I remember visiting my grandmother’s farm as a child. The scent of apples perpetually hung in the air, especially during fall. Grandma always had a pie baking, or a crumble bubbling on the stove. But her real magic happened with this bread. It wasn’t a cake, it wasn’t a pie – it was something uniquely comforting: Amish Apple Fritter Bread – Soft, Sweet, and Perfectly Spiced. This recipe has been passed down through generations in her family, and I’m so excited to share it with you. It’s a hug in bread form.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Forget complicated baking. This Amish Apple Fritter Bread is surprisingly easy to make. The texture is incredible – fluffy, moist, and studded with tender apple pieces. The spices? Oh, the spices! Warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves create a cozy, autumnal flavor that’s absolutely irresistible.
Here’s what makes this recipe a standout:
- Easy to Follow: Even baking beginners can succeed with these clear instructions.
- Comfort Food Perfection: This bread embodies that classic, comforting feeling of home.
- Perfect for Sharing: It’s fantastic for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert.
- Adaptable: We’ll explore plenty of ways to tweak the recipe to suit your tastes.
- That Apple Flavor! The generous amount of apples provides a burst of juicy sweetness in every bite.
The Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather what we need. Using good quality ingredients makes a noticeable difference!
For the Bread:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- ½ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Apples & Topping:
- 3 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and diced into ½-inch pieces
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts (optional – for topping)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Let’s get baking! These instructions are designed to be straightforward and easy to follow.
1. Preheat & Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This prevents sticking and makes removal a breeze.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Make sure everything is well combined. This ensures even distribution of the spices.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is nicely blended.
4. Combine Wet & Dry – Gently!
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir just until barely combined. Don’t overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten, resulting in a tougher bread. A few streaks of flour are okay.
5. Prepare the Apples:
- In a medium bowl, gently toss the diced apples with the brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of flour. This helps them stay tender in the bread and prevents them from sinking to the bottom. The melted butter adds a lovely richness.
6. Fold in Apples:
- Gently fold the apple mixture into the batter. Distribute them evenly throughout.
7. Bake!
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts (if using) evenly over the top of the batter.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs). Start checking at 55 minutes. Ovens vary!
8. Cool & Enjoy:
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents cracking.
- Slice and serve.
Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions
Let’s personalize this recipe! Here are some ideas to make it your own:
Tips for Success:
- Don’t Overbake: The biggest mistake is overbaking. It will dry out the bread. Keep a close eye on it during the last 10-15 minutes.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and milk helps the batter come together smoothly.
- Melted Butter – Not Hot: Cool the melted butter slightly before adding it to the wet ingredients. Hot butter can cook the egg.
Variations to Try:
- Maple Syrup: Substitute 2 tablespoons of brown sugar with 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup for a different sweetness.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cooled bread for an extra indulgent treat.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for a more complex flavor profile.
- Different Apples: Experiment with different apple varieties! Fuji or Gala apples would also work well.
- Glaze: Combine powdered sugar with a little milk or lemon juice to create a simple glaze and drizzle over the cooled bread.
Serving Suggestions:
- Warm with Butter: The classic!
- Pair with Coffee or Tea: Perfect for a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack.
- As a Dessert: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Enjoy with Friends & Family: The best part is sharing this delicious bread with loved ones!
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per slice – based on 10 slices)
- Calories: 280-320
- Fat: 12-15g
- Saturated Fat: 6-8g
- Cholesterol: 35-45mg
- Sodium: 200-250mg
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Sugar: 20-25g
- Protein: 3-4g
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
Ready to Get Baking?
This Amish Apple Fritter Bread is a true taste of home. It’s the perfect project for a weekend baking session. Don’t be intimidated – this recipe is truly foolproof. Gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and prepare to enjoy a slice of comfort. I promise, you won’t be disappointed! Let me know in the comments how your bread turned out – I love hearing from you! Happy baking!
