Amish Apple Fritter Bread is a sweet and tender treat that feels like a warm hug in bread form. It’s packed with soft chunks of fresh apples and has a lovely cinnamon sugar swirl running right through it, giving it that classic apple fritter flavor we all love. The outside gets just a little crisp with a sugary glaze that adds the perfect touch of sweetness and crunch.
I love making this bread because it fills the whole kitchen with the fantastic smell of cinnamon and apples baking together, which always makes me feel cozy and ready to relax. It’s one of those recipes that’s really easy to put together, but feels special enough to share with friends or family. I like to add a little extra cinnamon on top before baking for that extra pop of flavor.
My favorite way to enjoy Amish Apple Fritter Bread is fresh out of the oven with a hot cup of coffee or tea. It’s also great toasted the next day, making it a simple but delicious breakfast or snack. Everyone who tries it always asks for the recipe, and I think that’s because it tastes like a homemade version of a classic apple fritter—only in bread form!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Crunchy apples like Granny Smith or Fuji work best here. They keep their shape and add a nice tart contrast to the sweet bread. If you can’t find these, Honeycrisp or Braeburn are good alternatives.
Buttermilk: It’s used to keep the bread tender and moist. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Butter & Sugar: Butter adds richness and helps with moisture. Using softened butter makes it easier to cream with sugar, creating a lighter texture. For a dairy-free option, try margarine or coconut oil, but expect a slight flavor change.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These spices give that classic apple fritter flavor. You can adjust the amount based on your taste or replace nutmeg with allspice if you prefer.
How Do You Get the Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Swirl?
The swirl is the heart of this bread’s flavor and is easier than it looks. Here’s how to do it:
- After pouring half the batter into your loaf pan, evenly sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
- Drizzle half the melted butter right over the cinnamon sugar—this helps it melt into the batter while baking.
- Add the rest of the batter on top, spread it smoothly, then add the remaining cinnamon sugar and butter.
- Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter. Don’t overmix; a few swirls create the perfect pattern and pockets of cinnamon flavor.
This technique makes sure the cinnamon sugar doesn’t just sink to the bottom and gives you that lovely marbled look with tasty spice throughout.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×5-inch loaf pan – I recommend this size so the bread bakes evenly and isn’t too tall or flat.
- Mixing bowls – one medium and one large for mixing the dry ingredients and batter easily.
- Whisk or electric mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar quicker and smoother.
- Rubber spatula – helps fold in the apples and spread the batter evenly in the pan.
- Measuring cups and spoons – ensures accuracy for the best results.
- Small bowl – for mixing cinnamon sugar.
- Whisk for glaze – easy to stir the powdered sugar and milk until smooth.
- Baking sheet or foil – to catch drips if needed and for cooling.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap apples for chopped pears or peaches for a different fruity twist.
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to give the bread some crunch and extra flavor.
- Mix in a handful of raisins, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips for added sweetness or texture.
- Use maple syrup instead of vanilla extract or add a pinch of allspice for a spiced-up flavor profile.
How to Make Amish Apple Fritter Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 1-2 medium, Granny Smith or Fuji works well)
Cinnamon Sugar Swirl and Topping:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time is about 1 hour and 20 minutes. You’ll spend around 20 minutes mixing and assembling the batter, then 55–65 minutes baking in the oven. After baking, let the bread cool completely before adding the glaze and slicing.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Batter:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract. Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined. Gently fold in the chopped apples.
2. Create the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:
In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar over the batter, then drizzle half of the melted butter on top. Add the remaining batter, spread evenly, then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar and drizzle the remaining melted butter. Use a knife or skewer to lightly swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter to create a marbled effect.
3. Bake and Glaze the Bread:
Bake for 55–65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent it with foil halfway through baking. Let the bread cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled loaf. Slice and enjoy your moist, cinnamon-spiced apple fritter bread with a sweet glaze on top!
Can I Use Frozen Apples for Amish Apple Fritter Bread?
Yes, you can use frozen apples, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that could make the bread soggy. Pat them dry with paper towels before folding into the batter.
How Should I Store Leftover Apple Fritter Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months.
Can I Substitute Regular Milk for Buttermilk?
Absolutely! To mimic buttermilk, add ½ tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to ½ cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This helps keep the bread moist and tender.
Is There a Way to Make This Bread Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well, and note the texture might be slightly different but still delicious!