This warm and gooey Apple Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread is a treat you won’t forget! Soft pieces of dough are layered with sweet apples and sprinkled with cinnamon, making it a cozy choice.
How great is it when you can just pull a piece from this bread? It’s like sharing, but not really, because you want to keep it all for yourself! 😄 I love enjoying it fresh out of the oven with some butter on top.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the dough and gives it structure. If you prefer, you can use bread flour for a chewier texture, or a gluten-free flour blend if you need a gluten-free option.
Active Dry Yeast: Vital for the dough to rise. If you have instant yeast on hand, you can use it without proofing; just mix it directly with the flour.
Apples: For filling, I like using tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, which balance the sweetness. If you’re looking for alternatives, try pears or even peaches for a fruit twist!
Ground Cinnamon: This is key for the warm flavor. If you want to change it up, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for an extra depth.
How Do I Ensure My Dough Rises Perfectly?
Getting the dough to rise well is crucial for fluffy pull-apart bread. Here are some tips:
- Use warm milk at about 110°F (43°C) — too hot can kill the yeast.
- Make sure to cover the dough with a towel or plastic wrap to keep it warm and prevent it from drying out.
- Let it rise in a warm spot, like near a stove or in a turned-off oven with the light on.
If your dough hasn’t doubled in size after the time suggested, give it a bit more time. The conditions can affect rising, so patience is key!
Apple Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
For the Filling:
- 2 large apples, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: caramel sauce for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 20 minutes of prep time, plus a 2-hour total rise time. Once everything is assembled, you’ll bake it for 35-40 minutes. So, set aside about 2.5-3 hours for this deliciously cozy treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, granulated sugar, and yeast. Let this mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it gets bubbly and foamy. This means your yeast is alive and ready to work!
2. Combine All Ingredients:
Next, add the melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually fold in the flour until a soft dough forms. Once formed, sprinkle some flour on a clean surface and knead the dough for about 7-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise:
Transfer your dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size. This is where the magic happens!
4. Prepare the Filling:
While the dough is rising, mix together the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and chopped nuts (if you’re using them) in a bowl. This will create a delicious filling that packs your bread with flavor.
5. Prepare the Bread:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Roll it out into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches, on a floured surface. Then, spread your apple cinnamon filling evenly across the dough.
6. Cut and Stack:
Cut the dough into squares, around 3×3 inches each. Take two squares at a time and stack them on top of each other. This layering gives the bread that lovely pull-apart texture!
7. Place in the Pan:
Stand the stacked pieces upright side by side in a greased loaf pan, packing them closely together. This will help them rise beautifully together.
8. Second Rise:
Cover the pan and allow it to rise for another 30 minutes. While it rises, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
9. Bake the Bread:
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until it is golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know it’s done when it’s beautifully puffed up and smells amazing!
10. Prepare the Glaze:
While the bread is baking, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl to create your glaze. Adjust the milk as needed for your desired consistency.
11. Drizzle and Serve:
Once the bread is done, take it out and let it cool slightly. Drizzle the glaze over the warm bread, and feel free to add a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra sweet touch.
12. Enjoy:
Now for the best part! Pull apart the soft, cinnamon-apple-filled pieces and enjoy this delightful sweet treat while it’s still warm. Perfect for sharing (or not)! 😄
This Apple Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread will be a hit at any gathering or family breakfast. Enjoy making your home smell wonderful while creating this delicious dish!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples work great for their tartness, you can also use Fuji, Gala, or even a mix for varied flavor and texture. Just make sure they’re firm and not overly ripe!
What Should I Do If My Dough Isn’t Rising?
If your dough isn’t rising, it might be due to the yeast being inactive. Double-check the temperature of your warm milk—it should be around 110°F (43°C), not too hot! If you suspect the yeast is old, try a new packet. Alternatively, you can give the dough more time in a warm place.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven or microwave until warm.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Certainly! You can substitute the eggs with unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) or a flaxseed mixture (1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tbsp water per egg). Use non-dairy milk and vegan butter to keep it completely plant-based!