Pull-Apart Apple Bread Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pull-Apart Apple Bread is a warm, cozy treat layered with tender apples, cinnamon sugar, and soft dough that bakes into a golden, gooey loaf. Perfect for fall mornings, brunches, or dessert, this bread is as fun to eat as it is to make. Each pull-apart layer delivers the comforting flavors of apple pie in a delightfully shareable form.

this Recipe

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose floursugaractive dry yeastwhole milkunalted buttereggsaltapples (peeled and finely chopped)ground cinnamonground nutmegbrown sugarvanilla extract

For the glaze:
powdered sugarmilkvanilla extract

directions

Warm the milk slightly and dissolve the sugar and yeast in it. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and melted butter. Mix until a soft dough forms.

Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

While the dough rises, mix together the chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract.

Punch down the dough and roll it into a large rectangle on a floured surface.

Spread the apple mixture evenly over the dough. Cut the dough into strips, then stack and slice into squares.

Arrange the stacked squares upright in a greased loaf pan. Cover and let rise for another 30-40 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Mix the glaze ingredients until smooth, and drizzle over the slightly cooled bread.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 1 loaf (about 8-10 servings).Preparation time: 30 minutesRising time: 1.5 hoursBaking time: 35-40 minutesTotal time: about 2 hours 45 minutes

Variations

Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.

Use pear instead of apple for a different twist.

Mix a little cream cheese into the filling for extra richness.

Sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for a crunchy finish.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.Reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a warm oven until soft and gooey again.

FAQs

What kind of apples work best?

Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal.

Can I use pre-made dough?

Yes, refrigerated sweet roll or bread dough can be used for a shortcut.

Does it need to be glazed?

The glaze is optional but adds a sweet finish. You can also dust with powdered sugar instead.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, assemble the loaf and refrigerate overnight before baking the next day.

Why stack the dough squares?

Stacking creates the pull-apart layers that make this bread fun and easy to serve.

Can I freeze it?

Yes, freeze the baked, unglazed loaf tightly wrapped. Thaw and reheat before serving.

How do I know it’s done baking?

The top should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Can I use apple pie filling?

For a quicker version, yes—just reduce the added sugar slightly.

What pan size works best?

A standard 9×5-inch loaf pan is perfect.

Can I make mini versions?

Yes, divide the dough and filling into muffin tins for individual servings.

Conclusion

Pull-Apart Apple Bread is the ultimate comfort bake that combines the flavors of apple pie with the texture of soft, buttery bread. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or a special get-together, it’s guaranteed to please with its irresistible layers and sweet-spiced aroma. One bite, and it’ll become a seasonal staple in your kitchen.

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