Apple Cinnamon Babka Bread
A delightful and cozy Apple Cinnamon Babka Bread filled with juicy apples and sweet cinnamon swirls, perfect for gatherings and winter evenings.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
Filling Ingredients
- 2 cups apples, peeled and diced Use your favorite sweet apple variety.
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup raisins Optional.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes or until bubbly.
- Add melted butter, sugar, salt, and eggs. Gradually stir in flour until a dough starts to form.
Kneading
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm area for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Making the Filling
- While the dough is rising, prepare your filling by mixing diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and raisins in a medium bowl.
Shaping the Babka
- After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a rectangle about 12x18 inches.
- Evenly spread the apple filling over the dough.
- Starting from one long side, roll up the dough tightly into a log.
- Cut the log in half lengthwise to reveal the filling, braid the two halves together, then shape it into a loaf.
Second Rise and Baking
- Place the shaped loaf into a greased loaf pan and cover. Allow it to rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaf for about 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let it cool before slicing.
Notes
For added flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or your favorite spices to the filling. Store wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days; refrigerate or freeze for longer storage. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.