Amish Apple Fritter Bread: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Amish apple fritter bread: just the name conjures up images of cozy kitchens, the scent of cinnamon and apples filling the air, and a slice of pure, unadulterated comfort. Imagine biting into a loaf that perfectly marries the warm, spiced flavors of a classic apple fritter with the ease and convenience of a quick bread. It’s a dream come true for apple lovers, and trust me, this recipe will become a family favorite in no time!

While the exact origins of this particular bread are difficult to pinpoint, the Amish are renowned for their simple, wholesome baking traditions. Their recipes often emphasize using readily available ingredients and creating dishes that are both satisfying and nourishing. This Amish apple fritter bread embodies that spirit perfectly. It’s a celebration of the humble apple, transformed into something truly special.

What makes this bread so irresistible? It’s the delightful combination of textures – a moist, tender crumb studded with soft, sweet apples, topped with a crunchy, cinnamon-sugar streusel. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water! Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and readily available ingredients. Whether you enjoy it warm from the oven with a pat of butter, as a sweet treat with your afternoon coffee, or even toasted for breakfast, this bread is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. Get ready to experience a slice of pure happiness!

Ingredients:

• For the Fritter Dough:
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Apple Filling:
• 4 cups peeled and diced apples (about 3-4 medium apples, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix work well)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• For the Streusel Topping:
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• For the Glaze (Optional):
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk or apple cider
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparing the Apple Filling:

Okay, let’s get started with the apple filling. This is where the magic begins, and the aroma will start to fill your kitchen, making you even more excited for the finished product!

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced apples, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. Make sure the apples are evenly coated with the mixture. This will help thicken the filling as it bakes and prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
2. Add the 2 tablespoons of melted butter to the apple mixture and toss gently to combine. The butter adds richness and helps the apples soften beautifully during baking.
3. Set the apple filling aside while you prepare the fritter dough. This allows the flavors to meld together and the apples to start releasing some of their juices, which will contribute to the overall moistness of the bread.

Making the Streusel Topping:

Next up, the streusel topping! This adds a delightful crunch and sweetness to the top of the bread, making it irresistible. Don’t skip this step!

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon. Make sure there are no lumps of brown sugar.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The key here is to keep the butter cold, as this will create those lovely little pockets of buttery goodness in the streusel.
3. If you don’t have a pastry blender, you can use two knives to cut the butter into the flour. Just work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
4. Once the streusel is ready, set it aside in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the bread. This will help the butter stay cold and prevent the streusel from melting during baking.

Preparing the Fritter Dough:

Now for the main event – the fritter dough! This is what gives the bread its soft, tender texture and that classic fritter flavor.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This will prevent the bread from sticking and ensure it releases easily after baking. You can also use baking spray with flour.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the 3 cups of flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dough, resulting in a light and airy bread.
3. In a separate medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined. The buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and helps to tenderize the dough.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in a tough bread. A few streaks of flour are okay.

Assembling and Baking the Bread:

Time to put it all together and get this bread in the oven! The anticipation is building!

1. Pour half of the fritter dough into the prepared loaf pan. Spread it evenly across the bottom of the pan.
2. Spoon the apple filling evenly over the dough. Try to distribute the apples evenly so that every slice of bread has a good amount of filling.
3. Pour the remaining fritter dough over the apple filling. Again, spread it evenly to cover the apples.
4. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the dough. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the bread with the streusel for maximum crunch and flavor.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness around 55 minutes.
6. If the streusel topping starts to brown too quickly, you can tent the bread with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking. This will prevent the topping from burning.
7. Once the bread is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent the bread from breaking apart while it’s still warm.

Making the Glaze (Optional):

While the bread is cooling, you can prepare the glaze, if desired. This adds an extra touch of sweetness and makes the bread even more decadent.

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or apple cider, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk or cider, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the bread but thin enough to drizzle easily.
2. Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. You can use a spoon or a fork to drizzle the glaze in a decorative pattern.
3. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing and serving the bread. This will prevent the glaze from running.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few extra tips and ideas to make this recipe your own!

• Apple Variety: Experiment with different types of apples for the filling. Granny Smith apples provide a tart contrast to the sweetness of the dough and streusel, while Honeycrisp apples offer a sweeter, more mellow flavor. A combination of both is also delicious!
• Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping for extra crunch and flavor. About 1/4 cup of chopped nuts should be perfect.
• Spices: Adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg to your liking. You can also add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for a warmer, more complex flavor.
• Dried Fruit: Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or raisins to the apple filling for extra texture and sweetness.
• Caramel Glaze: Instead of the powdered sugar glaze, try drizzling the bread with caramel sauce for a richer, more indulgent treat.
• Make it Muffins: You can easily adapt this recipe to make muffins. Simply fill muffin liners about 2/3 full with the dough, apple filling, and streusel topping, and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the bread for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing.
• Serving Suggestions: This Amish apple fritter bread is delicious on its own, but it’s also great served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!

Conclusion:

This Amish apple fritter bread isn’t just another recipe; it’s a warm hug on a chilly morning, a sweet treat that evokes memories of cozy kitchens and the comforting aroma of cinnamon and apples. It’s a must-try because it’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal effort, and delivers maximum flavor. Seriously, the hardest part is waiting for it to cool down enough to slice! The combination of the tender, moist bread with the sweet, spiced apple filling and that irresistible glaze is simply divine. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a family favorite, one you’ll be asked to make again and again.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While it’s absolutely perfect as is, fresh from the oven, there are so many ways to enjoy and adapt this delightful bread.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream: For an extra decadent dessert, serve a warm slice with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of the warm bread and cold ice cream is heavenly.
* Toasted with butter: Toast a slice and spread it with butter for a simple yet satisfying breakfast or snack. The toasting brings out the nutty flavors of the bread and adds a delightful crunch.
* French toast: Transform leftover slices into French toast for a truly indulgent breakfast. Dip the slices in a mixture of eggs, milk, and cinnamon, then pan-fry until golden brown. Top with maple syrup and fresh berries.
* Apple pie filling variation: For an even more intense apple flavor, use a can of apple pie filling instead of the diced apples. This will create a richer, more decadent bread.
* Add nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a nutty crunch. About half a cup of chopped nuts is perfect.
* Spice it up: Experiment with different spices. A pinch of nutmeg or allspice can add a warm, festive touch.
* Chocolate chips: For a truly decadent treat, add chocolate chips to the batter. Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips work best.
* Caramel glaze: Instead of the traditional powdered sugar glaze, try a caramel glaze for a richer, more indulgent flavor.
* Make it mini: Bake the batter in mini loaf pans for individual servings. These are perfect for gifting or portion control.
* Crumble topping: Add a crumble topping made with flour, butter, and sugar for extra texture and sweetness.

I truly believe that this Amish apple fritter bread will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s the perfect treat for any occasion, from a casual brunch to a holiday gathering. It’s also a wonderful way to use up those extra apples you might have lying around.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of this amazing bread. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. And when you do, please come back and share your experience! I’d love to hear about your variations, your serving suggestions, and how much your family enjoyed it. Happy baking! Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! I’m eager to hear all about your baking adventures.

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