If you’re anything like me, once the air turns crisp and leaves start crunching underfoot, it’s time to bake something warm and cozy. And Amish Apple Fritter Bread is exactly that kind of hug-in-a-loaf. I didn’t grow up baking, but becoming a mom changed everything. My kids—Lily and Jonah—love anything with cinnamon and apples. That’s how this bread became a family tradition during fall weekends. We peel apples together at the counter while giggling over sticky fingers and sneaking cinnamon sugar from the bowl.
This bread isn’t fussy. It’s sweet, soft, and packed with chopped apples layered between buttery batter and topped with a rich, vanilla glaze that soaks right into the loaf. You don’t need any fancy mixers or obscure ingredients—just a few fall staples and about 15 minutes of prep.
If you’re just starting out in the kitchen, this one’s for you. This Amish Apple Fritter Bread has all the nostalgic bakery flavor without the stress. Trust me, it’s become a requested treat in our house—especially when paired with a cozy cup of something hot and a movie night. It reminds me of my apple cinnamon rolls—but in loaf form.
Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or your neighbors, you’ll love how simple, reliable, and downright delicious this bread is.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Easy Amish Apple Fritter Bread
- No Mixer Needed: Just two bowls, a whisk, and a loaf pan. It’s as easy as stir, layer, and bake.
- Super Moist: Fresh apples and brown sugar create a tender crumb and natural sweetness.
- Bakery-Level Flavor at Home: Like your favorite apple fritter doughnut but better—plus, it’s baked, not fried.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping or gifting.
- Family-Approved: It’s one of those recipes even picky eaters rave about. A cozy cousin to our pumpkin cinnamon rolls.
Equipment You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy here—just simple kitchen basics:
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper or nonstick spray
- Small saucepan (for the glaze)
If you’re prepping ahead like I do, a wire cooling rack helps keep the loaf from steaming on the bottom. I use the same setup when making snickerdoodle zucchini bread—it works like a charm.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create that tender crumb and signature cinnamon-apple swirl:
For the Apple Layer:
- 2 medium apples, peeled and finely chopped (like Honeycrisp or Gala)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
For the Bread Batter:
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 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 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk or 2% work best)
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make the Best Amish Apple Fritter Bread
This loaf comes together quickly, but layering the apple mix properly makes a big difference in taste and texture. Here’s how to get it just right.
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or spray with baking spray.
Step 2: Make Apple Mixture
In a bowl, toss the chopped apples with cinnamon and brown sugar. Set aside while the juices begin to release.
Step 3: Make the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk into the creamed mixture until fully combined.
Step 4: Layer It Up
Pour half the batter into your prepared pan. Add half the apple mixture on top. Spoon the remaining batter over that, then layer on the rest of the apples. Use a knife to gently swirl the apples through the batter for a marbled effect.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Check at 45 minutes to ensure it’s not over-browning.
Step 6: Glaze It
While the bread is still slightly warm, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle generously over the loaf. It will soak in slightly and give that signature sweet, crackly top—like your favorite caramel apple cider cookies.
Let the bread cool at least 20 minutes before slicing (if you can wait that long!).
Variations & Pro Tips for Apple Fritter Bread
This Amish Apple Fritter Bread is easy to make your own! Here are a few ways to tweak it depending on what’s in your kitchen—or just to change things up.
Switch the Fruit:
No apples? No problem. Try diced pears or peaches. It also works beautifully with fresh blueberries, like in our blueberry zucchini bread—just reduce the sugar a touch.
Add a Crunchy Topping:
Sprinkle a cinnamon-streusel topping before baking for a crumb-style finish. Combine 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons flour, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon for a quick mix.
Use Apple Pie Spice:
Substitute apple pie spice for cinnamon in both the apple layer and batter for a deeper, more complex flavor.
Pro Tip:
For the softest texture, don’t overmix once you add the dry ingredients. Use a rubber spatula and fold gently. That’s what helps give this loaf its bakery-style softness—same trick I use with pumpkin bars.
How to Store, Freeze, and Thaw
Room Temp:
Wrap cooled loaf tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store at room temp for up to 3 days.
Fridge:
For longer storage, refrigerate up to 5 days. Just warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving.
Freezer:
Wrap the loaf in plastic, then foil. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then glaze before serving if you haven’t already.
Freezing Tip:
If you know you’ll freeze it, skip the glaze initially. Add it fresh after thawing for best flavor and texture.
More Delicious Recipes
Love cozy bakes like this? You’ll also enjoy these seasonal favorites from our kitchen to yours:
- These extra-soft pumpkin brownies have a swirl that’s just as dreamy.
- Try this sweet, crumbly nectarine cinnamon sugar cobbler while stone fruit’s in season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amish Apple Fritter Bread
Can you freeze Amish apple fritter bread?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to let the loaf cool completely first. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. For best results, glaze after thawing—not before freezing.
Why is my apple bread dry?
Dry bread usually comes from overmixing the batter or baking too long. Make sure you measure flour correctly (spoon and level) and check your oven temperature. Adding too little apple or overbaking by even 5 minutes can dry out the crumb.
What apples are best for apple fritter bread?
Go for firm, slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala. These varieties hold their shape during baking and give the best flavor contrast to the sweet glaze and cinnamon sugar layers.
Does Amish apple fritter bread need to be refrigerated?
Not necessarily. It’s safe at room temp for about 3 days, especially if kept tightly wrapped. But if your kitchen runs warm or you’re storing it longer, pop it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm slices slightly before eating for best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Amish Apple Fritter Bread recipe is a love letter to fall baking. It’s cozy, comforting, and simple enough to whip up even on a busy weekday. Whether you’re baking with little ones, hosting a brunch, or just craving something sweet after dinner, this loaf checks all the boxes. It reminds me a lot of my apple cinnamon rolls—just a bit less sticky, but just as loved.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors or get the kids involved. Like our family, yours will probably end up making this again and again.
Ready for more comfort-bake inspiration? Don’t miss these pumpkin cinnamon rolls—they’re perfect right next to a warm slice of this bread.
Print
Amish Apple Fritter Bread – Moist, Sweet, and So Simple
- Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Amish Apple Fritter Bread is the ultimate cozy bake. Made with real apples, cinnamon sugar layers, and a sweet vanilla glaze, it’s moist, simple, and perfect for fall mornings.
Ingredients
2 medium apples, peeled and chopped
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp brown sugar
1/3 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup milk
Glaze: 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1–2 tbsp milk, 1/4 tsp vanilla
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9×5 loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, mix apples with cinnamon and 2 tbsp brown sugar. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter with both sugars. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to wet mix alternately with milk.
5. Pour half the batter in pan, layer half the apples, repeat, and swirl with a knife.
6. Bake 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over warm loaf.
8. Cool 20 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Use firm apples like Gala or Honeycrisp.
Don’t overmix the batter to keep the loaf soft.
Store at room temp up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 55 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg