Cinnamon Apple Twist Bread Recipe: A Homemade Autumn Delight

Cinnamon-apple twist bread emerges as a delightful fusion of rustic comfort and aromatic indulgence.

Soft, pillowy layers intertwine with caramelized fruit, creating a sensory experience that transcends ordinary baking.

Warm spices dance through delicate strands of dough, promising a journey of flavor and texture.

Each carefully crafted twist reveals a complex symphony of sweetness and depth.

Home bakers will find this recipe both challenging and immensely rewarding, revamping simple ingredients into an extraordinary culinary creation.

The technique requires patience and passion, revamping humble components into a spectacular centerpiece.

Your kitchen will soon radiate an irresistible fragrance that beckons everyone closer.

Complement Your Cinnamon Bread with These Additions

• Brew Aromatic Coffee Companions: Pair this cinnamon-apple twist bread with a rich, medium-roast Colombian coffee that complements the sweet-spicy notes of the bread. The coffee's subtle caramel undertones will highlight the bread's warm cinnamon and apple flavors.
• Creamy Dairy Delights: Serve alongside a cold glass of vanilla-infused milk or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the bread's warm spices. The creamy texture will soften the bread's cinnamon kick and enhance its overall sweetness.
• Complementary Nutty Sidekicks: Add a small plate of toasted almonds or pecans to create a delightful crunch that echoes the potential nut sprinkle in the bread's filling. These nuts will provide a beautiful textural contrast and nutty depth to each bite.
• Sweet Spread Sensations: Prepare a light cream cheese spread with a hint of honey or maple syrup to accompany the bread. This spreadable treat will add an extra layer of indulgence and complement the bread's apple and cinnamon profile.

Fun Variations on Cinnamon-Apple Twist Bread

• Rustic Pear and Almond Bread: Swap apples with ripe pears, adding sliced almonds for a nutty crunch. Enhance the filling with a touch of cardamom for warmth and depth.
• Tropical Coconut Banana Braid: Replace apples with mashed bananas, mixing in shredded coconut and a hint of rum extract. Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for extra texture.
• Spiced Pumpkin Swirl Loaf: Incorporate pumpkin puree into the dough, using warm spices like nutmeg and ginger. Fill with a mixture of pumpkin, brown sugar, and pecans for an autumn-inspired treat.
• Berry Cream Cheese Twist: Mix cream cheese with fresh berries as the filling, adding a tangy layer between soft bread folds. Drizzle with a light lemon glaze for brightness.

Cinnamon-Apple Twist Bread: A Sweet and Spicy Delight

• Craft a Luxurious Breakfast Centerpiece: This cinnamon-apple twist bread transforms an ordinary morning into a gourmet experience, delivering restaurant-quality pastry right in your kitchen with minimal professional baking skills.
• Celebrate Texture Symphony: Each slice offers a delightful contrast between soft, pillowy bread and chunky, spiced apple filling, creating a mouthwatering sensory journey that balances tender crumb with vibrant fruit chunks.
• Master Flexible Baking Technique: The recipe provides adaptable filling options using either cornstarch or Instant ClearJel, allowing home bakers to work with ingredients they have on hand while ensuring consistently perfect apple mixture every single time.
• Indulge in Comforting Nostalgia: Warm cinnamon and sweet apples blend together, evoking memories of grandmother's kitchen and creating an irresistible aroma that fills your home with warmth and happiness during weekend baking sessions.

Essential Ingredients for Cinnamon-Apple Twist Bread

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure and texture to the bread.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning and fermentation.
• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for making the dough rise and develop a light, airy texture.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast growth.

• Butter: Adds richness, moisture, and helps create a tender crumb.
• Vanilla: Provides a warm, sweet background flavor.
• Egg: Helps bind ingredients and contributes to a soft texture.
• Milk: Provides moisture and helps activate the yeast.

• Apples: Fresh, crisp fruit that creates a juicy, sweet filling.
• Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning and adds a bright, tangy note.
• Sugar: Sweetens the apple filling and helps create a syrupy consistency.
• Cornstarch or Instant ClearJel: Thickens the apple filling and prevents excess moisture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness in the filling.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice that complements the apples.
• Nuts (Optional): Provides extra crunch and nutty flavor to the bread.

Crafting the Perfect Cinnamon-Apple Twist Bread

Step 1: Craft the Dough Base

Mix all dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl. Add softened butter, pure vanilla extract, egg, and milk. Stir until a rough, shaggy dough develops. Allow the dough to rest for 30 minutes, letting the liquid absorb completely.

Step 2: Develop and Rise the Dough

Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and slightly tacky. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1.5 to 2 hours until it doubles in size.

Step 3: Create Delicious Apple Filling

Choose your thickening method:

• Grate fresh apples
• Toss with lemon juice
• Add
• Sugar
• Cornstarch
• Salt
• Cinnamon

Cook over low heat, simmering until thickened. Cool to room temperature.

• Mix dry ingredients
• Toss with apples and lemon juice

Step 4: Shape the Bread

Deflate the risen dough and divide into 2 portions. Roll each into a 10″ x 12″ rectangle. Spread filling on each rectangle. Optional: Sprinkle with chopped nuts. Roll into logs, sealing edges. Cut each log lengthwise, twist together, and place on baking sheet.

Step 5: Final Rise and Bake

Cover and let rise for 1-2 hours. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake 30-40 minutes, covering with foil if browning too quickly.

Step 6: Cool and Finish

Let bread cool for 1 hour. Drizzle with glaze. Serve fresh or freeze for later enjoyment.

Tips for Perfectly Baked Cinnamon-Apple Twist Bread

• Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure your milk is warm (110-115°F) to help yeast bloom without killing it, creating a soft, fluffy texture.
• Control Apple Moisture: Pat grated apples dry with paper towels to prevent excess liquid that could make filling runny and soggy.
• Knead with Confidence: Develop gluten by kneading until dough becomes smooth and elastic, which helps achieve a light, airy bread structure.
• Create Beautiful Twists: Use a bench scraper or sharp knife for clean, precise cuts when splitting and twisting dough logs for professional-looking results.
• Prevent Over-Browning: Tent bread with aluminum foil halfway through baking if top browns too quickly, ensuring even golden color and preventing burning.

Storing Your Cinnamon-Apple Twist Bread to Keep It Fresh

• Refrigerator Storage: Wrap the Cinnamon-Apple Twist Bread tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and flavor. Store at room temperature for 1-2 days or refrigerate to extend shelf life.
• Freezer Method: Carefully wrap the bread in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Reheating Technique: Thaw frozen bread overnight in the refrigerator. Warm individual slices in a toaster oven or microwave for 15-20 seconds.

Apple Twist Bread Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Cinnamon-Apple Twist Bread merges classic comfort with elegant pastry artistry. Sweet cinnamon swirls and tender apple chunks create a delightful morning treat that brings warmth to breakfast tables and delights hungry friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 ¼ cups (409 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup + 2 tablespoons (250 ml) room-temperature or lukewarm milk
• 1 large egg

Dough Enhancers and Flavoring:

• ¼ cup (30 g) potato flour OR ½ cup + 1 tablespoon dry instant mashed potatoes, unflavored
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) soft butter
• 3 tablespoons (36 g) granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 ¼ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling Ingredients:

• 1 cup (140 g) peeled, grated apple
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons (23 g) cornstarch OR 2 tablespoons instant ClearJel
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (100 g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Glaze Ingredients:

• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• 1 to 2 tablespoons (15–30 ml) water or apple juice or 2 to 4 tablespoons (30–60 ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly combine all dry components using a whisk. Integrate softened butter, pure vanilla extract, a single egg, and milk, mixing until a rough, uneven dough emerges. Allow the dough to rest for half an hour, enabling liquid absorption and gluten development.
2. Gently knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until achieving a smooth, slightly tacky texture. Transfer to a lightly greased bowl, ensuring complete surface coverage. Shield with a clean kitchen towel and permit fermentation for 90 to 120 minutes, or until volume doubles.
3. For the apple filling, delicately grate fresh apples and immediately toss with fresh lemon juice to prevent oxidation. Incorporate granulated sugar, selected thickening agent (cornstarch or Instant ClearJel), a pinch of salt, and ground cinnamon. If using cornstarch, briefly cook the mixture over low heat, stirring continuously until the consistency thickens. Allow the filling to cool completely to room temperature.
4. Punch down the risen dough and divide into two equal portions. Roll each section into a rectangular shape measuring approximately 10 inches by 12 inches (25 centimeters by 30 centimeters). Evenly distribute the cooled apple filling across each rectangle. Optional: Sprinkle chopped nuts for additional texture. Carefully roll each section into a cylindrical log, meticulously sealing the edges.
5. Using a sharp knife, slice each log lengthwise, creating four separate strips. Intertwine two strips together, creating an elegant braided pattern. Carefully transfer the twisted loaves onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, maintaining adequate spacing.
6. Cover the shaped loaves and allow a second rise for 60 to 120 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). If the surface browns too rapidly during baking, loosely tent with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).
7. Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire cooling rack. Allow the bread to rest for approximately one hour. Prepare a simple glaze and drizzle artfully over the cooled loaves. Serve and savor immediately or store in an airtight container.

Notes

• Mixing dry ingredients ensures a smooth, well-combined foundation for your dough, setting the stage for a delectable twist bread.
• Resting the dough allows flour to hydrate, creating a more tender and flavorful base with improved texture and depth.
• Preparing apple filling requires careful cooking and cooling, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, aromatic mixture that defines the bread’s character.
• Twisting technique creates beautiful layers and intricate patterns, making each slice visually stunning and deliciously complex.
• Gentle rising periods develop gluten structure and enhance flavor, promising a light, airy final product with incredible depth.
• Cooling and glazing provide the perfect finishing touch, allowing flavors to meld and adding a sweet, glossy exterior that tempts every baker.

• Prep Time: 3 hours
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 590 kcal
• Sugar: 45g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 90g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 50mg