This Apple Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread is a cozy treat that’s fun to make! It’s made with soft, fluffy dough, sweet apples, and a pinch of cinnamon that makes your kitchen smell amazing.
If you love the idea of tearing off warm pieces and enjoying gooey bites, this is for you! I like to slather mine with a bit of butter—yum! It’s perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. 🍏🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for the dough. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though it may vary in texture a bit.
Apples: Using Granny Smith apples gives a nice tartness, while Fuji apples are sweeter. You can mix different varieties for added flavor. If apples are not available, pears work well too!
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is essential for that warm flavor. If you’re looking for a twist, cinnamon substitutes can include nutmeg or pumpkin spice, but use them sparingly.
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch, but you can skip them if you prefer a nut-free bread. You can also use seeds like pumpkin seeds for crunch instead.
Milk: I recommend whole milk for richness, but you can substitute with almond milk or oat milk for dairy-free options!
How Do I Get the Dough to Rise Perfectly?
Getting your dough to rise is a crucial step for soft, pillowy bread. Here are some tips to ensure it rises well:
- Make sure your yeast is fresh. Expired yeast won’t work!
- Warmth is key! The ideal rising temperature is around 80-85°F. If your kitchen is cool, try placing the bowl in a warm spot, like near the oven while preheating.
- Cover the bowl well to retain moisture—plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel works great!
- Don’t rush the process! Allow the dough to double in size, which usually takes about an hour.
Feel free to enjoy this Apple Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread warm, as it gives the best experience with gooey, delicious pieces that are perfect for sharing! 🍏🍞
Apple Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup water, warmed (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Apple Cinnamon Filling:
- 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji), peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 2 hours total, including rising time for the dough. Baking will take about 30-35 minutes. Just a bit of patience, and the delicious aroma will fill your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, warm water, melted butter, and egg. Gradually add this wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing until combined. Slowly incorporate the remaining flour until the dough comes together and feels slightly sticky.
2. Knead the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 6-8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Once done, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until it doubles in size.
3. Prepare the Filling:
While dough is rising, toss the chopped apples with lemon juice in a small bowl. Then, in another bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Combine the melted butter with the sugar-cinnamon mixture.
4. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
5. Roll Out the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (approximately 15×10 inches).
6. Add the Filling:
Brush the melted butter over the entire dough rectangle. Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over it, then spread the chopped apples and, if desired, the chopped nuts on top.
7. Cut and Stack:
Cut the dough lengthwise into strips about 2 inches wide. Stack these strips on top of each other, then cut the stacked dough into smaller squares or pieces.
8. Arrange in the Pan:
Place the stacked pieces upright, side by side, in the greased loaf pan, creating layers that will pull apart easily after baking.
9. Second Rise:
Cover the loaf pan loosely and let the dough rise again for about 30-45 minutes until it becomes puffy.
10. Bake:
Transfer the loaf pan to your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and cooked all the way through.
11. Prepare the Icing:
While the bread is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
12. Cool and Drizzle:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. Drizzle the icing generously over the warm bread.
13. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve warm by pulling apart the soft, cinnamon-apple layered pieces. Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors!
There you have it—the perfect warm, gooey Apple Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread! It’s a treat that’s great for gatherings, breakfast, or just a cozy day at home. Enjoy! 🍏🍞
Can I Use Other Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Fuji are great choices for their balance of tartness and sweetness, you can also try Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or even a mix of different apples for added flavor.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time. Assemble the bread and place it in the loaf pan, then cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let it rise at room temperature for about 1 hour before baking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, warm it in the oven or microwave for a few seconds!
Can I Freeze This Bread?
Yes, you can freeze the baked bread! Once completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving for the best taste and texture.