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Caramel Apple Fritter Bread

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf

Warm, cozy, and full of fall flavor—this Caramel Apple Fritter Bread is everything you love about a classic apple fritter, transformed into a soft, tender quick bread. No frying required! Each slice is packed with juicy cinnamon-sugar apples and finished with a rich caramel drizzle that makes your kitchen smell like a bakery on a crisp autumn morning.

Serve it warm for breakfast, enjoy it as a sweet afternoon snack, or pair it with a cup of coffee for dessert—it’s irresistible any time of day.

🍎 Ingredients & Substitutions

Apples:
Granny Smith apples are my go-to because they’re tart and hold up beautifully while baking. For a slightly sweeter twist, try Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn apples. Mixing two varieties (like Granny Smith + Honeycrisp) adds layers of flavor and texture.

Sugars:
Use both light brown sugar and granulated sugar for the perfect sweetness. The brown sugar caramelizes with the apples, while granulated sugar keeps the batter light and fluffy.

Butter:
Unsalted butter gives you control over salt levels, but salted butter works too—just reduce the added salt slightly.

Baking Powder:
This helps the bread rise perfectly without yeast. Make sure your baking powder is fresh for the best texture.

Caramel Sauce:
The show-stopping finish! Drizzle over the bread while it’s still warm. Homemade caramel sauce adds unbeatable flavor, but store-bought works in a pinch.

🍂 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • All the cozy fall flavor—no frying required.
  • Easy enough for a weekday bake, yet special enough for entertaining.
  • Makes your home smell amazing while it bakes.
  • The caramel drizzle turns it into a true bakery-style treat.

🍏 Best Apples for Baking

Not all apples behave the same once baked. Here are some top picks:

  • Granny Smith: Tart, firm, and ideal for baking.
  • Honeycrisp: Sweet, crisp, and holds its texture.
  • Fuji: Naturally sweet and stays tender.
  • Braeburn: Slightly spicy and aromatic.
  • Pink Lady: Crisp, tangy, and perfect with caramel.

💡 Tip: A mix of tart and sweet apples gives the best flavor balance.

🧁 How to Tell When It’s Done

  • Toothpick test: Insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
  • Temperature: The center should reach about 200°F when fully baked.
  • Appearance: The top should be golden brown and slightly pulling from the edges.
  • Touch: The top should spring back gently when pressed.

Because apples release moisture, a few crumbs are normal—avoid overbaking for the best texture.

✨ Variations

Make this recipe your own with these fun twists:

  • Use a mix of apple varieties for flavor depth.
  • Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
  • Stir in a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.
  • Swirl a little caramel into the batter for gooey bites throughout.
  • Replace the caramel drizzle with a vanilla glaze for a bakery-style finish.

🥶 Storage & Freezing Tips

  • Room Temperature: Wrap tightly and store for 2–3 days.
  • Refrigerator: Keeps up to 1 week, though it may dry faster.
  • Freezer: Cool completely, wrap well, and freeze (without caramel) for up to 3 months. Drizzle caramel after thawing for best flavor.

🍮 Caramel Apple Fritter Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 3 small Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 2 cups)
  • ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • ⅔ cup (133 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1½ cups (188 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ cup (80 g) caramel sauce, for drizzling

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray and set aside.
  2. In a bowl, toss diced apples with brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
  3. In a mixer, cream together granulated sugar and butter until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Mix in milk and vanilla until smooth.
  5. Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low just until combined—don’t overmix.
  6. Fold in ¾ of the apple mixture, reserving the rest for the top.
  7. Pour batter into the loaf pan, then spoon the remaining apples over the top.
  8. Bake for 65–70 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then drizzle with warm caramel sauce.
  10. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

❤️ Serving Suggestions

  • Warm it up and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  • Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea.
  • Wrap in parchment and gift to friends or neighbors—it’s a perfect homemade fall treat!