Amish Apple Fritter Bread Recipe
If you’re looking to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon, apples, and butter, Amish Apple Fritter Bread is the answer to your sweetest cravings. This homey loaf captures all the warm, nostalgic flavors of classic apple fritters but in an easy-to-slice bread that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon treat. Swirled with spiced apples and finished with a creamy vanilla glaze, Amish Apple Fritter Bread is as gorgeous to look at as it is delightful to eat. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to bake again and again, whether you’re sharing with friends or sneaking a slice for yourself.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Amish Apple Fritter Bread is refreshingly simple, yet each component plays a starring role in creating that perfect balance of tender crumb, juicy apples, and fragrant spice. Every item brings something special to the flavor, texture, or appearance of the finished loaf.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a hint of molasses richness and deepens the cinnamon swirl’s flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: Essential for that unmistakable apple fritter warmth and aroma.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and helps create a tender, golden crust.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Gives the loaf a rich, moist texture and buttery flavor.
- Large eggs: Bind the batter and add structure for a perfect, sliceable crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the bread and glaze with irresistible aromatic notes.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, providing just the right amount of structure.
- Baking powder: Ensures your loaf rises beautifully in the oven.
- Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a soft, tender bite.
- Peeled, finely chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): Bring a tart, juicy burst to every slice—choose your favorite variety!
- Powdered sugar: Makes a smooth, sweet glaze that clings perfectly to the loaf.
- Optional chopped walnuts: Stir in for extra crunch and a nutty contrast to the apples (just 1/4 cup does the trick).
How to Make Amish Apple Fritter Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
Start by combining the light brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This magical mix is the heart of the bread’s signature swirl, adding a sweet, spicy ribbon throughout the loaf. Set it aside—you’ll use it as layers between the batter and apples.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale, fluffy, and inviting. This step incorporates air, ensuring your Amish Apple Fritter Bread bakes up light and tender. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract for a touch of warmth.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. This ensures the baking powder distributes evenly, so your loaf rises beautifully and bakes evenly from edge to center.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, alternating with the milk. Mix just until combined—overmixing can make the bread tough. The batter should be thick but smooth, ready to cradle your apple and cinnamon layers.
Step 5: Prepare the Apple Layer
In another small bowl, toss your peeled, finely chopped apples with granulated sugar and cinnamon. This extra step infuses the apples with sweetness and spice, so they bake up tender and flavorful, not bland or watery.
Step 6: Assemble the Bread
Pour half the batter into your greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Scatter half the apple mixture over the batter, then sprinkle with half of the cinnamon-sugar swirl. Repeat with the remaining batter, apples, and swirl. For a marbled effect, gently drag a knife through the layers to swirl them together just a bit—don’t overdo it!
Step 7: Bake
Slide the pan into your preheated 350°F oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes. The top should be golden and a toothpick inserted into the center will come out clean (a few moist crumbs are fine, but no wet batter). Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to finish cooling.
Step 8: Glaze and Finish
While the bread is still slightly warm, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Drizzle the glaze generously over the top of the loaf. The glaze will set into a sweet, crackly finish—absolutely irresistible!
How to Serve Amish Apple Fritter Bread

Garnishes
For a little extra flair, try dusting the top with a sprinkle of cinnamon before the glaze sets, or scatter a handful of chopped walnuts over the glaze for a rustic touch. If you want to make this bread truly decadent, serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
Side Dishes
Amish Apple Fritter Bread is delicious on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a steaming mug of coffee, chai latte, or spiced apple cider. For a full breakfast spread, serve slices alongside scrambled eggs or Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey and fresh berries. The bread’s sweetness and spice make it a delightful companion to almost any morning meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Amish Apple Fritter Bread into a brunch showstopper by slicing it thick and arranging the pieces on a platter, garnished with fresh apple slices and mint leaves. For a fun twist, cube the bread and use it in a bread pudding or French toast bake—the flavors only get better! And if you’re giving it as a gift, wrap the cooled loaf in parchment and tie it with twine for a farmhouse-chic presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your loaf moist and delicious, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making Amish Apple Fritter Bread taste even more incredible the next day. If your kitchen is especially warm, refrigerate to prevent the glaze from melting.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully! Let the loaf cool completely, then wrap it in foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to three months. For best results, wait to add the glaze until after thawing, but if you’ve already glazed it, don’t worry—a little extra sweetness never hurts. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temperature before serving.
Reheating
For that fresh-baked magic, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or heat the entire loaf in a low oven (300°F) for about 10 minutes. The glaze will soften and the apples will become all the more fragrant, making each bite just as irresistible as the first.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are favorites for their balance of sweet and tart, you can use any firm apple you love or have on hand. Just avoid overly soft varieties, as they can turn mushy when baked.
How do I know when my Amish Apple Fritter Bread is done?
Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready. If you hit a pocket of apple, check another spot to be sure the batter is fully baked.
Can I make Amish Apple Fritter Bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture may be a bit different, but you’ll still have all the same wonderful flavors and aromas.
What’s the best way to store Amish Apple Fritter Bread if I’ve added nuts?
If you include walnuts or other nuts, be sure to store the bread in an airtight container and keep it in a cool spot. This will help prevent the nuts from going rancid and keep the loaf tasting fresh for longer.
Is it okay to skip the glaze?
Of course! The glaze adds a lovely sweetness and shine, but the bread is delicious even without it. If you prefer a less sweet treat, simply leave the glaze off or dust the top with a little powdered sugar instead.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about baking Amish Apple Fritter Bread from scratch—it’s the kind of recipe that brings comfort, joy, and a sense of home with every slice. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, don’t miss the chance to fill your kitchen with the scent of apples and cinnamon. Give this recipe a try and see why it’s a favorite for any season!
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Amish Apple Fritter Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Amish Apple Fritter Bread is a deliciously moist and sweet quick bread layered with cinnamon-spiced apples and finished with a smooth vanilla glaze. This American classic combines warmly spiced brown sugar swirls with tender chunks of apple, creating a comforting dessert perfect for fall baking or any cozy occasion.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 cup milk
For the Apple Layer:
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Create Cinnamon Sugar Swirl: In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon to make the signature cinnamon sugar swirl.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a medium bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and softened butter until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, which ensures a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time and then incorporate the vanilla extract, mixing well until fully combined for a rich flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour with baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening agent.
- Combine Batter: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Prepare Apple Mixture: In a small bowl, toss the peeled and finely chopped apples with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon for sweet and spiced fruit layering.
- Layer Batter and Apples: Pour half of the batter into the loaf pan. Spread half of the apple mixture over it and sprinkle with half of the cinnamon sugar swirl. Repeat with the remaining batter, apples, and cinnamon sugar. Lightly swirl the top layer with a knife for a beautiful marbled effect.
- Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 55–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool the Bread: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps set the structure.
- Prepare and Drizzle Glaze: While the bread is still slightly warm, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the top of the bread to add sweetness and a glossy finish.
Notes
- For extra crunch, stir in 1/4 cup chopped walnuts with the apple mixture before layering.
- This bread tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded, making it great for make-ahead serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg