Table of Contents
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Country Apple Fritter Bread
Oh, friends, let me tell you about this Country Apple Fritter Bread recipe! It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a warm hug on a chilly morning, a sweet ending to a cozy dinner, and a little slice of my childhood kitchen. I remember my grandma, bless her heart, used to make something similar every fall when the air turned crisp and the apples were ripe for picking. The scent of cinnamon and baked apples would fill her entire house, a smell so comforting it just wrapped you up like a favorite quilt. That’s the feeling I wanted to capture in this recipe, and trust me, you’re going to adore it!
Life gets busy, doesn’t it? And sometimes, you just crave that homemade goodness without spending hours in the kitchen. That’s where this recipe shines! It’s wonderfully easy to whip up, even on a weeknight, and it’s absolutely perfect for those moments when you need a little something sweet and comforting. Imagine biting into a slice of moist, cinnamon-spiced bread, bursting with tender apples and topped with a sweet, irresistible glaze. It’s like an apple fritter, but in bread form – less fuss, all the flavor!
This Country Apple Fritter Bread is truly special. It’s got that perfect balance of sweet and spice, a delightful texture that’s both soft and slightly crisp on the edges, and that incredible aroma that will make your kitchen the heart of your home. Ready to fill your home with that wonderful, comforting scent and treat yourself to a slice of pure bliss? Let’s dive in!
Country Apple Fritter Bread Recipe Ingredients

Full Ingredient List
- For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples, like Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- For the Fritter Swirl:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Easy Ingredient Swaps & Simple Substitutions
- Dairy-Free: Easily make this dairy-free by swapping buttermilk for almond milk or soy milk mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar. For the glaze, use a dairy-free milk alternative.
- Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure your baking powder is also certified gluten-free.
- Apple Variety: Feel free to use your favorite baking apples! Granny Smith, Gala, or even Pink Lady apples work wonderfully. For a sweeter bread, use Fuji or Honeycrisp; for a slightly tart flavor, go with Granny Smith.
Smart Shopping & Savvy Savings Tips
- Buy Apples in Bulk: Apples are often cheaper when bought in larger bags, especially during apple season in the fall. Store extra apples in a cool, dry place, or in the refrigerator to extend their freshness.
- Pantry Staples: Many ingredients like flour, sugar, and spices are pantry staples. Buying these in larger quantities when on sale can save you money in the long run.
- DIY Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by adding 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/2 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes to slightly thicken before using.
- Freezing Leftovers: If you have leftover bread (though I doubt you will!), slice and freeze it in airtight bags. Thaw slices as needed for a quick treat anytime.
The Essential Equipment for This Recipe
- Large Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two large mixing bowls – one for the dry ingredients and one for the wet. Stainless steel bowls are my go-to as they are durable and easy to clean.
- 9×5 inch Loaf Pan: This is the perfect size for this bread. If you don’t have a 9×5 inch pan, an 8×4 inch will also work, but you may need to increase the baking time slightly.
- Whisk: For combining the dry ingredients. A whisk ensures everything is evenly distributed.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For mixing the wet and dry ingredients together. A spatula helps to scrape the bowl clean, ensuring you get every last bit of batter.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key in baking!
- Paring Knife and Cutting Board: For peeling and dicing your apples.
- Optional – Electric Mixer: While not essential, an electric mixer can make creaming the sugar and oil together a breeze, especially if you’re making a double batch.
How to Make Country Apple Fritter Bread: Step-by-Step Instructions

- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This prevents the bread from sticking and ensures easy removal.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined to evenly distribute the spices.
- Cream Sugars & Oil: In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined. This creates a moist base for the bread.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next for a smooth batter.
- Alternate Wet & Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can lead to a tough bread.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the diced apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Prepare Fritter Swirl: In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon for the swirl. Stir in the melted butter until crumbly.
- Assemble & Swirl: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the fritter swirl mixture evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining batter over the swirl and top with the remaining fritter swirl. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the fritter mixture into the batter. This creates those beautiful pockets of cinnamon-sugar goodness.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Start checking for doneness around 50 minutes.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling slightly in the pan helps the bread set before you remove it.
- Glaze: Once the bread is completely cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread. If you want a thicker glaze, use less milk; for a thinner glaze, add a bit more milk.
- Slice & Serve: Slice and serve this delightful Country Apple Fritter Bread. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 55 minutes
Expert Insights: Tips, Tricks, and Culinary Hacks for Success

- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in a tougher bread. Mix until just combined, and it’s okay if there are still some streaks of flour.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and buttermilk helps them emulsify better into the batter, creating a smoother texture.
- Toast the Spices: For an even deeper flavor, lightly toast your cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a dry pan over medium heat for a minute or two before adding them to the dry ingredients. Be careful not to burn them!
- Apple Prep Hack: To prevent apples from browning after dicing, toss them with a little lemon juice. This keeps them looking fresh and bright in your bread.
- Insider Hack: For extra moisture, add 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce to the batter. It enhances the apple flavor and keeps the bread incredibly moist. Did you know that applesauce is my secret ingredient for many of my baking recipes? It’s kitchen magic, I tell you!
Recipe Swaps & Variations for Country Apple Fritter Bread
- Vegan Apple Fritter Bread: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg, let sit for 5 minutes). Use plant-based milk for buttermilk and glaze. Ensure your butter is vegan for the fritter swirl.
- Gluten-Free Delight: As mentioned, use a gluten-free flour blend. You might need to add a touch more moisture as gluten-free flours can be drier.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the spice mix for a warm, exotic twist.
- Nutty Crunch: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a delightful nutty texture.
- Caramel Apple Bread: Drizzle caramel sauce over the glaze for an extra layer of decadent flavor.
- Seasonal Fruit Swaps: In the fall, try pears or cranberries instead of apples for a seasonal variation.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Country Apple Fritter Bread

- Coffee or Tea: A warm slice of this bread is heavenly with a hot cup of coffee or tea, especially on a crisp morning.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: For a dessert option, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm bread and cold ice cream is divine!
- Cinnamon Yogurt: Pair it with a dollop of cinnamon-flavored yogurt for a light breakfast or snack.
- Apple Cider: In the fall, serve it alongside warm apple cider for the ultimate cozy treat.
- Brunch Spread: Include this bread as part of a brunch spread with eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit. It’s a wonderful sweet addition to a savory meal.
- Presentation Tip: Dust the bread with a little extra cinnamon or powdered sugar before serving for a pretty finish.
Storing Your Country Apple Fritter Bread
- Room Temperature: Store leftover bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Bring to room temperature or warm slightly before serving for the best texture.
- Freezer: To freeze, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
- Reheating: To reheat, you can warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a toaster oven at a low temperature until heated through.
- Food Safety Pointer: Always ensure the bread is stored in a cool, dry place and properly wrapped to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odors.
- Leftover Hack: Turn slightly stale bread into French toast! Slice it thick, dip in egg batter, and fry for a delicious twist on breakfast.
Printable Recipe Card

Country Apple Fritter Bread Recipe
Equipment
- 2 Large Mixing Bowls Stainless steel
- 1 9×5 inch Loaf Pan Or 8×4 inch loaf pan
- 1 Whisk For dry ingredients
- 1 Spatula or Wooden Spoon For mixing batter
- 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons For accurate measurements
- 1 Paring Knife For peeling apples
- 1 Cutting Board For dicing apples
Ingredients
Bread
- 2 cups All-purpose flour plus extra for dusting pan
- 1 teaspoon Baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 3/4 cup Granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup Packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup Vegetable oil
- 2 large Eggs room temperature
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup Buttermilk or substitute
- 2 cups Apples peeled and diced, Honeycrisp or Fuji
Fritter Swirl
- 1/4 cup All-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter melted
Glaze
- 1 cup Powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons Milk or more as needed
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This prevents the bread from sticking and ensures easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined to evenly distribute the spices.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined. This creates a moist base for the bread.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next for a smooth batter.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can lead to a tough bread.
- Gently fold in the diced apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon for the swirl. Stir in the melted butter until crumbly.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the fritter swirl mixture evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining batter over the swirl and top with the remaining fritter swirl. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the fritter mixture into the batter. This creates those beautiful pockets of cinnamon-sugar goodness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Start checking for doneness around 50 minutes.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling slightly in the pan helps the bread set before you remove it.
- Once the bread is completely cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread. If you want a thicker glaze, use less milk; for a thinner glaze, add a bit more milk.
- Slice and serve this delightful Country Apple Fritter Bread. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Notes
Nutrition Breakdown: Calories, Protein, Fats & More
(Per serving, estimated, based on 12 servings per loaf)
- Calories: Approximately 280
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Recipe FAQ

- Can I use a different type of apple? Absolutely! Granny Smith, Gala, Fuji, and Honeycrisp all work wonderfully. Each will impart a slightly different flavor and texture.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, this bread is perfect for making ahead! It stays moist and delicious for days. You can bake it a day or two in advance and store it at room temperature or in the fridge.
- What if I don’t have buttermilk? No problem! You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/2 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Can I skip the fritter swirl? While the fritter swirl adds a delightful texture and flavor, you can skip it if you prefer. The bread will still be delicious!
- How do I know when the bread is done? Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. Avoid overbaking to keep it moist.
- Can I add nuts to this recipe? Yes! Adding 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans would add a lovely crunch and flavor.
Happy Cooking & Share Your Results!

There you have it – my cherished Country Apple Fritter Bread recipe, straight from my kitchen to yours! I just know you’re going to fall in love with the warm spices, tender apples, and that irresistible fritter swirl. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your home with the most comforting aroma and brings smiles with every slice.
Now, it’s your turn to work your kitchen magic! Give this recipe a try, and I promise you won’t be disappointed. And when you do, please, oh please, share your creations with me! Snap a photo of your beautiful Country Apple Fritter Bread and tag me on Instagram and Pinterest. I absolutely love seeing your versions and hearing how much you enjoyed it.
What are you waiting for? Let’s get baking and fill our kitchens with the sweet scent of apples and cinnamon! And tell me in the comments below, what’s your favorite thing to bake in the fall? Happy baking, friends!