Imagine walking into your kitchen and being greeted by the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked Apple Cinnamon Swirl Bread. This delightful treat is not just a feast for the senses; it's a comforting slice of home that combines the sweetness of apples with the warm spice of cinnamon, all enveloped in soft, fluffy bread. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Ready to impress your loved ones with your baking skills? Let’s dive into the delicious world of Apple Cinnamon Swirl Bread and discover how to create this mouthwatering masterpiece!
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup diced apples
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water (about 110°F or 43°C) and active dry yeast. Stir gently 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, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and granulated sugar until well combined.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the melted unsalted butter, beaten egg, and the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the ingredients begin to come together.
- Once the dough starts to form, turn it out onto a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
- Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, turning it to coat all sides with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap 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. In a small bowl, combine the diced apples and ground cinnamon. Mix well and set aside.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
- Evenly spread the apple and cinnamon mixture over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Starting from one of the longer sides, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seams to seal the roll and tuck the ends under to create a neat loaf shape.
- Place the rolled dough into a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. Cover it again with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for another 20-30 minutes, until it has puffed up.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is rising for the second time.
- Once the dough has risen, place the loaf pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Enjoy your homemade Apple Cinnamon Swirl Bread warm or at room temperature, possibly with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey!
Tips
- Activate Your Yeast: Ensure your warm water is at the right temperature (around 110°F or 43°C) to properly activate the yeast. If it's too hot, it can kill the yeast; too cold, and it won't activate.
- Knead with Care: When kneading the dough, aim for a smooth and elastic texture. If the dough sticks to your hands, sprinkle a little more flour, but avoid adding too much to keep the bread light and fluffy.
- Let It Rise: For the best results, allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area. You can create a warm environment by placing the bowl in an oven that’s turned off but has the light on.
- Roll Evenly: When rolling out the dough, try to maintain an even thickness to ensure uniform baking. A rolling pin helps achieve this, but your hands can work just as well.
- Seal the Edges: Be sure to pinch the seams tightly when rolling the dough to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
- Check for Doneness: To know when your bread is done, tap the bottom of the loaf; if it sounds hollow, it’s ready to come out of the oven.
- Serve Warm: For an extra special touch, serve slices warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. It’s the perfect way to enjoy your homemade creation!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 210kcal
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 35mg
