Brown Butter Apple Fritter Loaf
This Brown Butter Apple Fritter Loaf Cake is a fall-inspired treat, filled with tender apples and swirls of cinnamon, then drizzled with a rich maple glaze. The nutty brown butter adds depth to the moist, fluffy cake, making it the perfect cozy dessert for any occasion.
If you try out this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a comment with a star rating below and tag @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and hashtag it #wellmadebykiley
Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below. Read through this section for all the ingredients substitution and baking tips!
Salted butter
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Greek yogurt
Apples of choice
Cinnamon
Brown sugar
Powdered sugar
Maple syrup
Milk of choice
Why You’ll Love a Brown Butter Apple Fritter Loaf:
Rich, Nutty Flavor: The brown butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that enhances the sweetness of the apples and cinnamon, creating a deliciously warm and cozy loaf cake.
Perfect Fall Dessert: This loaf cake combines the classic flavors of apple fritters with the richness of brown butter, making it an ideal treat for fall gatherings or cozy nights in.
Tender and Moist Texture: Filled with chunks of tender apples and swirls of cinnamon, this cake has a soft, moist crumb that melts in your mouth.
Maple Glaze Drizzle: The maple glaze adds a touch of sweetness and a hint of maple flavor, perfectly complementing the spiced apple filling and brown butter base.
Easy to Make: Despite its gourmet flavor, this loaf cake is simple to make, requiring basic ingredients and minimal effort, making it a perfect dessert for both novice and experienced bakers.
Great for Breakfast or Dessert: Whether you enjoy it with your morning coffee or as an after-dinner treat, this loaf cake is versatile and satisfying at any time of day.
Cinnamon Apple Swirls: The cinnamon swirls in every bite bring warmth and spice, making each slice as flavorful as the last.
Crowd-Pleaser: This loaf cake is sure to impress at any gathering, from holiday celebrations to casual brunches, with its rich flavors and beautiful presentation.
Wonderful Aroma: Baking this loaf cake fills your kitchen with the comforting scent of brown butter, cinnamon, and apples, making it hard to resist.
Perfect for Gifting: Wrapped up beautifully, this loaf cake makes a thoughtful homemade gift that anyone would love to receive.
Tips for Making a Brown Butter Apple Fritter Loaf:
Use Fresh, Firm Apples: Choose apples that are firm and slightly tart, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These varieties hold their shape well during baking and balance the sweetness of the cake.
Brown the Butter Carefully: When browning the butter, stir constantly over medium heat until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Be sure to remove it from the heat immediately to prevent burning.
Let Brown Butter Cool Slightly: After browning the butter, let it cool slightly before adding it to the batter. This prevents the eggs from curdling and ensures a smooth batter.
Dice Apples Evenly: Cut the apples into small, even pieces to ensure they cook evenly throughout the cake, providing a tender texture in every bite.
Create Cinnamon Swirls: To get beautiful cinnamon swirls, layer the batter with cinnamon sugar and gently swirl it with a knife or skewer before baking. This adds a visual appeal and an extra burst of cinnamon flavor.
Don’t Over-mix the Batter: Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Over-mixing can lead to a dense loaf instead of the light, fluffy texture you’re aiming for.
Bake Until Golden: Bake the loaf cake until it’s golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Avoid over-baking to keep the cake moist.
Cool Completely Before Glazing: Let the loaf cool completely before drizzling the maple glaze. This ensures the glaze sets nicely without running off the cake.
Use Pure Maple Syrup for the Glaze: For the best flavor, use pure maple syrup in the glaze. It adds a rich, authentic sweetness that pairs perfectly with the spiced apple and brown butter flavors.
Store Properly: Store the loaf cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
How to Store a Brown Butter Apple Fritter Loaf:
Room Temperature Storage: Store the loaf cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps the cake moist and maintains its fresh taste, making it readily available for snacking or serving.
Refrigeration for Extended Freshness: To extend the cake's freshness, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Refrigeration helps preserve the moisture and flavor, especially in warmer climates.
Separate Storage for Glaze: If you plan to store the cake for more than a couple of days, consider storing the maple glaze separately. Keep the glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Drizzle it over individual slices just before serving to maintain the glaze's fresh texture and prevent the cake from becoming soggy.
Freezing the Loaf Cake: For long-term storage, freeze the loaf cake. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
Freezing Individual Slices: Slice the loaf before freezing for convenient, portion-controlled servings. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and store them together in a freezer-safe container or bag. This allows you to thaw and enjoy single slices as needed.
Reheating Instructions: To enjoy the cake warm, reheat slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. Warming the cake enhances the flavors of the brown butter and cinnamon, giving it that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Adding Glaze After Reheating: If you've stored the glaze separately or want to refresh the cake, drizzle the maple glaze over the cake or individual slices after reheating. This ensures the glaze retains its delightful texture and doesn't soak into the cake during storage.
Preventing Dryness: To keep the cake from drying out, make sure it's well-wrapped or stored in airtight containers. Exposure to air can cause the cake to become stale and lose its moist, tender crumb.
Storing Leftover Glaze: Store any leftover maple glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Before using, give it a good stir. If the glaze has thickened too much, you can thin it with a small amount of milk or warm it slightly.
Enhancing Stored Cake: For added freshness and flavor, top reheated slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This not only complements the cake's flavors but also adds moisture, making each serving extra indulgent.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
A: Yes! You can use a variety of apples depending on your taste. Granny Smith apples are great for a tart flavor, while Honeycrisp or Fuji apples add sweetness. Mixing apple varieties can also give the cake a more complex flavor.
Q: How do I brown the butter properly?
A: To brown butter, melt it over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. Be careful not to let it burn—once it browns, remove it from the heat immediately to cool.
Q: Can I make the cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the cake a day or two ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature, or refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Drizzle the maple glaze just before serving for the best texture.
Q: Can I freeze the loaf cake?
A: Absolutely! Let the cake cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving, and drizzle with fresh maple glaze.
Q: Should I add the maple glaze before or after storing?
A: For the best results, add the maple glaze just before serving. If added too early, the glaze can soak into the cake and become less visually appealing. Store the glaze separately and drizzle it on after reheating or serving.
Q: How do I know when the cake is done baking?
A: The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown, and the edges should pull slightly away from the sides of the pan.
Q: Can I substitute the maple glaze with another topping?
A: Yes, you can use other glazes like vanilla or caramel, or even dust the cake with powdered sugar for a simpler finish. However, the maple glaze complements the flavors of the brown butter and apple perfectly.
Q: How should I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you need to store it longer, freeze the cake as whole or in slices for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I add nuts to the loaf cake?
A: Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts can be folded into the batter for added texture and flavor. They pair wonderfully with the apple and cinnamon flavors.
Q: How can I reheat the cake?
A: To reheat the cake, warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds. This brings back the fresh flavor and keeps the cake soft and moist.
Check out my other fall recipes on Instagram:
Make sure to tag me @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you try this brown butter apple fritter loaf. Happy baking!
