Save A moist and tender loaf filled with juicy apple chunks, swirled with cinnamon sugar, and topped with a luscious salted caramel glaze. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat.
I first made this salted caramel apple fritter loaf for my family’s cozy weekend brunch, and the sweet aroma filled our kitchen with anticipation. The tender apples make every bite special and let me relive autumn memories.
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar: for tossing with apples
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: for apple mixture
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed: for cinnamon swirl
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: for cinnamon swirl
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened: for loaf batter
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar: for loaf batter
- 2 large eggs, room temperature: for loaf batter
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: for loaf batter
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: for loaf batter
- 1 3/4 tsp baking powder: for loaf batter
- 1/2 tsp salt: for loaf batter
- 1/2 cup whole milk: for loaf batter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: for salted caramel glaze
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: for salted caramel glaze
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: for salted caramel glaze
- 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt: for salted caramel glaze
Instructions
- Prepare the pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare apple mixture:
- In a small bowl, toss diced apples with 2 tbsp granulated sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon. Set aside.
- Make cinnamon swirl:
- In another bowl, mix brown sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon for the swirl. Set aside.
- Mix loaf batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter and 2/3 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to the wet mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
- Layer and swirl:
- Pour half the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Layer half the apple mixture over the batter. Sprinkle with half the cinnamon swirl mixture. Repeat with remaining batter, apples, and cinnamon swirl.
- Swirl and bake:
- Gently swirl layers with a butter knife. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the loaf:
- Cool loaf in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare salted caramel glaze:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt sugar until it turns an amber color, swirling occasionally. Add butter and stir until melted. Slowly whisk in cream (mixture will bubble). Remove from heat and stir in sea salt. Let cool slightly.
- Add glaze:
- Drizzle the cooled loaf with salted caramel glaze before serving.
Save My kids always rush to slice the loaf before it even hits the table, and the gooey caramel drizzle is everyone’s favorite bit. Sharing it warm with loved ones is a moment of pure delight.
Required Tools
9x5-inch loaf pan, mixing bowls, hand or stand mixer, saucepan, whisk, parchment paper, cooling rack
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 10 slices): 285 calories, 11 g total fat, 44 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein
Category & Yield
Dessert, quick bread. Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 slices). Difficulty: Medium.
Save This loaf turns any morning or dessert into something decadent and cozy. Enjoy every forkful with extra caramel if you wish.
Recipe Guide
- → What apples work best for this loaf?
Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are ideal for their tartness and texture, but any baking apple will do.
- → Can I substitute the caramel glaze?
Try a simple powdered sugar glaze or a drizzle of honey for a different touch, though caramel adds a signature flavor.
- → How do I know when it's baked through?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean with few crumbs, the loaf is fully baked.
- → Can I add nuts to the batter?
Yes, fold in 1/3 cup of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
- → What is the best way to store leftovers?
Wrap loaf tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days, or freeze slices for longer storage.
- → Is this loaf suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this loaf is vegetarian-friendly, containing no meat or gelatin products.