This warm and cozy apple cinnamon pull apart bread is a real treat! It’s made with soft dough, cinnamon, and delicious apple pieces that keep every bite tasty and fluffy.
Isn’t it fun to pull apart a piece? I love serving this for breakfast or as a snack. Plus, the smell of it baking is just heavenly—proof that good food can brighten your day! 🍏❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the dough. If you need a gluten-free option, a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix can work well here. Just ensure it includes xanthan gum for proper texture.
Active Dry Yeast: This is what makes the bread rise. If you have instant yeast, you can use that instead without needing to dissolve it first. Just mix it directly into the dry ingredients!
Apples: I usually go with Granny Smith apples for a nice tartness. You can replace them with Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter flavor. If apples aren’t available, chopped pears can also be a tasty substitute.
Walnuts or Pecans: These add a lovely crunch! If you’re nut-free, you can easily leave them out or swap them for your favorite seeds like sunflower seeds for some texture.
What’s the Best Way to Knead Dough?
Kneading dough is essential for developing the gluten needed for good texture. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Start with a clean, floured surface. Place the dough in the center.
- With your hands, push the dough away from you using the heel of your palm.
- Fold the dough back over towards you, turn it a quarter turn, and repeat.
- Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can test it by gently stretching a small piece; it should stretch without tearing.
This process is crucial as it helps create a fluffy texture that allows for easy pulling apart once baked!
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 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
For the Filling:
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Icing:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp milk or cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 2.5 to 3 hours in total. You’ll spend about 30-45 minutes on prep, 2 to 2.5 hours rising the dough, and around 35-40 minutes baking. Perfect for a lazy weekend morning or when you have friends over!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Start by dissolving the active dry yeast in warm milk in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy; this means the yeast is alive and kicking! In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Then, add in the melted butter, egg, and the yeasty milk mixture. Stir everything until a soft dough forms. Now, it’s time to knead! On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Once ready, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling:
While the dough is rising, let’s prepare that delicious filling! In a bowl, mix the finely chopped apples with softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Make sure the apple pieces are well-coated with the mixture—this is where all the sweet goodness comes from!
3. Assemble the Bread:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle about 16 x 12 inches. Spread the apple cinnamon filling evenly over the dough. If you’re using nuts, now’s the time to sprinkle them on top! Then, cut the dough into 6 long strips that are about 2 inches wide. Stack these strips on top of each other, then cut the stack into 6 square pieces. Grease a loaf pan and carefully arrange the squares upright, side by side. Cover the pan with a towel and let it rise again for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
4. Bake the Bread:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake your beautiful loaf for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. If it starts browning too fast, just cover it with a piece of foil for the last bit of baking.
5. Add the Icing:
As your bread cools slightly, whip up the icing! In a small bowl, mix together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, drizzle-able consistency. Once the bread has cooled for about 15 minutes, drizzle the icing over the top. And there you have it, a deliciously warm and gooey apple cinnamon pull apart bread ready to be enjoyed!
Dig in and savor each delightful piece. It’s perfect for enjoying on its own or with a little butter on top. Happy baking!
Can I Use Frozen Dough for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen dough! Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before using. Follow the same steps for the filling and assembly once it has thawed completely.
What Type of Apples Work Best?
Granny Smith apples are a great choice due to their tartness, but you can also use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter flavor. Just pick your favorite based on your desired taste!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pull apart bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, simply pop a piece in the microwave for a few seconds or warm it in the oven to freshen it up.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and the filling ahead of time. After assembling the bread in the loaf pan, cover it and refrigerate overnight. Just let it come to room temperature and rise again for about 30 minutes before baking the next day.