This Apple Walnut Fritter Bread is an insanely delicious quick bread packed with swirls of cinnamon and slightly tart apples, topped with crunchy walnuts, and finished with a sweet glaze. It’s the perfect alternative to an apple fritter donut and will fill your house with the fantastic aroma of cinnamon and apples as it bakes.
This recipe is moist, full of warm fall flavors, and pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee. The key to its flavor is using tart apples, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, which provide a delicious balance to the sweetness of the bread.
Ingredients
- Sugars: Both granulated sugar and brown sugar are used in this recipe.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for baking.
- Apples: Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is recommended.
- Milk: Whole milk or low-fat milk will work fine.
- Walnuts: Pecans also work great, or you can leave them out if you prefer.
- Cinnamon
- Eggs
- Vanilla
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Powdered sugar (for the glaze)
Step 1: Prep the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon until they are well combined. Set this mixture aside.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the sugar and softened butter together until combined. Add the eggs, milk, and vanilla, and mix well until everything is incorporated.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
Step 5: Layer the Bread
- Bottom Layer: Pour half of the batter into a well-greased loaf pan.
- First Filling: Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top of the batter, followed by a layer of the diced apples.
- Top Layer: Pour the remaining batter over the top.
- Final Topping: Sprinkle the remaining diced apples, the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture, and the walnuts on top.
Step 6: Bake and Glaze Bake the loaf in a preheated oven. The baking time can vary, so keep an eye on it. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it with a piece of aluminum foil to protect it. Once baked, let the loaf cool completely in the pan before you remove it. Once cooled, drizzle the glaze (made from powdered sugar and a little milk or water) over the top.
Recipe Tips
- Be sure to spray the loaf pan well or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- For the best result, make sure the loaf is fully cooled before you add the glaze. This will prevent the glaze from melting and getting soggy.
- If you’re using extra-juicy apples, your baking time might be slightly longer.
- This recipe is a great way to use extra apples. If you have a lot, consider making other delicious apple treats like a caramel apple crisp.
