Apple Cinnamon Star Bread Recipe
- Cook Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1/4 tsp Active Dry Yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 large egg
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup apple butter or thick apple sauce
- 1/2 cup finely diced apples (peeled)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Step 1: Activate the Yeast – In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk, one tablespoon of the sugar, and the yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly.
- Step 2: Mix the Dough – Add the remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Using a dough hook or a sturdy spoon, mix until combined. Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Step 3: Knead and First Rise – Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or in the mixer for 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Step 4: Prepare the Filling – While the dough rises, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Ensure your diced apples are cut very small so they don’t tear the dough later. Have your apple butter ready at room temperature for easy spreading.
- Step 5: Roll and Layer – Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 10-inch circle. Place the first circle on a piece of parchment paper. Spread a thin layer of apple butter, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, and some diced apples, leaving a 1/2 inch border. Repeat with the next two layers. Top with the fourth circle, leaving it plain.
- Step 6: Cut the Star Shape – Place a small circular glass in the center of the dough to mark a middle point. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into 16 equal strips, radiating out from the center circle. Take two adjacent strips and twist them away from each other twice, then press the ends together to form a point. Repeat for all strips to create an 8-pointed star.
- Step 7: Second Rise and Bake – Cover the star loosely and let it rise for another 20-30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the dough with a beaten egg wash. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the bread is a deep golden brown. Let it cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar.