This warm and gooey apple cinnamon pull apart bread is like a cozy hug in dessert form. It’s filled with sweet apple chunks and a sprinkle of cinnamon, making every bite a treat!
If you ask me, pulling apart the pieces is half the fun! I love enjoying it fresh out of the oven with a drizzle of icing on top. Perfect for brunch or a sweet snack! 🍏✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: Essential for the dough’s structure. If you want a lighter texture, you can try using bread flour instead for more chewiness.
Active dry yeast: This is what makes the dough rise. If you’re out of active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast in the same amount. Just mix it straight into the flour.
Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith work well here. If you prefer sweeter apples, Fuji or Honeycrisp are great options. You can also use canned pie filling in a pinch!
Brown sugar: For that deep caramel flavor. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can mix granulated sugar with a little molasses or use coconut sugar for a lighter option.
Pecans or walnuts: These add a lovely crunch. If you or someone you know has nut allergies, you can easily leave them out or substitute with sunflower seeds.
How Do You Make the Perfect Dough for Pull Apart Bread?
Making the dough is crucial for this pull apart bread! Here are some important tips:
- Check the temperature of your liquid—if it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast. Aim for about 110°F.
- Be patient while the dough rises! Giving it enough time is key for light and fluffy results—about an hour is ideal.
- When kneading, use enough flour to keep it from sticking, but avoid adding too much. A smooth dough is what you’re aiming for.
Follow these techniques, and you’ll have a soft, delightful dough ready for your apple cinnamon filling!
Apple Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warm (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup water, warm (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
For the apple cinnamon filling:
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Apple Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread will take you about 2 hours to prepare, including about 1 hour and 40 minutes for rising and baking. Most of the time is hands-off, allowing you to squeeze in a quick break or two!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, warm water, sugar, and yeast. Give it a little stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy—this means the yeast is alive and kicking!
2. Mix in the rest of the ingredients:
Add the melted butter, eggs, salt, and about 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until everything is well combined. Then, gradually add the remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the dough:
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If it gets too sticky, don’t hesitate to sprinkle in a little more flour.
4. Let the dough rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. A cozy spot on your kitchen counter works great!
5. Prepare the filling:
While the dough is rising, mix the chopped apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, melted butter, and nuts (if you’re using them) in a medium bowl. Set it aside and let those lovely flavors blend!
6. Form the bread:
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches, on a floured surface. Spread the apple cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
7. Cut the dough:
Cut the dough into strips (about 6-8 equal strips widthwise) and stack the strips on top of each other. Then, cut these stacked strips into squares (about 3×3 inches).
8. Stack in the pan:
Grease a loaf pan and stack the pieces vertically inside, layering the apple filling between them. Leave a little space for them to pull apart, which will happen during baking.
9. Final rise:
Cover the pan with a cloth and let the dough rise for another 30-40 minutes until puffed up, just like the first time!
10. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for about 35-40 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when you tap it. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
11. Make the glaze:
While the bread cools slightly in the pan, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency to your liking by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or more sugar for a thicker one.
12. Finish and serve:
Drizzle the glaze over the warm bread and let it set for a few minutes. Then, slice it up and enjoy pulling apart those sweet, cinnamon-y pieces filled with tender apples and nuts!
This Apple Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread is the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or simply indulging your sweet tooth anytime. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are great for a tart flavor, you can also use Fuji, Honeycrisp, or any sweet apple you prefer. Each will give your pull apart bread a unique flavor profile!
Can I Make This Bread Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and filling a day in advance; just refrigerate them separately. Allow the dough to come to room temperature and rise before proceeding with the recipe. Alternatively, you can bake it and store the bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it for longer, refrigerate it for up to a week, but be aware it may lose some of its fresh texture.
Can I Freeze the Dough or Baked Bread?
You can freeze both the dough and the baked bread! For the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, freezing for up to 2 months. For baked bread, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze. Thaw the bread at room temperature before serving.
