Apple Fritter Loaf Cake – A Deliciously Swirled Cinnamon Apple Treat

This Apple Fritter Loaf Cake is a delightful twist on the classic apple fritter, offering the comforting flavors of cinnamon, brown sugar, and tender apples in a moist loaf form. With layers of sweet cinnamon-spiced apples and a buttery cake batter, this loaf cake is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat. Topped with a simple powdered sugar glaze, it adds just the right amount of sweetness to every bite.

Why You’ll Love This:

You’ll love this cake for its warm, spiced apple flavors and tender, buttery crumb. The layers of cinnamon apples create a swirl effect that not only looks beautiful but ensures each slice is bursting with flavor. The brown sugar and cinnamon mixture caramelizes as it bakes, adding an irresistible sweetness to the loaf. Finished with a simple icing, this apple fritter loaf cake is a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. It’s easy to make and a guaranteed hit with family and friends!

Perfect Occasion:

This apple fritter loaf cake is perfect for fall and winter when apples are in season, but it’s a delicious treat any time of the year. Serve it as a cozy breakfast, alongside a cup of coffee or tea, or as a dessert after a meal. It’s also great for brunches, holiday gatherings, or to bring to potlucks or family get-togethers.

Decoration Tips:

For an extra touch, drizzle the icing generously over the loaf and let it cascade down the sides. You can also sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or even some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch. If you want to make the cake look even more tempting, consider adding a few thin slices of fresh apple on top for garnish.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 3 small apples, peeled and roughly chopped
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 3 tsp cinnamon (divided)
• 2/3 cup + 3 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup milk

For the Icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp milk

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Loaf Pan and Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper, lightly greasing the pan first so the parchment paper sticks snugly to the sides.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
   • In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar with 2 tsp cinnamon, set aside.
   • In another bowl, toss the chopped apples with 3 tbsp granulated sugar and the remaining 1 tsp cinnamon, then set aside.
3. Prepare the Batter:
   • Using a hand mixer, beat together the softened butter and remaining granulated sugar (~2/3 cup) for about 2 minutes, until light and fluffy.
   • Add in the eggs and vanilla, mixing until just combined.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
   • Gently fold the flour mixture into the butter mixture until no dry flour pockets remain.
   • Stir in the milk until the batter is smooth and well combined.
4. Assemble the Loaf:
   • Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
   • Layer half of the apple mixture on top of the batter, followed by half of the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture.
   • Repeat the layers with the remaining batter, apples, and brown sugar mixture.
   • Use a knife to swirl the apple mixture into the batter, ensuring the apples on top are slightly pressed into the batter.
5. Bake:
   • Bake the loaf for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • Allow the loaf to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan.
6. Prepare the Icing:
   • While the loaf cools, mix together the powdered sugar and 2-3 tbsp of milk until smooth.
   • Drizzle the icing over the cooled loaf.

Enjoy your delicious apple fritter loaf cake – the perfect blend of cinnamon, apple, and sweetness!