Imagine pulling a warm, golden-brown spiral bread out of the oven, where swirls of sweet cinnamon and juicy apples create a mesmerizing pattern that beckons you closer. This Apple Cinnamon Spiral Bread isn't just a recipe—it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious kitchen novice, this recipe promises to elevate your baking skills and fill your home with an irresistible aroma that screams pure comfort and warmth.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups diced apples
Instructions
- In a small bowl, warm the milk until it is lukewarm (about 110°F or 43°C). Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the milk and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix these dry ingredients together until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, melt 1/4 cup of butter and let it cool slightly. Once cooled, add the melted butter, 2 eggs, and the frothy yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough begins to form.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour as needed.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until it has doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Peel and dice 2 cups of apples into small pieces. In a bowl, toss the diced apples with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a little sugar if desired.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle, approximately 12x18 inches.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log.
- Pinch the seams to seal the log and place it seam-side down on a greased baking sheet. You can also shape it into a spiral by coiling the log into a round shape.
- Cover the dough again with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 15-20 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Once preheated, bake the bread in the oven for 30-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy your homemade Apple Cinnamon Spiral Bread!
Tips
- Yeast Temperature Matters: Always ensure your milk is lukewarm (around 110°F) to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- Dough Consistency is Key: Don't be afraid to adjust flour slightly if your dough feels too sticky or dry. A smooth, elastic dough is your goal.
- Apple Selection: Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture in your filling.
- Rising Environment: Find a warm, draft-free spot in your kitchen for dough rising—near (but not on) a warm oven works perfectly.
- Golden Brown Perfection: Cover the bread with aluminum foil if it's browning too quickly to ensure even baking.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the bread rest for at least 10 minutes after baking to allow the structure to set and make slicing easier.
- Storage Tip: Keep your spiral bread in an airtight container and reheat slightly before serving for that fresh-baked taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 55mg
