If you love apple fritters but dread the time-consuming frying process, this Apple Fritter Bread is your dream come true. It delivers the same cozy apple-cinnamon flavor in a quick, no-fuss loaf that’s perfect for fall. Loaded with fresh apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon, and finished with a tangy sour cream glaze, this quick bread makes an excellent breakfast treat, brunch centerpiece, or sweet snack. It’s soft, moist, and full of autumn charm—no deep frying required!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Bread:

1–2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (about 2 cups)
⅓ cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
1 cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup butter, softened
2 large eggs
½ cup whole milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Icing:

¼ cup sour cream
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar
3–4 tsp whole milk

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×4-inch loaf pan with parchment paper and spray with baking spray.
In a medium bowl, mix chopped apples with brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream granulated sugar and butter until combined. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in milk and vanilla.
Stir in the flour mixture with a spatula until just combined.
Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and top with half of the apple mixture. Repeat with remaining batter and apples.
Lightly press the apples into the batter and swirl with a butter knife 2–3 times.
Bake for 55–60 minutes, covering with foil for the last 15–20 minutes to prevent over-browning. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted.
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out using parchment and cool fully on a wire rack.
Prepare the icing by whisking sour cream, vanilla, and powdered sugar. Add milk 1 tsp at a time until pourable. Drizzle over cooled bread before serving.

Nutrients (Per serving, approx. 12 slices)

Calories: 265 kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 44mg
Sodium: 186mg
Potassium: 77mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 35g
Vitamin A: 254 IU
Vitamin C: 1mg
Calcium: 73mg
Iron: 1mg

The Magic of Fresh Apples and Cinnamon

The heart of this bread lies in the apple-cinnamon filling. Chopped Granny Smith apples offer a slightly tart contrast to the sweetness of the batter, creating bursts of flavor in every slice. Mixed with brown sugar and cinnamon, the apples cook down slightly as the bread bakes, softening and infusing the loaf with their natural juiciness and spice. This blend creates the signature “apple fritter” taste—warm, slightly caramelized, and irresistibly nostalgic. Each bite brings the texture of tender fruit and the sweet crunch of sugar, making it a true autumn indulgence.

Soft, Moist, and Irresistibly Tender

The texture of Apple Fritter Bread is another reason it’s so loved. Thanks to a perfectly balanced batter made with butter, eggs, and whole milk, the loaf bakes up soft and moist with a tender crumb that’s easy to slice but still sturdy enough to hold all that gooey apple goodness. It’s the kind of bread that tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to deepen. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or served at room temperature with coffee or tea, its plush interior and rich flavor make it feel like a hug in every bite.

A Sweet Swirl and Beautiful Finish

One of the best features of this bread is the way the cinnamon-sugar apple mixture is layered and swirled into the batter. As it bakes, the apples gently sink into the loaf while the cinnamon and brown sugar create flavorful ribbons throughout. A quick swirl with a knife ensures a marbled effect, which gives the bread a rustic, homemade appearance and a satisfying mix of textures. The swirls also caramelize slightly in the oven, adding a subtle crunch on top and a golden-brown finish that looks just as inviting as it tastes.

Sour Cream Glaze That Adds a Tangy Finish

What truly sets this bread apart is the tangy sour cream glaze drizzled over the top. This creamy icing adds a luxurious finishing touch that balances the sweetness of the apples and sugar. Made with powdered sugar, vanilla, and a bit of milk, the glaze is elevated with the addition of sour cream, which brings a pleasant tang that cuts through the richness of the loaf. It hardens slightly as it sets, creating a thin, sweet crust that adds contrast to the tender bread beneath. It’s the kind of glaze that makes each bite feel complete, adding depth without overwhelming the overall flavor.

Perfect for Breakfast, Brunch, or Dessert

Apple Fritter Bread is one of those wonderfully versatile bakes that fits seamlessly into any part of the day. Slice it thick for a morning breakfast treat with coffee or tea, serve it alongside a brunch spread with eggs and fruit, or enjoy it as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. It also makes a fantastic after-dinner dessert, especially when served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Its homestyle charm and crowd-pleasing flavor make it ideal for hosting, gifting, or simply treating yourself to something special.

A Fall Favorite That Feels Like Tradition

While Apple Fritter Bread can be enjoyed year-round, it truly shines in the fall when apples are at their peak. The combination of warm spices, fresh apples, and golden baked crust feels like a celebration of the season. It evokes memories of apple picking, sweater weather, and cozy weekends at home. It’s a recipe that can easily become a seasonal tradition—something to bake when the leaves change, when guests visit, or whenever your kitchen could use a little extra warmth and comfort.

Beginner-Friendly and No Frying Required

What makes this recipe even more appealing is how easy it is to prepare. Unlike traditional apple fritters, which require frying in hot oil, this loaf comes together in a single pan and bakes up beautifully in under an hour. There’s no need for thermometers, splatter screens, or complicated shaping—just simple layering and swirling. It’s a great recipe for beginner bakers who want something impressive without the stress, as well as seasoned home cooks looking for a reliable and rewarding quick bread.

Great for Gifting and Make-Ahead Baking

Apple Fritter Bread also makes a thoughtful and delicious gift. Wrap it in parchment paper, tie with twine, and pair it with a small jar of homemade glaze or apple butter for a lovely seasonal offering. Because it keeps well at room temperature for several days, it’s also great for make-ahead baking. The flavors only get better over time, and a quick reheat in the microwave or oven revives its fresh-baked warmth. It freezes well too—just skip the glaze until ready to serve, and you have a ready-made treat for unexpected guests or busy mornings.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

Part of this bread’s charm is that it uses pantry staples—flour, sugar, butter, milk, and eggs—along with fresh apples and spices to create something truly special. There are no fancy tools or obscure ingredients required, and yet the result is a bakery-quality loaf bursting with flavor. It’s proof that you don’t need to overcomplicate baking to create something memorable. With a few everyday items and a little love, you can whip up a loaf that fills your kitchen with the comforting scent of cinnamon apples and delivers on flavor every single time.

Conclusion

Apple Fritter Bread is everything you want in a homemade treat—soft, flavorful, and full of comforting fall spices. It brings together the best parts of apple fritters in a fuss-free loaf that’s easy to make and hard to resist. With its juicy apple filling, warm cinnamon swirl, and tangy sour cream glaze, each slice offers a taste of home and a reminder of why baking is so satisfying. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this quick bread is a crowd-pleasing favorite you’ll come back to again and again. Cozy, simple, and full of flavor—this is the loaf that turns an ordinary day into something special.

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