Apple Cinnamon Babka Bread Recipe

The Apple Cinnamon Babka Bread Recipe is a delightful and surprisingly achievable yeasted sweet bread, perfect for elevating your breakfast, brunch, or dessert. This recipe guides you through creating a beautifully swirled, incredibly moist, and richly spiced loaf that will impress even the most discerning palate.

Key Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Babka Bread Recipe :

• For the Dough:
  • 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F or 40-46°C)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • ½ teaspoon salt
• For the Apple Cinnamon Filling:
  • 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji work well), peeled, cored, and finely diced
  • ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• For the Glaze:
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk or apple cider
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Babka Bread Recipe :

This Apple Cinnamon Babka Bread Recipe is designed for success, even if you’re new to yeasted doughs. The process is straightforward, leading to a wonderfully soft crumb and an intoxicating aroma. The magic lies in the rich apple cinnamon filling swirled throughout, creating layers of pure comfort. Get ready to create a crowd-pleaser that takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes from start to finish, including rising times.

Step-by-Step Instructions :

Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active. Stir in ½ cup granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 6-8 minutes.

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Apple Cinnamon Filling:
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine the finely diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon of flour. Toss until the apples are evenly coated. Drizzle with the melted butter and stir to combine. Set aside.

Assemble the Babka:
Once the dough has doubled, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12×18 inches.

Spread the apple cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border along the edges. Try to distribute the apples as evenly as possible.

Carefully roll up the dough tightly from the long side, like a jelly roll. Pinch the seam to seal.

With a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the rolled dough in half lengthwise. You will now have two long strips. Gently twist one strip around the other, creating a spiral. Place the twisted dough into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.

Second Rise and Baking:
Cover the loaf pan loosely with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for another 45-60 minutes, or until it has almost doubled in size and is peeking over the edges of the pan.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts browning too quickly, you can tent it loosely with foil.

Prepare the Glaze:
While the babka is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of milk or apple cider, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Add more liquid a teaspoon at a time if needed to reach a drizzling consistency.

Once the babka is out of the oven, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a wire rack. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm babka.

Let the babka cool completely before slicing and serving.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon Babka Bread Recipe :

This Apple Cinnamon Babka Bread Recipe is an absolute showstopper, boasting a wonderfully soft, tender crumb that’s a testament to its yeasted dough and generous filling. The warm hug of cinnamon and sweet baked apples, reminiscent of a comforting apple pie but in a delightful bread form, creates a flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. Plus, making this at home is remarkably budget-friendly, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet breakfast treat without the bakery price tag, and the decadent glaze adds that perfect sweet finish.

Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen as this magnificent babka bakes – it’s pure joy. It’s the perfect companion to a cup of coffee on a lazy weekend morning or a sweet ending to a special meal, far more satisfying and homemade than a store-bought pastry. Don’t just dream about it; gather your ingredients and bake this Apple Cinnamon Babka Bread Recipe today – your taste buds will thank you!

Storing and Reheating Tips :

• Storing: Once completely cooled, wrap the Apple Cinnamon Babka Bread Recipe tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerating: For longer storage, refrigerate the babka. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Ensure it’s well-wrapped to prevent it from drying out.
• Freezing: To freeze, wrap the babka airtight in plastic wrap, then in a layer of aluminum foil or a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat at room temperature, let it sit out for about 30 minutes. For a warm slice, gently reheat individual portions in a toaster oven or a conventional oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the texture mushy. If reheating from frozen, thaw completely at room temperature before reheating as directed.

Final Thoughts :

This Apple Cinnamon Babka Bread Recipe offers a truly rewarding baking experience, delivering a visually stunning and incredibly delicious sweet bread. Give this recipe a try and savor the sweet, spiced perfection that awaits!