Get ready to fall in love with Amish Apple Fritter Bread—a cozy, cinnamon-swirled loaf that perfectly balances tender, buttery crumb with juicy pockets of fresh apples and a sweet, crinkly glaze on top. Every bite tastes like a visit to a country fair or a precious memory straight from Grandma’s kitchen, making it the kind of treat you’ll want to share with everyone (or secretly keep all to yourself!). This recipe holds a special place in my baking repertoire and has truly earned its status as comfort food royalty.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in Amish Apple Fritter Bread brings something special to the party, from the warm spices and tender apples to the rich buttery base. Gather these simple pantry staples and fresh apples—the transformation once baked is pure magic!
- Brown Sugar: Adds a caramel-like depth, ensuring those signature cinnamon swirls are gorgeously sweet and rich.
- Ground Cinnamon: The classic spice that infuses every bite with warmth and comfort, a must for apple fritters!
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the loaf and helps create a tender, golden crust.
- Unsalted Butter (softened): Brings richness and moisture, making the bread beautifully soft and flavorful.
- Large Eggs: Binds the batter together and adds lift for a perfect crumb.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash brings out the best in apples and cinnamon, rounding out the aroma.
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of your bread, delivering structure without heaviness.
- Baking Powder: Gives this loaf its gentle rise and softness.
- Milk: Creates a moist, tender texture and keeps the crumb light.
- Peeled and Chopped Apples (such as Granny Smith): Brings bursts of juicy tartness; Granny Smith’s firmness holds up superbly when baked.
- Powdered Sugar (for the glaze): Delivers the signature sweet finish—don’t skip it!
- Milk or Cream (for the glaze): Just a splash is all you need to bring the glaze together to the perfect drizzling consistency.
How to Make Amish Apple Fritter Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients
First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F, and take a moment to generously grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This helps your beautiful loaf release easily and look picture-perfect. Peel and chop your apples (I love Granny Smith for their pop of tartness) and set out your other measured ingredients. That little bit of prep makes mixing a breeze!
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon-Brown Sugar Swirl
In a small bowl, mix together your brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside this aromatic duo—it’s going to become delightful ribbons of deliciousness running through your bread.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Grab a large bowl and cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and smooth. This step is all about adding air for a tender crumb. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, blending until everything is luscious and combined.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. This ensures the rising agent is evenly distributed, giving your loaf that signature soft rise.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gently add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix just until combined—overmixing can make the bread tough, so less is more here. You want a thick, silky batter ready for layering.
Step 6: Layer and Swirl
Pour half the batter into your prepared loaf pan, then layer on half the chopped apples and sprinkle with half of the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture. Repeat with the remaining batter, apples, and cinnamon goodness. Lightly press the top layer of apples into the batter, then use a sharp knife to gently swirl the cinnamon through the loaf. This creates that signature apple fritter look and taste in every slice!
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the loaf for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly. Let the bread cool in its pan for 10–15 minutes before gently transferring to a wire rack.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
As the bread cools (or while it’s still slightly warm, if you can’t wait), whisk powdered sugar with a tablespoon or two of milk until smooth and creamy. Drizzle this glaze over your loaf—it sets into a sweet sheen that’s irresistible. Let it settle, then slice up and enjoy your Amish Apple Fritter Bread!
How to Serve Amish Apple Fritter Bread
Garnishes
This luscious loaf shines all on its own, but a dusting of extra powdered sugar or a handful of finely chopped toasted pecans adds a lovely touch. For true bakery vibes, you can even add a second drizzle of glaze just before serving—totally swoon-worthy!
Side Dishes
Amish Apple Fritter Bread pairs delightfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert, or even a dollop of whipped cream. If you’re enjoying it for brunch, pair with fresh fruit and some strong black coffee or hot apple cider. Simple, comforting accompaniments let those apple and cinnamon flavors steal the show.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this loaf into a showstopper by slicing it thick and serving each piece topped with caramel sauce or a bit of fresh apple compote. For a brunch spread, cut into cubes and serve as part of a sweet breakfast board alongside other pastries and fruit. Amish Apple Fritter Bread is also lovely as wrapped-up mini loaves for gifting during the holidays or whenever you want to send some cozy cheer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Amish Apple Fritter Bread fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and storing it at room temperature for up to three days. The flavors actually seem to deepen as it sits, and the crumb stays moist and delicious.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully! Simply cool the loaf completely, wrap it well, and pop it in the freezer for up to two months. I recommend glazing after thawing for the freshest appearance, but you can also freeze it with the glaze if you prefer extra convenience.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven experience. Or, to re-crisp the edges a bit, place slices on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven just until heated through. The aroma of cinnamon and apples will come alive all over again!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples bring a nice tartness, feel free to use Honeycrisp, Fujis, or even a blend of varieties for extra depth of flavor. Just make sure to use firm apples so they hold up well during baking.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of your loaf; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready. Be sure to start checking at the 50-minute mark, as ovens can vary.
Can I make Amish Apple Fritter Bread in advance?
Yes, this loaf is actually even more flavorful the next day! Just cool it completely, wrap tightly, and store at room temperature or refrigerate if you need longer freshness.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Certainly! Substitute a good-quality gluten-free all-purpose blend (with xanthan gum, if possible) for the regular flour. The result is still tender and delicious, though texture may vary slightly.
What’s the best way to get a really thick glaze?
Use less milk or cream—start with just one tablespoon when mixing your powdered sugar for the glaze and add more only as needed. This will give you that wonderful, bakery-style thick icing that sits beautifully atop your Amish Apple Fritter Bread.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something irresistible about a warm, fragrant loaf of Amish Apple Fritter Bread fresh from the oven—it’s pure comfort and joy, slice after slice. Whether you serve it for breakfast, dessert, or as a heartfelt homemade gift, I hope you’ll find as much happiness in baking (and eating!) it as I do. You truly can’t go wrong with a classic like this—happy baking!
Print
Amish Apple Fritter Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of fall with this delicious Amish Apple Fritter Bread. A moist and flavorful apple loaf, swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a sweet glaze, this recipe is perfect for cozy mornings or as a delightful dessert.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and chopped apples (such as Granny Smith)
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease/flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix cinnamon sugar: Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl; set aside.
- Cream sugar and butter: In a large bowl, cream granulated sugar and softened butter until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk flour and baking powder. Add dry ingredients to creamed mixture alternately with milk.
- Layer batter and apples: Pour half of the batter into the pan. Layer half of the apples and cinnamon sugar. Repeat layers. Swirl cinnamon through the batter.
- Bake: Bake for 50–60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan before transferring to a rack.
- Make glaze: Mix powdered sugar with milk/cream to make a glaze. Drizzle over the bread.
Notes
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for longer freshness.
- Try using a mix of tart and sweet apples for more depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
