The aroma. Oh, the aroma! It’s a memory unlocked – Sunday mornings at my grandmother’s house. The scent of warm apples and cinnamon swirling through the air. She’d always be making something delicious, often a variation of this classic: Easy Amish Apple Fritter Bread. It wasn’t fussy, it wasn’t complicated, but it was pure comfort food. This recipe is a tribute to those cozy mornings, adapted from her simple, heartfelt instructions. I’m thrilled to share this taste of tradition with you.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
Forget complicated baking projects. This isn’t about perfecting French macarons or intricate pastry work. This is about simple joy. This Easy Amish Apple Fritter Bread is exactly what it sounds like: a deliciously simple bread, studded with sweet, soft apples and a hint of spice.
Here’s why you’ll adore it:
- Seriously Easy: It’s a one-bowl wonder! Minimal cleanup and straightforward steps make it perfect for beginner bakers.
- Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of tart apples, warm spices, and a slightly sweet dough is heavenly.
- Perfect for Sharing (or Not!): It’s wonderful for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet treat with coffee. It’s also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Adaptable: Feel free to adjust the apple type or spices to your liking. We’ll cover variations later!
- That Smell! Seriously, your house will smell like a bakery.
The Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather our supplies. Here’s what you’ll need for this easy apple fritter bread. I’ve included measurements in both US customary and metric for our international friends!
For the Dough:
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but lovely)
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk (see notes at the end if you don’t have buttermilk)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
For the Apples:
- 3 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or your favorite baking variety), peeled, cored, and diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Let’s Bake: Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to get baking? This is a simple process, I promise!
Prep the Apples: In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, 1/4 cup sugar, lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Toss gently to coat. Set aside. This helps prevent browning and adds extra flavor.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 teaspoon sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Make sure there are no lumps!
Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, and egg until just combined.
Combine Wet & Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir just until the mixture comes together. Don’t overmix! A few flour streaks are fine. Overmixing will develop the gluten and make the bread tough.
Fold in the Apples: Gently fold the apple mixture into the batter until evenly distributed. Be mindful not to deflate the batter too much.
Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. You can use butter, shortening, or cooking spray. (For extra deliciousness, line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal!).
Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooling is Key: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents it from crumbling.
Tips, Variations & Serving Suggestions
Now for the fun part – customizing and enjoying your Easy Amish Apple Fritter Bread!
Tips for Success:
- Don’t Overbake: Check for doneness around 50 minutes. Overbaking dries out the bread.
- Room Temperature is Best: While not essential, using room temperature buttermilk can help the ingredients combine more smoothly.
- Apples Matter: Use a baking apple variety that holds its shape well during baking – Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn are all good choices.
Variations to Try:
- Maple Glaze: Mix 1/4 cup maple syrup with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and drizzle over the cooled bread for extra sweetness.
- Nutty Delight: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter along with the apples.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for a deeper, warmer spice profile.
- Brown Sugar Swirl: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of brown sugar over the batter before baking for a caramelized top.
- Different Fruit: While this is an apple bread, you could try it with peaches or pears instead. Just adjust the baking time slightly if needed.
Serving Suggestions:
- Warm with Butter: The classic! Simple and satisfying.
- With a Cup of Coffee: Perfect for a cozy morning treat.
- As a Dessert: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- For a Crowd: Cut into squares or triangles for a delightful brunch or potluck dish.
Buttermilk Substitute
Don’t have buttermilk on hand? No problem! You can easily make a substitute:
- Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a measuring cup.
- Fill the cup with milk (whole milk is best) to reach the 1-cup mark.
- Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to curdle slightly. That’s your buttermilk substitute!
Sweet Memories, Simple Baking
There you have it – Easy Amish Apple Fritter Bread! I hope this recipe brings a little bit of that same cozy feeling to your home that my grandmother’s kitchen always did. It’s a reminder that the best things in life are often the simplest. Don’t be intimidated – give it a try! You will not regret tasting this delightful bread. Happy Baking!
