If you’ve ever dreamed of filling your kitchen with the warm aroma of baked apples and cinnamon, then this Cinnamon Apple Twist Bread recipe is for you. This fluffy, flavorful bread combines tender dough with a sweet and spiced apple filling, twisted just right to create an irresistible homemade treat perfect for cozy mornings or snacks. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe will guide you through making your own delightful cinnamon apple twist bread that tastes as amazing as it smells.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort in Every Bite: The soft, fluffy dough paired with cinnamon-spiced apples creates a comforting and cozy flavor combo that feels like a warm hug.
Simple Ingredients: Using everyday pantry staples and fresh apples means you can easily whip up this treat without an extra grocery run.
Beautiful Presentation: The twisted braid technique not only tastes fantastic but also gives the bread a stunning, impressive look.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a festive brunch, this bread fits any moment perfectly.
Customizable Flavor: You can adjust the spice level or add nuts and raisins to suit your personal taste preferences with ease.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need are a handful of fresh and staple ingredients that work together to create the perfect balance of softness, sweetness, and spice in the Cinnamon Apple Twist Bread.

All-purpose flour: Provides the base for a tender, fluffy dough with a chewy crumb.
Yeast: Essential for the dough rise, delivering that light and airy texture.
Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tartness of the apples and spices.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, helping to bring out the cinnamon and apple notes.
Butter: Incorporates richness and moisture to keep the bread soft.
Milk: Helps activate the yeast and contributes to a tender crumb.
Eggs: Bind ingredients and enrich the dough with a golden color and soft texture.
Apples: Fresh apples bring juicy sweetness and a natural fragrance to the filling.
Cinnamon: The star spice adding warmth and nostalgic flavor to the filling.
Brown sugar: Adds depth and caramel notes to the apple mixture.
Lemon juice: Keeps the apples bright and prevents browning while adding a subtle tang.

Variations for Cinnamon Apple Twist Bread

This Cinnamon Apple Twist Bread recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to mix it up to suit your dietary needs, spice preferences, or what’s in your pantry.

Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple filling for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend and binder to make this bread safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Spiced Up: Experiment by adding nutmeg, cloves, or ginger alongside cinnamon for a more complex spice profile.
Vegan Adaptation: Replace butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg or commercial egg replacer to make it plant-based.
Sweet Glaze: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze or caramel sauce on top after baking for extra sweetness.

How to Make Cinnamon Apple Twist Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Warm your milk slightly and dissolve the yeast and a pinch of sugar, allowing it to bloom until foamy. Then mix the flour, remaining sugar, salt, butter, eggs, and yeast mixture to form a soft but elastic dough. Knead well for about 8-10 minutes, then cover and let it rise until doubled in size, roughly an hour.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

While the dough rises, peel, core, and finely chop the apples. Toss them with cinnamon, brown sugar, and a splash of lemon juice to enhance their natural sweetness and prevent browning. Let the mixture sit so the flavors meld perfectly.

Step 3: Roll Out and Fill the Dough

Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread the apple filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 4: Twist and Shape

Roll the dough tightly from one long side into a log. Then, with a sharp knife, slice the log lengthwise into two equal strips. Twist these strips around each other with the apple layers facing up to showcase the filling, then shape into a braid or circle and tuck the ends under.

Step 5: Final Rise and Bake

Place the twisted dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Let it rise again until puffy, about 30-40 minutes. Then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Apple Twist Bread

Perfect Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft but not sticky; add flour gradually during kneading if it feels too wet.
Use Tart Apples: Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the ideal balance of sweetness and acidity.
Don’t Skip the Second Rise: This step ensures the bread stays fluffy and light after baking.
Brush with Egg Wash: For a shiny, golden crust, brush the dough with a beaten egg before baking.
Cool Completely: Let the bread cool on a rack to avoid soggy bottoms from trapped steam.

How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Twist Bread

Garnishes

Finish your Cinnamon Apple Twist Bread with a dusting of powdered sugar for elegance or a thin drizzle of icing made from cream cheese and vanilla for extra indulgence and moisture.

Side Dishes

Pair this bread with a cup of hot coffee, chai tea, or a warm glass of milk for a balanced breakfast or snack experience, adding a touch of comfort and coziness to your day.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the bread and serve it slightly warm with a spread of softened butter or cream cheese. For brunch, add it alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit for a vibrant meal that’s as tasty to look at as it is to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Cinnamon Apple Twist Bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and softness.

Freezing

Wrap the bread securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for 15-20 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked softness and enhance the aroma of cinnamon and apples.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for the filling?

Frozen apples can be used but make sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture, which can make the bread soggy.

Is it possible to make this bread without yeast?

This recipe relies on yeast for its light texture, but quick bread versions using baking powder exist if you’re short on time.

How long does the bread keep fresh?

Stored properly at room temperature, the bread stays fresh for about 3 days; refrigeration can extend this but may dry it out faster.

Can I add nuts to the filling?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch and complement the cinnamon apple flavor beautifully.

What type of cinnamon works best?

Ground cinnamon is perfect for the filling, but you can also experiment with Ceylon cinnamon for a milder, sweeter taste.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like pulling a warm loaf of Cinnamon Apple Twist Bread fresh from your oven. It’s a simple recipe that rewards you with layers of flavor and comforting aromas that fill your home. Whether you follow the classic instructions or put your own spin on it, this bread is sure to become a go-to favorite to share with family and friends. Give it a try and enjoy every delicious, twisty bite!

Cinnamon Apple Twist Bread

Print Recipe

Cinnamon Apple Twist Bread is a soft, fluffy homemade bread that combines tender dough with a sweet and spiced apple filling. Perfectly twisted for a beautiful presentation, this bread fills your kitchen with warm aromas of baked apples and cinnamon. Ideal for cozy mornings, snacks, or festive occasions, it is easy to make with simple ingredients and fully customizable to your taste preferences.

Author: Lilly
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 1 large loaf (serves 8-10) 1x
Category: Breakfast, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
¼ cup sugar (plus a pinch for yeast blooming)
½ tsp salt
4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup warm milk (around 110°F / 43°C)
2 large eggs

Apple Filling Ingredients

3 medium fresh apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
2 tsp ground cinnamon
⅓ cup brown sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice

Optional Ingredients for Variations

Chopped walnuts or pecans (for added crunch)
Nutmeg, cloves, or ginger (to spice up filling)
Coconut oil and flax egg or egg replacer (for vegan version)
Powdered sugar or caramel sauce (for glaze)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk slightly and dissolve the yeast with a pinch of sugar. Allow it to bloom until foamy, about 5-10 minutes. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, salt, softened butter, eggs, and the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft but elastic dough forms. Knead well on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
Make the Apple Filling: While the dough rises, peel, core, and finely chop the apples. Toss them with ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and lemon juice to enhance sweetness and prevent browning. Let the mixture sit for the flavors to meld.
Roll Out and Fill the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Spread the apple filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Twist and Shape: Roll the dough tightly from one long side into a log. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the log lengthwise into two equal strips. Twist the strips around each other, keeping the apple layers facing upwards to showcase the filling. Shape into a braid or circle and tuck the ends under.
Final Rise and Bake: Place the twisted dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let it rise again until puffy, about 30 to 40 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Optionally brush the dough with a beaten egg for a shiny crust. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Let cool on a rack before serving.

Notes

The dough should be soft but not sticky; add flour gradually if too wet during kneading.
Use firm, tart apples such as Granny Smith for the best flavor balance.
Don’t skip the second rise to keep the bread fluffy and light.
Brushing with egg wash before baking gives a shiny, golden crust.
Let the bread cool completely on a rack to prevent soggy bottoms.
Frozen apples can be used if thawed and drained well to avoid excess moisture.
You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the filling for additional texture and flavor.
Ground cinnamon is best, but Ceylon cinnamon can offer a milder, sweeter taste.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/10th of the loaf)
Calories: 220
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 140mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: Cinnamon apple bread, twist bread, apple cinnamon twist, homemade bread, spiced bread, fall baking, breakfast bread, snack bread