Apple Fritter Bread

Studded with apple and layers of streusel, this quick bread recipe tastes as good as it looks. Apple fritter bread has the craggy, crunchy top of a fritter combined with the streusel of a coffee cake.

By
Micah Siva, RD
Micah Siva
Micah Siva, RD
Micah Siva is a trained chef, registered dietitian, recipe writer, and food photographer, specializing in modern Jewish cuisine. She runs Nosh with Micah, her personal blog.
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Published September 06, 2022
Micah Siva
Apple Fritter Bread with a Slice Cut Off on Parchment Paper

Simply Recipes / Micah Siva

This isn’t your average apple bread. Made with a moist sour cream batter, it’s somewhere between a donut shop apple fritter, a coffee cake, and a snacking loaf. I like to enjoy it with a hot cup of coffee or tea whether as a morning snack, a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or an after-dinner dessert. 

A few things make this loaf so special: the sweet streusel layer, the cinnamon and nutmeg-scented batter, and a drizzle of butter. The butter helps to form a crispy top, similar to a craggy edge of an apple fritter. And don’t forget the rich vanilla glaze.

Slice of Apple Fritter Bread on a Plate with More on Parchment Paper Next to It

Simply Recipes / Micah Siva

What’s the Best Apple for Baking? 

I almost always use Granny Smith apples for baking. I love the contrast between tart fruit and sweet batter. Additionally, they hold their shape while cooking and don’t turn to mush, so you can bite into distinct bits of apple in baked goods like apple fritter bread. 

If you prefer a sweeter, red apple, try Braeburn or Pink Lady apples. Gala and Fuji apples are often too floral for baked goods, so steer clear for this recipe.

Tips for Making Apple Fritter Bread

When assembling quick breads like this one, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in too much gluten development, yielding a tough rather than tender bread. 

Toss the apples with flour to help prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the bread. This way you’ll have chunks of apple in every bite. The next time you whip up a berry muffin, try using this technique and tossing the berries in a little flour for even distribution.

Stack of Apple Fritter Bread on Parchment Paper

Simply Recipes / Micah Siva

Simple Tweaks 

  • Walnuts work well in this recipe and can be substituted for the pecans. Or try mixing it up with your favorite nuts and seeds.
  • Substitute plain Greek yogurt for the sour cream for a lighter version of the decadent loaf.
  • Apple fritter bread can be baked in an 8 x 8 or 8-inch round cake pan. Begin checking for doneness halfway through the bake time as it will take less time than a loaf.

How to Store and Freeze

Store apple fritter bread at room temperature for up to 4 days. Once fully cooled, skip the glaze and line a container or large ziptop bag with a paper towel (to absorb any excess moisture). Place the loaf on top, cover with another paper towel, and seal. 

The loaf can also be wrapped in plastic wrap and foil and frozen—I like to wrap individual slices for a treat on the go. Freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost and drizzle with glaze before serving.

Apple Fritter Bread on Parchment Paper Surrounded by Granny Smith Apples, Pecans, and Sticks of Cinnamon

Simply Recipes / Micah Siva

Apple Sweets for Apple Lovers

Apple Fritter Bread

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 50 mins
Total Time 80 mins
Servings 8 to 10 servings
Yield 1 (9 x 5-inch) loaf

Ingredients

For the streusel

  • 1/4 cup salted butter, softened

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

  • 1/3 cup finely chopped pecans, optional

For the batter

  • 1 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided

  • 2 teaspoons baking powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1/3 cup brown sugar, lightly packed

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1/2 cup sour cream

  • 1/3 cup plus 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, divided

  • 1/4 cup whole milk

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

  • 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces

For the glaze

  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 2 to 3 tablespoons whole milk

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

    Grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper.

  2. Prepare the streusel:

    In a medium bowl, combine the butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Use your hands to work the butter into the dry ingredients to form a crumbly mixture. Add pecans, if using. Set aside.

    Brown Sugar, Butter, and Flour in a Bowl for Apple Fritter Bread Recipe

    Simply Recipes / Micah Siva

    Streusel Mixture for Apple Fritter Bread

    Simply Recipes / Micah Siva

  3. Make the batter:

    In a medium bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups flour with the baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

    In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, eggs, sour cream, 1/3 cup melted butter, milk, and vanilla until well combined.

    Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, using a rubber spatula to gently fold together until combined.

    Bowl of Dried Ingredients for Apple Fritter Bread

    Simply Recipes / Micah Siva

    Bowl of Wet Ingredients (Brown Sugar, Eggs, Sour Cream, etc) for Apple Fritter Bread Recipe

    Simply Recipes / Micah Siva

    Apple Fritter Bread Batter in a Bowl

    Simply Recipes / Micah Siva

  4. Add the apples:

    In a small bowl, toss the chopped apples with the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour until fully coated. Gently fold into the bread batter.

    Apple Added to Fritter Bread Recipe

    Simply Recipes / Micah Siva

  5. Assemble and bake:

    Transfer half the batter to the prepared loaf pan and smooth to make level. Top with half of the streusel. Add the remaining batter, smooth with a rubber spatula, then top with the remaining streusel. Drizzle the top with the remaining 3 tablespoons of melted butter.

    Bake until a toothpick inserted deep into the center of the bread comes out clean or with a few dry crumbs attached, 45 to 55 minutes.

    Place on a cooling rack and let sit for 10 minutes before removing the loaf from the pan. Cool before glazing and serving.

    Apple Fritter Bread in Loaf Pan with Streusel and Pecans (Cooked)

    Simply Recipes / Micah Siva

  6. Glaze:

    In a medium bowl, add the powdered sugar and vanilla. Whisk in the milk 1 tablespoon at a time until smooth. It should be the consistency of heavy whipping cream.

    Drizzle over the cooled loaf. Slice and serve.

    Love the recipe? Leave us stars below!

    Apple Fritter Bread Glaze in a Bowl with a Whisk

    Simply Recipes / Micah Siva

    Apple Fritter Bread on Parchment Paper

    Simply Recipes / Micah Siva

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
418 Calories
18g Fat
59g Carbs
5g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8 to 10
Amount per serving
Calories 418
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 18g 23%
Saturated Fat 11g 53%
Cholesterol 83mg 28%
Sodium 248mg 11%
Total Carbohydrate 59g 22%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Total Sugars 36g
Protein 5g
Vitamin C 0mg 1%
Calcium 112mg 9%
Iron 2mg 10%
Potassium 150mg 3%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.