Introduction

Apple Butter Pull-Apart Bread is a soft, flavorful treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. Layers of sweet apple butter and a rich buttery glaze make every bite irresistible. This recipe is fun to make and sure to impress your family and friends.

The image shows two thick slices of soft bread with a golden brown crust and a light, airy inside, placed on a wooden board. One slice stands upright in the center, showing its textured crumb, while the other lies at an angle nearby with a visible reddish spread or filling. In front of the bread, there is a round white bowl filled with a smooth, warm brown sauce, and under it is a neatly folded green cloth. Behind the bread, on the left side, you can see a blurred jar with an orange substance inside and on the right, a partially visible red apple. The entire scene is set against a dark background with the wooden surface replaced by a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
½ teaspoon kosher salt
2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, melted
⅓ cup (82 g) whole milk, warm (about 105-115°F)
¼ cup (62.5 g) water, warm (about 105-115°F)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs, room temperature
½ cup (120 g) apple butter
½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter
2 teaspoons heavy cream
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the flour, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and instant yeast.
Step 2: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the melted butter, warm milk, warm water, and vanilla extract.
Step 3: Add the eggs and turn the mixer to medium-low speed. Knead the dough until soft and smooth, about 2 minutes. If the dough is too dry, add a little water; if too sticky, add a small amount of flour, up to ¼ cup.
Step 4: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Step 5: Lightly grease an 8×5-inch loaf pan.
Step 6: Gently deflate the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a 12×20-inch rectangle.
Step 7: Spread the apple butter evenly over the dough surface.
Step 8: Cut the dough crosswise into six strips measuring approximately 3½x12 inches each.
Step 9: Stack the strips on top of one another, then cut the stack into six pieces about 2×3½ inches.
Step 10: Turn each piece on its side and place them tightly in the prepared loaf pan, lining them up from one end to the other.
Step 11: Cover the pan and let the loaf rise until nearly doubled in size, about 30-60 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F.
Step 12: Bake the loaf in the center of the oven for 45-55 minutes. After 30 minutes, tent the bread with foil to prevent over-browning. The bread is done when an internal temperature of 190°F is reached.
Step 13: Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Let it cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before carefully turning it out to cool completely.
Step 14: While the bread cools, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the unsalted butter, heavy cream, and brown sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Step 15: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the glaze sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken slightly.
Step 16: Drizzle the warm glaze over the warm bread before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough along with the dry ingredients.
Use homemade apple butter or your favorite store-bought brand for varying sweetness levels.
Try adding chopped nuts or raisins between the layers for a delightful texture contrast.
If the dough feels too sticky, add flour gradually but avoid over-kneading which can make the bread dense.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat slices in a toaster oven or microwave until warm before serving to restore softness and flavor.

How to Serve

The image shows two pieces of light golden brown apple bread with a soft, airy texture, stacked on a white plate with a dark rim. The top piece has a slightly crisp edge and a rough surface from baking. A wooden spoon lies in front of the plate on a green cloth. Behind, there is a whole red and yellow apple and part of a wooden cutting board with more torn apple bread. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can mix and knead the dough by hand on a floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is soft and elastic.

What can I use instead of apple butter?

If apple butter isn’t available, you can substitute with other fruit butters like pumpkin or pear butter, or use a cinnamon sugar spread for a different twist.