Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread
Ingredients
For the cinnamon sugar mixture:
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1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the apple layer:
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2 small or 1 large apple (about 1 1/2 cups chopped) — peeled, cored, and diced
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2 tablespoons granulated sugar
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the batter:
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1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
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2/3 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
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1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
For the glaze:
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
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1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the oven and pan
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Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).
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Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Make the cinnamon sugar and apple mixtures
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In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Set aside.
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In another bowl, toss the chopped apples with 2 tablespoons sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Prepare the batter
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In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
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Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
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Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix just until combined.
4. Assemble the bread
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Spread half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
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Add half of the apple mixture and sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar on top.
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Spoon the remaining batter evenly over the apples, then top with the remaining apples and remaining cinnamon sugar.
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Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the layers together (a few figure-eight motions).
5. Bake
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Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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If the top browns too quickly, tent the loaf lightly with foil after 40 minutes.
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Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Make the glaze
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In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
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Drizzle over the cooled bread before slicing.
Tips and Variations
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Apple choice: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work best for flavor and texture.
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Add nuts: Stir 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts into the apple mixture for crunch.
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Storage: Keep covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
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Freeze: Wrap the loaf tightly (without glaze) and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.
Would you like me to include a quick-bread version (mix-and-bake in one bowl, no layering) or a muffin version of this recipe?