Amish Apple Fritter Bread Recipe

Amish Apple Fritter Bread brings the comfort of homemade baking to life. The warm aroma of cinnamon and apples fills the kitchen, wrapping you in a feeling that’s both familiar and satisfying. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like fall, family, and fresh-baked happiness all in one slice.

Ever wonder if this is a real Amish country classic? We did too. While the roots of this recipe lean more toward rustic, small-town kitchens than traditional Amish heritage, the spirit is unmistakable. Simple ingredients. Pure flavors. No shortcuts.

This foolproof guide shows you how to make the softest, most flavorful loaf. From avoiding soggy middles to getting the perfect swirl, we’ll guide you every step of the way so your bread turns out just right, every time.

Amish Apple Fritter Bread Recipe

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• Author: Callie Brooks
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 10 slices 1x

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Description

A foolproof recipe for the softest, most flavorful Amish Apple Fritter Bread. This moist quick bread is packed with tender apple chunks, a gooey cinnamon swirl, and a sweet vanilla glaze, making it the perfect cozy treat for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

(For the Apple Filling)

2 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and chopped into small chunks

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

(For the Cinnamon Swirl Topping)

⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

(For the Bread Batter)

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

⅔ cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 ¾ teaspoons baking powder

½ cup milk, at room temperature

(For the Simple Glaze)

½ cup powdered sugar

1 to 3 tablespoons milk or cream

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.

2. Prepare the Apple Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped apples, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Toss until the apples are evenly coated. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl Topping: In a separate small bowl, stir together the light brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Set aside.

4. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).

5. Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

6. Combine Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk the flour and baking powder. Alternating between the flour mixture and the milk, add them to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix on low speed just until combined do not overmix.

7. Layer the Bread: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Top with half of the Apple Filling, then sprinkle with half of the Cinnamon Swirl Topping.

8. Add Final Layer: Carefully spread the remaining batter over the top. Arrange the rest of the Apple Filling on top and finish with the remaining Cinnamon Swirl Topping.

9. Bake: Use a knife to gently swirl the top layer. Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil for the last 15-20 minutes.

10. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes before lifting it out to cool completely on a wire rack. It is crucial to let it cool fully before glazing and slicing.

11. Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk the powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of milk until smooth. Add more milk as needed to reach a drizzling consistency. Drizzle over the completely cooled loaf.

Notes

Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter, eggs, and milk helps the batter mix evenly and creates a better texture.

Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until the flour is incorporated. A few lumps are okay. Overmixing will result in a tough, dense loaf.

Slicing: For the cleanest slices, wait until the bread is completely cool and the glaze has set.

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing: Wrap the cooled loaf (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Quick Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 23g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

Why This Recipe is the Best (The 3 Keys to Success)

The Right Apples for the Job

A great loaf starts with the right apples. A mix of tart and sweet varieties gives your bread balance and depth. Granny Smith apples bring a bright, sharp flavor that holds up during baking. Honeycrisp or Gala apples add sweetness and a juicy texture.
Together, they create the perfect contrast and a full apple flavor in every bite just like in many of our cozy Apple Recipes.

The Secret to a Tender Crumb

The secret to soft, moist apple bread lies in using an acidic dairy like buttermilk or sour cream. These ingredients react with baking powder to create a lighter texture. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with one cup of milk. Let it sit for five minutes before using. This simple trick gives your loaf that tender, bakery-style crumb.

Perfect Layers, Not a Jumbled Mess

The signature look and flavor of apple fritter bread come from its layered structure. Carefully layering the batter with the apple-cinnamon mixture and brown sugar swirl keeps the flavors distinct and prevents the apples from sinking. A quick swirl with a knife creates those beautiful streaks of cinnamon and soft apple throughout the bread.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Apple Filling

• 2 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and chopped into small chunks
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Cinnamon Swirl Topping

• ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Bread Batter

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¾ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ cup milk, at room temperature

For the Simple Glaze

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 to 3 tablespoons milk or cream

Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×5-inch Loaf Pan
• 3 Mixing Bowls (one large, two medium/small)
• Electric Mixer (Hand or Stand)
• Spatula
• Parchment Paper (optional, for easy removal)

How to Make Amish Apple Fritter Bread (Step-by-Step)

1. Preheat Oven and Prep Pan:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with non-stick spray. For easier removal, you can also line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, and spray the paper.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
   In a medium bowl, combine the chopped apples, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Toss until the apples are evenly coated. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl Topping:
   In a separate small bowl, stir together ⅓ cup of light brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Set this aside.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and ⅔ cup of granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, pale, and fluffy.
5. Add Wet Ingredients:
   Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully blended.
6. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, whisk the flour and baking powder until well combined. This ensures the bread rises evenly.
7. Make the Batter:
   Alternating between the flour mixture and the milk, gradually add them to the wet ingredients. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed just until combined. Do not overmix.
8. Assemble the First Layer:
   Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
9. Add the Fillings:
   Arrange half of the Apple Filling evenly over the batter. Sprinkle with half of the Cinnamon Swirl Topping.
10. Assemble the Second Layer:
    Carefully spread the remaining batter over the first layer. Top with the rest of the Apple Filling and sprinkle the remaining Cinnamon Swirl Topping over the very top.
11. Swirl and Bake:
    Use a butter knife to gently swirl the layers. Make a few figure-eight motions through the batter to create a marbled effect without overmixing. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-65 minutes. The loaf is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
12. Cool the Loaf:
    If the top is browning too quickly, lightly cover it with foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before using the parchment paper overhang to lift it out. Place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
13. Prepare and Drizzle the Glaze:
    Once the loaf is cool, make the glaze. In a small bowl, stir together the powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk or cream until smooth. Add more milk, a little at a time, until you reach your desired drizzling consistency. Drizzle over the top and let it set before slicing.

If you love moist quick breads, you might also enjoy our Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread for a rich, chocolatey twist.

Fun Variations and Customizations

• Add a Crunchy Streusel Topping:
  Mix 2 tablespoons flour, 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon cold butter using your fingers or a fork until crumbly. Sprinkle this over the top of the batter before baking for a crisp, sweet finish.
• Try a Salted Caramel or Brown Butter Glaze:
  Swap the standard glaze with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce or make a brown butter glaze by melting butter in a pan until golden and nutty, then mixing it with powdered sugar and a splash of milk.
• Incorporate Toasted Nuts:
  Fold in a handful of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts into the Apple Filling for added crunch and flavor.
• Spice It Up:
  Add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice to the Cinnamon Swirl Topping. These warm spices give the bread a cozy, bakery-style twist.

How to Store and Freeze Apple Fritter Bread

• At Room Temperature:
  Keep the bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly. It will stay fresh on the counter for up to three days.
• In the Refrigerator:
  To extend freshness, refrigerate the loaf in a sealed container for up to a week. Let the bread come to room temperature or warm it briefly in the microwave before serving.
• Freezing for Later:
  Wrap the entire cooled loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Label with the date and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature.

Why You’ll Love This Amish Apple Fritter Bread

This recipe delivers everything you want in a homemade treat. Each slice is soft, moist, and packed with tender apple chunks and sweet cinnamon swirls. The glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering the warm fall flavors inside.

The real win is how simple it is to pull off. With everyday ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you don’t need to be a baking expert to get it right. And with tips for avoiding common mistakes, your loaf will come out perfect every time.

Tried this recipe? Leave a comment and a star rating to let others know how it turned out. Share your masterpiece on Pinterest or Facebook to spread the joy. What twist did you add to make it your own? Tell us below.

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