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Cozy Apple Fritter Yeast Bread Recipe with Maple Glaze

apple fritter yeast bread - featured image

A soft, pillowy yeast bread loaf filled with tender apple pieces, cinnamon sugar swirls, and topped with a sticky-sweet maple glaze. Perfect for cozy mornings and easy to slice for breakfast or snacks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (440g)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar (50g), plus 1 tbsp for yeast activation
  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 cup whole milk (240ml), warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter (56g), softened
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup brown sugar (50g), packed
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (28g), melted
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar mixed with 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (120g)
  • 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 12 tbsp milk or cream (to thin glaze)
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: Warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C). Stir in the yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add softened butter, egg, and the foamy yeast mixture. Mix until a rough dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes (or 5-6 minutes with a stand mixer) until smooth and elastic. Add flour if too sticky.
  4. First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare filling: Toss diced apples with cinnamon, brown sugar, melted butter, and flour. Set aside.
  6. Shape the bread: Punch down dough and roll out into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread apple filling evenly, leaving a small border.
  7. Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Pinch seams to seal and place seam-side down in a greased 8×4 inch loaf pan.
  8. Second rise: Cover loosely and let rise for 30-40 minutes until puffy but not doubled.
  9. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  10. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top of the loaf.
  11. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Tent with foil if browning too fast.
  12. Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  13. While warm, drizzle with maple glaze made by mixing powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

Notes

Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best flavor and texture. Ensure milk is about 110°F to properly activate yeast. Roll dough tightly but not too tight to keep loaf airy. If apples release excess juice, drain before spreading filling to avoid soggy bread. Adjust glaze consistency by adding milk or powdered sugar as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple fritter bread, yeast bread, maple glaze, cinnamon sugar, breakfast bread, cozy bread, homemade bread