This Apple Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread is a warm, sweet treat that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. It’s fluffy pieces of bread filled with spiced apples and a hint of cinnamon!
Baking this bread makes your kitchen smell amazing! I love pulling it apart and enjoying it fresh from the oven, sometimes with a drizzle of icing on top. Yum! 😍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is essential for a light and fluffy bread. If you want a healthier option, you can use whole wheat flour. It will change the texture slightly, but provides more fiber!
Active dry yeast: Fresh yeast works well too. In case you can’t find it, you could use instant yeast; just mix it straight into the flour without proofing.
Apples: Granny Smith adds a nice tartness that balances the sweetness, but you can use any apple you like! Fuji or Honeycrisp are also great choices. If you prefer no apples, try pears instead!
Brown sugar: This gives the filling its rich flavor. If you’re out of brown sugar, mix regular granulated sugar with a bit of molasses (1 tablespoon per cup) to achieve a similar taste.
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add crunch, but feel free to leave them out or use sunflower seeds if you want a nut-free option. Chopped granola is also a fun substitution!
How Do I Ensure My Dough Rises Perfectly?
A good rise is key for fluffy bread! Here are some tips:
- Make sure your milk is warm, not hot—about 100-110°F is perfect. Hot milk can kill the yeast!
- Let the dough rise in a warm spot, like an oven that’s turned off with the light on. This keeps the environment cozy.
- Cover the bowl with a towel or plastic wrap to keep moisture in. This helps the dough not to dry out while it rises.
If your dough doesn’t rise as much as you’d like, don’t worry! A little patience can help, and smaller batches will rise more evenly.
Apple Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup warm whole milk (100-110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped (e.g., Granny Smith or Fuji)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Icing:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pull-apart bread takes about 20 minutes for prep and 2 hours for rising (during two separate phases). Then, it bakes for around 35-40 minutes. In total, you’re looking at about 2 hours and 55 minutes, but most of that is just waiting for the dough to rise!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let this sit for about 5 minutes until it gets frothy and bubbly. This means your yeast is alive! Add in the sugar, melted butter, egg, flour, and salt. Mix everything together until you have a nice, soft dough.
2. Knead and Rise:
Dust your countertop with a little flour and turn the dough out onto it. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. Then, place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for around 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
3. Prepare the Filling:
While the dough is rising, let’s work on the filling! In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and nuts. In a separate bowl, toss the chopped apples with a sprinkle of cinnamon to add flavor.
4. Assemble the Bread:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 15 x 10 inches.
5. Spread the Filling:
Spread the softened butter evenly across the rolled-out dough. Then sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over the butter, followed by the chopped apples. Make sure they are evenly distributed so every bite is full of flavor!
6. Cut and Layer:
Cut the dough lengthwise into 4 equal strips. Now cut each strip into about 5 square pieces. Don’t worry about making them perfect; a little rustic is part of the charm!
7. Stack and Place in Pan:
Take the pieces and stack them on top of each other, then cut this stack into 5 pieces. Grease a loaf pan and carefully arrange the stacked pieces vertically inside. Pack them in tightly for a nice pull-apart effect.
8. Second Rise:
Cover the pan again and let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes until it looks puffy and fluffy. This second rise makes your bread even softer!
9. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for about 35-40 minutes until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with foil.
10. Make the Icing:
While the bread cools slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl until you have a smooth, drizzly icing.
11. Serve:
Drizzle the icing over the warm pull-apart bread and serve it up! Enjoy pulling apart the gooey, cinnamon apple layers with family and friends.
Enjoy this delightful Apple Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread as a cozy treat perfect for gatherings or a delicious breakfast!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith adds a great tartness, you can use any apple variety you prefer. Fuji, Honeycrisp, or even sweet apples will work beautifully. Just pick a variety that you enjoy!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
You can use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum as a substitute for regular flour. Make sure to also check that your other ingredients are gluten-free, especially the baking powder and the icing if you’re using one!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! You can prepare the dough and filling the night before, then refrigerate the filled and assembled bread overnight. In the morning, let it rise while the oven preheats and then bake as directed!
How Should I Store Any Leftovers?
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, you can freeze individual pieces—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and they’ll last for about a month. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy!
