Apple Cinnamon Babka Bread

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Apple Cinnamon Babka Bread

It’s funny, isn’t it, how food brings back memories because every bite tells a story and when I think about Apple Cinnamon Babka Bread it takes me straight to that weekend with my family moreover we were all in the kitchen together while the apples were sizzling in the pan because the smell filled the whole house and honestly it was chaos in the best way

The first time I tried this recipe I burnt it but that didn’t stop me because I wanted to get it right furthermore I had my kids around and they kept asking, “Can we taste it yet?” which made me laugh and honestly it made the kitchen feel alive moreover trying again the next day was totally different because this time it came out soft and sweet and I was shocked at how good it turned out

Have you ever tried making something for the first time and it just didn’t work because that’s me constantly especially with baking but the mistakes are part of the fun moreover every imperfect loaf has a story and every swirl of cinnamon reminds me of those small, messy, but happy moments that really matter because the little fails make the success even sweeter

If you haven’t made Apple Cinnamon Babka Bread yet then you’re in the right place because this recipe is forgiving moreover it’s cozy and fun to make especially when you do it with your family because every twist and turn of the dough is an adventure and honestly it’s worth every sticky finger and flour mess because in the end you get to eat something amazing

“Golden Apple Cinnamon Babka Bread on a white table, slice cut to show soft swirls of cinnamon and apple filling, natural light highlighting the texture”

What is Apple Cinnamon Babka Bread?

Apple Cinnamon Babka Bread is a soft, sweet, and fluffy bread filled with a delicious mixture of apples, cinnamon, and sugar. Babka is a traditional Jewish bread that is twisted and braided, which makes it look fancy and fun, even if you are baking it at home. The combination of tender bread and warm, spiced apple filling makes this recipe perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy snack with tea or coffee. The smell of cinnamon and baked apples wafting through your kitchen will make everyone smile.

Baking Apple Cinnamon Babka Bread is easier than it looks. You don’t need to be a professional baker to create this beautiful bread. The dough is soft and slightly sweet, and the apple-cinnamon filling gives every bite a warm, comforting flavor. Once baked, the babka has a golden crust and a soft, swirled center with apple pieces and cinnamon sugar.

What to Eat with Apple Cinnamon Babka Bread ?

Apple Cinnamon Babka Bread is delicious on its own, but you can also enjoy it with a variety of accompaniments. For breakfast, try it with a spread of butter, cream cheese, or a drizzle of honey. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or even tea. For an extra special treat, toast a slice lightly and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Kids especially love it with a bit of Nutella or peanut butter spread. This bread also makes a fantastic dessert for family gatherings or a weekend brunch.

🍎 Ingredients For Apple Cinnamon Babka Bread :

🍞 For the Dough:

  • 🥣 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 🍬 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 🌾 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  • 🧂 1/2 tsp salt
  • 🥛 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
  • 🥚 2 large eggs
  • 🧈 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

🍏 For the Filling:

  • 🍎 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
  • 🤎 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 🍂 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 🧈 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

🍯 For the Glaze:

  • ❄️ 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 🥛 1-2 tbsp milk
“Braided Apple Cinnamon Babka loaf with shiny glaze on white marble surface, slice revealing the inside, styled with scattered apple slices and cinnamon sticks”

👩‍🍳 How To Make Apple Cinnamon Babka Bread ?

1️⃣ Prepare the Yeast

  • 🥛 Mix warm milk + 🍬 sugar + 🌾 yeast in a bowl.
  • ⏳ Let it sit 5 min until foamy. This wakes up the yeast so your bread rises perfectly.

2️⃣ Make the Dough

  • 🥚 Add eggs, 🧈 butter, 🧂 salt, and 🥣 flour to the yeast mixture.
  • 🍴 Mix with a spoon or use a stand mixer with dough hook for 5-7 min.
  • 🤲 Dough should be soft, slightly sticky, but not too wet.

3️⃣ First Rise

  • 🛌 Cover dough with a towel.
  • ⏰ Let it rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, until doubled in size.

4️⃣ Prepare the Filling

  • 🍏 Mix chopped apples + 🤎 brown sugar + 🍂 cinnamon + 🧈 melted butter.
  • 🔥 Optional: sauté apples for 2-3 min for softer texture.

5️⃣ Roll the Dough

  • 🔄 Roll dough into a rectangle (~12×18 inches) on floured surface.
  • 🍏 Spread apple-cinnamon filling evenly, leaving small border.

6️⃣ Twist the Babka

  • ➰ Roll dough from long side into a tight log.
  • 🔪 Cut log in half lengthwise.
  • 🔄 Twist the two halves together, cut sides up to show filling.

7️⃣ Second Rise

  • 🏺 Place twisted babka in greased loaf pan.
  • 🛌 Cover, let rise 30-45 min.
  • 🔥 Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

8️⃣ Bake

  • 🍞 Bake 35-40 min until golden brown and skewer comes out clean.

9️⃣ Glaze

  • ❄️ Mix powdered sugar + 🥛 milk to make glaze.
  • 🖌️ Brush over warm babka for shine and sweetness.

🔟 Cool and Serve

  • 🆒 Cool on wire rack at least 30 min before slicing.
  • 🍴 Enjoy a soft, sweet, apple-cinnamon delight!

How to Store Leftovers ?

Store leftover Apple Cinnamon Babka Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the babka for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm slices in the oven for a few minutes to refresh the texture and flavor.

“Close-up of a slice of Apple Cinnamon Babka Bread on white plate, showing soft and fluffy texture with cinnamon-apple filling, cozy home-baking vibe”

FAQ

How long does it take to make Apple Cinnamon Babka Bread?

From start to finish, including rising and baking, it takes about 3-4 hours. Most of this time is waiting for the dough to rise.

Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

Can I make this recipe without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can mix and knead the dough by hand. It might take a few extra minutes, but it works perfectly.

How can I make the babka extra soft?

Make sure not to overbake and allow the dough to rise fully. Using warm milk and softened butter helps keep it tender.

Can I add nuts to the filling?

Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch to the apple-cinnamon filling.

Is it okay to use brown sugar instead of white sugar in the dough?

Yes, but it may slightly change the flavor and color of the bread. Brown sugar gives a richer, caramel-like taste.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Leave a small border around the edges when spreading the filling and press the ends of the rolled dough to seal.

Can I make mini babkas instead of one loaf?

Definitely! Divide the dough into smaller portions, roll, twist, and bake in mini loaf pans. Adjust the baking time to about 25-30 minutes.

Conclusion

Apple Cinnamon Babka Bread is a delightful treat that combines soft, sweet bread with a warm apple-cinnamon filling. It’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack. Making babka may take a little time, but the process is fun and the result is absolutely worth it. Kids and adults alike will love the flavor and the beautiful swirls of cinnamon and apples inside.

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Apple Cinnamon Babka Bread

Recipe by NatashaCourse: Breakfast / Brunch / DessertCuisine: Jewish / AmericanDifficulty: Medium
Servings

8-10

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

35

minutes
Calories

280

kcal

🍎 IngredientsIngredients

  • 🍞 For the Dough:

  • 🥣 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 🍬 1/4 cup granulated sugar

  • 🌾 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast

  • 🧂 1/2 tsp salt

  • 🥛 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)

  • 🥚 2 large eggs

  • 🧈 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 🍏 For the Filling:

  • 🍎 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped

  • 🤎 1/3 cup brown sugar

  • 🍂 2 tsp ground cinnamon

  • 🧈 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

  • 🍯 For the Glaze:

  • ❄️ 1/4 cup powdered sugar

  • 🥛 1-2 tbsp milk

Directions

  • Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This ensures the yeast is active and ready to help the bread rise.
  • Mix Ingredients: Add eggs, softened butter, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until the dough starts to form. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook on medium speed for about 5-7 minutes. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but manageable.
  • First Rise: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size. This step is crucial for a fluffy bread texture.
  • Prepare the Filling: While the dough rises, mix chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl. You can sauté the apples lightly in a pan for a softer texture, but this is optional.
  • Shape the Babka: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Spread the apple-cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
  • Roll and Twist: Carefully roll the dough from the long side into a tight log. Cut the log in half lengthwise with a sharp knife. Twist the two halves together, keeping the cut sides facing up to show the filling.
  • Second Rise: Place the twisted babka into a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) during this time.
  • Bake: Bake the babka in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and a skewer inserted comes out clean.
  • Glaze: Mix powdered sugar and milk to make a simple glaze. Brush it over the warm babka for a shiny, sweet finish.
  • Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This helps the swirls stay intact and makes slicing easier.

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