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Cinnamon Apple Twist Bread

Cinnamon Apple Twist Bread
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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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

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

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/cinnamon-apple-twist-bread/