Imagine the delightful flavors of apple fritters transformed into a soft, fluffy bread perfect for any time of day. This Apple Fritter Bread is a delightful twist on traditional quick breads, filled with the sweetness of apples, the warmth of cinnamon, and the crunch of sugar. It’s a perfect treat to enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or tea, or even as a sweet breakfast option. The combination of tender apples and a moist, cinnamon-infused bread is reminiscent of your favorite apple fritters but in a slice-able, shareable form.
Ingredients
- Brown Sugar: 1/3 cup
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
- Granulated Sugar: 2/3 cup
- Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup, softened
- Eggs: 2
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 1/2 cups
- Baking Powder: 1 3/4 teaspoons
- Milk: 1/2 cup
- Apples: 2 medium, peeled and chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- Powdered Sugar: 1/2 cup
- Milk for Glaze: 2 to 3 tablespoons
Instructions
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray.
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Prepare Apple Filling: In a small mixing bowl, combine the chopped apples, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Toss to coat the apples evenly.
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Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: In another small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Set aside.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Add this mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
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Add Milk: Add the milk and mix until smooth. The batter should still have a few streaks of flour.
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Assemble the Bread: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Top with half of the apple mixture, followed by half of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Repeat this process with the remaining batter, apple mixture, and cinnamon sugar mixture.
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Bake: Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet as insurance against overflowing apple juice. Bake for about 55-60 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
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Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes before removing it to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Prepare Glaze: Combine the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bread.
Top Tips
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Choose the Right Apples: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for the best flavor.
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Don’t Overmix: Ensure not to overmix the batter, as this can make the bread dense.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh apples and high-quality spices will elevate the flavor of your Apple Fritter Bread.
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Cool Properly: Let the bread cool completely before slicing to ensure it holds its shape.
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Glaze Just Before Serving: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread just before serving to prevent it from melting.
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Store Properly: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days or freeze for longer storage.
Variations
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Glazed Version: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce or honey to the glaze for an extra layer of sweetness.
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Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for added texture and flavor.
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Spiced Version: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a unique twist.
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Stuffed Version: Add a layer of cream cheese frosting or peanut butter spread between the apple layers for an extra treat.
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Mini Loaves: Divide the batter into mini loaf pans for bite-sized treats.
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Cinnamon Swirl: Create a cinnamon swirl by layering the batter and cinnamon sugar mixture in a spiral pattern before baking.
Nutritional Guide
| Nutritional Information | Per Serving (8 servings) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 383 kcal |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 55g |
| Protein | 4g |
Additional Nutritional Notes: This recipe is relatively low in calories and fat compared to traditional apple fritters, making it a healthier alternative. The high fiber content from the apples and whole wheat flour also adds nutritional value. However, the glaze does add some sugar, so moderation is key. Enjoy your Apple Fritter Bread as a special treat or as part of a balanced diet.
