Delicious Amish apple fritter

This Amish Apple Fritter Bread is a lovely treat that brings the flavors of apple fritters into a soft, moist bread perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack. The cinnamon swirl and sweet glaze create that classic apple fritter experience in an easy-to-slice loaf you can enjoy all week long.

I first made this when I wanted the nostalgic taste of apple fritters without frying and it quickly became a favorite for weekend brunches and gifts.

Ingredients

• Two medium Honeycrisp apples: for a balance of sweet and tart choose firm crispy apples for best texture
• Granulated sugar: to enhance the sweetness without overpowering
• Ground cinnamon: adds warmth and depth note it’s best fresh for vibrant flavor
• Light brown sugar: for the cinnamon swirl to add moisture and a hint of molasses
• Unsalted butter: gives richness and helps create a tender crumb use quality butter for best taste
• Large eggs: at room temperature help bind and lift the batter smoothly
• Vanilla extract: for aromatic complexity look for pure vanilla rather than imitation
• All-purpose flour: as the structure of the bread use fresh flour for light texture
• Baking powder: for leavening and a nice rise
• Table salt: to balance flavors
• Whole milk: adds moisture and richness
• Confectioners' sugar milk and vanilla: combine to make a smooth sweet glaze for the finishing touch

Instructions

Build The Flavor Base:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9 by 5 inch loaf pan then line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal later. Chop the apples into small even pieces and toss them in a bowl with two tablespoons of granulated sugar and one teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Set this aside to let the flavors meld while you prep other ingredients.

Prepare The Cinnamon Swirl:

In a small bowl mix one third cup packed light brown sugar with one teaspoon ground cinnamon. This cinnamon sugar will create the characteristic swirl in the bread adding pockets of sweet spice.

Mix The Batter:

In a large bowl beat half a cup of unsalted butter with three quarters cup of granulated sugar until pale and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air for a lighter texture. Add the eggs one at a time beating well after each then stir in one and a half teaspoons vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl whisk together one and three quarters cups all-purpose flour two teaspoons baking powder and half a teaspoon table salt. Alternately add the dry ingredients and half a cup whole milk to the butter mixture starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid tough bread.

Layer The Bread:

Spoon half the batter into your prepared pan spreading evenly. Sprinkle half the apple mixture over the batter then evenly sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar swirl on top. Repeat layering with remaining batter apples and cinnamon sugar to create two delicious layers.

Create The Swirl:

Take a butter knife and gently drag it through the layers in a figure eight or zigzag motion to create a pretty swirl effect throughout the bread without overmixing.

Bake And Cool:

Place the pan in the middle rack of the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes checking with a toothpick for doneness after 55 minutes. Once done let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes then carefully lift it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Make The Glaze:

When the bread reaches room temperature whisk together one cup confectioners' sugar with two to three tablespoons whole milk and half a teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the top in a thin even layer then allow it to set before slicing.

Store your bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days for best freshness. Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze up to two months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave.

Ingredient Swaps

You can swap Honeycrisp with Granny Smith or Fuji apples for a tarter or sweeter result Brown sugar can be replaced with coconut sugar for a deeper earthiness Use almond or oat milk instead of whole milk to suit dietary preferences

Serving Ideas

Serve slices with a pat of butter or cream cheese for extra richness Add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey for a brunch upgrade Pair with hot coffee or chai tea for a cozy snack

Seasonal Twists

Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar layer for crunch Stir in a handful of dried cranberries or raisins with the apples for holiday flair Swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice in autumn for a new flavor twist

Success in making this bread truly comes from careful layering and gentle swirling to keep the cinnamon sugar distinct. It always makes the kitchen smell amazing and brings smiles at breakfast. Give it a try for your next weekend treat.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ What type of apples work best?

Firm, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp hold their shape well and add bright flavor.

→ Can I substitute whole milk with another dairy product?

Buttermilk or half-and-half can be used for a richer crumb but may change the texture slightly.

→ How do I create the cinnamon swirl effect?

Layer batter, apple mixture, and cinnamon-sugar separately, then gently drag a knife through to form ribbons.

→ What’s the best way to check for doneness?

Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.

→ How should the bread be stored?

Store wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate to keep it fresh longer.