When the apples are fresh and sweet be sure to bake up some of this buttery, maple syrup sweetened apple yeast bread to celebrate.
Small chunks of apple stud a rich and velvety loaf of bread that is easy to bake up and impressive served with peanut butter or sharp cheddar cheese.
While apple quick bread is often a Fall treat, this homemade loaf includes yeast for something that is less cake-like and full of fluffy texture.
Baking with Fresh Fruit
Baking bread with fresh fruit can be sometimes be tricky because of the extra water content. Apples tend to be a bit drier than say, peaches, making them a better choice for yeasted bread.
Still please watch the dough as you knead it and add more flour as necessary to make up for any juice coming from the apples.
Experience Level: Intermediate
While this bread dough in and of itself isn’t tricky – the addition of fresh fruit has the potential to cause frustration.
As mentioned above, you may need to add more flour than the recipe calls for based on the apples you choose to use in your bread. Some experience with baking bread and how basic bread dough should feel when kneading will help get better results with this bread recipe.
Apple Choices
There are guides everywhere telling you which apples are best for baking. You can, of course, specifically shop for something that has those baking qualities.
I’m more a fan of using whatever you have on hand and whatever is local first and foremost.
Choose something sweet or tart based on your own preferences and what is available. Obviously something flavorful, not bland, will give the best flavor to the bread in the end.
Maple Syrup
Use real maple syrup here, not something imitation or flavored. The darker the syrup, the more maple flavor will come through in the final baked loaves.
The maple syrup provides a wonderful sweetness and light maple flavor, the maple flavor will not be overpowering in any sense.
Milk Powder
I chose dry milk powder for ease in this recipe. I believe warm milk could be substituted instead of water but I haven’t specifically tested it myself.
Flour Choices
I used basic bread because it is easy and turns out a fantastic loaf. Unbleached, all-purpose flour could be substituted instead.
Whole grain flours like wheat or rye could also be used, but they absorb water differently and may need less flour, add slowly and see how it feels.
Optional Spice
I chose to leave spice out of this bread but you certainly could add up to a teaspoon of apple pie spice, cinnamon, ginger, etc.
I do think this would be lovely with a cinnamon swirl but haven’t tried it yet myself.
Bread Shape
The recipe turns out approximately 2 pounds of bread dough. You could make 1 large loaf if desired
Splitting it up into 2 small loaves works better for our household of two.
You could also shape these into oblong or braided loaves, if desired
Baking in standard bread pans is also option.
For any different shape, just watch your baking time.
How to Serve
Serve slices of this bread with your favorite spreads, like peanut butter, almond butter, honey, apple butter, etc.
Apples and cheddar cheese are are always lovely together, slices of cheese put on top of slices of bread and broiled make a lovely sweet and savory snack.
How to Store
Place any baked and cooled bread loaves into airtight containers and store at room temperature where it should stay fresh for up to 5 days.
For longer term storage, place bread into freezer bags and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw any frozen bread on the counter prior to serving.
Apple Yeast Bread
Sweet and buttery this apple yeast bread has a hint of maple syrup making it a perfect Fall season bake!
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Warm Water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Dry, Active Yeast
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 1/4 Cup Salted Butter, softened
- 1 Cup Peeled & Diced Apples
- 1/3 Cup Maple Syrup
- 1/4 Cup Dry Milk Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 3 1/2 Cups Bread Flour
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of stand mixer, combine the water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes.
- Add the butter, maple syrup, milk powder, and 1 cup of bread flour. Mix until well combined.
- Stir in the apples and salt. Add another 2 cups of bread flour.
- Using a wooden spoon or a dough hook, mix until a smooth dough begins to form. Add more 1/4 cup at a time, if necessary. If using a dough hook, the dough will clean the sides of the bowl.
- Turn out onto a floured board and knead until soft and elastic.
- Oil a bowl and place the dough inside, turning to coat.
- Cover the bowl with a clean tea towel and let rise for about 90 minutes. The dough will not exactly double.
- Grease a baking sheet.
- Punch down the dough and turn out to a floured counter. Knead slightly and divide in half.
- Form each half into a round and place on prepared baking sheet.
- Cover the loaves with a clean towel and let rise for about 30-45 minutes. Again, they will not double.
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Before placing the bread in the oven, score the tops of the dough as desired with a sharp razor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 38-40 minutes or until the tops are golden and the bread dough sounds hollow when tapped with a knuckle. If using a thermometer, the loaves should be 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove from baking sheet to cool on wire rack.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 24 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 107Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 109mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 1gSugar: 4gProtein: 3g
I try but cannot guarantee this nutritional information is 100% accurate.
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