Sweet Cinnamon Apple Loaf

This luscious Amish Apple Fritter Bread transforms humble apples into a moist, cinnamon-scented loaf that brings warmth to any gathering. The contrast between the tender crumb and juicy apple chunks creates an irresistible texture, while the sweet vanilla glaze adds the perfect finishing touch.

I first made this bread during apple picking season when my kitchen was overflowing with fresh fruit. What began as a way to use extra apples has become a tradition my family requests all through fall and winter.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the bread tender
• Baking soda: Creates the perfect rise without making the texture tough
• Cinnamon and ginger: Pair perfectly with apples for warmth and depth
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and caramel notes throughout
• Sour cream: Creates an incredibly moist texture that stays fresh for days
• Baking apples: Like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith hold their shape without turning mushy
• Powdered sugar glaze: Adds the signature apple fritter sweetness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the apple mixture:

Combine chopped apples with brown sugar, cinnamon and ginger until well coated. This mixture infuses the apples with flavor while drawing out their natural juices. The brown sugar caramelizes slightly during baking, creating pockets of gooey sweetness throughout the bread.

Create the batter base:

Whisk the egg, granulated sugar, oil, sour cream and vanilla until completely smooth. These wet ingredients provide moisture and richness. Take care that your egg and sour cream are truly at room temperature to ensure they incorporate properly without lumps.

Add the dry ingredients:

Combine flour, baking soda and salt before gently folding into the wet mixture. Stop mixing as soon as the dry ingredients are incorporated to prevent developing too much gluten, which would make the bread tough. The batter will be thick but still pourable.

Fold in apple mixture:

Add most of the cinnamon apple mixture into the batter, saving some for the top. Folding rather than stirring preserves the apple chunks and creates beautiful pockets of fruit throughout the loaf. The reserved apples on top create an attractive finish and extra cinnamon flavor.

Bake to perfection:

Bake at 350°F for about 55 minutes, testing with a thermometer for doneness at 200°F. The bread needs this full baking time to cook through the center while the exterior develops a golden crust. The apples release moisture during baking, so patience is key.

Make the glaze:

Whisk powdered sugar with vanilla and milk until smooth and pourable. This simple glaze recreates the classic sweetness of fried apple fritters and sets up with a slight crackle when dried. Apply while the bread is still slightly warm for the best absorption.

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The cinnamon ginger combination in this recipe might seem simple, but it creates such magic with the apples. My grandmother always said the secret to apple baking was pairing warm spices with tart apples. When I smell this bread baking, I instantly remember her kitchen filled with the scent of apples and cinnamon each fall.

Choosing The Best Apples

Not all apples are created equal when it comes to baking. The best varieties maintain their shape and texture during the long bake time. Pink Lady and Honeycrisp offer a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, while Granny Smith provides classic tartness that balances the sweet batter. Avoid Red Delicious, which break down too easily. For the best flavor, mix two apple varieties in the same loaf.

Make Ahead And Storage Tips

This apple fritter bread actually improves with time as the flavors meld together. Make it a day ahead for the best flavor experience. For storage, ensure the bread cools completely before wrapping in plastic wrap to prevent condensation that could make it soggy. The bread stays fresh at room temperature for two days or refrigerated for a full week. Always bring refrigerated slices to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own, this bread transforms into an elegant dessert when warmed slightly and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For breakfast, toast a slice and spread with a thin layer of salted butter. When serving for brunch, pair with a savory egg casserole for perfect balance. The bread also makes a thoughtful homemade gift when wrapped in parchment and tied with twine during the holiday season.

Recipe FAQs

→ What kind of apples work best for this bread?

The best apples for this bread are varieties that hold their shape during baking without turning mushy. Recommended options include Empire, Pink Lady, Granny Smith, and Honeycrisp. These baking apples maintain their texture and provide a nice contrast to the soft bread.

→ Can I make this in a different pan?

Yes, this bread is versatile and works in several pan sizes. You can use an 8x4 inch loaf pan, a 9x5 inch loaf pan, or even a 6-cup bundt pan for more of a cake presentation. When using a bundt pan, be sure to bake until the internal temperature reaches 200°F.

→ How should I store this apple bread?

After cooling completely to room temperature, wrap the bread in plastic wrap and place in a zip-top bag. It will last for two days on the countertop or up to one week in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to three months.

→ Can I freeze this apple fritter bread?

Absolutely! Once completely cooled, wrap the bread tightly in several layers of plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe zip-top bag. It will maintain quality for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it on the counter overnight until it reaches room temperature.

→ Can I adjust the sweetness of the glaze?

Yes, the glaze can be easily customized. If you prefer a thicker, sweeter glaze, add more sifted powdered sugar. For a thinner glaze, add a bit more milk. You can also adjust the vanilla extract amount to taste or even substitute other extracts like almond or maple for different flavor profiles.

→ What makes this an 'Amish' style bread?

Amish baking is characterized by simple, wholesome ingredients and traditional methods. This bread follows those principles with its straightforward preparation and classic flavor combination of apples and cinnamon. The rustic, homestyle nature of the bread with generous chunks of fruit throughout is typical of Amish baking traditions.