Okay, picture this: all the amazing flavors of your favorite apple fritter donut, but in a gorgeous loaf that’s way easier to make and perfect for sharing. That’s exactly what spiced apple fritter bread is all about! I’m talking about tender, moist bread loaded with cinnamon-spiced apple chunks and topped with a drool-worthy glaze that’ll make your kitchen smell like autumn heaven.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why This Spiced Apple Fritter Bread is Pure Fall Magic
Here’s what makes this incredible spiced apple fritter bread so ridiculously irresistible – it’s got all the best parts of apple fritters without any of the frying hassle. We’re talking about a moist, tender crumb that’s perfectly spiced, layers of sweet apple chunks throughout, and that gorgeous glaze that makes every slice look bakery-perfect.
The genius of this amazing spiced apple fritter bread? It’s actually easier to make than traditional fritters, keeps way longer, and is perfect for brunches, afternoon coffee, or whenever you need something that screams “cozy fall vibes.” Plus, it tastes even better the next day as all those flavors meld together!
The breakdown: 1 hour 15 minutes total, 20 minutes active work. Serves 8-10 people generously. Intermediate level – not super hard, but you’ll want to pay attention to the layering technique.
What makes this fantastic spiced apple fritter bread better than store-bought? Real apple chunks, actual spices (not artificial flavoring), and that homemade glaze that’s so much better than anything you can buy.
Everything You Need for This Perfect Spiced Apple Fritter Bread
The Bread Base Squad:
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour – The foundation that holds all those apple chunks
- ¾ cup granulated sugar – Sweet but not overwhelming
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – For that perfect lift
- ½ teaspoon baking soda – Works with the sour cream for tender texture
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Makes all the flavors pop
The Moisture Dream Team:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – For richness and tenderness
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil – Keeps it moist longer
- ½ cup apple cider – This is what makes the apple flavor so intense!
- ½ cup sour cream, room temperature – The secret to incredibly tender crumb
- 1 large egg, room temperature – Binds everything together
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Because vanilla makes everything better
The Spiced Apple Magic:
- ⅓ cup dark brown sugar – For that molasses-y depth
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – Classic apple spice
- ⅛ teaspoon ground allspice – Adds complexity
- 1¼ cups peeled and finely chopped apple – The star of the show!
The Finishing Touches:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar plus ¼ teaspoon cinnamon – For that cinnamon sugar topping
- Glaze ingredients – Butter, vanilla, powdered sugar, and milk for bakery-style finish
Want to switch things up? Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples work great, Greek yogurt can replace sour cream, and apple pie spice works if you don’t have individual spices.
Let’s Make This Show-Stopping Spiced Apple Fritter Bread!
Step 1: Get Your Setup Ready
Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray. Line it with parchment paper with some overhang – trust me, this makes getting it out so much easier!
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Squad
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until everything’s evenly combined. Make a little well in the center – this prevents overmixing later.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Crew
In a medium bowl, whisk together that melted butter, oil, apple cider, room temperature sour cream, egg, and vanilla until it’s smooth and gorgeous. Room temperature ingredients are key here – they combine so much easier!
Step 4: The Gentle Mixing Phase
Add your wet ingredients to the flour mixture and fold gently just until combined. Don’t go crazy here – overmixing leads to tough bread, and nobody wants tough spiced apple fritter bread!
Step 5: Prep Your Spiced Apples
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and allspice. Add those finely chopped apples and toss until every piece is coated with the spice mixture. This is where the magic happens!
Step 6: Create That Cinnamon Sugar Topping
Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in another small bowl. You’ll use this for layering and sprinkling on top.
Step 7: Layer Like a Pro
Here’s where your spiced apple fritter bread gets interesting! Spoon half the batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out. Top with half the spiced apple mixture, then repeat with the remaining batter and apples. Press the apples slightly into the batter and sprinkle with some of that cinnamon sugar.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop it in the oven for 50-55 minutes until it’s golden brown and springs back when you touch it lightly. A toothpick should come out clean, and the internal temp should hit 210°F.
Don’t peek for the first 40 minutes – I know it’s torture, but opening the oven door can make it sink!
Step 9: The Cooling Game
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then use that parchment overhang to lift it onto a wire rack. Let it cool completely before glazing – this is crucial for the glaze to set properly on your spiced apple fritter bread.
Step 10: The Glaze Magic
Whisk together melted butter, a pinch of salt, vanilla, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over your cooled bread and sprinkle with remaining cinnamon sugar for that bakery-style finish.
Making Your Spiced Apple Fritter Bread Look Amazing
The beauty of this gorgeous spiced apple fritter bread is how those apple layers create this stunning marbled effect when you slice into it. Serve at room temperature or warm it slightly in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to really make those spices shine.
Storage and Make-Ahead Magic
Storage: Wrap your spiced apple fritter bread tightly and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Make-ahead tip: This bread actually gets better after a day as all those flavors meld together! Perfect for brunches or when you want to prep ahead.
Freezer-friendly: You can freeze the unglazed bread for up to 3 months. Just thaw completely and add fresh glaze before serving.
PrintSpiced Apple Fritter Bread: The Fall Loaf That’ll Make You Forget All About Donuts
A moist and flavorful Spiced Apple Fritter Bread made with fresh apples, cinnamon sugar swirls, and a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for cozy mornings or an afternoon treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 slices) 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups (245 g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp (5 g) baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 6 Tbsp (84 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 Tbsp (28 g) neutral baking oil
- 1/2 cup (130 g) apple cider
- 1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream, at room temperature
- 1 large egg (50 g), at room temperature
- 1 tsp (4 g) vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (67 g) dark brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp ground allspice
- 1 1/4 cups (150 g) peeled and finely chopped apple
- 2 Tbsp (25 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 Tbsp (14 g) unsalted butter, melted (for glaze)
- 1/8 tsp salt (for glaze)
- 1 tsp (4 g) vanilla extract (for glaze)
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 2 Tbsp (30 g) milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray. Line with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang.
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make a well in the center.
- In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, oil, apple cider, sour cream, egg, and vanilla. Add to flour mixture and fold just until combined.
- In a small bowl, combine dark brown sugar, cinnamon, and allspice. Stir in chopped apples until well coated.
- In another small bowl, mix 2 Tbsp sugar and 1/4 tsp cinnamon for the cinnamon sugar topping.
- Spoon half the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Layer with half the apple mixture. Repeat with remaining batter and apples, gently pressing the apples into the batter. Tap the pan to reduce air bubbles. Sprinkle with 1 Tbsp of cinnamon sugar.
- Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The internal temperature should reach 210°F. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out using the parchment and let cool completely on a wire rack.
- To make the glaze, whisk melted butter, salt, vanilla, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bread and sprinkle with remaining cinnamon sugar.
- Let glaze set before serving. Store leftovers wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature or warm slightly before serving.
Notes
- Make sure ingredients like sour cream and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tangy flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter to ensure the bread stays moist and tender.
- The glaze sets better if the bread is fully cooled before drizzling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Want to Get Creative With Your Spiced Apple Fritter Bread?
Maple Pecan Version: Use maple extract in the glaze and fold chopped pecans into the apple mixture for rich, autumnal vibes.
Caramel Apple Style: Drizzle caramel sauce over the bread before glazing and add caramel bits to the apple mixture.
Cranberry Apple: Add dried cranberries to the apple mixture for tart contrast and beautiful holiday colors.
Bourbon Twist: Add a tablespoon of bourbon to both the glaze and apple mixture for sophisticated adult flavors.
More Fall Baking Magic You’ll Absolutely Love!
If this spiced apple fritter bread has got you totally hooked on fall baking (and honestly, who can resist that amazing aroma of apples and cinnamon filling the house?), you’re going to go absolutely crazy for these other incredible seasonal treats that’ll keep your autumn dessert game strong.
First up, this butter pecan bliss cake is a toasty, creamy dream that’s pure comfort in every slice. It’s got that same cozy, homemade vibe as our apple fritter bread but with rich, nutty flavors that scream fall elegance.
Then there’s this amazing caramel apple cinnamon roll dump cake that’s the ultimate fall dessert to savor. It combines all those gorgeous apple and cinnamon flavors we love but in an incredibly easy dump cake format that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
And if you’re all about that classic apple goodness, this old-fashioned easy apple crisp is simple comfort food perfection. It’s got that same satisfying apple-and-spice combination but with that irresistible crispy topping we all crave.
Want tons more fall baking inspiration and seasonal recipe ideas? I’ve got my Pinterest loaded with cozy treats that’ll keep your kitchen smelling like autumn all season long!
Why This Spiced Apple Fritter Bread is Fall Goals
Look, I’ve made a lot of fall treats, but this spiced apple fritter bread holds a special place in my heart. It’s got that perfect combination of being impressive enough for company but easy enough for a weekend morning when you want something special.
The magic of this wonderful spiced apple fritter bread is how it captures all those beloved apple fritter flavors in a format that’s so much more practical. No frying, no mess, just pure autumn comfort that fills your house with the most incredible aroma.
Whether you’re hosting a fall brunch, need something amazing for a potluck, or just want to treat yourself to something that tastes like a warm hug, this incredible spiced apple fritter bread delivers every single time. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a seasonal tradition because it’s just that good.
The best part about this delicious spiced apple fritter bread? It proves that you don’t need complicated techniques to create something that looks and tastes bakery-perfect. Just quality ingredients, proper layering, and a little patience for that cooling time.
So go ahead, make this fantastic spiced apple fritter bread and prepare to have your kitchen become the most popular spot in the house. Trust me, once people smell this beauty baking, they’ll be camping out in your kitchen until it’s ready!
Frequently Asked Questions
What apples are best for apple fritter bread?
The best apples for apple fritter bread are firm varieties that hold their shape during baking, such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Jonagold. Honeycrisp provides sweetness and crisp texture, while Granny Smith adds tartness that balances the sweet bread. Avoid soft apples like Red Delicious or McIntosh, which can become mushy and release too much moisture during baking.
What are the 4 ingredients in apple fritters?
Traditional apple fritters contain four basic components: apples (usually diced), flour-based batter or dough, oil for frying, and sugar for sweetness. The batter typically includes flour, eggs, milk, and baking powder, while the apples are often mixed with cinnamon and sugar. Many recipes also include a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for finishing.
Why did my apple fritters get soggy?
Apple fritters become soggy when apples release too much moisture, oil temperature is too low during frying, they’re stored improperly while warm, or when glazed while still hot. To prevent sogginess, use firm apples, maintain proper oil temperature (350°F), drain on paper towels, cool completely before glazing, and store in breathable containers rather than sealed plastic.
How to freeze apple bread?
To freeze apple bread, cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or place in freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze without glaze and add fresh glaze after thawing. Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before serving. Individual slices can be wrapped separately for convenience.