This Apple Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread is a warm, gooey treat that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert! Soft, sweet pieces of dough are filled with spiced apples and cinnamon. Yum!
It’s like a cozy hug in every bite! I love how easy it is to pull apart and share with friends. Just add a drizzle of icing, and you’re all set for a delightful time! 🍏🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for the dough. If you need a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just keep in mind that the texture may change a bit.
Active dry yeast: Fresh yeast can be used if you have it. You can also substitute it with instant yeast, which doesn’t need proofing and can be mixed directly with the flour.
Apples: I love using Granny Smith apples for their tartness, which balances the sweetness. If you prefer sweeter apples, Fuji or Honeycrisp work well too. Feel free to mix different varieties!
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal, but you can use margarine or coconut oil if you’re looking for dairy-free options.
Baking nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch to the bread. If anyone has a nut allergy, you can simply omit them or replace with seeds, like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
How Do I Get My Dough to Rise Properly?
A key part of making this bread is ensuring your dough rises well for a tender texture. Here are some tips:
- Use warm, not hot milk; it should feel comfortable to your wrist.
- The environment matters! Find a warm place free from drafts. If your kitchen is cold, try placing the bowl in the oven (turned off) with the light on.
- Patience is key here; let it rise until it has doubled in size, which can take up to 1.5 hours.
This will ensure the dough is airy and light, perfect for pulling apart!
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for crunch)
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp milk or cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful bread requires about 2 hours of prep and rising time. You’ll spend around 30 minutes actively preparing the dough and filling, and then it bakes in the oven for 35-40 minutes. Make sure to allow some cooling time before serving your beautiful creation!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, mix together 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Make sure they are well combined. Now, add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg into the mix. Stir everything until it’s combined. Gradually start adding the remaining flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until you have a soft dough.
2. Knead the Dough:
Next, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently for about 6-8 minutes until the dough feels smooth and elastic. When it’s ready, place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a dish towel, and let it rise in a warm area until it about doubles in size—this should take around 1 to 1.5 hours.
3. Prepare the Filling:
While the dough is rising, you can make your filling! In a separate bowl, combine the chopped apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg (if you’re using it), and melted butter. Stir everything together, and set it aside to let the flavors meld!
4. Shape the Bread:
Once the dough has risen beautifully, punch it down gently to release the air. Roll it out into a rectangle around 12 x 16 inches in size. Spread the apple filling evenly over the entire surface, and if you’d like, sprinkle the chopped nuts on top for some extra crunch.
5. Cut and Assemble:
Now it’s time to cut! Slice the dough into 6 strips widthwise, each approximately 2 1/2 inches in size. Stack those strips on top of each other and cut them again into squares measuring about 2 1/2 inches wide.
6. Arrange in Pan:
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Place the squares upright in the pan, side by side, making sure to create layers where the sides are exposed for that fantastic pull-apart effect!
7. Second Rise:
Cover the pan once again and let the dough rise until it’s puffy, which should take around 30-45 minutes. This will give your bread a lovely, airy texture.
8. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). When it’s ready, bake your bread for 35-40 minutes, or until it turns golden on top and is cooked through. You’ll know it’s done when your kitchen is filled with a heavenly aroma!
9. Cool:
After baking, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Once cooled slightly, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Make Icing:
To make the icing, simply whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and drizzly. This sweet glaze will add a lovely touch to your warm bread.
11. Serve:
Finally, drizzle the icing over your warm bread, and enjoy! Great for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack, just tear off those sweet, spiced layers and savor the deliciousness!
Happy baking! 🍏🍞
Can I Use Other Fruits in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While apples are traditional, you can substitute them with pears or peaches for a different flavor. Just ensure that the fruit is ripe and finely chopped to maintain the right texture in the bread.
Can I Prepare the Dough the Night Before?
Yes, you can! After kneading the dough, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight. The next day, let it come to room temperature and rise before shaping and baking.
How Do I Store Leftover Bread?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it or freeze individual pieces wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap.
What Should I Do If the Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough isn’t rising, check if your yeast is fresh. If not, that’s usually the issue. Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, and let your dough rise in a warm area away from drafts. You can also try creating a warm environment by turning on your oven for a minute, then turning it off and placing the dough inside.