Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread: The Cozy Loaf You’ll Fall For

There is something about apples, cinnamon, and butter melting together in the oven that feels like pure comfort. Truly—every time I bake this Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread, the smell alone makes me pause and smile. It’s warm, nostalgic, and just a little magical.

If you love classic apple fritters but don’t love deep frying (or the mess that comes with it!), this loaf is your answer. It has tender chunks of apple, beautiful ribbons of cinnamon-sugar swirled through every slice, and a soft, buttery crumb that tastes like autumn in bread form.

Before we dive in—if cozy, bakery-style recipes are your thing, be sure to subscribe to receive this recipe (and many more!) straight to your email. I promise you, your kitchen will thank you.

Overview of This Apple Fritter Bread Recipe

This baked apple fritter bread transforms a fairground favorite into an easy, sliceable loaf. No frying. No complicated steps. Just simple ingredients, layered and swirled into something extraordinary.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🍏 Packed with real, juicy apples

• 🌪️ Cinnamon-sugar swirl in every single bite

• 🥣 Simple pantry ingredients

• ⏱️ Ready in about an hour

• 💛 Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or gifting

I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!

What It Tastes Like

Imagine biting into a soft apple fritter—but instead of crispy edges, you get a moist, buttery crumb. The apples stay tender, the brown sugar swirl melts into caramel-like ribbons, and the top develops a delicate crunch if you add coarse sugar.

And the smell when this is in the oven? Absolutely incredible.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Baked instead of fried

• Great make-ahead option

• Freezer-friendly

• Easy to customize

• Crowd-pleasing for holidays, brunches, or bake sales

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Bread

• 1½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 1½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

• ½ cup (120g) sour cream or plain yogurt

• 1½ cups peeled & finely diced apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith)

For the Cinnamon Swirl

• ¼ cup (50g) light brown sugar, packed

• 1½ tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

Optional Topping

• 2 tbsp coarse sugar (turbinado)

• Light brush of melted butter

Necessary Tools

• 9×5-inch loaf pan

• Mixing bowls

• Electric mixer (or hand whisk)

• Spatula

• Knife (for swirling)

• Wire cooling rack

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

Apples

• Swap for pears for a softer sweetness.

• Try a mix of tart and sweet apples for depth.

Sour Cream Substitutes

• Plain Greek yogurt

• Buttermilk

• Unsweetened applesauce (for a lighter version)

Flavor Additions

• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

• Pinch of nutmeg or cardamom

• A drizzle of vanilla glaze after baking

How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread