When apple season arrives, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a freshly baked loaf of Amish Apple Fritter Bread. Sweet, moist, and perfectly spiced, this bread combines the flavors of warm cinnamon, juicy apples, and a drizzle of sweet vanilla glaze. It’s a comforting homemade treat that works beautifully as a breakfast bread, afternoon snack, or festive holiday dessert. Even better, it’s a thoughtful gift to share with family, friends, and neighbors during the fall and holiday seasons.
In this post, you’ll find everything you need to make this recipe a success—step-by-step instructions, expert baking tips, variations, serving ideas, and storage guidance. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this country apple fritter bread will quickly become one of your favorite recipes to revisit again and again.
Why You’ll Love Amish Apple Fritter Bread
- Warm, comforting flavors – Cinnamon, ginger, and brown sugar bring out the natural sweetness of apples.
- Moist and tender texture – Thanks to sour cream and oil, this bread stays soft and delicious for days.
- Simple ingredients – No fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients required.
- Perfect for gifting – Wrap in parchment and twine for a rustic homemade holiday gift.
- Versatile – Enjoy as a breakfast bread, snack loaf, or dessert with a scoop of ice cream.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This apple fritter bread recipe uses simple pantry staples combined with fresh apples. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Apple Mixture
- 2 medium baking apples, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon (heaping spoonfuls)
- 1 tsp ground ginger
For the Bread Batter
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- ⅓ cup white granulated sugar
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup full-fat sour cream (room temperature)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp kosher salt
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Work
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Peel and chop the apples into small bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, toss the apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and ginger. Set aside to marinate while you prepare the batter.
Make the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, sour cream, and vanilla until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix—the batter should be slightly thick.
Assemble the Bread
- Spoon half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Layer half of the apple mixture evenly over the batter.
- Add the remaining batter on top and finish with the rest of the apple mixture. Lightly swirl with a knife to create a marbled effect.
Bake
- Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Make the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
- Drizzle over the cooled bread for a sweet finishing touch.
Nutrition Information
Per slice (based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 315 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 42 g
Tips for the Best Amish Apple Fritter Bread
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor balance.
- Don’t overmix the batter—mix until just combined to avoid dense bread.
- Cool before glazing or the glaze will melt into the bread instead of sitting beautifully on top.
- Double the recipe if you’re gifting or serving a crowd. This bread freezes beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is incredibly versatile. Here are some fun ways to enjoy it:
- Serve warm with a pat of butter for a cozy breakfast.
- Pair with coffee or chai tea for an afternoon pick-me-up.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for dessert.
- Wrap slices in parchment for a sweet lunchbox surprise.
Storage & Freezing
Apple fritter bread stores well, making it ideal for meal prep and gifting.
- At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerated: Keeps fresh for 5–6 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Variations and Add-Ins
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple mixture for texture.
- Caramel Apple Twist: Drizzle caramel sauce over the glaze for extra indulgence.
- Apple-Pear Combo: Mix in chopped pears for a unique flavor blend.
- Spiced Apple Bread: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for a deeper fall spice profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different fruit?
Yes! Pears, peaches, or even blueberries can be swapped in, though apples give the most authentic flavor.
What apples are best for baking?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, and Fuji are all excellent baking apples. Their firm texture holds up well and prevents mushiness.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, the flavors develop more after a day, making it even more delicious. Bake it the night before serving, then glaze before presenting.
Do I need sour cream?
Sour cream provides moisture and tenderness. If you don’t have any, substitute with full-fat Greek yogurt.
Why Amish Apple Fritter Bread is Perfect for the Holidays
Homemade baked goods are a staple in Amish kitchens, known for their simplicity, warmth, and wholesome ingredients. This apple fritter bread is a reflection of that tradition—delightfully rustic yet universally loved. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your home with a sweet, spiced aroma and brings people together around the table.
Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, preparing a Christmas brunch, or simply embracing a cozy autumn afternoon, this bread makes a heartfelt addition to your menu. With its beautiful glaze, warm spices, and rich apple flavor, it feels like a hug in loaf form.
Final Thoughts
Amish Apple Fritter Bread is more than just a recipe—it’s a tradition worth passing down. With simple ingredients, easy steps, and a taste that never disappoints, this bread is a celebration of comfort baking at its finest. Bake a loaf this apple season, share it with loved ones, and enjoy the magic of homemade goodness.
If you loved this recipe, be sure to save it to Pinterest, share it with friends, and check out more cozy fall recipes on the blog. Happy baking!