Introduction and Overview
What is Amish Apple Fritter Bread?
Amish Apple Fritter Bread is a moist, flavorful loaf of sweet bread swirled with cinnamon-spiced apples and topped with a sugary glaze. It combines the flavors of classic apple fritters with the ease of a quick bread, creating a perfect balance of soft bread, tart apples, and warm spices. This bread is great for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack. It’s a homemade treat that brings comforting fall flavors into any season.
A Classic Sweet Treat with Warm Fall Flavors
This bread offers a delicious combination of tender apples, cinnamon, and sugar, all layered into a soft, moist loaf. The sweet glaze drizzled over the top adds the perfect finishing touch, making it a treat everyone will love.
Ingredients and Nutritional Benefits
Main Ingredients
Apples
Apples are the star ingredient, providing natural sweetness and tartness. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples work particularly well for this bread, as they hold their shape during baking.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is key to achieving the warm, cozy flavor that pairs so well with apples. It’s also a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties.
Butter
Butter provides richness and moisture, creating a tender crumb in the bread. You can substitute with oil or dairy-free butter for a different variation.
Flour
All-purpose flour gives the bread structure and helps it rise. You can substitute with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour for dietary needs.
Sugar
Granulated sugar sweetens the bread and helps caramelize the apples. Brown sugar can also be used to add a richer, deeper flavor.
Nutritional Benefits
Apples: Rich in Fiber and Antioxidants
Apples are high in dietary fiber, which supports digestion and keeps you feeling full. They are also a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants, which promote overall health.
Cinnamon: Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Cinnamon not only adds flavor but also provides numerous health benefits. It has anti-inflammatory properties and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Preparation and Variations
Basic Recipe
Ingredients List
To make Amish Apple Fritter Bread, you’ll need:
For the Bread:
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ cup whole milk
For the Apple Mixture:
- 2 large apples, peeled and chopped
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the light brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Set aside.
- Make the Apple Mixture: In another bowl, toss the chopped apples with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Set aside.
- Prepare the Bread Batter: In a large bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Assemble the Bread: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter, then layer half of the apple mixture on top, gently pressing the apples into the batter. Pour the remaining batter over the apples and repeat the cinnamon sugar and apple layers. Lightly swirl the batter with a knife.
- Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Glaze the Bread: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread. Allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Calories per Serving: 300 kcal
Recipe Variations
Cinnamon Roll Apple Fritter Bread
For a more indulgent twist, add a cinnamon swirl to the batter. Simply mix 1/4 cup of brown sugar with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon and swirl it into the batter before adding the apples.
Gluten-Free Apple Fritter Bread
To make this bread gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend includes xanthan gum for structure.
Vegan Apple Fritter Bread
For a vegan version, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil, and replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg).
Apple Walnut Fritter Bread
Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts to the batter for a nutty crunch. Walnuts pair perfectly with the apples and cinnamon for added texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Serving Suggestions
For Breakfast or Brunch
Serve a slice of Amish Apple Fritter Bread with a cup of coffee or tea for a delicious breakfast or brunch treat. Its sweetness and warm spices make it a comforting start to the day.
As a Snack or Dessert
Enjoy this bread as an afternoon snack or dessert. It’s sweet and satisfying but not overly rich, making it a great option any time of day.
For a Holiday Gathering
This bread is perfect for holiday gatherings, especially in the fall or winter. Serve it alongside other seasonal treats like pumpkin bread or cinnamon rolls for a festive spread.
Pairing Ideas
With Hot Coffee or Tea
The warm flavors of cinnamon and apples pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The slightly bitter notes of coffee balance the sweetness of the bread, while tea enhances the spice.
With Vanilla Ice Cream
For an indulgent dessert, serve warm slices of the apple fritter bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm bread and cold ice cream is a perfect treat.
With Warm Apple Cider
For a fall-inspired pairing, enjoy the bread with a mug of warm apple cider. The similar flavors of apple and cinnamon create a cozy, comforting combination.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! Amish Apple Fritter Bread can be made a day in advance. Once baked, let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the bread for up to 5 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw the bread in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
Can I use other types of apples?
Yes! You can use any type of apples you prefer. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Gala apples work best because they hold up well during baking and provide a balance of sweetness and tartness.
Can I make this bread gluten-free or dairy-free?
Yes! For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend. For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free butter or coconut oil, and replace the milk with almond milk or another plant-based milk.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the bread?
Absolutely! You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra texture. Raisins or dried cranberries can also be mixed in for added sweetness.
Conclusion
Amish Apple Fritter Bread is a delicious, comforting treat that combines the classic flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples with a moist, tender bread. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack, this bread offers a taste of fall in every bite. The sweet glaze adds a final touch of indulgence, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite for any occasion. Whether served with coffee, tea, or ice cream, this apple fritter bread is sure to satisfy!