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To make this apple butter pull apart bread, gather these main ingredients: - 3 cups all-purpose flour - 2 tablespoons sugar - 1 teaspoon salt - 2 teaspoons instant yeast - 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F) - ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted - ½ cup apple butter - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) These ingredients blend to create a soft, sweet dough. The apple butter adds rich flavor and moisture. You can enhance your bread with these optional ingredients: - ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts Adding nuts gives a nice crunch. If you like texture, this is a great choice. To make the process easy, use these kitchen tools: - Large mixing bowl - Measuring cups and spoons - Rolling pin - Pizza cutter or sharp knife - Loaf pan - Kitchen towel - Wire rack Having the right tools helps you work smoothly. This will make your baking experience much more enjoyable! To start making your dough, grab a large bowl. Add 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 2 teaspoons of instant yeast. Mix these dry ingredients well. In another bowl, blend 1 cup of warm milk with ¼ cup of melted unsalted butter. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until a soft dough forms. Now, knead the dough on a floured surface. Do this for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it to become smooth and elastic. Once you achieve that, place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. It should double in size. After the dough has risen, it’s time to shape it. Punch it down gently, then roll it out on a floured surface. Aim for a rectangle about 12x16 inches. Spread ½ cup of apple butter evenly over the dough. Next, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon across it. If you like nuts, add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch. Cut the dough into 2-inch squares using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife. Stack these squares vertically in a greased loaf pan. Layer them like a book. Once assembled, cover the loaf pan with a towel. Let it rise for another 30 to 45 minutes until it expands. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough has risen, brush the top with a beaten egg. This will give the bread a lovely golden color. Bake the bread for 30 to 35 minutes. It’s done when the top is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. After baking, remove it from the oven. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack. Enjoy the warm aroma as it cools! To make great dough, start by mixing dry ingredients first. Use all-purpose flour for the best results. When you add warm milk and melted butter, it helps the dough rise well. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes. Aim for a smooth and elastic feel. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour. If it feels too dry, add a splash of warm milk. For the best flavor, use quality apple butter. Look for one with real apples and spices. Ground cinnamon adds warmth and depth. You can also add nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch. These little touches make a big difference. Let the dough rise in a warm area. This boosts flavor and makes it light and fluffy. Serve this bread warm for the best taste. Dust it with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. A small bowl of extra apple butter is great for dipping. You can also pair it with coffee or tea for a cozy snack. It’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. Enjoy it fresh, and watch it disappear! {{image_2}} You can change the filling to make this bread your own. Instead of apple butter, try using pumpkin puree. A mix of cinnamon and nutmeg will add warmth. For a berry twist, use raspberry or blueberry jam. Another option is a chocolate spread for a sweet touch. Just spread your choice over the dough before cutting. Each filling gives a new flavor and fun to your bread. If you need a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free flour. Look for a blend that works well for baking. You may need to add more liquid since gluten-free flour absorbs moisture differently. Mix in a bit of xanthan gum to help with the texture. Follow the same steps in the recipe, and you’ll have a tasty gluten-free pull apart bread. This recipe is great for any time of year. In the fall, add a bit of nutmeg or cloves for a warm taste. During winter, try adding some dried cranberries or orange zest for a festive feel. In spring, mix in fresh herbs like rosemary for a savory version. Each season can inspire a new take on this classic bread, keeping it fresh and exciting. To keep your Apple Butter Pull Apart Bread fresh, wrap it tightly. Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, consider refrigeration. Just remember, it may dry out a bit in the fridge. Freezing is a great option if you have extra bread. First, let the bread cool completely. Then, slice it into pieces. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. You can freeze the bread for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, you can thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat your Apple Butter Pull Apart Bread, start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Unwrap the bread and place it on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave. Just heat a slice for about 15-20 seconds. Enjoy your soft, warm bread! Yes, you can use store-bought apple butter. It saves time and still tastes great. Many brands offer delicious options that can work well in this recipe. Just make sure to choose a smooth variety without added preservatives. Homemade apple butter is also a fantastic choice if you have some on hand. If you don't have warm milk, you can use almond milk or oat milk. Heat them to about 110°F, just like regular milk. You can also use water mixed with a bit of powdered milk. This keeps the dough soft and helps it rise well. Always make sure your substitute is warm, not hot. This pull apart bread stays fresh for about 2-3 days at room temperature. Store it in an airtight container to keep it moist. If you want it to last longer, you can freeze it. Just wrap it well and store it in a freezer-safe bag. It will stay good for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it before serving. This blog post covered the key steps to make apple butter pull apart bread. We explored essential ingredients, easy steps for dough, and tips for flavor. You learned about fun variations and how to store your leftovers well. Enjoying this bread is a great treat, no matter the season. Use these steps to impress your friends and family with your baking skills. Happy baking!

Apple Butter Pull Apart Bread

A deliciously soft and sweet pull-apart bread filled with apple butter and spices.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 0.5 cup apple butter
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast, mixing well.
  • In a separate bowl, blend the warm milk and melted butter, then add this mixture to the dry ingredients.
  • Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
  • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  • After the dough has risen, punch it down and then roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle (about 12x16 inches).
  • Spread the apple butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the ground cinnamon and chopped nuts if using, distributing evenly.
  • Cut the dough into 2-inch squares using a pizza cutter or sharp knife. Stack the squares vertically in a greased loaf pan, layering them like a book.
  • Cover the loaf pan with a towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until the dough expands.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top of the risen dough with the beaten egg to give it a nice golden color.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the pull-apart bread sounds hollow when tapped.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

Notes

Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar, and accompanied by a small bowl of extra apple butter for dipping.
Keyword apple butter, bread, dessert, pull apart