Name: Country Apple Fritter Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups All-purpose flour; 1.75 teaspoons Baking powder; 1 pinch Salt; 0.5 cups Butter, softened (1 stick); 2/3 cup Granulated sugar; 2 large Eggs (at room temperature); 1.5 teaspoons Vanilla extract; 0.5 cups Milk (room temperature, plus 1 to 3 tablespoons as needed); 2 pieces Apples, peeled and chopped (small pieces); 2 tablespoons Granulated sugar (for tossing the apples); 1/3 cup Light brown sugar (packed); 2 teaspoons Ground cinnamon; 0.5 cups Powdered sugar (for glaze); 1 tablespoon Milk (enough for glaze to reach drizzling consistency); 1 spray Nonstick cooking spray (for greasing the loaf pan)

Jump to Recipe

Creamy, comforting, and bursting with warm cinnamon-spiced apple bites, Country Apple Fritter Bread is the kind of quick bread that makes your kitchen smell like autumn any time of year. If you love a soft, slightly dense loaf studded with sweet apples and finished with a simple glaze, this recipe will become a go-to for breakfasts, snacks, and potluck desserts. Fun fact: apple fritters are traditionally fried — this loaf captures those same flavors without the fuss of frying. For a different texture and extra crunch, try pairing with a crumb topping or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

This recipe is special because it’s simple, quick to prepare, and delivers big, homey flavor that kids and adults both adore. It’s family-friendly and perfect for busy mornings or casual gatherings. If you enjoy other quick breads on the blog, you might also like the Awesome Country Apple Fritter Bread, which shares the same comforting apple-cinnamon profile but with its own twist. Ready to bake? Let’s get started with a loaf that feels homemade in every bite.

What is Country Apple Fritter Bread?

Why call it Country Apple Fritter Bread? Is it a bread or is it a fritter in disguise? Think of it as the polite cousin of the traditional apple fritter — all the warm cinnamon, tender apple pieces, and sweet glaze, but in loaf form so you don’t have to stand over hot oil. Maybe someone once said “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and a loaf like this certainly proves the point — who can resist a slice warm from the pan? Legend (or at least my grandma) says it was named “country” because it’s rustic, comforting, and easy to throw together without fancy equipment. Give it a try and see if it wins your heart — and your kitchen fans.

Why You’ll Love This:

Comforting texture and flavor: Soft, tender bread with pockets of cinnamon-sugared apple that melt in your mouth. The cinnamon sugar swirl gives each slice an irresistible caramelized ribbon.
Budget-friendly and convenient: Apples, pantry staples, and a quick glaze are all you need. Making it at home is far cheaper than buying specialty bakery loaves and lets you control sweetness and add-ins.
Flavor-packed toppings: The cinnamon-sugar swirl and simple powdered sugar glaze elevate this quick bread into something special. Try extra cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent twist.

If you like other apple bakes on the site, don’t miss the Apple Fritter Bites with Apple Cider Glaze for a bite-sized alternative. Now go ahead — bake a loaf and enjoy the cozy aroma filling your home.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This recipe is straightforward and satisfying: the batter comes together quickly by creaming butter and sugar, folding in dry ingredients while alternating with milk, and layering apples with a cinnamon-sugar mix for pockets of flavor. Prep takes about 15 minutes and baking about 50–60 minutes, so you can have a delicious loaf in under 1 hour 15 minutes. Standout elements include the cinnamon-sugar swirl and the sweet glaze that finishes the loaf.

Ingredients

1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 apples, peeled and chopped into small pieces
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons granulated sugar, for tossing the apples
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened to room temperature
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup plus 1 to 3 tablespoons milk (or almond milk), room temperature
Nonstick cooking spray, for greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan
1/2 cup powdered sugar, for glaze
Milk, enough for glaze to reach a drizzling consistency

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup light brown sugar and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Set aside.
In another bowl, toss chopped apples with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and set aside. This draws out a little juice and sweetens the apple pieces.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup softened butter and 2/3 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes with a hand mixer or 4–5 minutes by hand.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with 1/2 cup plus 1 to 3 tablespoons milk, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined; do not overmix to keep the loaf tender. If batter seems too stiff, add an extra tablespoon or two of milk.
Spread half the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Sprinkle with half the cinnamon sugar mixture, then top with half the sugared apples. Repeat the layers with the remaining batter, cinnamon sugar, and apples. Gently press the top to even it out.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil for the last 10–15 minutes.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling briefly helps the glaze set and makes slicing easier.
In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with enough milk to create a glaze that drizzles but isn’t too runny. Drizzle over the cooled bread and let set.
Slice and serve this delicious Country Apple Fritter Bread warm or at room temperature.

Country Apple Fritter Bread

What to Serve With:

Warm butter or whipped honey butter spread for an extra cozy touch.
A cup of strong coffee, chai tea, or hot apple cider for classic pairing.
Greek yogurt or a dollop of crème fraîche to balance sweetness for brunch.
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette if serving as part of a light lunch spread.
Vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for dessert-style serving.

Top Tips for Perfecting:

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for bright flavor and less sweetness, or Honeycrisp for juicier, sweeter bites.
Tossing the apples with sugar helps remove excess moisture; drain any large pools before layering to avoid a soggy loaf.
Room-temperature eggs and butter cream together better and result in a lighter texture.
Don’t overmix the batter once flour is added — mix until just combined to keep the bread tender.
If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil to finish baking without burning.
For a nuttier twist, fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter or sprinkle on top before baking.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Refrigeration: Store cooled, sliced bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let slices come to room temperature or reheat gently.
Freezing: Wrap the loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.
Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a toaster oven at 325°F for 5–7 minutes until warmed through. Refresh the glaze if needed for presentation.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?
Yes, but thaw and drain frozen apples well before using to avoid adding excess moisture to the batter.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes. Use dairy-free margarine or coconut oil in place of butter and almond or oat milk instead of regular milk.

How do I prevent the apples from sinking to the bottom?
Toss the chopped apples with a little flour (or sugar as in the recipe) and gently fold them into the batter or layer carefully; the layered method in this recipe helps keep apples evenly distributed.

Can I add nuts or raisins to this bread?
Absolutely. Fold in up to 1/2 cup chopped nuts or 1/3 cup raisins if you like added texture and flavor.

What if the top is browning but the center is not cooked?
Cover the loaf loosely with aluminum foil to stop browning and continue baking until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Conclusion

This Country Apple Fritter Bread is a reliable, comforting quick bread that’s easy to make and loved by all ages. It’s simple enough for a weekday breakfast yet special enough for a weekend gathering. If you want another take on this flavor profile with step-by-step photos, see Awesome Country Apple Fritter Bread – The Baking ChocolaTess. For a closely related recipe with detailed step-by-step instructions, check out Apple Fritter Bread Recipe With Step By Step Instructions. Give this loaf a try, share it with friends, and enjoy the warm, cinnamon-scented memories it creates.