If you’re craving a warm, comforting treat that perfectly captures the essence of cozy country kitchens, this Country Apple Fritter Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, moist slices bursting with sweet-tart chunks of apple, cinnamon-spiced sugar layers, and a delicate vanilla glaze drizzled on top. This is not just any quick bread — it’s a delightful twist on a classic apple fritter, brought to life in a loaf that’s as easy to bake as it is to devour. Whether it’s for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a cozy dessert, this recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Country Apple Fritter Bread Recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in crafting a bread that’s tender, flavorful, and beautifully textured, from the tartness of the apples to the warm embrace of cinnamon sugar.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the bread, providing the perfect structure.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the bread rise and stay light.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and moistness to the bread.
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter perfectly without overpowering.
- 2 large eggs: Binds ingredients and adds tenderness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic note to the batter.
- 1/2 cup milk: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and chopped apples (Granny Smith recommended): Provides fresh fruitiness and a bit of tartness to balance the sweet.
- 1/3 cup brown sugar: Combined with cinnamon to create a fragrant, caramel-like swirl.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Infuses the bread with its signature warm spice.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Used to make the simple, glossy glaze for finishing touch.
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (for glaze): Thins the glaze so it drizzles perfectly.
How to Make Country Apple Fritter Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure your bread doesn’t stick. Next, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl—it’s the secret to that irresistible spicy-sweet layer in every bite.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This combo forms the foundation of your bread’s texture, where the baking powder provides a gentle lift.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential for the bread’s tender crumb, so give it a good couple of minutes.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to maintain a smooth batter. Stir in the vanilla extract, which will fill your kitchen with an inviting aroma.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now alternate adding the flour mixture and milk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the flour. This careful mixing ensures the batter stays light without overworking the gluten.
Step 6: Layer Batter, Apples, and Cinnamon Sugar
Pour half of the batter into your greased loaf pan, then sprinkle half the chopped apples evenly over the batter. Follow with half of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Repeat this layering once more, gently pressing the apples into the batter and swirling the top slightly with a knife to create that signature fritter look.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The kitchen will fill with the wonderful scent of baked apples and cinnamon, making the wait totally worth it.
Step 8: Add the Finishing Glaze
Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Whisk together powdered sugar and milk to make a simple glaze, then drizzle it generously over the cooled loaf. This glossy finish adds a sweet, delicate touch to your Country Apple Fritter Bread Recipe.
How to Serve Country Apple Fritter Bread Recipe
Garnishes
For a charming presentation and added flavor, consider garnishing your bread with a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon powder. These little touches elevate your slice from delicious to unforgettable.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or spiced chai for a classic cozy combo. If you’re serving it for breakfast or brunch, fresh fruit or a dollop of yogurt on the side balances out the sweetness and adds freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Country Apple Fritter Bread into a stunning dessert by serving slices warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a smear of honey butter. You can also toast slices lightly and spread cream cheese mixed with a touch of cinnamon for a delightful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the bread moist and flavorful without drying out. If you want to keep them longer, refrigeration is a great option.
Freezing
Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen bread can last up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep or saving for later indulgences.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, reheat slices in a toaster oven or microwave for about 20 seconds. If reheating from frozen, allow a couple of extra minutes or thaw at room temperature first.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for the Country Apple Fritter Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples give a lovely tart contrast, you can experiment with Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples for varying sweetness and texture. Just keep in mind that softer apples may break down more during baking.
Is it possible to substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour?
Yes, swapping up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and makes the bread heartier. However, it might slightly change the texture, so mixing half and half is a great way to maintain tenderness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture may vary a bit, but the flavors will still shine through beautifully.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the top starts browning too quickly, tent it lightly with foil and continue baking until done.
Can I add nuts to the Country Apple Fritter Bread Recipe?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans stirred into the batter or sprinkled on top before baking add a lovely crunch and extra flavor that complements the cinnamon and apples wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
This Country Apple Fritter Bread Recipe brings the cozy sweetness of apple fritters into an easy, sliceable loaf that’s perfect any time of day. It’s a recipe that invites you to slow down, enjoy the comforting aromas, and share a slice with someone special. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your new go-to treat—trust me, once you do, it’ll be a staple that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
Print
Country Apple Fritter Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Country Apple Fritter Bread is a delightful twist on classic quick bread, featuring layers of chopped tart apples and a cinnamon-sugar mixture baked into a moist, tender loaf. Finished with a sweet powdered sugar glaze, it makes a perfect dessert or breakfast treat, especially during fall.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
Apple Layer
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and chopped apples (such as Granny Smith)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set this mixture aside for layering.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy using a hand or stand mixer.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Milk: Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Layer Batter and Apples: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Layer half of the chopped apples evenly over the batter and sprinkle with half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Repeat Layers: Add the remaining batter over the apples, followed by the remaining chopped apples and sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. Lightly press the apples into the batter with a spatula and gently swirl the top with a knife for an attractive pattern.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This ensures the bread is fully baked through.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
- Prepare and Apply Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar and 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth, creating a pourable glaze. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled bread for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best contrast in flavor with the sweet bread.
- You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to create a heartier, more wholesome loaf.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to keep fresh longer.
