Prep Time: 30 minutes
Resting Time: 3 hours
Bake Time: 50–55 minutes
Cooling Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: About 4 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Difficulty: Intermediate
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2½ cups bread flour
- ½ cup active sourdough starter
- ½ cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Apple Filling
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
For the Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, warm milk, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
Add the bread flour and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms before adding the softened butter.
Knead the dough by hand for 10–12 minutes or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 8 minutes. The dough should become smooth, soft, and slightly tacky.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
Step 2: First Rise
Allow the dough to rise at room temperature for about 3 hours, or until nearly doubled in size. Rising time may vary depending on the temperature of your kitchen and the activity of your sourdough starter.
Step 3: Make the Apple Filling
While the dough rises, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Cook for 5–7 minutes until the apples soften and begin to caramelize.
Sprinkle the cornstarch over the mixture and stir for another minute until slightly thickened.
Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool completely.
Step 4: Shape the Bread
Lightly flour your work surface.
Roll the risen dough into a rectangle approximately 12 × 16 inches.
Spread the cooled apple filling evenly over the dough.
Roll the dough tightly into a log.
Using a sharp knife, slice the log lengthwise and gently twist the two halves together, exposing the apple filling.
Place the twisted dough into a greased 9 × 5-inch loaf pan.
Step 5: Second Rise
Cover loosely with plastic wrap.
Allow the loaf to rise for 45–60 minutes until puffy.
Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 50–55 minutes.
If the top begins browning too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the final 15 minutes.
The bread is done when golden brown and the internal temperature reaches approximately 200°F (93°C).
Remove from the oven.
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 7: Make the Glaze
Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Drizzle generously over the cooled bread.
Allow the glaze to set for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
Tips for Success
- Use a bubbly, active sourdough starter for the softest loaf.
- Firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Pink Lady hold their shape best during baking.
- Allow the apple filling to cool completely before assembling the bread to prevent a sticky dough.
- Avoid adding extra flour during kneading unless absolutely necessary.
- Cool the bread before glazing so the icing stays beautifully on top instead of melting away.
Storage
Store the bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freeze individual slices for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is delicious:
- Warm with salted butter
- Served alongside coffee or hot tea
- Toasted for breakfast
- Topped with whipped cream
- Served with vanilla ice cream for dessert
Recipe Notes
The natural fermentation from sourdough gives this loaf a wonderfully soft texture and a subtle tang that complements the sweet apple filling. Every slice contains ribbons of cinnamon apples surrounded by fluffy bread and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze.
Because this recipe is baked instead of fried, it offers all the comforting flavors of a classic apple fritter while being easier to prepare and perfect for sharing.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 295
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Total Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 6g