Amish Apple Fritter Bread is a deliciously sweet, moist, and comforting bread that combines the warm flavors of cinnamon, fresh apples, and a tender, slightly crumbly texture. This bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert, and it brings all the flavors of apple fritters without the frying. The swirl of cinnamon sugar and apple chunks makes each bite irresistible, and the crunchy topping adds a perfect finishing touch. It’s a simple and satisfying treat that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Amish Apple Fritter Bread is a fantastic alternative to traditional apple fritters, offering all the same flavors but in a more convenient, easy-to-make loaf form. The bread itself is rich and soft, and the cinnamon sugar swirls inside create pockets of sweetness throughout. The apples add a juicy, fruity contrast, while the glaze on top gives it the perfect finishing touch. It’s the kind of bread you’ll want to make for any special occasion, or just when you’re craving something sweet and comforting.

Amish Apple Fritter Bread

Ingredients

For the bread:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream
1 large apple, peeled and chopped into small chunks (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)

For the cinnamon sugar swirl:

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the glaze:

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Make the batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Set aside.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. The batter will be thick.
Prepare the cinnamon sugar swirl: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl. Set aside.
Assemble the bread: Spoon half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top of the batter. Add the chopped apple and then top with the remaining batter. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
Swirl the batter: Use a knife or a skewer to swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter. Do this gently to create a marbled effect.
Bake: Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are fine). If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Prepare the glaze: While the bread is cooling, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread once it’s out of the pan.
Serve: Allow the bread to cool for about 15-20 minutes in the pan before removing it and allowing it to cool completely on a wire rack. Slice and enjoy!

Servings and timing

Servings: 8-10
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 60-70 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

Add nuts: For extra crunch, stir in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter along with the apples.
Use a different fruit: You can substitute the apples with pears, peaches, or berries for a different fruity twist.
Spices: Experiment with adding cloves, ginger, or allspice to the cinnamon sugar mixture for additional warmth and depth of flavor.
Vegan version: Swap the butter with vegan butter, and use dairy-free sour cream or yogurt. Use a flax egg or another egg substitute to replace the eggs.

Storage/reheating

Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil to keep it fresh.
Freezing: This bread freezes well. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or warm the whole loaf in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, you can use any variety of apples you prefer. Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness, while Honeycrisp or Gala apples are sweeter and more aromatic.

2. Can I skip the glaze?

Yes, the bread is delicious without the glaze, but it adds an extra layer of sweetness and makes the bread look more festive.

3. How do I prevent the bread from sinking in the middle?

To prevent the bread from sinking in the middle, avoid overmixing the batter and ensure that your oven is fully preheated. If your oven runs hot, consider reducing the temperature by 10-15°F.

4. Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend, though the texture may vary slightly.

5. How do I get the apple pieces to stay evenly distributed in the bread?

To help the apple pieces stay distributed throughout the bread, toss them with a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This will help prevent them from sinking to the bottom.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a larger 9×13-inch baking dish or two loaf pans. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, and keep an eye on it as it bakes.

7. Can I make this bread without cinnamon?

If you don’t like cinnamon, you can substitute it with other spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger for a different flavor profile.

8. How do I make sure the bread stays moist?

The sour cream in the recipe helps keep the bread moist. Make sure not to overbake the bread, as that can cause it to dry out.

9. Can I make this bread into muffins?

Yes, you can make individual muffins by spooning the batter into a muffin tin. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

10. Can I add streusel topping to the bread?

Yes, you can add a streusel topping by mixing together flour, sugar, butter, and cinnamon, then sprinkling it over the batter before baking.

Conclusion

Amish Apple Fritter Bread is a deliciously sweet, spiced bread that brings all the warm flavors of fall into one loaf. With its tender crumb, cinnamon-sugar swirl, and juicy apple chunks, this bread is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy breakfast, a dessert, or a treat to share with friends and family. The drizzle of glaze adds a finishing touch of sweetness that makes this bread even more irresistible. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, it’s sure to become a favorite!