Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread

This cinnamon swirl apple fritter bread is a cozy, bakery-style treat perfect for fall mornings, weekend brunches, or an afternoon sweet craving. It combines tender pieces of tart apple with a warmly spiced brown-sugar swirl that mimics classic apple fritters. The loaf bakes up moist, fragrant, and beautifully layered, then gets finished with a simple vanilla glaze. It’s easy enough for everyday baking yet impressive enough to share with guests. Enjoy it warm with a cup of coffee or tea.

Ingredients

• Filling/Topping:
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
• Cake:
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1/2 cup sour cream, at room temperature
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons milk, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch cubes
• Glaze:
  • 1/3 cup icing sugar, sifted
  • 1–2 teaspoons hot water

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl; set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, melted butter, sour cream, eggs, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
4. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Add dry ingredients to wet and mix just until combined; fold in most of the chopped apples, reserving a handful.
6. Spread half the batter into the loaf pan and smooth the top.
7. Sprinkle half the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter and swirl with a butter knife.
8. Add the remaining batter, top with reserved apples and the remaining cinnamon sugar, then swirl again.
9. Bake 50–55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Cool in the pan for 10–20 minutes, then whisk the glaze ingredients together and drizzle over the loaf; let set 5–10 minutes before slicing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 70 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal (per serving) | Servings: 10

Tips

• For extra apple flavor, use a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples for both tartness and sweetness.
• Store leftovers tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

FAQ

Can I make this with more apples?
Yes—add up to 1 1/2 apples total, but avoid adding too many or the loaf may become dense.

Can I freeze the bread?
Absolutely. Freeze without glaze for best results; thaw and glaze before serving.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, full-fat Greek yogurt is a great substitute.

What if my glaze is too thin or thick?
Add more icing sugar to thicken or a few drops of water to thin it out.