Apple Fritter Bread Recipe

If you’re anything like me and love biting into that warm, cinnamon-spiced goodness of classic apple fritters but wish they could last beyond breakfast, you’re going to adore this Apple Fritter Bread Recipe. It’s basically like having your favorite donut transformed into a moist, richly flavored loaf you can slice, share, and savor any time of the day. Trust me, once you make this, it will quickly become one of those recipes you lean on for cozy mornings or comforting afternoon treats.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Picking the right ingredients ensures this Apple Fritter Bread Recipe hits all those cozy notes you’re craving. I love using tart Granny Smith apples for that bright contrast against the sweet cinnamon and brown sugar. Plus, the combination of flour, sour cream, and melted butter creates a tender crumb that just melts in your mouth.

• Salted butter: Using salted butter adds a subtle savory note that balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Brown sugar: This gives a deep molasses flavor that brings warmth to the bread and streusel.
• All-purpose flour: The base for the bread and streusel, it’s versatile and creates great texture.
• Cinnamon and nutmeg: These warm spices are the heart of that classic apple fritter flavor.
• Chopped pecans (optional): Adds a lovely crunch and nutty depth if you’re a pecan fan like I am.
• Baking powder and baking soda: They work together to give the bread a perfect rise without getting cakey.
• Brown sugar (for batter): Lightly packed so it sweetens without overpowering.
• Eggs: Provide structure and richness.
• Sour cream: This is the secret in my opinion — it keeps the bread moist and adds a subtle tang.
• Whole milk: Helps to loosen the batter just enough for a tender bread.
• Vanilla extract: Adds that lovely aromatic warmth you don’t want to skip.
• Granny Smith apples: Peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces, these add juicy bursts of flavor.
• Powdered sugar (for glaze): To drizzle for a shiny, sweet finishing touch.

Variations

One of the things I appreciate most about this Apple Fritter Bread Recipe is how easy it is to customize based on your mood or what you have in your pantry. I’ve tried swapping nuts, adding a pinch more spice, or even using different apples with great results.

• Add more nuts or seeds: When I toss in chopped walnuts instead of pecans, it adds a slightly different crunch and flavor that my family loves just as much.
• Make it gluten-free: I’ve replaced all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend—just make sure it includes xanthan gum so the bread bakes up tender but sturdy.
• Spice it up: Try adding a pinch of ground cloves or ginger alongside the cinnamon and nutmeg if you want a bit more complexity.
• Use different apples: Fuji or Honeycrisp work well too; they’re sweeter and add their own character to the loaf.

How to Make Apple Fritter Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the streusel topping

Start by mixing the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. I like to just dive in with my fingers and work the butter into the dry ingredients until it looks crumbly and sand-like. Adding chopped pecans here is optional, but I swear it takes the texture to the next level. Set this aside—you’ll sprinkle it over the batter later, giving your bread that signature crisp-on-top texture.

Step 2: Whisk up the batter base

In one bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: mainly the all-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups), baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In another, combine your wet ingredients: brown sugar, eggs, sour cream, melted butter (1/3 cup), milk, and vanilla extract. Mixing these separately before combining really helps with an even texture and avoids overmixing—a dead giveaway for tough bread.

Step 3: Fold in apples and assemble the loaf

Toss the chopped apples with the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour, coating them well to prevent sinking to the bottom. Gently fold these into the combined batter to keep those apple chunks intact. Pour half the batter into your greased and parchment-lined loaf pan, smooth it out, then sprinkle half the streusel over it. Repeat with the remaining batter and streusel. Lastly, drizzle the remaining melted butter on top — this little step is a game-changer for that delicious buttery crust.

Step 4: Bake and cool

Bake your loaf at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 55 minutes. I usually check mine around the 45-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few dry crumbs. Resist the urge to overbake; otherwise, the bread can dry out. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Cooling fully before glazing helps keep the icing from melting away, preserving that pretty finish.

Step 5: Glaze it up

Whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk a tablespoon at a time until you have a smooth, thick glaze that’s perfect for drizzling. It should be like heavy cream in consistency—thin enough to drizzle but thick enough to hold. Pour it over the cooled loaf and watch it settle into all those nooks and crannies. I promise it’s as fun as it sounds!

How to Serve Apple Fritter Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple—sometimes just a sprinkle of extra cinnamon sugar on top before serving adds a nice touch. When I want to impress guests, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few pecan halves scattered over the glaze instantly ups the wow factor.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with creamy coffee or chai tea. For brunch, I often serve it alongside scrambled eggs or a sharp cheddar cheese board to balance out the sweetness. It’s also delightful with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert fix.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays, I’ve wrapped slices of this Apple Fritter Bread Recipe in parchment paper tied with rustic twine to gift neighbors. Another fun idea I tried was layering thick slices with cinnamon cream cheese spread and fresh apple slices for an irresistible breakfast “sandwich.” It’s all about making it feel special without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually wrap leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen’s warm, plastic wrap plus a loose foil layer keeps it nice and moist. The bread stays tender but the streusel retains a pleasant bit of crunch.

Freezing

This Apple Fritter Bread freezes wonderfully! I slice it before freezing, then wrap individual slices in plastic and pop them in a freezer bag. It makes for a perfect grab-and-go breakfast—just toast the slices straight from the freezer.

Reheating

I reheat slices in a toaster oven or regular toaster for a few minutes until warm and slightly crispy on the edges—it really brings back the fresh-out-of-the-oven feel. You can also microwave briefly, but it won’t have that crunch from the streusel topping.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Fritter Bread Recipe is one of those sweet little kitchen victories that always impresses without a ton of effort. I love how it captures all the flavors I crave in a rustic, tender loaf that’s perfect for sharing or savoring solo. Whether you make it for weekend brunch, a cozy afternoon pick-me-up, or gift it to a friend, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So grab those apples next time you’re at the market and give this recipe a try—you’ll thank yourself for the comfort and smiles it brings.

Print