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Amish Apple Fritter Bread Recipe

4.5 from 61 reviews

This Amish Apple Fritter Bread is a cozy and comforting homemade treat featuring soft, cinnamon-spiced bread layered with chunks of fresh, slightly tart apples and a cinnamon-sugar swirl. Finished with a sweet vanilla glaze, it’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack.

Ingredients

Scale

For the bread:

  • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2/3 cup (130 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk (whole or 2%)

For the apple layer:

  • 2 medium apples (about 1 1/2 cups), peeled and chopped (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the cinnamon-sugar swirl:

  • 1/3 cup (65 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Optional glaze:

  • 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar
  • 12 teaspoons milk or cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prep the oven & pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure the bread releases easily after baking.
  2. Mix the apple filling: In a small bowl, combine the peeled and chopped apples with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Toss gently until the apples are evenly coated. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
  3. Make the cinnamon swirl: In another small bowl, mix together the light brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This mixture will create a lovely layered swirl in the bread.
  4. Prepare the batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor.
  5. Combine dry ingredients: Whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder in a separate bowl. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar mixture alternately with the milk, mixing just until smooth and combined to avoid overmixing.
  6. Assemble the bread: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar swirl over the batter, then evenly distribute half of the apple mixture on top. Repeat the layering by spreading the remaining batter, topping with the remaining apples and cinnamon-sugar mixture. Use a knife to gently swirl through the layers for a marbled effect.
  7. Bake: Place the loaf pan into the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil to prevent burning.
  8. Cool and glaze: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. For the optional glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread before serving for a sweet finishing touch.

Notes

  • Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith to balance sweetness and maintain texture.
  • Peeling apples is recommended for a softer bite, but leaving the peel on adds texture if preferred.
  • The bread tastes even better the next day as flavors meld; store at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • You can freeze unglazed bread up to 2 months; thaw overnight before adding glaze.
  • For a twist, try adding chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or swapping the vanilla glaze for maple or caramel sauce.
  • Muffin option: pour batter into lined muffin tins and bake 20–25 minutes.
  • If you don’t have powdered sugar for glaze, substitute with milk, vanilla, and a touch of honey or maple syrup.

Keywords: Amish apple fritter bread, apple bread, cinnamon swirl bread, fall baking, homemade apple bread, sweet bread, breakfast bread