Apple Cider Pull-Apart Bread

If you’re looking for a fall treat that fills your home with the comforting scents of apples, cinnamon, and warm spices, then look no further than Apple Cider Pull-Apart Bread. Imagine layers of soft, buttery dough soaked in apple cider syrup, with just the right amount of cinnamon sugar to make each bite feel like a little celebration of autumn. It’s a fun, interactive dessert or breakfast where everyone can pull apart the sweet, pillowy pieces and savor the perfect balance of flavors. Trust me, this bread is an absolute game-changer and will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love Apple Cider Pull-Apart Bread

Here’s why this bread will become your new fall favorite:

• Apple Cider Flavor: The apple cider glaze gives the bread a deep, rich apple flavor that’s both comforting and festive, making it the perfect treat for fall.
• Buttery and Soft: Each pull-apart piece of bread is soft, warm, and buttery—like a sweet little cloud with a touch of cinnamon and sugar.
• Fun to Eat: This bread isn’t just delicious—it’s interactive! You get to pull apart each piece, making it perfect for sharing with friends or family.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, serving it at a brunch, or treating yourself to an afternoon snack, this bread fits every occasion. It’s perfect for cozy gatherings or just because you want something sweet.
• Impressive Yet Easy: Despite looking like it took a lot of effort, this pull-apart bread is surprisingly simple to make, so you can impress guests without stress.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Apple Cider Pull-Apart Bread—a perfect mix of pantry staples and fresh flavors.

• Apple Cider: The star ingredient! It gives the bread that unmistakable, comforting apple flavor.
• Yeast: Active dry yeast helps the dough rise, making each piece soft and fluffy.
• Flour: All-purpose flour creates the structure for the dough.
• Sugar: Regular granulated sugar sweetens the dough and gives the pull-apart pieces a lovely golden crust.
• Butter: Melted butter adds richness to both the dough and the apple cider syrup.
• Eggs: Two eggs are essential for binding everything together and providing that soft texture.
• Cinnamon: Adds the warm, spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with the apple cider.
• Vanilla Extract: For that extra boost of sweetness and aroma.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Brown Sugar: For a deeper sweetness, used in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
• Milk: Whole milk is used to bring everything together and make the dough tender.
• Powdered Sugar: Used to drizzle on top for an extra sweet finishing touch (optional).

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Let’s get started on making this mouthwatering bread!

1. Make the Dough

In a large bowl, warm the milk until it’s lukewarm (around 110°F). Stir in the active dry yeast and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until it becomes bubbly. Add the sugar, melted butter, and eggs into the bowl and whisk until combined. Gradually stir in the flour and salt, mixing until a dough starts to form. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. (You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook.)

2. Let the Dough Rise

Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

3. Prepare the Apple Cider Syrup

While the dough is rising, pour the apple cider into a saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, reducing it by half. The syrup should thicken slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the syrup cool slightly.

4. Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 12×16 inches in size. Brush the dough with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon.

5. Cut and Stack the Dough

Cut the dough into squares (about 12-16 squares, depending on your preference). Carefully stack the squares on top of each other and place them vertically into a greased loaf pan. You’ll have a lovely tower of dough squares, stacked like a book.

6. Let the Dough Rise Again

Cover the loaf pan with a towel and let the dough rise for another 30 minutes, allowing the squares to puff up a bit.

7. Bake the Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough has risen, place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on top.

8. Drizzle with Apple Cider Syrup

While the bread is baking, you can drizzle the reserved apple cider syrup over the top. Once the bread is out of the oven, let it cool slightly, then drizzle the syrup generously over the warm bread.

9. Serve and Enjoy!

Once the bread has cooled for a few minutes, pull apart those delicious, warm pieces and enjoy! This bread is perfect on its own, or with a little extra butter if you’re feeling indulgent.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

How to Serve Apple Cider Pull-Apart Bread

This Apple Cider Pull-Apart Bread is versatile and can be served in many ways to complement your meal or occasion. Here are a few ideas:

• For Breakfast: Enjoy a warm piece of pull-apart bread alongside your morning coffee or tea for the perfect fall breakfast.
• As a Dessert: It’s sweet enough to stand as its own dessert, but also pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• At Brunch: Serve this bread at your next fall brunch gathering. It’s a great conversation starter and will surely impress your guests.
• For Sharing: It’s perfect for sharing at family gatherings, holiday dinners, or even cozy nights in with friends. Everyone will love pulling apart the layers and indulging in the sweet, spicy goodness.

Additional Tips

• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dough a day ahead and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature before baking.
• Freezing: This pull-apart bread freezes well! After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven.
• Extra Toppings: If you like extra sweetness, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top or sprinkle with chopped pecans before baking for added crunch.
• Dough Variations: If you want to experiment, try adding some chopped apples to the dough or a little apple pie spice in the cinnamon sugar mixture for extra flavor!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought apple cider instead of homemade?
A1: Yes, store-bought apple cider works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to reduce it to a syrup consistency before using it.

Q2: How do I store leftovers?
A2: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but will still be delicious the next day!

Q3: Can I make this bread ahead of time?
A3: Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before baking.

Q4: Can I use a different type of sugar?
A4: Brown sugar gives the bread a nice depth of flavor, but you can substitute with white granulated sugar if needed.

Q5: How can I make this bread dairy-free?
A5: You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free version, and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk to make this recipe dairy-free.

Conclusion

This Apple Cider Pull-Apart Bread is the perfect way to embrace the flavors of fall with a treat that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious. The apple cider glaze, warm cinnamon sugar, and buttery, soft dough make this bread a seasonal must-try. Whether you’re sharing it at a gathering or enjoying it with your morning coffee, this bread is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So go ahead—pull apart a piece and savor the flavors of fall, one bite at a time! Happy baking!

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