This Apple Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread is a warm treat that’s perfect for sharing! Fluffy bread pieces are coated in sweet cinnamon and apple goodness, making it a cozy delight for any occasion.
Making this bread feels like a fun craft project. I love pulling apart those sticky pieces, getting a mix of softness and crunch in every bite. Perfect with coffee in the morning! ☕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect for this recipe, giving the bread its nice soft texture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use whole wheat flour, but your bread might be denser.
Apples: I love using Granny Smith apples for their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the sugar. If you prefer a sweeter taste, feel free to use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples instead.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best, as it lets you control the salt in your recipe. You could substitute with margarine or coconut oil if you need dairy-free options.
Pecans: Pecans add that lovely crunch, but you can easily swap them for walnuts or leave them out altogether if you want a nut-free treat!
Glaze: If you want a different flavor in your glaze, consider adding a splash of maple syrup or almond extract for a nice twist!
How Do You Get the Dough Just Right?
Mastering the dough is key to pull-apart bread. Start by combining your dry ingredients first to make sure the yeast activates properly. Here’s how to knead your dough:
- Once mixed, knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes.
- The dough should be smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a little extra flour, but keep it soft.
- Let it rise in a warm place until it doubles. This helps air bubbles form, making your bread fluffy!
Don’t rush this step; a good rise leads to soft and airy bread!
Apple Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup water, warmed (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped (use tart apples like Granny Smith)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful bread takes about 15-20 minutes of preparation, followed by 2 hours for the dough to rise (1 to 1.5 hours for the first rise and 30-45 minutes for the second rise). Baking will take around 30-35 minutes. Overall, you’ll need about 2.5 to 3 hours, 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, start by combining 2 cups of flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add the warmed milk, water, melted butter, and egg together. Mix everything until well combined.
Now, gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If you’re using a stand mixer, knead with a dough hook for about 6-7 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size—this usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
2. Prepare the Filling:
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling! In a medium bowl, mix the chopped apples, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and softened butter until everything is combined evenly. This will create a deliciously sweet filling for your bread!
3. Assemble the Bread:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 12×16 inches. Spread the apple cinnamon butter mixture evenly over the dough. If you like, sprinkle the chopped pecans on top of the filling.
Now, cut the dough into 2-inch wide strips. Stack these strips on top of each other, then cut the stack into cubes that are approximately 2×2 inches. Grease a loaf pan and carefully arrange the cubes side by side into the pan, stacking them neatly.
4. Second Rise:
Cover the loaf pan with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise again until it’s puffy, about 30-45 minutes. This is the time for the dough to gain some more fluffy airiness!
5. Bake:
Now, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is baked through. If you notice the top browning too quickly, you can tent some foil over it during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent burning.
6. Make the Glaze:
While the bread cools slightly after baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla until smooth. This sweet glaze is the perfect finishing touch!
7. Serve:
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a cutting board. Now comes the fun part—pull apart the pieces and enjoy them warm! This fluffy pull-apart bread, loaded with apple cinnamon filling and topped with a sweet glaze, is perfect for any gathering or cozy morning treat. Enjoy with butter or cream cheese as an extra indulgence!
Can I Use Instant Yeast Instead of Active Dry Yeast?
Yes, you can! If you’re using instant yeast, you can skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients. Just remember to reduce the amount by about 25% since instant yeast is a bit more potent.
What Type of Apples Are Best for This Recipe?
Tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal because they balance the sweetness of the sugar. However, you can also use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling the day before, then assemble and bake it the next day. Just be sure to allow the second rise before baking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them, but the bread may dry out slightly. Reheat pieces in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven to enjoy them warm again!