Caramel Apple Fritter Bread Recipe

Introduction

Caramel Apple Fritter Bread is a delightful treat combining tender chunks of cinnamon-spiced apples with a moist, tender loaf. Finished with a rich caramel glaze, this bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert.

Ingredients

• 2 cups peeled and diced apples
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (plus 1/3 cup extra for the swirl)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (plus 1 teaspoon extra for the swirl)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (plus 1/2 teaspoon for the glaze)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter (for the glaze)
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream (for the glaze)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Peel and dice the apples, then toss them in a bowl with a little cinnamon and sugar. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 1/3 cup brown sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon to prepare the cinnamon sugar swirl.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy.
4. Step 4: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
5. Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. Step 6: Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with the milk, mixing until just combined.
7. Step 7: Grease a loaf pan and pour in half the batter. Layer half the apples on top, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar over the apples.
8. Step 8: Repeat the layering with the remaining batter, apples, and cinnamon sugar. Use a knife to gently swirl the layers together.
9. Step 9: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Step 10: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Step 11: For the glaze, simmer brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter in a saucepan until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
12. Step 12: Drizzle the warm glaze over the cooled bread. Slice and serve.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance with the sweet glaze.
• Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter and cream with plant-based alternatives.
• Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon sugar for deeper spice flavor.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?

Fresh apples are best for texture, but frozen apples can work if you thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the batter.

Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure it contains xanthan gum for best results.

Caramel Apple Fritter Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 89 reviews

This Caramel Apple Fritter Bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread bursting with tender cinnamon-spiced apples and swirled with brown sugar cinnamon sugar for a delightful texture. Topped with a luscious caramel glaze made from brown sugar, butter, and cream, this bread offers the perfect balance of sweet and spice in every bite. It’s an ideal treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert that captures the cozy essence of apple fritters in a handheld loaf form.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 10–12 servings) 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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For the Bread

• 2 cups peeled and diced apples
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Caramel Glaze

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the apples: Peel and dice the apples into small pieces, then toss them in a bowl with a little cinnamon and sugar to coat evenly. Set aside so the flavors meld.
2. Make the cinnamon sugar swirl: In a small bowl, mix 1/3 cup brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon thoroughly; set aside for layering later.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer.
4. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract until evenly combined.
5. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
6. Mix wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the bread.
7. Layer the batter and apples: Grease a standard loaf pan and pour half of the batter evenly into the pan. Spread half of the prepared apples over the batter, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
8. Repeat layers and swirl: Pour the remaining batter over the apple layer, then top with the remaining apples and cinnamon sugar. Use a knife to gently swirl through the layers, creating a marbled effect.
9. Bake the bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
10. Cool the bread: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before glazing.
11. Prepare the caramel glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons butter, and 2 tablespoons heavy cream. Stir frequently and bring to a gentle simmer, cooking until the mixture thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
12. Glaze and serve: Drizzle the warm caramel glaze evenly over the cooled bread. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing the bread to serve.

Notes

• For best flavor and texture, use firm apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji that hold their shape during baking.
• Make sure the butter for the batter is softened to room temperature to achieve a fluffy texture when creamed with sugar.
• Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added, as this can make the bread dense and tough.
• If you prefer a stronger caramel flavor, you can add a pinch of sea salt to the glaze for a salted caramel effect.
• The bread can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week. Reheat gently before serving if desired.
• This recipe can be doubled to fill two standard loaf pans. Adjust baking time slightly and test doneness accordingly.
• Use a serrated knife to slice the bread cleanly without crushing it.

Keywords: Caramel Apple Fritter Bread, Apple Bread, Quick Bread, Cinnamon Swirl Bread, Caramel Glaze, Breakfast Bread, Fall Baking, Apple Dessert