Are you looking for a comforting and delicious homemade treat that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This Apple Challah Bread recipe is the perfect blend of sweet and subtly savory, offering a delightful twist on classic challah. It's the ideal recipe for weekend baking, impressing friends and family, or simply enjoying a warm, fragrant slice with your morning coffee. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe offers a simple and rewarding baking experience. Let's get started on this journey to delicious homemade bread!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith recommended), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup raisins (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar (for sprinkling, optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the egg and vegetable oil to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 4: Add Apples and Spices
Gently fold in the diced apples, cinnamon, and raisins (if using).
Step 5: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
Step 6: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 7: Shape the Challah
Punch down the dough to release the air. Divide the dough into three equal parts. Braid the dough strands together to create a classic challah loaf.
Step 8: Second Rise
Place the braided loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled.
Step 9: Egg Wash and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the loaf with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar (optional). Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Let the challah bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Enjoy the warm, comforting aroma and the delightful taste of your homemade apple challah!
Tips and Variations:
- For a sweeter bread: Increase the sugar to 2 tablespoons.
- Add nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts would be a delicious addition.
- Use different spices: Experiment with nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom.
- Make it vegan: Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tbsp water per egg) and use vegan butter or oil.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: 250-300 Fat: 8-10g Protein: 5-7g Carbohydrates: 40-50g Fiber: 2-3g
This Apple Challah Bread recipe is a delightful addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. It's perfect for quick dinner ideas or a special occasion. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and the satisfaction of creating a truly delicious dish. Remember to share your baking creations and tag us in your photos! Happy baking!