Apple Cinnamon Babka Bread Recipe
Apple Cinnamon Babka Bread is a rich, buttery braided loaf swirled with sweet apple-cinnamon filling. With a pillowy soft texture and warm spiced flavor, it’s perfect for brunch, holidays, or whenever you’re craving a cozy bake.Though it looks intricate, this show-stopping bread is surprisingly approachable for home bakers, and the smell alone is worth the effort!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
- ½ cup warm milk about 110°F
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened (1 stick)
For the Apple Cinnamon Filling:
- 2 cups peeled, finely chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg optional
Optional Toppings:
- ½ cup streusel crumble or
- ½ cup powdered sugar for dusting or
- ½ cup simple vanilla glaze mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 1 tbsp milk and ½ tsp vanilla
Instructions
Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit until frothy.
- Add eggs, sugar, flour, and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead in the softened butter until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Apple Cinnamon Filling
- While the dough is rising, cook the chopped apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, and lemon juice.
- Simmer until the apples are soft and the mixture thickens slightly. Let cool completely before using.
Roll, Fill, and Shape
- Roll the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread the cooled apple cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
- Roll up tightly into a log, then slice lengthwise to expose the swirls.
- Twist the two halves together, keeping the cut sides facing up.
Second Rise and Bake
- Place the twisted loaf into a greased loaf pan.
- Cover and let rise for 45 minutes to an hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Optional: Brush with syrup or top with streusel or glaze while warm.