This Apple Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread is like a warm hug on a plate! Soft, fluffy pieces of dough are filled with sweet apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Yum!
When I make this bread, I can’t resist pulling it apart and enjoying each slice. It smells so good baking that it’s hard to wait for it to cool! Perfect for sharing with friends or family.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base for the dough, giving it structure. If you need a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free flour blend, just check for one that can substitute cup-for-cup.
Active Dry Yeast: Yeast is essential for the dough to rise. If you don’t have active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast—just use the same amount and skip the proofing step.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the dough and helps with browning. If you’re looking for a less sugar-heavy option, consider using honey or agave syrup in a smaller quantity.
Apples: Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness. If you like sweeter flavors, Fuji or Honeycrisp apples are excellent alternates. You can also mix different varieties for extra flavor!
Pecans: These add a lovely crunch, but feel free to substitute with walnuts or skip them altogether if allergic.
How Do I Ensure My Dough Rises Perfectly?
The rising process is crucial for making soft and fluffy pull-apart bread. Start by letting your dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot. If your kitchen is cold, preheat your oven to the lowest setting for a few minutes, then turn it off and place the dough inside.
- Cover the dough with a damp towel to keep it warm and moist.
- Check the dough after the first rise—it should double in size; this usually takes 1 to 1.5 hours.
- After shaping the dough into the loaf, let it rise again until puffy—this ensures light and airy bread.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tsp salt
- ¾ cup whole milk, warm (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
For the Filling:
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or your choice), peeled and finely chopped
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp milk or cream
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Time Needed:
This delicious Apple Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread will take about 20 minutes of prep time and around 2 hours for rising, followed by 30-35 minutes of baking. Overall, you’re looking at about 2 ½ hours from start to finish, but most of that time is just waiting for the dough to rise!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Begin by mixing the warm milk and yeast in a large bowl or stand mixer. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. Then add the sugar, eggs, salt, softened butter, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until everything is blended, and gradually add the remaining flour until you have a soft dough.
2. Knead the Dough:
Now it’s time to knead! You can do this by hand or using a dough hook on your mixer for about 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
3. Prepare the Filling:
In a separate bowl, combine the chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. This tasty mixture will add all the flavor to your bread. Set it aside for later.
4. Shape the Bread:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out onto a floured surface until it forms a large rectangle (about 12×16 inches in size).
5. Assemble the Filling:
Brush melted butter over the dough and sprinkle the apple mixture evenly over the top. If you’re using pecans, feel free to add them now for a delightful crunch!
6. Cut the Dough:
Cut the dough into strips, about 3 inches wide. Stack the strips on top of each other and then cut the stack into smaller pieces, around 3-4 inches wide.
7. Arrange the Bread in the Pan:
Take these pieces and arrange them upright in a greased or parchment-lined loaf pan. Make sure the layers are visible—this will make it easy to pull apart later!
8. Second Rise:
Cover the loaf pan and let the dough rise again until it becomes puffy, about 45-60 minutes.
9. Bake the Bread:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the pull apart bread for 30-35 minutes until it turns a beautiful golden brown and is cooked through.
10. Drizzle with Icing:
Once it’s done, let the bread cool for 10-15 minutes. While it’s cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this icing over the warm bread and enjoy it either warm or at room temperature!
Get ready to enjoy layers of sweet apple-cinnamon goodness as you pull apart each piece! Happy baking!
Can I Use Other Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are a great choice for their tartness, you can also use sweeter varieties like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or even a mix of different apples for varied flavors.
What If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough isn’t rising, it could be due to expired yeast or the temperature being too cold. Make sure your yeast is fresh and try placing the dough in a warmer area, or use the oven’s warmth as mentioned earlier.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual pieces wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Make This Bread Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and filling a day in advance. Just assemble the bread, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let it come to room temperature and rise for about 30-45 minutes before baking!
