightly packed); 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; ½ cup salted butter (softened); ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 eggs (large); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure or artificial); 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ⅓ cup milk; ⅓ cup sour cream; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon milk; ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

If you’re craving that magical, cozy combination of fresh apples and warm cinnamon swirls all baked into one delightful treat, then you’re going to absolutely love this Apple Cinnamon Fritter Bread Recipe. It’s like biting into a homemade apple fritter, but in convenient loaf form—perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or even dessert. I promise, once you try this, it’ll be your go-to recipe whenever you want something sweet and comforting.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

All the Apple Fritter Flavor: You get that classic apple cinnamon goodness without the deep frying or fuss.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just about an hour, perfect when you want something homemade but don’t have all day.
Moist and Tender Texture: Thanks to sour cream and milk, this bread stays deliciously soft for days.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for it, and I bet yours will too.

The image shows a white marbled surface with various baking ingredients arranged neatly. There are three red and yellow apples grouped in the top right corner. To their left are three small white square dishes holding ground cinnamon, dark brown sugar, and butter. Below the apples and dishes, a metal measuring cup is filled with dark brown sugar. Near the center, a small white square dish contains vanilla extract, and just below that, a small brass cup holds sour cream. To the left of the sour cream are two white eggs on a small white plate, with a small white square dish of baking powder above them. Further left is a grey bowl filled with all-purpose flour. Above that, a small beige bowl contains granulated sugar. To the right of the flour is a white bowl filled with chunks of pale yellow butter, and below it is a small white bowl with milk. The items are spaced out evenly on the white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a part in creating that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and warmly baked apple goodness. When I shop for this recipe, I always make sure to pick crisp apples and fresh cinnamon—those little details make a huge difference.

Apples: Fresh and peeled, diced into small pieces—granny smith or fuji work great for baking.
Dark Brown Sugar: Adds rich molasses flavor that’ll boost the depth at every bite.
Ground Cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth and that classic cinnamon sugar crunch.
Butter: Both melted and softened butter give the bread richness and moisture.
Granulated Sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with that soft crumb.
Eggs: Large eggs bind everything together and add a bit of fluffiness.
Vanilla Extract: Pure or artificial, it enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
All-Purpose Flour: The base for your quickbread structure.
Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise and get that perfect light texture.
Milk: Used with sour cream for moisture and tenderness.
Sour Cream: My secret weapon for moist, soft bread that stays fresh longer.
Powdered Sugar: For the glaze that adds the perfect finishing touch.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and boost the flavors.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Apple Cinnamon Fritter Bread Recipe because it’s so versatile. You can easily tailor it to your taste or dietary needs without losing that classic apple fritter vibe.

Gluten-Free Version: I swapped regular flour with a gluten-free baking blend once, and it turned out great—just be sure to check the baking powder is gluten-free! The texture was a little different but still delicious.
Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon sugar gives it a deeper flavor that I sometimes prefer for holiday mornings.
Apple Varieties: Fuji apples make it sweeter, while tart granny smith adds a tangy bite—feel free to mix apples for complexity!
Vegan Adaptation: I’ve tried subbing eggs with chia eggs and dairy butter for plant-based options, with decent results—just expect a slightly denser crumb.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Fritter Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Apples and Cinnamon Sugar

Start by peeling and dicing your apples into small pieces—I like them small enough to spread throughout each bite but still noticeable. Toss them with 2 tablespoons of dark brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, then drizzle melted butter on top and mix well. This will be your cinnamon apple “fritter” filling that layers inside and on top of the bread.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars, Then Add Eggs and Vanilla

In your mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and ½ cup dark brown sugar with the remaining 2 teaspoons cinnamon until fluffy. Adding sugar and cinnamon right here infuses the entire loaf with warm sweetness. Then beat in eggs one at a time, scraping the sides to keep everything deliciously combined. Finish with vanilla extract for a lovely aromatic boost.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Alternately Add with Wet Mixture

Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. In another container, stir milk and sour cream until smooth. Now, mix the dry ingredients into the creamed butter and sugar on low speed, adding the milk-sour cream mixture gradually. Be careful not to overmix here; that’s the trick to keeping your bread tender and light.

Step 4: Layer Batter, Apples, and Cinnamon Sugar in the Pan

Pour half the batter into your greased loaf pan and smooth it out evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle half of your apple mixture evenly over the batter, then dust with half of that cinnamon sugar blend. Repeat the process with the remaining batter, apples, and cinnamon sugar—this layering creates all those pockets of apple cinnamon goodness.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Inserted Knife is Mostly Clean

Bake your bread at 350°F (175°C) for about 50 minutes, or until it’s a lovely golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay). Oven temperatures vary, so start checking around 45 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Step 6: Whip Up the Glaze and Finish

While the bread cools on a wire rack, mix powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, and ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Once the bread has fully cooled, invert it from the pan and drizzle the glaze generously over the top. This glaze is what really brings home the classic apple fritter feel for me — sweet, just a little sticky, and totally irresistible.

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Cinnamon Fritter Bread Recipe

Choose Firm Apples: I learned firm apples hold their shape best during baking, giving you that wonderful texture contrast inside the bread.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing just until combined keeps the bread moist and tender instead of tough.
Layer Generously: The cinnamon sugar layers on top and in the middle add that surprise crunch and sweetness that makes it feel like a true fritter.
Glaze After Cooling: Wait until the bread is completely cool before drizzling the glaze to avoid melting it off—patience pays off!

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Fritter Bread Recipe

Three slices of yellow cake with a brown cinnamon sugar swirl and walnut pieces inside are arranged side by side on a white rectangular plate. The cake has a soft crumb texture with a golden-brown crust, and the cinnamon sugar and nuts create a darker layer running through the middle and on top. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, with a colorful floral cloth partially visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep it classic with a simple powdered sugar glaze, but on chilly mornings, I love topping slices with a pat of butter or even a dollop of whipped cream—it melts right in and makes it feel extra special. Fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of chopped nuts also work great if you want a little crunch.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea. For brunch, I like serving it alongside scrambled eggs or a light salad for balance. It also works as an indulgent snack with a glass of cold milk—perfect for kid-friendly moments.

Creative Ways to Present

One time, I sliced the loaf into thick pieces and toasted them lightly, then served with warm maple syrup drizzled on top for an apple fritter French toast vibe. For gifts or parties, wrapping individual slices in parchment with a cinnamon stick tied on makes a charming little package that friends adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover Apple Cinnamon Fritter Bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature—it stays perfectly moist for about 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, the fridge is also an option, but I always let the bread come to room temp before enjoying.

Freezing

To freeze, slice the bread first, then wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you want a quick treat, just thaw a slice or two overnight in the fridge or at room temperature. I’ve found this method keeps the texture and flavor almost as fresh as day one.

Reheating

My favorite way to reheat slices is in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for around 5-8 minutes—not too long! If you’re in a rush, 20 seconds in the microwave does the trick, though the crust won’t stay as crisp. Reheating really brings back that fresh-baked vibe.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for the Apple Cinnamon Fritter Bread Recipe?

You can, but I recommend thawing and draining them well first to avoid adding extra moisture that could make the bread soggy. Fresh apples really give the best texture and flavor, but I’ve used frozen in a pinch with decent results.
Is this bread sweet enough without the glaze?

Yes! The brown sugar and cinnamon layers provide plenty of sweetness, but the glaze gives a lovely finishing touch that balances the flavors and adds that classic apple fritter feel. You can skip it if you prefer less sweetness.
Can I substitute sour cream for yogurt?

Absolutely, plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream and will keep the bread moist and tender. I’ve done this swap often to lighten it up a bit without sacrificing texture.
How do I know when the Apple Cinnamon Fritter Bread is done baking?

Look for a golden brown crust and use a knife or toothpick inserted in the center—it should come out mostly clean, with maybe a crumb or two but no wet batter. Ovens vary, so begin checking around 45 minutes to prevent overbaking.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Fritter Bread Recipe holds a super special place in my kitchen and heart—it’s that perfect slice of warm, cozy comfort on a plate. If you love the flavors of apple fritters but want something easier and less messy to make, you really can’t go wrong here. Take your time layering those apples and cinnamon sugar; that’s where the magic happens. I can’t wait for you to try it and hear how your family reacts—trust me, they’ll be asking for seconds (and thirds!).