Irresistible Apple Fritter Bread Recipe with Vanilla Glaze

Posted on October 22, 2025

Introduction

The smell of warm apple fritter bread baking in the oven is what I imagine heaven must smell like. It’s cozy, sweet, and filled with the perfect balance of cinnamon and apple goodness. This recipe is one of those that takes me back to chilly fall mornings when I’d wake up to the sound of my mom bustling in the kitchen, whipping up something magical.

I first discovered apple fritter bread when I was trying to replicate that gooey, cinnamon-y, vanilla-drizzled goodness of bakery apple fritters. But let’s be real, frying can be messy, and I wanted something simpler but just as indulgent. Enter this apple fritter bread recipe—it brings all the comforting flavors of a classic apple fritter in a loaf that’s easy to slice and share.

This recipe checks all the boxes: it’s tender, moist, and perfectly spiced. With chunks of fresh apples nestled into a soft, cake-like bread and a sweet vanilla glaze drizzled over the top, it’s the ultimate treat for breakfast, dessert, or anytime your sweet tooth calls. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: No fancy kitchen skills required! This recipe is simple and straightforward.
Comfort Food: It’s warm, cozy, and feels like a hug in bread form.
Ingredients You Already Have: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, so no need for special shopping trips.
A Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves the combination of apples, cinnamon, and sweet glaze—kids, adults, everyone!
Perfect Any Time: Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this bread fits the bill.

What sets this apple fritter bread apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The apples are caramelized with cinnamon and sugar for a sweet, slightly gooey filling that contrasts beautifully with the soft and fluffy bread. The vanilla glaze is the cherry on top—delicately sweet without being overpowering. Plus, you can easily tweak this recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. It’s the ultimate versatile treat!

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Apple Mixture:

2 large apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon lemon juice (to keep the apples fresh)

For the Bread Batter:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Vanilla Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

I recommend using fresh apples for the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, frozen apples can work too. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the recipe!

Equipment Needed

Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two—one for the apple mixture and one for the batter.
Hand or Stand Mixer: A hand mixer works beautifully, though a stand mixer is great if you have one.
Loaf Pan: A standard 9×5-inch loaf pan is perfect for this recipe. If you don’t have one, you can use a smaller pan, but make sure to adjust the baking time.
Whisk: Essential for making the vanilla glaze smooth and lump-free.
Spatula: For mixing and spreading the batter evenly.

If you don’t have a mixer, don’t worry—you can mix the batter by hand. It’ll take a bit more elbow grease, but it’s totally doable!

Preparation Method

Prepare the Apple Mixture: In a small bowl, toss the diced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Set aside and let the flavors meld together while you prepare the batter.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Make the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix!
Layer the Bread: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread half of the apple mixture evenly over the batter. Add the remaining batter and top with the rest of the apple mixture. Use a knife to gently swirl the apples into the batter.
Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency as needed—add more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.
Drizzle and Serve: Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Use Fresh Apples: Fresh apples give the best texture and flavor. Avoid canned or overly mushy ones.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense, tough bread. Mix just until combined.
Swirling Technique: Swirl the apple mixture gently into the batter for an even distribution of fruit and flavor.
Watch the Baking Time: Ovens vary, so check your bread at the 50-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
Cool Completely: It’s tempting, but don’t glaze the bread while it’s warm, or the glaze will melt right off.

Variations & Adaptations

Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based butter, almond milk, and flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg).
Seasonal Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch, or sprinkle the top with a streusel before baking.
Spice It Up: Add a dash of nutmeg or allspice to the batter for extra warmth and depth.

I once tried adding caramel bits to the batter, and wow—it turned out to be caramel apple heaven!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This apple fritter bread is best served slightly warm with the glaze freshly drizzled. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate cozy treat.

Storage: Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating: Pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or warm the bread in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes.

The flavors deepen over time, so don’t be surprised if the bread tastes even better the next day!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This recipe is a treat, but that doesn’t mean it can’t offer some good-for-you perks!

Calories: Approximately 220 per slice (based on 10 slices).
Key Ingredients: Apples are packed with fiber and vitamin C, while cinnamon offers antioxidant benefits.
Dietary Notes: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or vegan diets.
Allergens: Contains dairy, gluten, and eggs—watch for substitutions if needed.

I love this recipe because it’s indulgent without being overly heavy, and you can feel good about the real fruit inside!

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a recipe that brings warmth, sweetness, and comfort all in one, this apple fritter bread is your answer. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!

Trust me, one slice of this bread will have you hooked. Happy baking!

FAQs

Can I use other types of fruit?

Yes! Pears, peaches, or even berries would work beautifully as substitutes or additions to the apples.

How do I prevent my bread from being too dense?

Make sure not to overmix the batter and measure your flour accurately. Fluff it up before scooping!

Can I make this bread without the glaze?

Absolutely! The bread is delicious on its own, but the glaze adds a little extra sweetness and charm.

What’s the best apple variety to use?

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are my go-to options because they balance sweetness and tartness well.

Can I freeze the glaze separately?

While you can freeze the bread, I recommend making the glaze fresh for better texture and flavor.

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