Country Apple Fritter Bread Recipe: A Delicious Homemade Delight

If you’re craving a sweet, cinnamon-filled treat with the warmth of apples, this Country Apple Fritter Bread is just what you need. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this quick bread is packed with fresh apples, a touch of spice, and a sweet glaze. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just want something to enjoy with your morning coffee, this bread hits the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Easy to Make: No complicated steps or fancy ingredients. It’s a straightforward recipe that delivers a bakery-quality result.
Rich in Flavor: With cinnamon, apples, and a buttery glaze, every bite bursts with flavor.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s for a holiday brunch, a cozy afternoon snack, or even a potluck, this bread is sure to impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Apple Mixture:

2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for added freshness)

For the Bread Batter:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Glaze:

1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare the Loaf Pan:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.

2. Prepare the Apple Filling:

In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice (if using). Toss until the apples are evenly coated. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the batter.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add the Eggs:

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.

5. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.

6. Assemble the Bread:

Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Add half of the apple mixture on top of the batter, followed by the remaining batter, then the rest of the apples. Lightly press the apples into the batter.

7. Bake:

Bake the bread for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts browning too quickly, cover the loaf with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.

8. Prepare the Glaze:

While the bread is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.

9. Glaze and Cool:

Once the bread is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for 15 minutes in the pan. Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before drizzling the glaze on top.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Country Apple Fritter Bread:

Use Fresh Apples: Fresh apples bring out the best texture and flavor. Opt for Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the glaze.
Do Not Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you like a less sweet bread, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the batter. The glaze will still provide a nice balance.
Store Properly: To keep your bread moist, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven before serving.

Variations to Try:

This Country Apple Fritter Bread can easily be customized to suit your taste preferences:

Add Nuts: For a crunchy texture, mix in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter.
Spice it Up: Enhance the flavor by adding nutmeg or allspice along with the cinnamon.
Apple Pie Spice: If you’re a fan of classic apple pie, sprinkle some apple pie spice into the apple mixture for a deeper fall flavor.

Healthier Swaps:

For those looking to make this treat a bit healthier, here are some simple adjustments you can make without sacrificing taste:

Use Whole Wheat Flour: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.
Substitute Greek Yogurt: Instead of butter, use plain Greek yogurt to reduce fat content while keeping the bread moist.
Reduce Sugar: Use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a more wholesome sweetness.

FAQ:

1. Can I use other types of apples?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are preferred due to their balance of sweetness and tartness, you can experiment with other varieties like Fuji or Gala. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples will make the bread taste slightly different.

2. Can I double the recipe?

Yes! If you’re baking for a crowd, you can double the recipe and bake in a larger pan or two separate loaf pans. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

3. How do I make the bread more moist?

To ensure your bread stays moist, don’t overbake it. Checking the bread with a toothpick around the 50-minute mark is crucial. Additionally, you can add a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter for extra moisture.

Serving Suggestions:

This Country Apple Fritter Bread is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For an extra indulgent treat, warm up a slice and top it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Now that you have this tried-and-true recipe for Country Apple Fritter Bread, it’s time to get baking. With its rich apple flavor and sweet glaze, this bread will surely become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!