Amish Apple Fritter Bread is a delightful quick bread that perfectly embodies the comforting flavors of fall. This recipe is a sweet, soft bread filled with apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar, topped with a sweet glaze. It’s easy to make, requires no yeast, and is a delicious treat with coffee or tea. This bread is fabulous for gifting or as an addition to your holiday table.
Why You’ll Love This Bread
- Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and straightforward, perfect for beginner bakers.
- Comforting Flavors: The combination of apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar creates a warm and inviting taste.
- Perfect for Gifting: These loaves make wonderful gifts for friends and family.
- Versatile: Enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Origin of Amish Apple Fritter Bread
Amish Apple Fritter Bread embodies the Amish tradition of using natural ingredients and straightforward cooking methods to create hearty, satisfying fare. This quick bread is a testament to the simplicity and deliciousness of Amish cooking.
Ingredients
Bread:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup buttermilk
Apple Filling:
- 2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (about 3 apples)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
Topping:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Glaze (Optional):
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
Equipment
- 8.5×4.5×2.5-inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Whisk
How to Make Amish Apple Fritter Bread
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8.5×4.5×2.5-inch loaf pan by greasing it with non-stick cooking spray.
- Prepare the apple filling: Peel, core, and chop the apples. In a small bowl, toss them with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1 tablespoon of white sugar.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until just combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Layer the Bread: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Layer half of the apple mixture on top, pressing them down slightly into the batter. Spread the remaining batter over the apples, followed by the remaining apple mixture.
- Make the topping: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the bread.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for about 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Glaze (Optional): In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bread.
- Serve: Slice the bread and serve.
Cooking Tips and Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients, especially butter and eggs, helps to create a smooth batter.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check for doneness. The bread is ready when the toothpick comes out clean.
Serving Tips
- Serve Warm: Enjoy this bread warm with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Add Butter: Serve with whipped butter for extra richness.
- Make a Gift: These loaves make wonderful gifts. Wrap them in cellophane and tie with a ribbon.
Health Benefits of Ingredients
While Amish Apple Fritter Bread is a treat, some of its ingredients offer nutritional benefits:
- Apples: Good source of fiber and Vitamin C.
- Cinnamon: Contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties.
Interesting Facts
- Swirling the apples into the batter with a knife can create a beautiful marbled effect.
- Adding a sour cream glaze gives the bread a unique and tangy flavor.
Summarized Recipe
Ingredients:
- Butter, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, buttermilk
- Apples, cinnamon, white sugar
- Brown sugar, cinnamon
- Powdered sugar, milk (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare apple filling: peel, core and chop apples, and combine with cinnamon and sugar.
- Cream butter and sugar, then beat in eggs and vanilla.
- Combine dry ingredients, then add to wet ingredients alternating with buttermilk.
- Layer half the batter, apple mixture, remaining batter, and remaining apple mixture in a greased loaf pan.
- Combine brown sugar and cinnamon, and sprinkle over the bread.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and drizzle with glaze (optional). Slice and serve.
