Amish Apple Fritter Bread is a delightful treat that combines tender bread with warm cinnamon spices and chunks of fresh apples. It has a soft, moist texture with sweet bits of apple throughout and a gentle crunch from a cinnamon-sugar topping. This bread feels like a comforting hug in every bite.
I love making this bread when the weather starts to cool because the smell of cinnamon and baked apples fills the house with cozy vibes. One of my favorite things to do is slice it thick and toast it lightly—then spread a little butter on top for extra deliciousness. It’s simple, but something about that combo makes it special.
This bread is perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee. It’s also a crowd-pleaser whenever I bring it to get-togethers, and I’ve found that having a little extra on hand is always a good idea because it tends to disappear quickly! I’m pretty sure it’s the kind of recipe that turns into a family favorite in no time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Using tart apples like Granny Smith gives a nice balance to the sweetness. If you prefer sweeter apples, try Fuji or Honeycrisp. Make sure to chop them into bite-size pieces for even distribution.
Sour Cream: This keeps the bread moist and tender. You can swap it with plain yogurt or buttermilk if needed; both add moisture and a slight tang.
Walnuts: These add crunch but are optional. Pecans or almonds work great, or you can skip nuts entirely for a nut-free version.
Cinnamon Sugar Topping: This topping adds a flavorful crunch reminiscent of a real apple fritter. Don’t skip it—melting the butter first helps the sugar and cinnamon stick nicely.
How to Get the Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Crunch on Top?
The crunchy topping sets this bread apart but sometimes it can get soggy or sink in. Here’s my tip:
- Mix the sugar and cinnamon well before adding the melted butter.
- Sprinkle half the mixture over the first half of the batter in the pan, then finish with batter.
- Top with the rest of the cinnamon sugar and nuts for a crispy crust.
- Baking at 350°F gives enough time for the topping to set without burning.
This layering helps the topping stay distinct and crunchy, just like a delicious apple fritter!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×5-inch loaf pan – I recommend this size to get a nice tall bread that holds all those apple pieces and topping.
- Mixing bowls – two bowls, one for dry ingredients and one for wet, make mixing easier and neater.
- Electric mixer – helps cream the butter and sugar smoothly, plus beat eggs without hesitation.
- Rubber spatula – perfect for folding in apples and nuts gently without breaking them apart.
- Measuring cups and spoons – keep your measurements accurate for the best results.
- Small bowl for cinnamon sugar topping – makes it simple to combine everything before sprinkling.
- Cooling rack – prevents the bread from becoming soggy so it cools evenly and stays crispy on top.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use pears or peaches instead of apples for a different fruity twist that still keeps the moist, tender texture.
- Add a teaspoon of ground ginger or nutmeg to the batter to deepen the spice flavor and mimic the warmth of fresh apple cider donuts.
- Mix in chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks with the apples for an extra sweet, gooey surprise.
- Top with streusel crumbs instead of cinnamon sugar for a crunchy, buttery topping that’s perfect for fall mornings.
How to Make Amish Apple Fritter Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups peeled, cored, and chopped apples (preferably tart like Granny Smith)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Vanilla Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp milk or cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
Overall, this bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and roughly 60 to 70 minutes to bake. Add another 15 minutes for cooling and glazing, so plan for a total of about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Dry Ingredients:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon to combine the dry ingredients.
2. Mix the Batter:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract. Next, add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients alternately with the sour cream—start and end with the dry ingredients—to keep the batter just combined.
3. Add Apples and Nuts:
Gently fold in the chopped apples and half of the walnuts, if using, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
4. Layer the Batter and Topping:
Pour half of the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth it out evenly. In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon sugar topping by combining the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter. Sprinkle half of this mixture evenly over the batter, then add half of the remaining walnuts on top.
5. Add Remaining Batter and Topping:
Pour the leftover batter over the topping layer, spreading it evenly. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture and walnuts on top for a delicious crumbly finish.
6. Bake the Bread:
Bake your apple fritter bread for about 60 to 70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking at the 60-minute mark.
7. Cool and Glaze:
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then remove it and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. While the bread cools, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled bread for a sweet finishing touch.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice your Amish Apple Fritter Bread and enjoy! It’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or sharing with loved ones over a cozy cup of tea or coffee.
Can I Use Frozen Apples Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen apples, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture that could make the bread soggy. Pat them dry with paper towels before folding into the batter.
Is There a Gluten-Free Version of This Bread?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Keep in mind that texture might be slightly different, so check doneness a bit earlier.
How Should I Store Leftover Apple Fritter Bread?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer keeping, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Can I Add Other Nuts or Skip Nuts Entirely?
Yes! Feel free to use pecans or almonds instead of walnuts, or leave nuts out if you prefer a nut-free bread. The texture and flavor will still be delicious.