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Apple Cinnamon Babka Bread

Apple Cinnamon Babka Bread

This Apple Cinnamon Babka Bread is a stunning sweet loaf filled with warm cinnamon, soft caramelized apples, and rich buttery layers. It’s the perfect combination of tender dough and swirled filling, ideal for cozy mornings, fall baking, or an impressive brunch treat. Whether you love sweet bread recipes, enjoy apple bread, or want a unique twist on traditional babka, this loaf delivers irresistible flavor and beautiful bakery-style swirls in every slice.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 35 minutes
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Dough
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
  • ½ cup warm milk
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter softened
  • For the Apple Cinnamon Filling
  • 2 medium apples peeled & diced
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp flour to thicken
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • For the Syrup Optional but recommended
  • ¼ cup water
  • ¼ cup sugar

Method
 

  1. Make the Dough
  2. In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
  3. Add eggs, remaining sugar, and salt. Mix until combined.
  4. Slowly add flour and knead until a soft dough starts to form.
  5. Add butter a little at a time and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth.
  6. Cover and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled.
  7. Make the Apple Cinnamon Filling
  8. In a pan, melt butter and add diced apples.
  9. Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and vanilla.
  10. Cook for 5 minutes until thickened, then cool completely.
  11. Assemble the Babka
  12. Punch down the dough and roll it into a large rectangle.
  13. Spread the apple cinnamon filling evenly over the surface.
  14. Roll into a tight log and slice it lengthwise.
  15. Twist both halves together, exposing the swirls.
  16. Place into a greased loaf pan, cover, and rise for 30 minutes.
  17. Bake
  18. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  19. Bake for 35–40 minutes, covering with foil if browning too quickly.
  20. Add Syrup (Optional)
  21. Simmer water and sugar until dissolved.
  22. Brush warm syrup over the hot babka for shine and moisture.

Notes

For richer dough, replace half the milk with heavy cream.
Use cinnamon raisin bread filling for variation—add ¼ cup soaked raisins.
Apples should be soft but not mushy for the best swirl effect.
Store at room temperature for 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Delicious served warm with butter, honey, or cream cheese.