Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread Recipe
If you’re looking for a cozy, soul-warming treat, the Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender, moist bread infused with fragrant cinnamon and bursting with tender apple chunks, all tied together with a luscious cinnamon sugar swirl that adds that perfect balance of sweetness and spice. This is not just any quick bread; it’s a delightful twist on classic apple fritters, baked to golden perfection, making it an irresistible centerpiece for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert. Once you taste this Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to comfort foods, ready to brighten up any day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the key to nailing this recipe. Each element plays a vital role, from creating the soft crumb to adding warm cinnamon flavor and juicy apple texture. The ingredients are simple, everyday pantry staples that come together in the most magical way.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and body to the bread.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps with browning.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Adds lightness and helps the bread rise beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Works with buttermilk for tenderness and lift.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Infuses the batter with that iconic warm spice.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add moisture.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Enriches the bread with buttery flavor and moist texture.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Adds tanginess and reacts with leavening agents for fluffiness.
- 2 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 2 medium): Brings juiciness and fresh fruity notes throughout.
- ½ cup brown sugar (for the filling): Offers a deeper, caramel-like sweetness for the swirl.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for the filling): Amplifies that cozy cinnamon punch in the swirl.
- Powdered sugar (optional for dusting): Adds a pretty, sweet finish that looks irresistible.
How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Make sure to grease and flour your loaf pan, or better yet, line it with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures your bread will release easily after baking without sticking or crumbling.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. This dry mix forms the flavorful base for the bread, blending sweetness and spice uniformly into every bite.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then add the melted butter and buttermilk. Whisk until everything is well combined. These wet ingredients bring moisture and richness that create a soft, tender crumb.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here as that can make the bread tough instead of soft and fluffy.
Step 5: Fold In the Apples
Now, gently fold in your peeled and chopped apples so they’re evenly spread throughout the batter. These little bursts of juicy apple elevate the bread with natural sweetness and a delightful texture.
Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon for the filling. This delicious blend will create that signature cinnamon swirl that makes the Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread so unique and mouthwatering.
Step 7: Layer the Batter and Filling
Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over it. Next, add the remaining batter on top, and finish with the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture sprinkled over the surface. This layering is key to distributing those pockets of cinnamon sugar sweetness throughout the bread.
Step 8: Create the Cinnamon Swirl
Take a knife or spatula and gently swirl the batter and the cinnamon sugar filling together. The goal is to create beautiful spirals without fully mixing the filling into the batter, so you get lovely pockets of cinnamon richness in every slice.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake the bread in your preheated oven for about 50 minutes. Use a toothpick to check doneness—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging, never wet batter. The bread should be golden and fragrant, inviting you to a warm, comforting slice.
Step 10: Cool Before Slicing
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important to let the bread set properly so that it slices beautifully without crumbling.
How to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a charming, snowy effect that’s perfect for presentation and an extra touch of sweetness. Some people love a drizzle of glaze or melted butter to make it extra indulgent.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with a cup of warm coffee or a creamy chai latte. For a wholesome breakfast, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad. It’s versatile enough to shine with both sweet and savory accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving slices with a smear of cream cheese or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. You can also toast leftover bread lightly to bring back some freshness and enjoy it with a dab of cinnamon honey butter for a decadent twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps preserve its soft texture and fresh flavors.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or pop it in a freezer-safe bag. It can keep for up to 3 months, making it a great make-ahead treat for busy days or unexpected guests.
Reheating
For best results, thaw frozen slices overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently in a toaster oven or microwave for about 20 seconds until warm. This will bring out that fresh-baked aroma and soft texture all over again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this bread?
Absolutely! Granny Smith apples lend a tart bite, while Fuji or Honeycrisp apples are sweeter and juicier. Feel free to experiment depending on your taste and what’s in season.
Do I have to use buttermilk?
Buttermilk adds tenderness and a subtle tang, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk, letting it sit for five minutes.
How can I ensure my bread has the perfect cinnamon swirl?
The key is to sprinkle the cinnamon sugar filling in layers and use a knife to gently swirl the batter without overmixing. This creates beautiful pockets of cinnamon that bake into the bread.
Is it okay to use a different pan size?
A standard 9×5 inch loaf pan works best for even baking. If you only have a different size, adjust the baking time accordingly and keep an eye on the bread to avoid over- or under-baking.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the recipe?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch, while raisins bring pockets of chewy sweetness. Add about ½ cup of either, folding them in with the apples for added texture and flavor variety.
Final Thoughts
The Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread is truly a joy to make and even more delightful to share. It’s a recipe that balances effortless preparation with rich, comforting flavors that feel like a warm hug in food form. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, this bread promises to bring smiles and plenty of compliments. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it part of your baking favorites!
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Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10–12 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread is a delightful baked treat that combines tender, moist bread with chunks of fresh apples and a sweet cinnamon-sugar swirl throughout. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, it offers a perfect balance of warm spices and fruity goodness, finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup buttermilk
Main Add-ins
- 2 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
Filling
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Optional Topping
- Powdered sugar, to taste (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon until evenly combined.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly then add in the melted butter and buttermilk. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Mix wet into dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Fold in apples: Gently fold the peeled and chopped apples into the batter, evenly distributing them throughout.
- Prepare cinnamon sugar filling: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon to create the cinnamon swirl filling.
- Layer batter and filling: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over this batter layer.
- Add remaining batter and filling: Pour the remaining batter over the filling layer. Then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
- Swirl the batter: Using a knife or spatula, gently swirl the batter to incorporate the cinnamon sugar filling without fully mixing it in, creating a beautiful cinnamon swirl effect.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, dust the cooled loaf with powdered sugar before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for best flavor and texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread light and tender.
- The cinnamon sugar swirl adds sweetness and a beautiful visual appeal.
- Make sure the toothpick comes out clean to avoid underbaking.
- Store leftover bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Optional powdered sugar dusting adds a lovely finishing touch but can be omitted for less sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Bread, Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/12 of loaf)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: Cinnamon swirl bread, apple bread, apple cinnamon loaf, breakfast bread, easy baked bread
