Apple Fritter Bread combines the classic flavors of apple fritters with the comforting texture of a quick bread. This recipe brings together tender cake, sweet apple chunks, and a hint of cinnamon, making it a perfect choice for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack. Follow these easy steps to create this irresistible treat!
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- A pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
For the Cake:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1/2 cup sour cream, at room temperature
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons milk, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:
- In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of ground nutmeg if using. Mix well and set aside.
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and melted butter until well combined.
- Add the sour cream, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the bread tender.
- Incorporate the Apple:
- Fold the chopped Granny Smith apple into the batter. The apples will add a wonderful texture and flavor to the bread.
- Layer the Batter and Cinnamon Sugar:
- Spoon half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
- Add the remaining batter on top, spreading it gently. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture over the top of the batter.
- Swirl the Cinnamon Sugar:
- Using a knife or a skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter to create a marbled effect. Be careful not to over-mix; you want to create a swirl pattern rather than fully combine the cinnamon sugar into the batter.
- Bake:
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
- If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking until fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period helps the bread set and makes it easier to slice.
- Enjoy:
- Slice the Apple Fritter Bread and enjoy it plain or with a drizzle of icing if desired. It’s perfect on its own or paired with a cup of coffee or tea.
Tips for Success
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the eggs, milk, and sour cream are at room temperature to help the batter mix more evenly and rise properly.
- Grate the Apple: For a finer texture, you can grate the Granny Smith apple instead of chopping it. This can help distribute the apple throughout the bread more evenly.
- Monitor Baking Time: Every oven is different, so start checking for doneness at the 50-minute mark. If the bread isn’t quite done, continue baking and check every 5 minutes.
- Add a Glaze: For an extra touch of sweetness, you can drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled bread.
Variations
- Add Nuts: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Change the Fruit: Try using different fruits like pears or blueberries in place of apples for a different twist on the classic recipe.
- Spice It Up: Adjust the spices to your taste. You can add a bit more cinnamon or include a touch of ginger or cardamom for a unique flavor profile.
Apple Fritter Bread is a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds: the comforting texture of a cake and the sweet, spiced flavor of apple fritters. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying as a special treat for yourself. Enjoy baking and savor every delicious bite!
