Apple Fritter Bread with Cinnamon Swirl: Your New Favorite Comfort Food
You know that incredible smell when you walk into a bakery on a crisp autumn morning? That warm, comforting blend of buttery bread, sweet apples, and spicy cinnamon? I recreated that magic right in my own kitchen, and my family went absolutely wild for it. This Apple Fritter Bread with Cinnamon Swirl is like having your favorite doughnut shop treat in a cozy, sliceable loaf. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you want to curl up with a mug of coffee and forget about the world outside. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it on repeat all season long.
A Slice of History: From Fritter to Loaf
Apple fritters are a classic with roots deep in European frying traditions. But let’s be honest, deep-frying at home can be a messy, intimidating affair. That’s where this brilliant ‘bread’ version comes in! It captures all the iconic flavors of a classic apple fritter—the tender chunks of spiced apple, the ribbons of gooey cinnamon sugar, the sweet glaze—but bakes up beautifully and simply in a loaf pan. It’s the modern, home-cook-friendly take on a timeless favorite. For me, it’s special because it reminds me of my grandma’s apple cake, but with that fun, swirly, doughnut-shop flair my kids adore.
Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Pain Pomme Cannelle
This recipe is a total winner, and here’s why. First, the texture is dreamy: moist, tender bread packed with soft cinnamon apples in every single bite. The aroma that fills your house is pure happiness. It’s also surprisingly simple to make—no fancy skills required, just a good mixing bowl and a spoon. It’s the perfect bridge between a casual breakfast bread and a decadent dessert. Plus, it freezes beautifully, so you can always have a slice of comfort on hand. This Pain Pomme Cannelle is truly a recipe that feels like a warm hug.
When to Whip Up This Wonderful Loaf
This Apple Fritter Bread is incredibly versatile! It’s perfect for:
- Weekend Brunches: The star of the table alongside scrambled eggs and bacon.
- Holiday Mornings: Think Christmas, Thanksgiving, or New Year’s Day breakfast.
- Afternoon Coffee: An exceptional treat for when friends pop over.
- Lunchbox Surprise: A special sweet note for your family (it always disappears first!).
- Simple Dessert: Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Heaven!
The Ingredients for Your Perfect Pain Pomme Cannelle
Let’s gather everything you need. You likely have most of this in your pantry already!
For the Cinnamon Swirl & Apple Mixture:
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tsp. ground cinnamon (divided)
- 2 large apples, peeled and chopped (I love a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
- 2 tbsp. granulated sugar
For the Bread Dough:
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- A pinch of salt
For the Simple Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp. milk
Smart Substitutions for Your Pantry
No worries if you’re missing something! Here are easy swaps:
- Apples: Use any firm baking apple you have. Pears work in a pinch too!
- Milk: Any milk you drink—dairy, almond, oat, or soy—will work fine.
- Butter: You can use an equal amount of neutral oil, like vegetable or canola.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.
- No Buttermilk? No problem! If you want extra tang, use 1/2 cup buttermilk instead of regular milk. No buttermilk? Make your own by adding 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to the 1/2 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Making Your Apple Fritter Bread: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for even baking. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray. I like to line it with a strip of parchment paper for super easy removal later. The sizzle of anticipation starts now!
Step 2: Create the Cinnamon Swirl Magic
In a small bowl, mix the 1/3 cup of brown sugar with 1 teaspoon of the ground cinnamon. Use your fingers to break up any lumps. This simple mixture is the secret to those gorgeous, sugary ribbons inside your Pain Pomme Cannelle. Set this bowl aside—it’s your treasure waiting to be layered.
Step 3: Prepare the Spiced Apples
Peel and chop your apples into small, bite-sized pieces. Toss them in a medium bowl with the 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and the remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. The sugar will start to draw out the apples’ natural juices, creating a wonderful syrupy coating. This step ensures every piece of apple is perfectly spiced and sweet. Pro tip: Don’t skip the peeling! Apple skins can become tough during baking.
Step 4: Mix the Bread Batter
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and 2/3 cup granulated sugar together until it’s light, fluffy, and pale in color. This takes about 2-3 minutes and helps create a tender crumb. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gently add about half of this flour mixture to the butter bowl, then half the milk. Repeat, mixing just until combined. The batter will be thick and luxurious!
Step 5: The Art of Assembly
This is the fun part! Spoon half of the thick batter into your prepared loaf pan. It will be a bit sticky, so just spread it as best you can. Now, sprinkle half of your cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter, followed by half of the spiced apples. Repeat the layers: remaining batter, remaining cinnamon sugar, and finally the rest of the apples. Take a knife or a chopstick and gently swirl it through the layers just 2-3 times. You want marbled beauty, not a muddy mix!
Step 6: Baking to Golden Perfection
Place the pan in the center of your preheated oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is a deep golden brown, the edges are pulling away from the pan slightly, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The smell in your kitchen will be absolutely divine! Let the bread cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack.
Step 7: The Final Drizzle of Sweetness
While the bread cools completely (this is important so the glaze doesn’t melt!), make the simple glaze. Whisk the powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk until completely smooth. It should be thick but pourable. Add the extra tablespoon of milk slowly if you need to thin it. Once the bread is cool, drizzle the glaze artfully over the top, letting it drip down the craggy sides. It’s the final, beautiful touch that makes it look and taste like a bakery masterpiece.
Timing Your Baking Adventure
- Prep Time: A quick and easy 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 to 60 minutes of blissful baking aroma
- Cooling Time: At least 1 hour (for the glaze to set properly)
- Total Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes hands-on, plus cooling
- Servings: One glorious loaf (about 10 slices)
- Calories: Approximately 280 kcal per slice
Chef’s Secret for the Best Pain Pomme Cannelle
My secret weapon? Letting the loaf cool completely before slicing. I know, the temptation is real! But this waiting period allows the structure of the bread to fully set. If you cut into it while it’s warm, it can be a bit gummy in the center. Waiting guarantees a perfect, clean slice and the most amazing texture. Brew a pot of coffee, do a little dance, then slice and enjoy your masterpiece.
A Little Slice of Apple Lore
Did you know apples can stay afloat in water because they are made of 25% air? That buoyancy is a fun fact, but the real magic is in their versatility for baking. Different varieties bring different qualities to your Pain Pomme Cannelle. Tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape and provide a nice contrast to the sweet bread, while sweeter apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp melt into beautiful pockets of jammy goodness.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Hand mixer or sturdy whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Wire cooling rack
- Small whisk or fork for the glaze
Storing Your Apple Fritter Bread
To keep your bread fresh and delicious, store it properly. Once the glaze has fully set, you can cover the loaf tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay wonderfully moist at room temperature for up to 2 days.
If you need it to last longer, refrigeration is your friend. Wrapped well, it will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. The chill can make the texture a bit denser, so I love to warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving. It brings back that fresh-from-the-oven softness.
This bread also freezes beautifully for future moments of craving. Wrap the unglazed, completely cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil or a freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add the fresh glaze just before serving for the best taste and presentation.
My Best Tips For Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using softened butter and room-temperature eggs and milk helps the batter come together smoothly and results in a better rise.
- Don’t Over-mix: Once you add the flour, mix just until you no longer see dry streaks. Over-mixing develops gluten and can lead to a tough bread.
- Test for Doneness: Ovens vary! Start checking at 50 minutes with a toothpick. If it comes out with wet batter, it needs more time. A few moist crumbs are perfect.
- For optimal food quality and safety, always start with fresh, clean ingredients, a principle emphasized in good food handling practices.
Presenting Your Masterpiece
- Serve thick slices on a beautiful vintage cake stand.
- Add a light dusting of powdered sugar over the glaze for a snowy, elegant look.
- Place a bowl of softly whipped cream or a scoop of cinnamon ice cream on the side.
- Garnish the serving plate with a few thin, fan-sliced apple pieces and a cinnamon stick.
More Sweet Inspirations to Try
If you adored this Pain Pomme Cannelle, you absolutely must explore my other family-favorite baked treats. For a fruity, swipe-and-roll delight, you have to try my Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls that are bursting with berry goodness. Chocolate lovers, prepare to be spoiled by the decadent layers of my Mississippi Mud Pie. When you’re craving a classic homemade treat, my Easy Homemade Doughnuts are surprisingly simple to make and utterly irresistible. And for a bright, sunny flavor, nothing beats a slice of my moist and zesty Lemon Cake. You’ll find all of these and more wonderful ideas in my collection of cakes and pastries recipes.
Six Delicious Variations on Apple Fritter Bread
Once you master the classic, the fun begins! Here are six ways to mix it up:
- Apple Cranberry Nut Bread: Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries and 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple mixture for a festive, crunchy twist.
- Caramel Apple Fritter Bread: Drizzle the cooled loaf with warm caramel sauce instead of (or in addition to!) the vanilla glaze. A sprinkle of sea salt on top is heavenly.
- Pumpkin Spice Apple Bread: Replace 1/2 cup of the milk with 1/2 cup of pure pumpkin puree and add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the flour mixture.
- Streusel Topped Loaf: Skip the inner cinnamon swirl and instead top the batter before baking with a crumble made from 1/4 cup each of flour, brown sugar, and cold butter cubed, mixed with 1 tsp cinnamon.
- Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Version: Use your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend and swap the milk for almond milk and the butter for coconut oil. It works like a charm!
- Mini Loaf Gifts: Divide the batter among 4-5 greased mini loaf pans. Reduce the baking time to about 30-35 minutes. They make adorable, personal-sized gifts for neighbors, teachers, or friends.
Common Mistakes to Avoid With Your Pain Pomme Cannelle
Mistake 1: Using Cold Butter and Eggs
This is a very common oversight! When your butter is cold, it won’t cream properly with the sugar. This means less air gets incorporated, resulting in a denser, heavier bread. Similarly, cold eggs can cause the creamed butter to seize up and look curdled. The Fix: Plan ahead. Take your butter, eggs, and milk out of the fridge about 30-60 minutes before you start baking. Your butter should be soft to the touch but not melted.
Mistake 2: Over-Mixing the Batter
Once you add the flour, a light hand is key. Over-mixing activates the gluten in the flour, which is great for chewy bread but terrible for tender, cake-like quick breads. You’ll end up with a tough, rubbery loaf. The Fix: Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until you no longer see streaks of flour. A few small lumps in the batter are absolutely fine and better than overdoing it.
Mistake 3: Cutting the Bread While It’s Hot
I know, the aroma is torture! But slicing into your beautiful loaf while it’s piping hot is a recipe for disaster. The internal structure hasn’t set yet, so the bread will squish and crumble, and the center can seem underbaked even if it’s done. The Fix: Patience is a virtue. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. Wait until it’s completely cool or just slightly warm before you make the first slice. It will be neat, beautiful, and perfectly textured.
Mistake 4: Not Greasing the Pan Well Enough
There’s nothing sadder than a beautiful loaf that gets stuck in the pan. A light, uneven coat of grease isn’t enough for this moist, sugary bread. The Fix: Be generous! Use softened butter or non-stick baking spray to coat every corner and side of the loaf pan. For absolute peace of mind, line the bottom and two sides with a parchment paper sling, leaving an overhang to act as handles for easy lifting.
Your Apple Fritter Bread Questions, Answered
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
You can, but I recommend using a mix for the best texture. Substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Using 100% whole wheat flour will make the bread denser and heavier, and it will absorb more moisture, so you might need to add a tiny bit more milk if the batter seems too thick. The nutty flavor of whole wheat pairs wonderfully with apples and cinnamon, so a half-and-half blend is a great healthy compromise!
What are the best apples to use for baking?
You want apples that hold their shape and offer a balance of sweet and tart. My top picks are Granny Smith (for a great tart contrast), Honeycrisp (sweet and crisp), Braeburn, or Jonagold. Avoid apples like Red Delicious, which tend to get mushy when baked. Using two different kinds is my favorite trick for a more complex flavor and texture in your Pain Pomme Cannelle.
Why did my bread sink in the middle?
A sunken middle usually points to two issues: underbaking or opening the oven door too early. If the bread isn’t fully cooked in the center, the structure collapses as it cools. Similarly, a rush of cold air from opening the oven door in the first 40 minutes of baking can cause a premature collapse. Ensure your oven is fully preheated, use a toothpick test, and resist peeking until the last 10 minutes of the bake time.
Can I make this recipe into muffins?
Absolutely! This batter makes fantastic apple fritter muffins. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or use liners. Divide the batter evenly, following the same layering technique with the cinnamon sugar and apples on a smaller scale. Bake at the same temperature (350°F/175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. The shorter baking time makes them a quicker treat!
How do I know when the bread is perfectly done?
Use all the clues! First, look: the top should be a deep, golden brown, and the edges will have just started to pull away from the sides of the pan. Second, press gently: the top should spring back when lightly touched. Third, and most reliably, use the toothpick test. Insert a toothpick or a thin skewer into the very center of the loaf. It should come out clean or with a few dry crumbs attached. If you see wet batter, it needs more time.
Can I leave out the glaze?
Of course! The bread is wonderfully delicious and sweet even without the glaze. The glaze adds a pretty finishing touch and an extra layer of sweetness that mimics a real apple fritter. If you skip it, you could sprinkle the top with a little coarse sugar before baking for a sparkly, crunchy crust. Or, simply serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a pat of butter.
My glaze is too thin/thick. How do I fix it?
Glaze consistency is easy to adjust! If it’s too thin and runny, simply whisk in more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it thickens to a drizzle-able state. If it’s too thick and pasty, add more milk, but only a few drops at a time. It thins out quickly, so go slowly. You’re aiming for a smooth, opaque glaze that holds its shape for a second before melting into the bread.
Can I add nuts like walnuts or pecans?
Yes, nuts add a wonderful crunch and flavor! I recommend adding 1/2 to 3/4 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. Toast them lightly in a dry pan first to bring out their best flavor. You can fold them into the batter with the last addition of flour, or sprinkle them on top of the final apple layer before swirling. They complement the apples and cinnamon perfectly.
Is it possible to make this bread the night before?
It’s an excellent make-ahead treat! Bake and cool the loaf completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap (unglazed) and store it at room temperature. Prepare the glaze separately and keep it in a small covered container in the fridge. The next morning, let the glaze come to room temperature, stir it, and drizzle it over the bread. This way, the bread stays fresh and the glaze looks perfect for serving.
Can I freeze the glazed bread?
You can, but the glaze may become sticky and lose its pretty appearance when thawed. For best results, I recommend freezing the unglazed, fully cooled loaf. Wrap it very well in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or on the counter. Then, make a fresh batch of glaze and drizzle it over the thawed loaf for the best taste and presentation.
Final Slice
There you have it—everything you need to create a stunning, delicious Apple Fritter Bread with Cinnamon Swirl right in your own kitchen. This Pain Pomme Cannelle is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s the joy of mixing, the anticipation of baking, and the pure delight of sharing something made with love. So tie on your apron, grab those apples, and get ready to fill your home with the most incredible smell. Happy baking, my friend!

Equipment
- Moule à cake de 23x13 cm
- Bols à mélanger un grand, un moyen
- Mixeur ou fouet solide
- Spatule
- Grille de refroidissement
Ingrédients
- 1/3 tasse sucre brun clair
- 2 cuil. à café cannelle moulue divisée
- 2 grandes pommes pelées et hachées
- 2 cuil. à soupe sucre granulé
- 2/3 tasse sucre granulé
- 1/2 tasse beurre non salé ramolli
- 2 grands œufs
- 2 cuil. à café extrait de vanille
- 1 1/2 tasse farine tout usage
- 1 3/4 cuil. à café levure chimique
- 1/2 tasse lait
- une pincée sel
- 1/2 tasse sucre glace
- 2-3 cuil. à soupe lait
Instructions
- Préchauffez votre four à 175°C (350°F) et graissez un moule à cake de 23x13 cm (9x5 pouces).
- Dans un petit bol, mélangez 1/3 tasse de sucre brun avec 1 cuil. à café de cannelle. Réservez.
- Épluchez et hachez les pommes en petits morceaux, puis mélangez-les avec 2 cuil. à soupe de sucre granulé et 1 cuil. à café de cannelle dans un bol moyen. Réservez.
- Dans un grand bol, battez le beurre ramolli et 2/3 tasse de sucre granulé jusqu'à obtenir un mélange léger et mousseux.
- Incorporez les œufs un à un, puis l'extrait de vanille.
- Dans un autre bol, mélangez la farine, la levure chimique et le sel. Ajoutez progressivement ce mélange à la pâte, en alternant avec le lait. Mélangez jusqu'à consistance lisse.
- Dans le moule préparé, déposez la moitié de la pâte, puis saupoudrez la moitié du mélange sucre-cannelle et la moitié des pommes. Répétez les couches.
- Avec un couteau, faites quelques tourbillons dans la pâte pour créer un effet marbré.
- Faites cuire pendant 50 à 60 minutes, jusqu'à ce que le dessus soit doré et qu'un cure-dent en ressorte propre.
- Laissez refroidir le pain dans le moule pendant 10 minutes, puis transférez-le sur une grille pour qu'il refroidisse complètement.
- Préparez le glaçage en mélangeant le sucre glace avec le lait jusqu'à obtention d'une consistance lisse, puis nappez le pain refroidi.