Description
Apple Fritter Bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread bursting with sweet cinnamon-spiced apples layered within a tender batter and finished with a drizzle of powdered sugar glaze. This delightful autumn-inspired bread is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a comforting snack, combining the warm flavors of cinnamon and fresh apples in a soft, easy-to-make loaf.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bread
- Nonstick cooking spray, for the pan
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 apples (any kind), peeled and chopped
- 2/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup plus 1 to 3 tablespoons milk or almond milk, divided
For the Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- Milk (enough to achieve drizzling consistency, about 1 to 2 tablespoons)
Instructions
- Prepare oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray to ensure your bread releases easily after baking.
- Mix cinnamon sugar and prepare apples: In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar and ground cinnamon. In another bowl, toss the peeled and chopped apples with 2 tablespoons of the granulated sugar to lightly coat and sweeten them. Set both aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and the remaining granulated sugar (approximately 2/3 cup) until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will help incorporate air for a tender crumb. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully blended before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine dry ingredients: Whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt throughout the flour.
- Mix batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk or almond milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the bread.
- Layer batter, cinnamon sugar, and apples: Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter. Then layer half of the coated chopped apples on top. Repeat the layering with the remaining batter, cinnamon-sugar, and apples, creating a beautiful layered effect inside the bread.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully cooked.
- Cool and glaze: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set. Then remove it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk the powdered sugar with enough milk to form a smooth, drizzling glaze. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled bread for a sweet finish.
- Serve: Slice the Apple Fritter Bread and serve it as a delightful treat for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you crave a sweet, cinnamon-apple flavored bread.
Notes
- You can use any type of apples you prefer; tart apples like Granny Smith provide a nice contrast to the sweet bread.
- For a dairy-free option, use almond milk as suggested and dairy-free butter substitutes.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the bread tender and light.
- Storage: Keep any leftover bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated up to one week. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
- To enhance texture, consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts in the layering steps.
