Description: This Country Apple Fritter Bread is a delightful combination of moist, tender bread, sweet cinnamon swirls, and juicy apple chunks. It’s like enjoying an apple fritter in loaf form, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting dessert. The warm spices and sweet glaze make it an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Bread:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/3 cup milk
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples, peeled and chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This ensures the bread comes out cleanly without sticking. A little extra care at this stage prevents frustration later.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling In a small bowl, combine the peeled and chopped apples, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Toss gently to coat the apples evenly. Set this mixture aside. The sugar will draw out some of the apple’s juices, creating a delicious, syrupy coating as it bakes.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Swirl In another small bowl, mix together the light brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This mixture will create the beautiful, flavorful swirls throughout the bread. Ensure the brown sugar is packed for accurate measurement.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender crumb. Use an electric mixer for best results, and scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. These ingredients add richness and flavor to the bread.
Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough bread.
Step 7: Layer the Batter Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Top with half of the apple mixture and sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the apples.
Step 8: Repeat Layers Pour the remaining batter over the apple and cinnamon swirl layers. Top with the remaining apple mixture and sprinkle the remaining cinnamon swirl mixture on top.
Step 9: Swirl and Bake Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the batter, creating a marbled effect. Be careful not to overmix, as this can muddy the swirls. Bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil for the last 15–20 minutes of baking.
Step 10: Cool and Glaze Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. While the bread is cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, 1-2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm bread.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Country Apple Fritter Bread is more than just a loaf of bread; it’s an experience. The combination of warm spices, sweet apples, and a luscious glaze is reminiscent of a cozy autumn day. What sets this recipe apart is its incredible flavor and texture. The bread is incredibly moist and tender, thanks to the perfect balance of ingredients. The apple filling adds a delightful burst of fruity sweetness, while the cinnamon swirl brings a comforting warmth. The glaze adds the perfect finishing touch, making each slice irresistible.
This bread is incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for breakfast with a cup of coffee, a delightful addition to brunch, or a comforting dessert after dinner. It’s also easy to make, with straightforward instructions and readily available ingredients. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow and satisfying to create. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is simply divine!
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a pat of butter or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Slice and toast for a delicious breakfast or snack.
- Enjoy with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.
- Pack a slice in your lunchbox for a sweet treat.
- Serve as part of a brunch spread with other baked goods and fresh fruit.
- Drizzle with extra glaze or a caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.
Tips:
- Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor. These apples hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the bread.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Swirl gently with a butter knife or skewer for that perfect marbled effect. Be careful not to overmix, as this can muddy the swirls.
- If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil for the last 15–20 minutes of baking.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing for easier handling.
- For an extra touch of flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon swirl mixture.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate values per slice)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
Conclusion:
This Country Apple Fritter Bread is a delightful treat that brings the flavors of fall into your kitchen. With its moist texture, sweet apple filling, and warm cinnamon swirls, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this bread is a delicious and comforting way to indulge. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a loaf of pure happiness!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different type of apple?
A: Yes, you can use different types of apples, but firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are recommended for the best texture and flavor. Softer apples may become mushy during baking.
Q2: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.
Q3: Can I freeze this bread?
A: Yes, you can freeze the bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before slicing and serving.
Q4: Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe?
A: Yes, you can reduce the amount of sugar, but keep in mind that it will affect the sweetness and texture of the bread. Start by reducing the sugar by 1/4 cup and adjust to your preference.
Q5: Can I add nuts to this recipe?
A: Yes, you can add nuts to this recipe. Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a delicious addition to the apple filling or sprinkled on top of the bread before baking.
