Amish Apple Fritter Bread Recipe (Perfect for Thanksgiving!)

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Author: Zohra
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Get ready to fall in love with this Amish Apple Fritter Bread — tender, cinnamon-swirled, and packed with caramelized apples. It’s cozy, nostalgic, and perfect for Thanksgiving mornings or holiday dessert tables. Each bite tastes like a warm apple fritter straight from an Amish bakery, only easier to make at home.

Slices of Amish apple fritter bread with vanilla glaze on a rustic plate

Why You’ll Love This Amish Apple Fritter Bread

This Amish Apple Fritter Bread brings together everything you love about apple pie and sweet bread in one moist, cinnamon-filled loaf. Each slice bursts with juicy apple bits coated in brown sugar and spice, creating that nostalgic, homemade flavor everyone craves during the holidays. The recipe is simple enough for beginners but delivers a bakery-style finish that feels extra special. The creamy sour cream glaze on top adds sweetness and shine while keeping the loaf irresistibly soft. Whether you serve it for Thanksgiving breakfast or alongside coffee after dinner, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that fills your kitchen with warm, comforting aromas and happy memories.

What You’ll Need for the Perfect Amish Apple Fritter Bread

Main Ingredients

You’ll need 1 large tart apple, like Granny Smith, for the best balance of sweetness and tang. The brown sugar and cinnamon mixture gives that classic fritter flavor. The flour, baking powder, and salt form the base, while granulated sugar and unsalted butter make the crumb tender and light. Two large eggs add richness, and whole milk keeps the texture moist. A splash of vanilla extract ties all the flavors together beautifully, creating that warm bakery scent you’ll love.

Glaze Ingredients

For a shiny, creamy glaze, combine sour cream, vanilla, and powdered sugar. This mixture adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the bread. If it feels too thick, add a little milk until it’s just right for drizzling. The glaze sets beautifully once cooled, adding that perfect glossy finish you’d find on a bakery fritter.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Amish Apple Fritter Bread

Step 1 – Prepare the Apple Mixture

Whole Amish apple fritter bread loaf with vanilla glaze on a floral plate

Peel, core, and dice one large tart apple into small cubes. Toss the pieces with brown sugar and cinnamon, letting them sit for about 15 minutes. This step draws out the juices and creates that soft, caramelized texture once baked. The kitchen will already start smelling amazing.

Step 2 – Mix the Batter

In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the milk and vanilla. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until combined but still slightly lumpy. Those tiny lumps help keep the bread tender.

Step 3 – Layer and Swirl

Pour half the batter into a greased 8×4-inch loaf pan. Spread half the apple mixture on top. Then add the remaining batter and top with the rest of the apples. Use a knife to gently swirl the apples through the batter — this creates that beautiful marbled look in every slice.

Step 4 – Bake and Cool

Bake at 350°F for 55–60 minutes until golden brown. A toothpick should come out clean from the center. Once baked, let it cool completely on a wire rack before glazing. Cooling is key — glazing a warm loaf can make it soggy.

Step 5 – Make and Drizzle the Glaze

Close-up of glazed Amish apple fritter bread slice on a vintage plate

In a small bowl, whisk sour cream, vanilla, and powdered sugar until smooth. Add a splash of milk if needed to thin it. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf in zigzag lines or spoon it evenly across the top. It’ll set beautifully, adding shine and sweetness.

Baking Tips for the Best Results

Use a tart apple like Granny Smith for balance and texture. Avoid overmixing the batter, or the loaf may turn dense. Always let the bread cool before glazing — it helps the glaze cling and shine. Swirling the apple mixture lightly keeps each slice pretty and marbled. For an extra-rich flavor, serve it slightly warmed with a little butter or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storage, Freezing & Make-Ahead Guide

Store glazed Amish Apple Fritter Bread in the fridge for up to 5 days; cover it tightly to keep it moist. Unglazed loaves can stay at room temperature for 3 days. To freeze, wrap unglazed bread tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil or a freezer bag, and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and glaze before serving. The ideal loaf pan size is 8×4 inches; smaller pans may require a few extra minutes of baking. To prevent drying, avoid overbaking and always cool on a rack instead of in the hot pan.

Common Questions About Amish Apple Fritter Bread

Does Amish Friendship bread need to be refrigerated?

Yes, if it contains dairy or a glaze, it should be stored in the fridge for freshness.

Does an apple fritter need to be refrigerated?

Apple fritters with glaze or milk-based icing should be refrigerated, though they taste best at room temperature when served.

Is Amish apple butter good for you?

In moderation, yes! It’s naturally sweetened and made with apples and spices, offering fiber and antioxidants.

How long do apple fritters take to make?

Typically, about an hour — 20 minutes for prep and 55–60 minutes for baking. Cooling adds extra time if glazing.

Conclusion

This Amish Apple Fritter Bread captures everything cozy about fall — soft apples, cinnamon, and buttery sweetness in every bite. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving breakfast, dessert, or a lazy Sunday brunch. Simple to make, yet full of nostalgic flavor, it’s a recipe that feels homemade in the best way. Don’t forget to share your twist or glaze variation in the comments! For more cozy apple treats, visit Pinterest and get inspired for your next bake.

Sliced Amish apple fritter bread loaf with vanilla glaze on a floral plate
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Slices of Amish apple fritter bread with vanilla glaze on a rustic plate

Amish Apple Fritter Bread Recipe (Perfect for Thanksgiving!)


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  • Author: Zohra
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf 8 slices 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Amish Apple Fritter bread that tastes like a cozy bakery treat. Tender crumb, cinnamon apples, and a creamy sour cream glaze. Perfect for Thanksgiving breakfast or dessert.


Ingredients

Scale

1 large tart apple diced small

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup unsalted butter softened

2 large eggs lightly beaten

1/2 cup whole milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the glaze

3 tablespoons sour cream

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 cup powdered sugar

Whole milk as needed to thin


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease an 8×4 inch loaf pan.

2. Peel core and dice the apple into small pieces. Toss with brown sugar and cinnamon. Let sit 15 minutes.

3. Sift flour baking powder and salt in a bowl.

4. In a mixing bowl cream granulated sugar and butter until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time.

5. Mix in the milk and vanilla.

6. Stir in the dry ingredients until just combined leaving small lumps.

7. Pour half the batter into the prepared pan. Add half the apple mixture.

8. Layer the remaining batter and top with the rest of the apples.

9. Use a knife to gently swirl the apples into the batter.

10. Bake 55 to 60 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

11. Cool completely on a wire rack.

12. Whisk sour cream vanilla and powdered sugar. Add milk gradually if needed to reach drizzling consistency. Drizzle over the cooled loaf.

Notes

Bread must cool completely before glazing.

Swirling the apple mixture creates a marbled effect in the slices.

Glaze can be thinned with milk if too thick.

Only one apple is required although one and a half may be used for more filling.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Thanksgiving
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Amish, American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 298
  • Sugar: 38 g
  • Sodium: 164 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg

Hi, I’m Clara

I’m the recipe creator behind HerCozyRecipes, where I share simple, comforting meals made for real life. From cozy breakfasts to hearty dinners and sweet treats, I love helping home cooks bring warmth, flavor, and joy to the table.

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