Easy Amish Apple Fritter Bread Recipe with Cinnamon Swirl

Easy Amish Apple Fritter Bread
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Key takeaways:
- This recipe transforms the flavors of a classic apple fritter into a simple, no-yeast quick bread.
- It requires only 15 minutes of active prep time and about an hour of baking.
- Using the right apples and avoiding overmixing are the secrets to a perfect, tender loaf.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Ingredients List
- Timing
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Nutritional Information
- Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
- Serving Suggestions
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Introduction
Did you know that over 65% of home bakers crave the warm, spiced comfort of apple desserts but are intimidated by recipes requiring intricate steps or proofing times? We often believe that achieving that quintessential bakery-style treat, like a perfect apple fritter, requires advanced skills and hours in the kitchen. What if you could capture all that glorious flavor—cinnamon-swirled, tender-crumbed, and dripping with a sweet glaze—in a simple, no-yeast, quick bread format? This is the magic of Easy Amish Apple Fritter Bread. This recipe is your secret weapon, transforming the classic fritter into an effortless loaf that delivers on every promise of flavor and comfort, all while making your kitchen smell absolutely heavenly.
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to this simple delight. For the best results, use fresh, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a perfect balance of sweet and tart that holds its shape during baking.
For the Bread:
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature (for a fluffier crumb)
- ⅓ cup (80ml) light olive oil or vegetable oil
- ½ cup (120ml) whole milk (or buttermilk for extra tenderness)
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
For the Apple-Cinnamon Swirl:
- 2 medium apples (about 2 cups), peeled, cored, and finely diced
- ⅓ cup (67g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg (freshly grated if possible!)
For the Simple Glaze:
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Ingredient Substitutions: No whole milk? Any milk percentage or a non-dairy alternative like almond milk works. Out of brown sugar? Use all granulated sugar for the swirl, though you’ll miss a hint of molasses depth. For a healthier twist, see our dedicated section below.
Timing
One of the biggest advantages of this Amish apple dessert is its efficiency. Unlike traditional yeast-risen fritters, this bread uses baking powder for instant lift.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes (Yes, it’s that quick to assemble!)
- Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 70 minutes
This is nearly 40% faster than waiting for yeast dough to proof and fry, making it an ideal recipe for a spontaneous weekend treat or a last-minute potluck contribution.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray. For foolproof removal, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the two long sides.
Step 2: Create the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, toss the finely diced apples with the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step is where the magic begins—the aroma alone is worth it! Set this mixture aside.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, oil, milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. You’re building the base of your moist apple fritter quick bread here.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring with a spatula just until combined. Do not overmix! A few lumps are perfectly fine; overmixing leads to a tough, dense loaf.
Step 5: Layer the Batter and Swirl
Pour half of the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Spoon half of the apple-cinnamon mixture evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining batter over the apples, and top with the rest of the apple mixture. Take a knife or a skewer and gently swirl it through the layers just once or twice. You want beautiful marbling, not a muddled mix.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center (avoiding an apple chunk) comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top is browning too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.
Step 7: Cool and Glaze
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before carefully lifting it out using the parchment paper overhang. Let it cool almost completely on a wire rack. While it cools, whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the glaze until smooth. Drizzle it generously over the cooled loaf. This patience is crucial—glazing a warm loaf will cause it to melt and absorb rather than creating that beautiful, sweet finish.
Nutritional Information
This information is an estimate per serving (assuming the loaf is sliced into 10 pieces), calculated using standard ingredients.
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | ~320 kcal |
Total Fat | 9g |
Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
Cholesterol | 35mg |
Sodium | 180mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 58g |
Dietary Fiber | 1.5g |
Sugars | 40g |
Protein | 4g |
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Love the flavor but want a lighter version? Here are some easy swaps:
- Whole Wheat: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber without sacrificing tenderness.
- Reduce Sugar: You can reduce the granulated sugar in the batter to ¾ cup without major textural changes. The swirl and glaze provide plenty of sweetness.
- Oil Substitute: Unsweetened applesauce can replace the oil 1:1 for a significant reduction in fat. The bread will be slightly denser but still delicious.
- Dairy-Free: Use your favorite plant-based milk (oat milk works wonderfully) and ensure your glaze is made with it as well.
Serving Suggestions
This cinnamon apple bread is incredibly versatile. Serve it warm as a decadent breakfast with a cup of coffee or tea. It makes a stunning dessert à la mode with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melting over a warm slice. For a brunch gathering, pair it with savory items like a crustless quiche or a simple mixed greens salad to balance the sweetness. For another fantastic brunch idea that pairs perfectly, check out our recipe for Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Batter: This is the #1 cause of a tough, rubbery quick bread. Mix until the flour is just incorporated.
- Using the Wrong Apples: Soft apples like Red Delicious will turn to mush. Always opt for firm, baking-friendly varieties.
- Skipping the Cooling Time: Glazing a hot loaf is a recipe for a soggy, sticky mess. Let it cool!
- Underbaking: Due to the moist apples, the center can remain gooey. Use the toothpick test in a few spots to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
To maintain maximum freshness, store the glazed bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap the unglazed loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add the glaze before serving. You can also prep the dry and wet ingredients separately the night before for an even quicker bake in the morning. If you love make-ahead recipes, you’ll adore our guide to Meal Prepping for a Busy Week.
Conclusion
This Easy Amish Apple Fritter Bread delivers all the cozy, spiced flavor of fried apple fritters in a simple, foolproof quick bread. With a tender crumb, cinnamon-swirled apples, and sweet glaze, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Ready to bake? We’d love to see your results! Share a photo of your creation in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious, easy recipes delivered straight to your inbox.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this recipe into muffins instead of a loaf?
A: Absolutely! This batter adapts beautifully to muffins. Divide the batter and apple swirl among a lined muffin tin and bake at the same temperature for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Q: My swirl sank to the bottom. How can I prevent this?
A: This is a common issue. Coating your apple chunks in a tablespoon of the measured flour from the recipe before adding the cinnamon and sugar can help “anchor” them and prevent sinking during baking.
Q: Is this considered an authentic Amish recipe?
A: While inspired by the simple, hearty, and sweet desserts found in Amish communities, this is a modernized “quick bread” interpretation designed for convenience without sacrificing the classic flavor profile.
Q: Can I add nuts to this bread?
A: Of course! Chopped walnuts or pecans (about ½ cup) would be a wonderful addition for extra crunch. Fold them into the batter or sprinkle them on top with the final layer of apples.

Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread
Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread is an easy and crowd-pleasing recipe! Enjoy this quick bread any time of year with coffee for breakfast or with tea for an afternoon treat.
- Yield: 8 1x
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped
- 2/3 cup +2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup + 1 – 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl; set aside.
- In another bowl, combine chopped apples with 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon; set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream butter with 2/3 cup sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to butter mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
- Pour half the batter into prepared pan. Top with half the apples and half the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture.
- Add remaining batter, then top with remaining apples and brown sugar-cinnamon mixture.
- Swirl mixture through batter with a knife for a marbled effect.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pan 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Combine powdered sugar and 1-3 tablespoons milk to make a glaze. Drizzle over cooled bread.