As the days grow cooler and the leaves start to turn golden, I always find myself craving the warm, comforting flavors of autumn. There’s just something about apples, cinnamon, and the crunch of toasted almonds that brings all the cozy vibes to life. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that combines all these fall favorites into one delicious loaf: Almond Apple Bread!
This recipe is perfect for those cozy mornings when you want something extra special, or as a sweet snack before you go somewhere. We’ll be using the same soft and fluffy dough as on my famous cinnamon rolls, but this time, we’ll fill it with juicy apples and crunchy almonds for an irresistible autumn twist. And of course, we’ll finish it with a sweet vanilla glaze that ties everything together.
So, grab your apples and let’s dive into this heartwarming recipe. I promise it’s just the thing to bring a little extra joy to your day!
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 180 grams all-purpose flour
- ¼ cube of active yeast (⅓ pocket of active dry yeast)
- 80 grams warm milk – not too hot!
- 30 grams granulated brown sugar
- 1 medium egg – room temperature
- 30 grams unsalted butter – melted
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 50 grams ground almonds
For the Apple Sprinkle:
- 3 medium apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)
- 100 grams brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent the apples from browning)
For the Vanilla Glaze (optional):
- 100 grams powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons condensed milk (adjust for consistency)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Dough:
- Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the yeast with warm milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar and salt. Add in the egg, melted butter and the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 5-6 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Making the Apple Sprinkle and shaping the Bread:
- While the dough rises, prepare the sprinkle. Start by chopping the apples thinly and toss them in lemon juice to prevent browning. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle. Cut the rectangle into four parts.
- Layer the dough into the baking dish (loaf shape) this way – dough, apple sprinkle, dough, apple sprinkle… until it’s done.
- Cover the dough and let it rise again for 30 minutes until it puffs up.
3. Baking the Almond Apple Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C and bake for 30-35 minutes, until it’s golden brown on top and cooked through.
- During the last 5 minutes of baking, you can sprinkle extra sliced almonds on top for added crunch.
4. Optional Vanilla Glaze:
- While the bread is cooling slightly, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, condensed milk and vanilla extract. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed—it should be pourable but not too runny.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm bread. The slight warmth will help it soak in, making each bite even more indulgent.
5. Serving and enjoying:
- Let the bread cool for about 10 minutes before slicing or serving the individual rolls. Enjoy this soft, apple-filled bread warm, and don’t forget to share it with friends or family—it’s perfect for any gathering or just for treating yourself!
This Almond Apple Bread is a wonderful variation of the classic dough, filled with seasonal flavors and crunchy almonds. It’s a beautiful treat to bake on a chilly day, and the combination of sweet apples and nutty almonds will leave your kitchen smelling amazing.