Apple Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread

Sweet apple cinnamon pull-apart bread, perfect for breakfast or dessert! Fluffy layers of cinnamon bread, packed with a thick cinnamon-sugar filling and apple slices.

Apple Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread Recipe from @bakedbyrachel

This bread is magical. Fairy godmother kind of magic, turning pumpkins into beautiful carriages. Really, over the top and completely unbelievable kind of magic. It created peace and quiet in my house. Maybe only for ten minutes, but it was a glorious ten minutes. The only noises heard were that of two children going ‘mmm mmm’ and licking their fingers clean. Too bad it was only a temporary lull in the normal noises of the day, but I’ll take whatever I can get. 

Apple Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread Recipe from @bakedbyrachel

This definitely takes a bit of work and planning but it’s completely worth it. Remember those magical qualities. I prepped the dough the night before and whipped this up in the morning. The hardest part is in the layering and slicing but since it’s going to turn out in funky beautiful layers anyway, those layers don’t need to be anywhere near perfect. This is the kind of bread that is meant to have character. It’s meant to have pieces of bread and apples scattered about and not necessarily in a neat little row.

Apple Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread Recipe from @bakedbyrachel

Eat this for breakfast, lunch and dinner or snack… or maybe all of the above. And just maybe with a scoop of ice cream. Fluffy layers of cinnamon bread packed with a thick cinnamon-sugar filling and apple slices. You need this in your life.

Apple Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread

Fluffy layers of cinnamon bread, packed with a thick cinnamon-sugar filling and apple slices.
Prep Time2 hrs 20 mins
Cook Time55 mins
Total Time3 hrs 15 mins
Course: Bread
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Apple
Servings: 8

Ingredients

Dough ingredients:

  • 3 1/4 - 3 1/2 C all purpose flour
  • 1/4 C granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 1/2 tsp rapid rise yeast
  • 4 Tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 1/3 C lukewarm milk
  • 1/4 C lukewarm water
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Filling ingredients:

  • 1/2 C light brown sugar
  • 3/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • 3 Tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 2 C apples

Instructions

  • In a stand mixer or large bowl, combine dry dough ingredients. In a medium bowl or measuring cup, combine remaining wet dough ingredients. With the mixer on low, begin slowly pouring in the liquid mixture. Increase the speed to medium until dough has come together in a soft ball. Add additional flour as needed, a spoonful at a time until it is no longer sticky.
  • Transfer dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover and allow to double in size, roughly one hour. If preparing ahead, chill dough overnight. Cooler, firmer dough will roll out easier. Allow dough to sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes prior to rolling.
  • Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease pan, if preferred.
  • Prepare filling; combine first 4 ingredients. Peel, core and slice apples very thin. Roll out dough, on a lightly floured surface, into a 12 x 20" rectangle. Cover with cinnamon filling. Top off with apple slices.
  • Cut dough into 6 sections, roughly 3 x 12". Carefully lay sections on top of each other, this will be messy and dough may stretch (it's okay!). Cut dough into 6 stacks. Turn stacks on their sides and tightly pack into prepared loaf pan. Allow to rise for additional 30-60 minutes or until roughly doubled in size.
  • Preheat oven to 350F°. When dough has doubled in size, bake for 45-55 minutes. After 30 minutes, cover with foil and continue baking. When bread is golden brown, remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.
  • Store bread in an airtight container.

Notes

An original recipe from Baked by Rachel

Apple Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread Recipe from bakedbyrachel.com

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48 Responses to “Apple Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread”

  1. #
    1
    Carrie @ Bakeaholic Mama — September 9, 2012 at 8:00 am

    I have always wanted to make a pull apart bread, this recipe has just pushed me to try it this week. Looks amazing!!!

  2. #
    2
    Julia — September 9, 2012 at 9:13 am

    THIS would make me the happiest girl ever! Looks so amazing!

  3. #
    3
    Erin @ Dinners, Dishes and Desserts — September 9, 2012 at 9:44 am

    Oh my word – I wish I had this in my house today. My guys would want a glaze on top, but it looks perfect as is to me!

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    4
    Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen — September 9, 2012 at 9:50 am

    Seriously! I want to eat about half the loaf!

    • #
      4.1
      Rachel — September 9, 2012 at 9:55 am

      We kinda, sorta, mighta done that before the Mr got home lol. Oops.

  5. #
    5
    Cassie — September 9, 2012 at 10:10 am

    Gorgeous! And I can see how it is totally magical. I want some now!

  6. #
    6
    danny — September 9, 2012 at 10:27 am

    Looks absolutely delightful and I can’t wait to make this for my family!

  7. #
    7
    amanda @ fake ginger — September 9, 2012 at 10:33 am

    You should’ve waited until my husband was home to do apple month! He would love all these recipes! :P

  8. #
    8
    Gina @ Running to the Kitchen — September 9, 2012 at 10:34 am

    Rachel- this is seriously the best looking loaf of bread ever! My husband is an apple freak (he keeps asking when I’m making my recipe for this appleaday series..haha) and will totally flip over this. Our anniversary is next Sunday, I’m thinking it might have to happen :)

  9. #
    9
    Kathryn — September 9, 2012 at 11:51 am

    This looks amazing Rachel!

  10. #
    10
    JulieD — September 9, 2012 at 12:52 pm

    Wow, not only does it sound amazing…it’s beautiful!! Loving all of the apple recipes, Rachel!

  11. #
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    Julie @ Table for Two — September 9, 2012 at 9:38 pm

    wow this is gorgeous. i’m not quite sure i could achieve what you did because i’m horribly messy and bad when it comes to layers like that hah

  12. #
    12
    Aimee @ ShugarySweets — September 10, 2012 at 7:18 am

    Yum. This is seriously mouthwatering!

  13. #
    13
    Jen @ Savory Simple — September 10, 2012 at 7:50 am

    This sounds ridiculously good! I’ve never made pull-apart bread but this is now high on my to-do list.

  14. #
    14
    Marla — September 10, 2012 at 8:30 am

    That pull apart bread looks awesome! Love the shape ~ pinning now!

  15. #
    15
    Tracey — September 10, 2012 at 9:31 am

    Oh my word does that ever look good! I would seriously eat the entire thing myself in a day.

  16. #
    16
    danny — September 10, 2012 at 12:02 pm

    Can’t wait to make this bread!

  17. #
    17
    Jen @ BeantownBaker.com — September 10, 2012 at 5:36 pm

    You’re killing me. That bread does look magical!

  18. #
    18
    Cheri | Kitchen Simplicity — September 10, 2012 at 10:17 pm

    I think this is my favourite version of this bread that I’ve seen! It sounds, and looks, amazing.

  19. #
    19
    Elizabeth@ Food Ramblings — September 11, 2012 at 8:44 am

    Making this!!!

  20. #
    20
    Jamie @ Thrifty Veggie Mama — September 11, 2012 at 12:03 pm

    Looks so good! Pinning this. Has to be made soon. I could use a little peace and quiet :)

  21. #
    21
    Paula — September 12, 2012 at 9:00 am

    It may be a little time-consuming to make but it certainly looks worth all the effort! I can imagine the delicious aromas in your house when this was baking.

  22. #
    22
    Emma Deirdre — September 12, 2012 at 1:14 pm

    This looks absolutely amazing!!! I want to make it right now!!!! Thanks so much for sharing this amazing recipe!

  23. #
    23
    nicole @ I am a Honey Bee — September 12, 2012 at 1:32 pm

    wow. I’ve always wanted to make pull apart bread, just need to make myself finally do it! I like your clear instructions.

  24. #
    24
    Travis — September 12, 2012 at 5:33 pm

    That bread looks amazing

  25. #
    25
    Javelin Warrior — September 14, 2012 at 9:41 am

    Wow, this looks just awesome. Or magical ;) Love the inclusion of apples into the pull-apart bread and I just wish I had a pan in front of me right now… I’m featuring this post in today’s Food Fetish Friday (with a link-back and attribution as always). Thanks for always inspiring me with your creations…

  26. #
    26
    tom@morethanpepper — September 21, 2012 at 11:30 am

    wow half a loaf please

  27. #
    27
    Averie @ Averie Cooks — October 5, 2012 at 2:28 pm

    Just seeing this by way of pinterest…you outdid yourself!!! Awesome and I want to pull apart a big hunk for myself!

  28. #
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    Maria @ Box of Stolen Socks — October 7, 2012 at 11:54 am

    ah…beautiful!!!!

  29. #
    29
    Caitlin — November 25, 2012 at 10:38 pm

    Made this tonight… FANTASTIC – can’t wait to take it to work :)

  30. #
    30
    jen weber — September 18, 2013 at 2:49 pm

    i made this today and for some reason mine looks like a disaster :(

    • #
      30.1
      Rachel — September 18, 2013 at 3:57 pm

      It’s not the easiest dish to make look pretty but it sure tastes great! :)

  31. #
    31
    jen weber — September 18, 2013 at 8:13 pm

    it is not and i was testing if i could do it and it i snot even close to what it look like in the picture. it doesnt even taste good :(

    • #
      31.1
      Rachel — September 19, 2013 at 9:43 am

      I’m sorry to hear you had trouble but as you can see from the photo, it turned out for me and has worked for others. Without having been there I can’t be sure what went wrong for you as there are so many factors that come into play when baking.

  32. #
    32
    Jansez — February 28, 2014 at 10:06 pm

    I know this is a late comment, but just came across your website thru your Pinterest board. Do you refrigerate before the first rise or let it rise, punch down and then refrigerate so it does a slow second rise in the fridge over night.

    • #
      32.1
      Rachel — March 1, 2014 at 8:57 am

      If preparing ahead, chill after the first rise. If you’re not preparing ahead, do not chill dough.

  33. #
    33
    SArmstrong — October 1, 2014 at 8:26 pm

    I’m far from a baker but would love to try this recipe as it looks and sounds delicious. Are there any shortcuts you could suggest for those of us not ready to make our own dough?
    I’m sure i’m not the only challenged person that would love to try your recipe.
    Any ideas?

    • #
      33.1
      Rachel — October 2, 2014 at 7:31 am

      In the case of homemade bread, it’s really worth it to make it from scratch. I understand it may be intimidating but it’s truly not that hard at all. The taste is that much more amazing than any shortcut you might take.

  34. #
    34
    Diane — October 6, 2014 at 5:33 pm

    Store in an airtight container? You’re assuming there will be some left to store!

    This looks delicious!

    • #
      34.1
      Rachel — October 7, 2014 at 10:17 am

      Haha! Love your comment. Yes… only *if* there is any left to store ;)

  35. #
    35
    Annie — November 22, 2014 at 4:12 pm

    Hi! I have this working away in my stand mixer right now. Smells amazing! I was wondering how well a loaf of this bread freezes. If it freezes well, I could just take it out of the freezer for Thanksgiving brunch! Have you tried to freeze it?

    • #
      35.1
      Rachel — November 23, 2014 at 7:44 am

      I haven’t personally frozen it so I can’t give you an honest answer. If you try freezing it, please let me know how it turns out for you!

  36. #
    36
    courtney — April 25, 2015 at 8:02 pm

    i made this apple bread this morning, and it is already half gone. Thank you! It is delicious!

    • #
      36.1
      Rachel — April 27, 2015 at 8:38 am

      So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for sharing :)

  37. #
    37
    Christine — June 10, 2017 at 5:22 pm

    Could you please advise what size loaf pan you use.

    • #
      37.1
      Rachel — June 15, 2017 at 7:52 am

      A large 10×5-inch pan should be used. Enjoy!

  38. #
    38
    Christine — June 15, 2017 at 6:48 pm

    Apologies, but I am not clear on one more thing.
    After the dough is rolled into a 12 x 20 inch rectangle, we cut it into six 3 x 12 inch pieces, which I understand.
    I am confused about the next step….cut into 6 stacks.
    Could you please clarify.
    Thank you.

    • #
      38.1
      Rachel — June 19, 2017 at 7:25 am

      Layer the 3: 12-inch pieces and then cut that into 6 equal sections/stacks. :)

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