Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread
Looking for the perfect homemade quick bread recipe that fills your kitchen with warm, bakery-style aroma? This Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread is just the thing. It's bursting with chopped apples, cozy cinnamon spice, and a sugar swirl that caramelizes into a golden crust. Whether you're baking for brunch, meal prepping sweet treats, or gifting something special during the holidays, this bread delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
From its irresistible texture to the drizzle of vanilla glaze, it’s a simple loaf cake that doubles as a breakfast bread or dessert. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly and made without yeast—no rising time needed!
Ingredients
For the Bread:
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1/3 cup light brown sugar (for the cinnamon swirl)
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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2/3 cup white sugar
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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2 large eggs
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1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 3/4 tsp baking powder
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1/2 cup whole milk
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1 1/2 cups peeled and chopped apples (e.g. Honeycrisp or Fuji)
Optional Glaze:
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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1–2 tbsp milk or cream
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1 drop vanilla extract
Equipment Needed
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9×5-inch loaf pan
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Mixing bowls (2–3)
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Whisk and rubber spatula
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Hand or stand mixer
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Knife and cutting board
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Parchment paper
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Toothpick for doneness check
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Wire cooling rack
Instructions
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Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper for easy removal.
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Make Swirl Mixture: In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and cinnamon.
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Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and white sugar until creamy and light. Add eggs one at a time, beating well. Stir in vanilla extract.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Alternate adding dry mixture and milk into the creamed mixture until just combined.
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Layer Batter: Pour half the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Top with half of the chopped apples and half of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Lightly press the apples into the batter.
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Repeat Layers: Add the remaining batter, top with the rest of the apples and cinnamon sugar, and swirl gently with a knife.
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Bake: Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Add Glaze (Optional): Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over the cooled bread.
Serving Ideas
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Serve warm with a pat of butter at breakfast
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Pair with tea or iced coffee for a satisfying snack
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Add vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert
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Wrap in parchment and gift it for holidays or special occasions
Expert Tips
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Want a crunch? Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple mixture.
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Try using half whole wheat flour for a fiber boost.
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Use pears instead of apples for a delicious seasonal variation.
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Make it ahead and freeze slices individually for grab-and-go snacks.
Storage
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
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Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
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Freeze (whole or sliced) for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp or microwave to reheat.
Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and white sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour and baking powder. Add to the wet ingredients alternately with the milk.
- Pour half the batter into the pan. Top with half the apples and half the cinnamon sugar. Lightly press apples into batter.
- Repeat with remaining batter, apples, and cinnamon sugar. Swirl with a knife.
- Bake 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool, then drizzle with glaze if using.