This Apple Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread is a fun and tasty treat! It’s soft, sweet, and filled with gooey apple pieces and cinnamon, making it perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Seriously, it’s like a hug in bread form! I love pulling apart those fluffy pieces, and the scent in the kitchen is just heavenly. Perfect with a cup of coffee! ☕🍏
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the dough. For a healthier option, you can substitute half with whole wheat flour. Just keep in mind it might change the texture slightly.
Active Dry Yeast: This helps the dough rise. If you have instant yeast, you can use that instead without needing to proof it. Just add it directly to the flour mixture!
Apples: I recommend using tart apples like Granny Smith for balancing out the sweetness. If you want a sweeter taste, Honeycrisp or Fuji apples work great too! If apples aren’t available, pear slices can be a lovely alternative.
Walnuts: These add a nice crunch! If you’re allergic or prefer not to use nuts, feel free to leave them out or use dried fruits like raisins instead.
Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: You can swap granulated sugar for coconut sugar for a deeper flavor. Just remember that it may slightly alter the sweetness level, so taste as you go!
How Do I Knead Dough Properly?
Kneading dough is crucial for developing gluten, which gives bread its soft texture. Here’s a simple way to do it:
- Flour your surface lightly and place the dough in the center.
- Using the palms of your hands, push the dough away from you, then fold it over itself.
- Rotate the dough a quarter turn and repeat. Do this for about 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
A tip I love is to keep your hands slightly floured, so the dough doesn’t stick too much. If the dough feels too sticky after kneading, adding a bit more flour is okay, just be careful not to add too much!
How to Make 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
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm milk (around 110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Apple Cinnamon Filling:
- 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Apple Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus 2 to 2.5 hours for rising time. The baking time is around 30-35 minutes. In total, expect to spend about 3 hours, mostly waiting for the dough to rise, but it’s well worth it for the delicious results!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Dough:
In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups of flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Stir until the ingredients come together. Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
2. Kneading the Dough:
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Knead for about 6-8 minutes until the dough feels smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
3. Making the Apple Cinnamon Filling:
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, softened butter, vanilla extract, and chopped apples (add walnuts if using). Stir until it’s well mixed and set aside.
4. Shaping the Bread:
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle (about 15×10 inches). Spread the apple cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
5. Cutting and Arranging:
Cut the dough into strips about 2 inches wide. Stack the strips on top of each other, then cut the stack into 2-inch sections. Arrange these dough pieces standing vertically in a greased loaf pan. This helps to create the pull-apart effect.
6. Second Rise:
Cover the loaf and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until it puffs up again.
7. Baking the Bread:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through.
8. Cooling and Icing:
Once out of the oven, let the bread cool for at least 15 minutes before icing. To prepare the icing, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle this icing over the warm bread for a sweet finishing touch.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice or pull apart the pieces of bread and enjoy the warm, gooey deliciousness at your leisure! It’s a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert!
This recipe yields a delightful, fluffy bread filled with cinnamon and apple goodness, all drizzled with a sweet vanilla icing. A true crowd-pleaser for cozy gatherings or family breakfasts!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices for their balance of sweetness and tartness, feel free to experiment with your favorite apples. Fuji, Gala, or even a mix can work well, depending on your taste preference!
Can I Make This Bread with Whole Wheat Flour?
Yes, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option! Just keep in mind that it may change the texture slightly, making it denser. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly to keep the dough from becoming too dry.
How Should I Store Leftover Bread?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to slice it before freezing for easy serving later!
What If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it may be due to expired yeast or not having a warm enough environment. Make sure your yeast is fresh and try placing the bowl in a warm spot, like near a preheating oven, to encourage rising!