If you’ve ever fallen in love with the irresistible aroma and comforting taste of apple fritters at a bakery, just wait until you try this Amish Apple Fritter Bread Recipe. It’s a soft, tender bread bursting with chunks of tart apples, swirled with a cinnamon-sugar mixture that gives every bite a perfect hint of spice and sweetness. Topped with a glossy glaze that melts into the warm loaf, this bread delivers all the cozy flavors you crave from a freshly baked apple fritter but in an easy-to-slice, shareable form. Whether you’re grabbing a slice for breakfast or enjoying it as a sweet afternoon snack, this recipe has quickly become a beloved classic you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting this Amish Apple Fritter Bread Recipe is wonderfully simple because it relies on straightforward, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Each element plays its part: the flour and baking powder build structure, the apples bring freshness and texture, and the cinnamon-sugar swirl adds that iconic show-stopping flavor.
- 2 cups flour: The backbone of the bread, providing a tender crumb and structure.
- 1 tbsp baking powder: Helps the bread rise perfectly light without heaviness.
- ½ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- ½ cup butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the bread just right without overpowering the apples.
- 2 eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to a soft texture.
- 1 cup milk: Keeps the batter moist and tender.
- 1 ½ cups chopped apples: The star of the show—opt for tart varieties like Granny Smith for a perfect balance.
- ⅓ cup brown sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon (swirl): Creates the irresistible cinnamon-sugar swirl packed with warmth and sweetness.
How to Make Amish Apple Fritter Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). This ensures that when your batter is ready, you can pop it in right away for even baking. Grease or line a loaf pan to prevent sticking, setting the stage for a perfect, easy-to-remove loaf.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is key for getting a tender crumb and helps the bread rise well. You’ll notice the mixture transforms, becoming smooth and creamy—this is the sweet base of your bread.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Milk
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the milk. These liquid ingredients bring moisture and richness, ensuring the bread isn’t dry but stays soft and fluffy. Mixing well at this stage keeps the batter smooth and cohesive.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold in Apples
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir this dry mix into your wet ingredients, blending until just combined. Overmixing here can toughen the bread, so be gentle! Finally, carefully fold in the chopped apples, distributing them evenly to have that perfect fruit-studded effect in every slice.
Step 5: Layer Batter and Cinnamon Sugar in Loaf Pan
Now for the magic swirl! Pour half the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture evenly on top. Add the remaining batter and finish with the rest of the cinnamon sugar. Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar through the batter—this creates that signature apple fritter look and taste.
Step 6: Bake and Glaze the Bread
Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once out of the oven, let the bread cool slightly before drizzling with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. This finishing touch adds that irresistible shine and extra sweetness, perfectly replicating the classic apple fritter glaze.
How to Serve Amish Apple Fritter Bread Recipe
Garnishes
While the glaze is a showstopper itself, adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top can elevate the presentation and add an extra dash of warmth. Fresh apple slices or a dollop of whipped cream on the side make the plate even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for a cozy morning or afternoon treat. You can also serve it alongside savory dishes like creamy soup or a sharp cheese platter to balance sweetness and richness for a lovely brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Slice the bread thickly and toast it lightly, then spread with cream cheese or honey butter. For a dessert twist, serve warm slices topped with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce—a delightful nod to apple fritters without the extra frying.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Amish Apple Fritter Bread Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps it moist and flavorful without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this bread later, slice it before freezing for quick servings. Wrap the slices or the whole loaf tightly in freezer-safe packaging, and it will keep beautifully for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature when ready to eat.
Reheating
To bring the bread back to fresh-baked warmth, simply toast slices lightly or warm in a 300 °F oven for about 10 minutes. This reactivates the glaze’s sweetness and revives that soft, tender crumb that makes the Amish Apple Fritter Bread Recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith provide a nice balance to the sweetness, feel free to experiment with Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala for a different flavor and texture. Just make sure your apples are firm so they hold up during baking.
Is this bread suitable for freezing without the glaze?
Yes, it’s best to freeze the bread without the glaze. Add the glaze after thawing and reheating for the freshest taste and a shiny finish that truly brightens the loaf.
Can I substitute the butter with oil?
You can substitute butter with an equal amount of vegetable or canola oil, but keep in mind the flavor and texture might be slightly different. Butter adds richness and a depth of flavor that complements the apples beautifully.
How do I make the swirl effect in the bread?
Layer half of your batter in the pan, sprinkle half of your cinnamon and brown sugar mixture on top, then add the remaining batter and cinnamon sugar. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl it through the batter in a figure-eight motion, creating delightful cinnamon ribbons throughout the bread.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
With some adjustments, yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking in place of regular flour. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for structure. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly, but the delicious apple fritter flavors will still shine through.
Final Thoughts
This Amish Apple Fritter Bread Recipe is a heartwarming treat that captures the nostalgia of a classic apple fritter in a loaf form, making it easy to enjoy anytime. Its tender crumb, cinnamon-sugar swirl, and sweet glaze combine into a slice of pure comfort that feels like a warm hug. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s one of those special breads that gets better with each bite and brings a little sunshine to your kitchen no matter the season.
Print
Amish Apple Fritter Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10-12 slices)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, apple-studded bread swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a sweet glaze, reminiscent of a classic bakery apple fritter with a tender crumb and warm spices.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
Fruit
- 1 ½ cups chopped apples (preferably tart apples like Granny Smith)
Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Glaze (Optional)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350 °F (175 °C) to prepare for baking the bread.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy to create a smooth base.
- Add Eggs and Milk: Beat in the eggs one at a time followed by the milk, mixing until fully incorporated to form a smooth batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent.
- Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter, ensuring they’re evenly dispersed without crushing them.
- Prepare the Loaf Pan: Lightly grease a loaf pan to prevent sticking, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Layer Batter and Swirl: Spoon half of the batter into the pan, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over it. Add the remaining batter on top and finish with the remaining cinnamon sugar. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar through the batter for a marbled effect.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Glaze: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then remove it to a wire rack. While slightly warm, mix the powdered sugar and milk to make a smooth glaze and drizzle it over the top for extra sweetness.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance sweetness and add a slight tang.
- The glaze is optional but adds a delightful sweetness and mimics the classic apple fritter finish.
- Store leftover bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- For a nutty crunch, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Bread, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Amish
