Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread (Cozy, Sweet & Incredibly Moist!)

First off, I just want to say thank you for stopping by — truly. It means so much to be able to share something this special with you. This recipe is one of those just-right bakes: cozy, comforting, and bursting with warm cinnamon-apple goodness. It’s the kind of thing you make on a quiet weekend morning, when the leaves are changing or you just need your kitchen to smell like fall. 🍂

This Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread is rich, moist, and laced with layers of gooey cinnamon-sugar and tender chunks of tart apple. Topped with a simple glaze and bursting with flavor, it tastes like the perfect marriage between a bakery-style apple fritter and a homemade loaf cake. Every bite is a little hug. 🧡

✨ Want this recipe sent straight to your inbox so you can save it or print it for later? Be sure to subscribe below for more cozy bakes and comforting meals delivered weekly!

What Is Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread?

Think of it as an apple fritter — that beloved doughnut-shop treat — reimagined in a soft, buttery loaf form. This bread has:

Moist, rich cake base (thanks, sour cream!)
Cinnamon sugar swirls inside and on top
Chunks of real apple baked right in
A delicate vanilla glaze that ties it all together

And the smell while it bakes? Absolutely dreamy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No mixer needed — everything is hand-whisked!
Layers of cinnamon-sugar swirl for irresistible bites.
Uses fresh apple for natural sweetness and texture.
Freezer-friendly — make it now, enjoy later.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, snack, or dessert.

What Does It Taste Like?

This loaf has the cozy warmth of a cinnamon roll, the soft crumble of a coffee cake, and the fruity punch of an apple pie. It’s moist but light, sweet but not overwhelming, and perfectly spiced. The cinnamon-sugar mixture melts into the batter to create those little pockets of magic we all love in a good fritter.

Benefits of This Recipe

Seasonal but adaptable — perfect any time of year.
A great way to use up extra apples.
Ideal for gifting or sharing at potlucks and brunches.
Made with simple pantry ingredients — no fancy stuff here.

🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cinnamon Swirl Filling/Topping:

½ cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
A pinch ground nutmeg (optional but lovely)

For the Cake:

½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
½ cup sour cream, at room temperature
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 tablespoons milk, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and chopped

For the Glaze:

⅓ cup icing sugar, sifted
1–2 teaspoons hot water

🛠️ Tools You’ll Need

9×5-inch loaf pan
Mixing bowls (one large, one small)
Whisk & spatula
Paring knife and cutting board
Wire rack
Toothpick or cake tester
Parchment paper

🔄 Ingredient Substitutions & Additions

Substitutions:

Greek yogurt can replace sour cream in a pinch.
Swap apples for pears or even chopped peaches for a twist.
Use coconut sugar or dark brown sugar for deeper caramel flavor.

Additions:

Fold in ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
Add ½ teaspoon cardamom or apple pie spice for a flavor twist.
A few raisins or dried cranberries mix in beautifully, too.

🍏 How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread

Step 1: Prep the Oven & Filling

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper for easy release. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together:

Granulated sugar
Melted butter
Sour cream
Eggs
Milk
Vanilla extract

In a separate bowl, whisk:

Flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt

Stir the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined — don’t overmix!

Step 3: Prep the Apples

Chop the apple into ½-inch cubes. Reserve a small handful for topping and fold the rest into the batter.

Step 4: Assemble the Loaf

Pour half the batter into the pan and smooth it.
Sprinkle half the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top and swirl gently with a knife.
Add remaining batter, smooth again, and top with reserved apples and remaining cinnamon sugar.
Swirl again lightly for that signature swirl effect!

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Loaf should be golden and risen.

Step 6: Glaze & Serve

Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10–20 minutes, then lift it out and place on a wire rack.
Whisk icing sugar with hot water until pourable. Drizzle over cooled loaf and let glaze set before slicing.

☕ What to Serve with Apple Fritter Bread

A hot cup of coffee or chai latte
A scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert
Greek yogurt and fruit for a cozy breakfast
Extra glaze on the side (no judgment!)

💡 Tips for Success

Don’t overmix the batter — it keeps the crumb light and tender.
Use a Granny Smith apple for best tart-sweet balance.
For extra moisture, cover loosely with foil the last 10 minutes of baking if it’s browning too fast.
Let it cool before glazing — or the glaze will melt right off!

🧊 Storage Instructions

Room Temp: Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Fridge: Lasts up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and foil, freeze up to 2 months. Thaw and warm before serving.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I double the recipe?

You sure can! Just bake in two loaf pans or a 9×13 dish (adjust time accordingly).

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use a good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure.

Can I skip the glaze?

Absolutely. It’s sweet enough without, but the glaze adds that bakery-finish flair.

What’s the best apple to use?

Granny Smith for tartness and structure, but Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn work beautifully too.

🥰 Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread is a can’t-stop-eating-it kind of recipe. The swirl, the glaze, the apple chunks — every part comes together into one deliciously cozy loaf you’ll want to bake on repeat. Whether you’re gifting it or hoarding the whole thing (no shame!), it’s a recipe worth saving.

So bake it, share it, devour it — and please come back to let me know how it turned out!

🍏 More Apple Delights You’ll Love

📸 Show Me Your Loaf!

If you try this recipe, I’d love to see your beautiful bread! Leave a review, pin it on Pinterest, and tag me in your photos. Let’s share the cinnamon-apple love! 🍎💛

🍽️ Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Based on 10 slices)

Calories: 285
Fat: 14g
Carbs: 37g
Sugar: 23g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 180mg

Note: Nutrition may vary based on ingredients used.