A perfectly moist and flavorful Apple Fritter Bread starts with a well-prepared batter. Follow these steps for a soft, tender loaf.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, combine 1/3 cup light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and diced apples. Toss well to coat the apples in the cinnamon-sugar mixture and set aside. This step helps the apples caramelize beautifully while baking.
In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat 1/2 cup unsalted butter and 2/3 cup light brown sugar together for 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy. Creaming the butter and sugar properly ensures a soft and airy texture.
Add 2 eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. The eggs provide structure, while vanilla enhances the overall flavor.
On low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with 1/2 cup milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense, so be gentle!