Apple Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread Recipe

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There’s something about the smell of apples and cinnamon baking that makes any home feel instantly warm and cozy. If you’re looking for a fun, impressive, and delicious fall recipe to bake, Apple Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread is the perfect choice!

This treat is like a cross between a loaf of bread and a cinnamon roll, with layers of soft dough coated in cinnamon-sugar, and bits of juicy apples nestled between. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this pull-apart bread will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pull-apart bread is simple to make, but it has the wow factor that makes it look bakery-worthy. The dough is soft and fluffy, and the apple-cinnamon filling adds a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Plus, since it’s pull-apart style, you can tear off piece by piece, making it an interactive treat to enjoy with others.

Tips for Making Apple Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread

1. Use tart apples: Granny Smith apples work best in this recipe because their tartness balances out the sweetness of the cinnamon-sugar. However, feel free to use your favorite apple variety.
2. Let the dough rise fully: To get the softest bread, be patient and allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size. If you rush this step, the bread may turn out denser.
3. Chop the apples finely: This ensures they cook evenly and don’t make the layers too thick, allowing the dough to rise and bake properly.
4. For extra indulgence: Drizzle the finished bread with a vanilla glaze or caramel sauce. It takes the bread to the next level!
5. Use a bundt pan for a twist: While this recipe is typically made in a loaf pan, using a bundt pan will give you a beautiful round shape with crisp edges.

Apple Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup whole milk (warmed)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Filling:

• 2 large apples (peeled, cored, and finely chopped)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)

For the Glaze (optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add the warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
2. Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
3. Prepare the filling: While the dough is rising, mix the chopped apples with cinnamon and sugar. Set aside.
4. Assemble the bread: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle (about 12×20 inches). Brush the melted butter over the dough, then sprinkle the apple-cinnamon mixture evenly across the surface.
5. Cut and stack the dough: Cut the dough into strips (about 2-3 inches wide). Stack the strips on top of each other, then cut the stacked strips into squares.
6. Place in pan: Line a loaf pan with parchment paper, and carefully place the squares in the pan, standing them up like a deck of cards. Don’t worry if it looks messy; it will puff up beautifully as it bakes.
7. Bake the bread: Cover the pan with a towel and let the bread rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
8. Add glaze (optional): While the bread cools slightly, whisk together the glaze ingredients. Drizzle over the warm bread before serving.

Common Questions About Apple Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the fridge overnight. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before assembling the bread.

2. What other fillings can I use?
If you’re feeling creative, you can swap out the apples for other fillings like pears, chopped nuts, or even chocolate chips. For a more savory version, you can fill the dough with herbs and cheese.

3. How do I store leftovers?
Apple Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, simply pop a piece in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to refresh it.

4. Can I freeze this bread?
Yes, you can freeze the bread once it’s fully cooled. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then warm it up in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

5. What can I serve with this bread?
This pull-apart bread is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re serving it as dessert.

Final Thoughts

Apple Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread is a crowd-pleasing treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a cozy fall brunch or looking for a sweet afternoon snack, this recipe will satisfy your cravings. The combination of soft bread, cinnamon sugar, and tender apples is pure comfort in every bite. Enjoy!

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