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Moist Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe

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4.3 from 51 reviews

  • Author: Amina
  • Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
  • Yield: 2 loaves (2 servings each, total 4 servings)

Description

This Moist Apple Cinnamon Bread recipe offers a delightful combination of sweet apples, warm cinnamon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a crumbly topping, all braided into a soft, tender bread. Perfectly glazed with a smooth maple-infused icing, this baked treat is ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting snack.

Ingredients

Apple Filling

  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 3 cups apples, peeled and diced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Crumb Topping

  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/4 tsp maple extract

Dough

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 packets active dry yeast (about 4 1/2 tsp)
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 large eggs

Egg Wash

  • 1 large egg white, beaten
  • 1 tbsp water

Icing

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp milk
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/8 tsp maple extract

Additional

  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. Prepare Apple Filling: Combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Add the peeled and diced apples along with the lemon juice. Toss thoroughly until the apples are evenly coated with the mixture, then set aside.
  2. Make Crumb Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, butter, and maple extract. Use a pastry blender or fork to cut in the butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Set aside.
  3. Prepare Dough Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 1 cup of flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, and salt, mixing well.
  4. Heat Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan, heat the water, buttermilk, and butter until the mixture reaches approximately 125°F (warm, not hot). Slowly pour this warm liquid into the dry ingredients in the mixer bowl.
  5. Mix Dough: Beat the mixture on medium speed, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until thoroughly combined. Add the two large eggs and 1 1/2 cups of flour and mix until incorporated. Gradually stir in the remaining flour to form a dough.
  6. Knead Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead by hand until smooth and elastic, approximately 8 minutes.
  7. Let Dough Rest: Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rest for 15 minutes to relax the gluten.
  8. Prepare for Shaping: Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll each piece into a 12 x 14-inch rectangle and place them on the prepared sheets.
  9. Add Filling: Spoon half of the apple filling down the center of each rectangle, spreading it into a strip about 3 inches wide.
  10. Make Cuts for Braiding: From each long side of the rectangle, cut strips approximately 3 inches long and 1 inch wide down towards the filling, leaving the center intact. Repeat on both ends.
  11. Assemble Layers: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the apple filling, then top with half of the crumb topping.
  12. Braid Bread: Starting at one long end, fold the cut strips over the filling, alternating sides to create a braid effect. Repeat with the second dough rectangle and remaining fillings.
  13. Allow Dough to Rise: Cover the braided breads with a cloth and let them rise in a warm place for 1 hour until slightly puffy.
  14. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  15. Apply Egg Wash: Mix the beaten egg white with water to create an egg wash. Brush this evenly over the tops of the braided breads to promote a glossy finish.
  16. Bake Breads: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes or until the breads turn light golden brown.
  17. Cool Breads: Remove from the oven and transfer the breads to wire racks. Let them cool completely before icing.
  18. Prepare Icing: In a bowl, combine powdered sugar, milk, melted butter, and maple extract. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  19. Drizzle Icing and Serve: Drizzle the icing generously over the cooled braided apple cinnamon breads. Slice and serve to enjoy the moist, flavorful bread.

Notes

  • Ensure the wet ingredients are warm, not hot, when mixed with yeast to avoid killing the yeast.
  • Pear or Fuji apples work best for baking as they hold their shape and provide sweetness.
  • The cheddar cheese adds a subtle savory balance; use mild or sharp cheese depending on preference.
  • Allow the bread to cool fully before icing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
  • This bread can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://aminabakes.com/moist-apple-cinnamon-bread-recipe/