Name: Amish Apple Fritter Bread
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Yield: 1 loaf (12 servings)
Ingredients: 2 medium baking apples, peeled and chopped; ½ cup light brown sugar; 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 large egg, room temperature; ⅓ cup white granulated sugar; ¼ cup vegetable oil; ¼ cup full-fat sour cream, room temperature; 2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 tablespoon milk

Amish Apple Fritter Bread – just hearing those words conjures up images of warm, cinnamon-spiced comfort, doesn’t it? I am absolutely thrilled to share with you a recipe that truly captures the essence of home baking: this incredible loaf combines the irresistible flavors of a classic apple fritter with the ease of a quick bread. Imagine biting into a slice that’s bursting with tender apple chunks, fragrant with cinnamon, and topped with a sweet, crackly glaze – all without the need for deep frying.

Rooted in the simple, heartwarming traditions of Amish cooking, this recipe embodies their love for wholesome ingredients and comforting, family-friendly dishes. It’s a testament to turning humble ingredients into something truly extraordinary. While traditional fritters require a bit more effort, this ingenious bread offers all the beloved taste and texture in a convenient, sliceable form.

I find it utterly irresistible because it delivers that perfect balance of moist, tender bread, soft bursts of apple, and that quintessential spiced sweetness. It’s the kind of treat that’s perfect for a cozy breakfast, an afternoon coffee break, or even a delightful dessert. You’ll quickly understand why this Amish Apple Fritter Bread has become a treasured staple in so many homes – it’s simply a joy to bake and even more delightful to eat.

Ingredients:

For the Amish Apple Fritter Bread Batter:
- 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour, measured correctly
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 medium-sized apples (about 1 ½ cups diced), I love using Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and tartness, peeled, cored, and finely diced
- ¼ cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, but helps prevent browning and brightens the flavor)
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar), sifted
- 2-3 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream (start with 2, add more if needed)
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Preparing Your Workspace and Ingredients:

Preheat Your Oven: I always start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s so important to have your oven at the right temperature from the very beginning to ensure an even bake for our delicious Amish Apple Fritter Bread.
Prepare Your Loaf Pan: Grab a 9×5-inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan. Generously grease it with butter or cooking spray. Then, for an extra layer of non-stick insurance and easy removal, I like to line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the longer sides. This creates “handles” that make lifting the finished bread out a breeze. Trust me, you don’t want your beautiful bread stuck!

Gather Your Ingredients: Take a moment to ensure all your cold ingredients, such as butter, eggs, and milk, have come to room temperature. This is a crucial step for achieving a smooth, well-emulsified batter. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to separate and result in a denser, less tender bread. Patience here truly pays off!

Crafting the Apple Filling:

Prepare the Apples: First, peel, core, and finely dice your chosen apples. I find that dicing them into small, approximately ¼-inch pieces works best. This ensures they soften nicely during baking and distribute evenly throughout the bread, giving you a burst of apple flavor in almost every bite.
Combine Filling Ingredients: In a medium bowl, gently toss the diced apples with the light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. If you’re using it, now is the time to add that teaspoon of lemon juice; it really brightens the apple flavor and helps prevent them from browning too quickly. Mix everything together until the apples are well coated with the spice and sugar mixture. This simple step infuses the apples with incredible flavor even before they hit the batter, making our Amish Apple Fritter Bread truly special. Set this bowl aside for a moment while we prepare the main event.

Mixing the Amish Apple Fritter Bread Batter:

Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Use a whisk to thoroughly blend these dry ingredients together. Whisking ensures that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is vital for a consistent rise and flavor in your bread. If these aren’t mixed well, you might end up with an uneven texture or pockets of unmixed leavening agent.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate, even larger mixing bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment), add the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Beat these together on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes, or until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale yellow. This process, called “creaming,” incorporates air into the butter and sugar, which is fundamental for creating a tender and light crumb in your Amish Apple Fritter Bread. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally with a spatula to ensure everything is evenly combined.
Incorporate Eggs: Add the two large room-temperature eggs to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, one at a time. Beat well after each addition, allowing each egg to fully incorporate before adding the next. This helps to create a stable emulsion, preventing your batter from curdling. The mixture might look a little lumpy or separated after the first egg, but it should come together smoothly after the second is fully mixed in. Keep beating until the mixture is smooth and cohesive.

Add Vanilla: Stir in the pure vanilla extract. Vanilla isn’t just a flavor; it enhances all the other flavors in the bread, giving it that comforting, warm bakery aroma and taste. Give it a good mix just until combined.
Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients: Now, we’ll gradually add the dry ingredient mixture and the room-temperature whole milk to the wet ingredients.
- Begin by adding about one-third of the dry ingredient mixture to the wet batter. Mix on low speed just until barely combined.
- Then, pour in half of the whole milk. Mix until just incorporated.
- Repeat this process: add another third of the dry ingredients, mix, then add the remaining half of the milk, mix.
- Finish by adding the last third of the dry ingredients.
Important Tip: For each addition, mix only until the ingredients are just combined. Do not overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, which can lead to a tough, dense bread instead of the tender crumb we’re aiming for with our Amish Apple Fritter Bread. A few small lumps are perfectly fine; they will disappear during baking.

Layering and Baking the Amish Apple Fritter Bread:

Layer the Batter and Apples: This is where the magic happens for that “fritter” effect!
- Pour approximately half of your bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle about half of your prepared apple filling mixture evenly over the batter. Make sure to get some apples close to the edges too.
- Carefully spoon the remaining bread batter over the apples, doing your best to spread it gently without disturbing the apple layer too much.
- Finally, sprinkle the remaining apple filling over the top layer of batter.
Create the Swirl (Optional but Recommended!): For that beautiful swirled effect, take a butter knife or a thin skewer and gently swirl it through the batter and apple layers in a zig-zag pattern. Don’t overdo it, or you’ll mix everything together too much. Just a few gentle swirls will create those lovely marbled patterns that make this Amish Apple Fritter Bread so appealing.
Bake the Bread: Carefully place the loaf pan into your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake for approximately 60-75 minutes. The baking time can vary depending on your oven, so it’s essential to keep an eye on it.
- How to Check for Doneness: The bread is done when a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. If the top starts to brown too quickly before the center is cooked, you can loosely tent the pan with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking. This prevents over-browning while allowing the inside to finish baking through. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely incredible, a sure sign that something wonderful is baking!
Cool the Bread: Once baked, remove the loaf pan from the oven. Let the Amish Apple Fritter Bread cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes. This cooling period is important because it allows the bread to set and firm up, making it easier to remove from the pan without it falling apart.
Transfer and Fully Cool: After the initial cooling in the pan, use the parchment paper overhang “handles” to carefully lift the bread out of the pan and transfer it to a wire rack. Remove the parchment paper and allow the bread to cool completely on the wire rack before glazing. This step is crucial! If you glaze the bread while it’s still warm, the glaze will melt and run off, rather than setting into that beautiful, opaque finish we want. A fully cooled bread also slices much cleaner.

Whipping Up the Vanilla Glaze:

Prepare the Glaze: While your Amish Apple Fritter Bread is cooling, you can prepare the simple yet essential vanilla glaze. In a small bowl, combine the sifted powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of whole milk (or heavy cream), and the pure vanilla extract.

Mix Until Smooth: Whisk everything together until the glaze is completely smooth and free of lumps. You’re looking for a consistency that is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. If it’s too thick, add the remaining tablespoon of milk (or a tiny bit more, a quarter teaspoon at a time) until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can add a little more sifted powdered sugar. The glaze should be thick enough to cling to the bread and set, but thin enough to drizzle beautifully.

The Grand Finale: Glazing and Serving:

Glaze the Cooled Bread: Once your Amish Apple Fritter Bread has completely cooled on the wire rack (I cannot stress this enough – it truly must be cool!), generously drizzle the vanilla glaze over the top. You can use a spoon or simply pour it over, allowing it to drip down the sides for a rustic, appealing look. If you like a thicker layer, let the first layer set slightly, then add another drizzle.
Allow Glaze to Set: Let the glazed bread sit for about 15-20 minutes, or until the glaze has set and hardened slightly. This makes for cleaner slicing and a neater presentation.

Slice and Enjoy!: Once the glaze is set, grab a serrated knife and slice your magnificent Amish Apple Fritter Bread into thick, generous slices. Serve it up with a hot cup of coffee or tea for breakfast, a delightful snack, or even a simple dessert. It’s truly a taste of home and comfort that I know you’ll absolutely adore! This bread keeps well at room temperature, covered, for a few days, but honestly, it’s so good, it rarely lasts that long in my house!

Conclusion:

And there you have it, my friends! We’ve journeyed together through the delightful process of creating something truly special, something that transcends a simple breakfast treat or a humble dessert. This isn’t just another apple recipe; it’s an experience, a memory in the making. I honestly can’t stress enough why this particular recipe for Amish Apple Fritter Bread is an absolute must-try for anyone who appreciates the comforting embrace of home baking. From the moment the first hint of cinnamon and baked apples wafts through your kitchen, you’ll understand why this bread has garnered such a loyal following. It’s that perfect harmony of a moist, tender crumb, generously studded with soft, sweet apple chunks, all crowned with a glistening, sugary glaze that delivers just the right amount of sweetness and a satisfying hint of crunch. It combines the irresistible fried deliciousness of an apple fritter with the ease and structure of a loaf of bread, making it far less intimidating than deep-frying but every bit as flavorful. The effort, which is surprisingly minimal, is repaid tenfold with a result that tastes like it came straight from a charming countryside bakery.

Now, let’s talk about enjoying this masterpiece. While it’s utterly divine served just as it is, perhaps slightly warmed to bring out those incredible aromas, there are so many ways to elevate your experience. For a truly decadent breakfast or brunch, imagine a thick slice alongside a steaming cup of coffee or a fragrant tea. The robust bitterness of coffee provides a wonderful contrast to the bread’s inherent sweetness. If you’re leaning more towards dessert, a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream melting slowly over a warm slice of this bread is pure bliss. The cold ice cream against the warm, apple-filled bread creates an exquisite temperature and texture play. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce would also be an incredibly luxurious addition. Don’t be afraid to experiment! For a simpler, yet equally satisfying treat, a glass of cold milk makes a classic pairing that speaks to the bread’s comforting, nostalgic essence.

And the variations! Oh, the possibilities are endless and exciting. If you prefer a bit more tartness to cut through the sweetness, consider using a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples next time. For an extra layer of texture and nutty flavor, a handful of toasted chopped pecans or walnuts folded into the batter, or sprinkled over the top of the glaze, would be absolutely divine. You could even introduce a hint of nutmeg or allspice to the spice blend for a slightly different aromatic profile. For those who adore a citrusy kick, a teaspoon of lemon zest in the glaze can brighten everything up beautifully. Or, for a fall-inspired twist, a maple-flavored glaze can add another dimension of autumnal warmth. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your personal preferences and truly make it your own signature bake.

Your baking adventure starts now!

I genuinely hope you’re feeling inspired and excited to give this Amish Apple Fritter Bread a try in your own kitchen. There’s a profound satisfaction that comes from creating something so delicious from scratch, especially when it fills your home with such an inviting, heartwarming scent. This isn’t just about following a recipe; it’s about the joy of baking, the simple pleasure of sharing, and the delicious reward at the end. I promise you, the smiles it will bring to your family and friends’ faces will be priceless. So, gather your ingredients, set aside some time for a little kitchen therapy, and prepare to be amazed by the deliciousness you’re about to create.

Once you’ve baked your loaf, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you stick to the original recipe, or did you put your own unique spin on it? What were your favorite serving suggestions? Please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts, your successes, and even your creative variations in the comments below. Better yet, snap a photo of your magnificent creation and share it with us! Your feedback and experiences are incredibly valuable, and they help build a wonderful community of fellow baking enthusiasts. Happy baking, and enjoy every single delightful bite of your homemade Amish Apple Fritter Bread!