Pull-Apart Apple Bread Recipe

This Pull-Apart Apple Bread recipe is the perfect combination of soft, fluffy dough, sweet cinnamon-spiced apples, and a rich buttery glaze. Made from scratch, this homemade apple bread is a must-try for fall baking or a cozy weekend treat. Whether you’re looking for a cinnamon apple bread, a sweet pull-apart bread, or a warm, comforting dessert, this recipe delivers! Serve it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, and enjoy the irresistible flaky, caramelized layers. Try this easy apple cinnamon bread today and impress your family with its bakery-style flavor and texture!

Ingredients

Bread Dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, sifted
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup water
• 5 Tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 Tbsp active dry yeast

Apple Filling:

• 8 Tbsp unsalted butter (1/2 cup), softened
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 cups apples, peeled and grated
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

Glaze:

• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 Tbsp heavy whipping cream
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar

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Instructions

Making the Apple Bread:

1. Prepare the Pans: Line two bread pans with parchment paper and grease the sides with butter or baking spray. Preheat oven to 350°F (at step 6).
2. Warm the Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the butter, milk, water, and sugar. Stir frequently and heat until the butter melts and the milk is warm. If overheated, allow it to cool until just warm to the touch.
3. Activate the Yeast: Sprinkle the yeast over the warm milk mixture and stir. Cover and let sit for about 5 minutes until foamy. Stir in the beaten eggs.
4. Mix the Dough: Add the flour to a large mixing bowl, form a well in the center, and pour in the warm milk mixture. Fold together until a soft, pliable dough forms and no longer sticks to the bowl. Add additional flour 1 Tbsp at a time if needed. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 1 hour at room temperature.
5. Roll the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Lightly dust the top with flour and roll it into an 18”x20” rectangle.
6. Add the Apple Filling: In a small bowl, mix the butter and vanilla. Spread evenly over the rolled dough. Evenly distribute the grated apples on top. Mix the cinnamon and sugar together, then sprinkle over the dough.
7. Cut and Stack the Dough: Cut the dough into 5 uniform strips, then cut those into squares. Stack the pieces and transfer them into the prepared bread pans, loosely stacking them on their sides. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
8. Bake: Bake uncovered at 350˚F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool completely before applying the glaze.

Making the Sweet Bread Glaze:

1. Heat the Glaze: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, and vanilla. Bring to a light boil.
2. Add Cream: Stir in the heavy whipping cream and remove from heat. Let it cool.
3. Finish with Powdered Sugar: Once cooled, whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth. Let the glaze thicken before drizzling or spreading over the cooled apple bread.

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Tips

• Use fresh apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji for the best flavor and texture.
• Ensure your yeast is active by letting it sit in the warm milk mixture until foamy before mixing it into the dough.
• For easier cutting, chill the dough slightly before slicing it into squares.
• Let the bread cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Variations and Substitutions

• Apple Variations: Try mixing different apple varieties for a more complex flavor.
• Dough Substitutions: Use store-bought bread dough if you’re short on time.
• Spice it Up: Add nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth in the apple filling.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling before stacking the dough.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

FAQs

Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before baking.

Can I use pre-made dough?
Absolutely! You can use refrigerated biscuit dough or frozen bread dough for convenience.

How do I prevent my bread from drying out?
Make sure to store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
• Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.
• Enjoy as a sweet breakfast alongside Greek yogurt and fruit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly soft and fluffy: The dough bakes up tender with a golden, crispy top.
• Packed with warm fall flavors: Apples, cinnamon, and vanilla create the ultimate cozy treat.
• Fun to pull apart and share: This bread is great for gatherings or a family-friendly treat.
• Versatile and customizable: Easily adjust the spices, fillings, or toppings to your preference.

Enjoy this homemade Pull-Apart Apple Bread as a delicious breakfast, snack, or dessert!