Introduction
Sourdough apple fritter bread is a wonderful treat that mixes the comforting taste of warm apples with the gentle tang of sourdough. This recipe creates a soft and sweet loaf that fills your kitchen with a cozy smell that feels like autumn mornings or home baked memories. It uses sourdough discard which makes it perfect for bakers who want to use their starter without wasting any. The bread is rich with chunks of apple and a sweet cinnamon swirl that melts into every slice. Many people enjoy this bread because it brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels warm familiar and full of comfort.
People love sourdough apple fritter bread because it tastes like a mix of apple fritters and soft cinnamon bread. It has a sweet golden crust and a tender inside filled with juicy apples. The sourdough adds a quiet tang that makes the flavors deeper without being strong. Each slice feels like a small dessert but is still soft enough for breakfast. The gentle sweetness and soft texture make it appealing to children and adults. It is also a fun way to use sourdough discard because the flavor becomes richer and more interesting with each bake.
There are many moments when this bread feels perfect to make. It is the kind of recipe you choose on a cool morning when you want your home to feel warm and inviting. It is wonderful when you want to bake something sweet for friends or family. It also works beautifully as a weekend treat when you have extra sourdough starter and want to turn it into something comforting. Many people make this bread during the holiday season because the cinnamon and apple aroma feels festive and joyful. Others bake it when they need a bit of emotional comfort because the soft texture and warm flavor bring peace and happiness to the day.
Ingredients You Will Need
For the bread batter
All purpose flour 260 grams
Sourdough discard 120 grams
White sugar 100 grams
Brown sugar 50 grams
Eggs 2 large
Milk 120 milliliters
Butter melted 80 grams
Baking powder 2 teaspoons
Salt one small pinch
Vanilla extract 2 teaspoons
For the apple filling
Apples peeled and chopped 2 medium
White sugar 50 grams
Cinnamon 1 teaspoon
Nutmeg one small pinch
For the cinnamon swirl
Brown sugar 60 grams
Cinnamon 2 teaspoons
Butter melted 2 tablespoons
Optional glaze
Powdered sugar 120 grams
Milk 2 to 3 tablespoons
Vanilla extract half teaspoon
Step by Step Method
Step One
Begin by preparing the apple filling. Peel the apples and cut them into small cubes that are easy to mix into the batter. Place them in a bowl and add sugar cinnamon and nutmeg. Stir the mixture until every apple piece is coated with the sweet spices. Set the bowl aside so the apples soften lightly while you prepare the batter.
Step Two
In a large bowl whisk the eggs until smooth. Add the white sugar and brown sugar and mix until the mixture becomes creamy. Pour in the melted butter and keep mixing. Add the milk and vanilla extract and whisk again. This mixture should look smooth soft and slightly shiny.
Step Three
Add the sourdough discard to the bowl and gently mix it into the wet ingredients. The sourdough will make the batter a little thicker but that is what helps create the soft texture in the final bread. Stir until the mixture looks even and well combined.
Step Four
In a separate bowl add the flour baking powder and salt. Stir gently so the dry ingredients mix evenly. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the bowl with the wet mixture. Stir with a spoon or spatula until the batter becomes smooth. Do not mix too hard because gentle mixing helps the bread stay soft.
Step Five
Fold the apple mixture into the batter. The apples should be spread throughout the bowl so each slice of bread has a good amount of fruit. Be gentle so the apples do not break into small pieces. The batter will look thick and full which is exactly right for this recipe.
Step Six
Prepare the cinnamon swirl by mixing the brown sugar cinnamon and melted butter together in a small bowl. Stir until it becomes a thick sweet paste. This swirl is what makes the bread taste like an apple fritter.
Step Seven
Pour half of the batter into a greased loaf pan. Spread it gently so the top is even. Spoon some of the cinnamon swirl in lines over the batter. Use a thin knife or the tip of a spoon to gently swirl it around. Do not mix it fully because you want ribbons of cinnamon throughout the bread.
Step Eight
Add the rest of the batter on top. Spread it lightly to even it out. Spoon the remaining cinnamon swirl on the top layer and gently swirl it again. These swirls will create a sweet beautiful pattern when the bread bakes.
Step Nine
Place the loaf pan into a warm oven and bake until the bread turns golden and the top springs back gently when touched. If you insert a toothpick into the center it should come out clean or with only a few crumbs. The apples will make the bread moist so crumbs are normal.
Step Ten
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for several minutes. Once the loaf becomes firm enough to handle lift it out and place it on a cooling rack. If you want to add glaze wait until the bread is fully cooled so the glaze does not melt too quickly.
Step Eleven
Prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar milk and vanilla extract in a bowl until the mixture becomes smooth. Drizzle it gently over the cooled bread. The glaze adds a sweet shiny finish that makes the bread taste even more like a classic apple fritter.
Step Twelve
Slice the bread once it is fully cooled. Serve it warm or room temperature. You can also warm slices in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back the fresh baked softness.
Why This Recipe Is Special
This recipe is special because it combines the cozy flavor of apple fritters with the natural goodness of sourdough. The sourdough discard adds depth without making the bread taste sour. Instead it gives each slice a tender and moist texture that feels almost like a bakery treat. The apples bring natural sweetness while the cinnamon adds a warm comforting scent.
Another reason this bread is special is that it helps bakers use sourdough discard creatively. Many bakers feel guilty throwing away discard so this recipe gives them a delicious way to use it. It is an easy recipe that even beginners can follow. The steps are simple but the results look impressive and taste rich.
This bread also brings emotional comfort. The smell of apples and cinnamon can remind people of family gatherings holidays or warm breakfasts from childhood. Baking it can lift your mood and bring calm to a busy day. Sharing it with friends or family can create joyful moments that feel close and personal.
This recipe is also flexible. You can use different kinds of apples. You can make the glaze thicker or thinner. You can add a little extra cinnamon if you enjoy stronger spice. The bread tastes wonderful plain but also works beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm morning drink. All these features make this recipe welcoming and enjoyable for everyone.
Extra Tips for Better Taste
Use fresh apples that have a firm bite for the best texture. Soft apples can make the bread mushy.
Choose apples with a natural tartness such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balanced flavor.
Do not over mix the batter. Gentle mixing keeps the bread soft and tender.
Use real butter for rich flavor. Butter also helps the top become golden and slightly crisp.
Let the bread cool fully before slicing. This keeps the structure firm and prevents crumbling.
If you want a stronger cinnamon flavor add an extra half teaspoon to the swirl.
For extra sweetness add a few tiny apple pieces on top of the batter before baking.
If your sourdough discard is very thick add one extra spoon of milk to make the batter smoother.
Wrap leftover slices tightly to keep them moist and fresh.
Final Thoughts
Sourdough apple fritter bread is a beautiful mix of comfort sweetness and homemade warmth. It brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels thoughtful and satisfying. Even beginners can make this recipe with ease and enjoy the smell of apples and cinnamon filling their kitchen. This bread works for breakfast dessert snacks or special gatherings. Every slice feels soft tender and full of flavor. Once you taste it you may want to bake it often especially when you have sourdough discard waiting to be used. It is a lovely way to bring joy to your home and share something handmade with people you love.
Nutrition Details
These values are estimates and can vary depending on ingredient brands.
Nutrition for the entire loaf
Calories 2720
Protein 40 grams
Fat 112 grams
Carbohydrates 400 grams
Fiber 10 grams
Sugar 235 grams
Sodium 1450 milligrams
Nutrition per slice
This loaf makes ten slices
Each slice contains approximately
Calories 272
Protein 4 grams
Fat 11 grams
Carbohydrates 40 grams
Fiber 1 gram
Sugar 23 grams
Sodium 145 milligrams
Disclaimer
Every person is unique and may respond differently to ingredients. While this recipe can fit many lifestyles it may not be suitable for everyone. People with special dietary needs or health concerns should speak with a health professional before making changes to their diet. Your personal results and experience may vary.