Rustic Apple Fritter Bread with a Sweet Glaze
There’s a special kind of magic that happens when you take a classic, beloved dessert and transform it into something new and comforting. This recipe for Apple Fritter Bread does just that. It captures all the warm, spiced flavors of a deep-fried apple fritter and bakes them into a wonderfully moist, tender loaf cake. This isn’t just a simple apple bread; it’s a beautifully layered masterpiece. The cake base is rich and soft, with a delicate crumb that gets its moisture from sour cream and oil. Tucked inside are two generous layers of tender, spiced apples, which soften and release their sweet, syrupy juices as the bread bakes. A final touch of cinnamon sugar on top adds a crunchy finish, and a simple glaze drizzles over the entire loaf, adding a touch of sweet elegance. This bread is a perfect testament to simple ingredients coming together to create something truly extraordinary. It’s the kind of dessert that feels special enough for a celebration but comforting enough for a simple afternoon treat.
Why You’ll Love This:
- A Perfect Blend of Flavors: This bread is a delicious fusion of two classics. The soft, tender cake is expertly balanced by the warm, spiced apple filling, while the hint of cinnamon sugar on top provides a perfect flavor contrast. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of an apple fritter without the hassle of deep-frying.
- Irresistible Textural Contrast: The appeal of this bread lies in its incredible mix of textures. You get the soft, pillowy crumb of the cake, the tender bite of the spiced apples, and the crunchy finish of the cinnamon sugar topping. Each layer adds a new dimension, making every slice an exciting and satisfying experience.
- Beautifully Layered: The cake’s impressive appearance makes it look like it came straight from a high-end bakery. The visible layers of cake and apple filling create a beautiful cross-section that is both rustic and elegant. This makes it a showstopper for any occasion, proving that you can create a professional-looking dessert right in your own kitchen.
- A Perfect Make-Ahead Treat: This bread is a fantastic dessert for busy hosts. It keeps and stores beautifully, and its flavor actually improves on the second day as the apples and spices have more time to meld with the cake. This allows you to focus on your guests and enjoy your time, knowing that a perfect dessert is ready and waiting for you.
Perfect Occasion:
This Apple Fritter Bread is a versatile dessert that shines in many different settings. Its inviting aroma and comforting flavor make it an ideal choice for a cozy breakfast or brunch, where it can be the centerpiece of the table. You can serve it as a special treat for family on a weekend morning, or as a standout dessert for a holiday get-together like Thanksgiving. Its elegant appearance also makes it a fantastic dessert to bring to a potluck, a casual coffee date with friends, or a bake sale. The bread’s rustic beauty makes it feel special and celebratory, while its simple, comforting flavor profile ensures it will be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a warm dessert for a chilly night or a special cake to share with loved ones, this bread is the perfect choice to create a lasting memory.
Serving and Decoration Tips:
- A Simple Drizzle of Glaze: The most classic way to finish this bread is with a simple powdered sugar glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the top of the cooled loaf in a zigzag pattern for a beautiful, rustic look.
- A Dusting of Powdered Sugar: For a simple and elegant look, you can skip the glaze and dust the top of the cooled bread with a light layer of powdered sugar. The snowy white finish provides a beautiful contrast to the golden-brown crust.
- Serve with Ice Cream: For a classic combination that is hard to beat, serve a warm slice of the bread with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast of the warm, spiced bread and the cold, smooth ice cream is absolutely divine and makes for a perfect ending to any meal.
- Add a Nutty Crunch: You can enhance the texture of the bread by sprinkling some finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the glaze. The nuts will provide a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with the soft bread and apples.
Ingredients:
- For the bread: The foundation of this moist and tender bread is a perfect blend of wet and dry ingredients. For the dry ingredients, we use all-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups), baking powder (1 1/2 tsp), baking soda (1/4 tsp), and a pinch of kosher salt (1/2 tsp). For the wet ingredients, we use three large eggs and 1/3 cup of full-fat sour cream, both at room temperature, for a rich and tender crumb. We also use granulated sugar (3/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp) and brown sugar (1/4 cup) for sweetness and moisture. The bread gets its richness from unsalted butter (4 Tbsp) and a neutral oil (1/4 cup), such as canola or vegetable oil. A hint of vanilla extract (1 tsp) and ground cinnamon (3 tsp) provides a warm, comforting aroma.
- For the glaze: This simple yet rich topping is the perfect finishing touch. It is a classic glaze made with powdered sugar (1/2 cup) and a tablespoon of milk, apple cider, or unfiltered apple juice.
- For the apple filling: The star of the show. We use sweet-tart apples (1 1/2 pounds), which are peeled, cored, and diced into small cubes. The apples are cooked down with a generous amount of brown sugar (1/4 cup), cinnamon (1 tsp), and a pinch of kosher salt to create a sweet, syrupy filling.
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare your loaf pan to ensure a clean and easy release. Coat a 9×5-inch light metal loaf pan with cooking spray. For an even easier removal, you can line the bottom and two long sides of the pan with a parchment paper sling, making sure it hangs over the sides by a few inches. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of the granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of the ground cinnamon and set it aside. This mixture will be used for the top of the bread. Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat and then transfer the melted butter to a large heatproof bowl.
Step 2: Cook the Apple Filling
Using the same skillet (do not wipe it out), add the peeled and diced apples, 1/4 cup of the packed brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of the ground cinnamon, and 1 pinch of kosher salt. Cook the apples over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes. The apples should start to soften and the sugar will dissolve and become a beautiful, syrupy glaze. Once the apples are tender but still have a bit of bite, turn off the heat and set the filling aside. It is important that the filling is warm, but not piping hot, when you add it to the bread.
Step 3: Make the Bread Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of the all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of the baking powder, the remaining 1 teaspoon of the ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of the baking soda. In the large bowl with the melted butter, whisk in the remaining 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, the 1/4 cup of neutral oil, 1 teaspoon of the vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of the kosher salt until combined. Add in the three room temperature large eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Whisk in 1/3 cup of room temperature sour cream until combined and no streaks of sour cream remain. Fold in the flour mixture until just combined. Be careful to not over-mix, as this will result in a tough, dense bread.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Transfer about half of the batter (about 1 1/2 cups) into the prepared loaf pan and spread it into an even layer, going all the way to the edges. Top with half of the apple mixture (about 2 cups) and press it lightly into the batter. Dollop the remaining batter over the apples and spread to the edges, covering the apples completely. Scatter the remaining apple mixture evenly over the top. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly over the top. Bake until the bread is puffed, deeply browned, and a tester inserted into the center comes out clean, 65 to 70 minutes. Place on a wire rack and let cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Run a knife around the edges of the bread to loosen. Grasping the excess parchment, lift the loaf out of the pan and place on the rack. Let cool completely, about 1 hour.
Step 5: Cool and Glaze
Whisk 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk together in a small bowl until smooth. If the glaze is too thick to drizzle, whisk in more milk or apple cider a few drops at a time as needed. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cake and let sit until set, about 15 minutes.
Make Ahead Options
This Apple Fritter Bread is a fantastic make-ahead dessert, which makes it perfect for a busy week or a planned gathering. You can prepare the apple filling up to two days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply let it come to room temperature and proceed with the recipe as instructed. The baked loaf also stores and freezes beautifully. In fact, many people find that the flavor and moisture of the bread only improve the day after baking, as the apples have more time to meld with the cake. You can bake it the night before a brunch or gathering and have it ready to go in the morning. The glaze can also be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, ready to be drizzled over the bread right before serving.
Storage Tips for Apple Fritter Bread
- Room Temperature: The best way to store this bread is in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay incredibly moist and fresh for up to 3 days. The container will help to keep the bread from drying out and will keep the glaze from getting too soft.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, you can keep the bread in the refrigerator for up to a week. Be aware that the cold air may firm up the texture slightly, so let it come to room temperature or warm it up before enjoying it.
- Freezer: For long-term storage, you can freeze the bread. Once the bread has cooled completely, wrap the entire loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in a layer of aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it at room temperature. You can even warm a slice in the microwave for a few seconds for a fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.
Tips for the Best Apple Fritter Bread
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For a light and fluffy cake, it’s essential that your eggs and sour cream are at room temperature. This will allow them to incorporate more smoothly into the batter and prevent a lumpy texture.
- Don’t Overcook the Apples: Cook the apples just until they are tender. You still want them to have a little bit of bite. Overcooking them will result in a mushy filling that can make your bread soggy.
- Don’t Over-Mix the Batter: When you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until they are just combined. Overmixing will develop the gluten and result in a tough, dense cake.
- Use a Parchment Sling: The parchment paper sling is a simple and effective trick for removing the bread from the pan without it breaking. It makes the entire cooling process much easier and ensures you get a beautiful, clean loaf.
- Check for Doneness: The best way to tell if your bread is done is to insert a tester into the center of the loaf. It should come out clean. Remember that the bread will continue to cook as it cools, so don’t worry if it looks slightly underdone in the center.
Apple Fritter Bread Variations & Substitutions:
- Different Spices: While cinnamon is the star of the show, you can add other warm spices to the apple filling or the cake batter. Try adding a quarter teaspoon of ground nutmeg or allspice for a spicier, more complex flavor.
- A Different Glaze: You can easily substitute the milk in the glaze with apple cider for a more pronounced apple flavor, or you can add a hint of maple syrup to the glaze for a delicious, autumn-themed twist.
- Add a Nutty Crunch: For an added crunch and nutty flavor, you can add a half-cup of finely chopped walnuts or pecans to the cake batter. The nuts will toast beautifully as the bread bakes.
- Different Fruit: You can easily substitute the apples for another fruit that holds up well to baking. Pears or peaches would be delicious alternatives.
What to Serve with Apple Fritter Bread:
The warm, comforting flavors of this bread make it the perfect pairing for a variety of beverages and other treats. For a cozy breakfast or brunch, a slice of this bread is a wonderful partner for a hot cup of black coffee or a creamy latte. The rich flavors of the coffee will complement the warm spices in the bread. For an afternoon treat, a mug of warm apple cider or a spicy chai tea latte would be the perfect companion. The spices in the drinks will complement the cinnamon in the bread. For a more decadent dessert, serve a slice of the warm bread with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream on the side. The contrast of the warm bread and the cold, creamy topping is absolutely divine.
Apple Fritter Bread FAQs:
- Why is my bread dry?
A dry bread is almost always caused by overmixing the batter or overbaking. When you mix the batter, only mix until the dry ingredients are just combined. You should also be sure to use the toothpick test to ensure the bread is cooked just right and doesn’t spend too much time in the oven. - Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, you can. While sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are recommended, you can use any firm apple that holds its shape well when baked. Softer apples will turn to a mushy consistency in the filling. - What is the purpose of the sour cream?
Sour cream is a fantastic ingredient for baking because it adds a wonderful amount of moisture and a subtle tang to the cake. The fat and acidity in the sour cream react with the baking powder to create a light and tender crumb. It’s a key ingredient for achieving the cake’s incredible moistness and richness. - Can I use melted butter instead of softened butter?
No, you should not use melted butter. This recipe calls for softened butter, which is creamed with the sugar to create a light and fluffy texture. Using melted butter will result in a dense, tough cake. - How can I tell if the bread is done?
The best way to tell if your bread is done is to insert a tester into the center of the loaf. It should come out clean. Remember that the bread will continue to cook as it cools, so don’t worry if it looks slightly underdone in the center.
Apple Fritter Bread Recipe
Ingredients
For the bread
- 3 large eggs at room temperature
- 1/3 cup full-fat sour cream at room temperature
- 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar divided
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon divided
- 4 tablespoons 1/2 stick unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 pounds sweet-tart apples peeled, cored, and diced (about 4 cups)
- 1/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 cup neutral oil such as canola or vegetable
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt plus more for the apples
For the glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk apple cider, or unfiltered apple juice, plus more as needed
Instructions
- Make the Bread: Whisk 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Set aside. Cook apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a skillet for 5 minutes. In a separate bowl, whisk remaining sugar, oil, vanilla, and salt into melted butter. Whisk in eggs and sour cream. Fold in flour mixture until just combined.
- Assemble: Layer half of the batter in a loaf pan. Top with half of the apple mixture. Dollop remaining batter over the apples and spread to cover. Scatter remaining apples over the top and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Bake: Bake at 350ºF for 65-70 minutes. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then lift onto a wire rack. Cool completely.
- Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bread and let it set for 15 minutes.