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This cozy apple fritter loaf is the ultimate taste of autumn, transforming the classic doughnut shop treat into an easy to bake, shareable loaf cake. It fills the entire house with the scent of warm cinnamon and baked apples, making it the perfect thing to have waiting on the counter for a chilly afternoon.
I first baked this on a whim for a family gathering, and it disappeared from the dessert table in minutes. Now, it’s the most requested treat from my nieces and nephews the second the leaves start to turn.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: softened to room temperature gives the loaf a rich, tender crumb
- Granulated sugar: provides the perfect sweetness and helps create a light texture
- Large eggs: bind the ingredients together and add moisture
- Vanilla extract: a must have for adding a layer of warm, aromatic flavor
- All purpose flour: provides the structure for our loaf, be sure to sift it for a lighter cake
- Baking powder: the leavening agent that gives the loaf its beautiful rise
- Salt: a small amount enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness
- Milk or almond milk: adds necessary moisture for a tender, not dry, final product
- Light brown sugar: packed, it creates that classic gooey cinnamon swirl
- Ground cinnamon: this is the star spice, bringing that unmistakable warm, autumnal flavor
- Medium apples: Granny Smith apples offer a great tartness that balances the sugar, while Gala apples are sweet and hold their shape well
- Powdered sugar: for creating a simple, sweet glaze to finish the loaf
Step by Step Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Fillings:
- Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan thoroughly. This step is crucial to prevent the sugary filling from sticking. In a small bowl, use a fork to mix the packed light brown sugar and ground cinnamon until they are completely combined for your swirl. In a separate bowl, toss your peeled and chopped apples with two tablespoons of granulated sugar. This helps draw out some moisture and sweetens them up.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and the remaining granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium high speed for about 3 to 4 minutes. You’re looking for the mixture to become visibly lighter in color and fluffy in texture. This process incorporates air, which is key to a tender loaf.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
- Crack the eggs in one at a time, beating well after each addition until it's fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure everything is evenly mixed. Once the eggs are in, stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the sifted all purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening is evenly distributed. Begin adding the dry ingredients to the wet butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk in two parts. Always start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed only until the last streaks of flour disappear. It’s so important not to overmix here, or you’ll end up with a tough loaf.
- Layer and Swirl the Loaf:
- Spread half of the batter evenly into the bottom of your prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle this layer with half of your cinnamon sugar mixture and half of the sugared apples. Gently pour the remaining batter over the top and spread it out. Finish by sprinkling the rest of the cinnamon sugar and apples over the top. To get that beautiful marbled look, take a butter knife and run it through the batter a few times in a gentle S-motion.
- Bake to Golden Perfection:
- Place the loaf pan in your preheated 350°F oven on the center rack. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick or wooden skewer inserted into the very center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached, not wet batter.
- Cool and Glaze:
- Let the loaf cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes. This allows it to set up so it won’t fall apart when you remove it. Then, carefully invert the loaf onto the wire rack to cool completely. While it cools, whisk together the powdered sugar with just enough milk, a teaspoon at a time, to form a thick but pourable glaze. Drizzle it all over the top of the completely cooled loaf.
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My favorite part of this recipe is the apples. Using Granny Smith apples reminds me of going apple picking with my family as a kid. That little bit of tartness they provide cuts through the sweetness of the sugar and glaze perfectly, making every single bite balanced and delicious.
Storing Your Loaf
To keep your apple fritter loaf fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay wonderfully moist for up to two days. If you need it to last a bit longer, you can keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week. I find that a quick 10 seconds in the microwave makes a refrigerated slice taste just like it came out of the oven.
Fun Ingredient Swaps
Don't be afraid to make this recipe your own. If you don't have apples, firm pears or even peaches make a fantastic substitute. For a nuttier, heartier texture, you can swap half of the all purpose flour for whole wheat flour. You can also add a citrusy brightness by mixing a little bit of orange zest into the glaze, which pairs beautifully with the cinnamon.
How to Serve Your Apple Loaf
This loaf is perfect on its own with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a more decadent dessert, serve a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. It also makes an incredible base for a unique bread pudding if you happen to have any leftovers, though in my house, that’s a rare occurrence.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What kind of apples work best in this loaf?
Granny Smith or Gala apples are recommended for their tartness and firm texture, which holds up well during baking. However, feel free to experiment with other firm apple varieties you enjoy.
- → How do I achieve a marbled effect in the loaf?
After layering the batter with the cinnamon sugar and apples, gently swirl a butter knife through the batter before baking. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough loaf.
- → Can I make this loaf dairy-free?
Yes! Simply substitute almond milk for the milk and use vegan butter instead of regular butter. The taste and texture will remain very similar.
- → How should I store the apple fritter loaf?
Store the cooled loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- → What are some variations I can try with this loaf?
Consider substituting pears or firm peaches for the apples. You could also use half whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf, or add orange zest to the glaze for a citrus twist.
- → Is it possible to freeze the apple fritter loaf?
Yes, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then glaze before serving.