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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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