Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's both delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further than this Apple Spice Bear Claw Bread recipe! This delightful homemade bread combines the sweetness of apples with the cozy warmth of autumn spices, creating a perfect addition to your breakfast table or afternoon snack. It's a fantastic example of healthy meals made easy, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet stunning recipe!
Ingredients:
This recipe makes one large bear claw bread, enough to share (or not!).
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 ½ - 4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended), peeled, cored, and diced
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
For the Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or apple juice
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is active and ready to work its magic!
- Add the egg, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk well to combine.
- Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a soft dough forms. Don't worry if it's a little sticky.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 2: Making the Apple Filling
- While the dough is resting, prepare the apple filling. In a medium bowl, combine diced apples, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Toss gently to coat the apples evenly.
Step 3: Assembling and Baking the Bear Claw
- Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Roll out the dough into a 12x18 inch rectangle.
- Spread the apple filling evenly over the dough.
- Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Cut the log into 12 equal slices.
- Place the slices cut-side up in the prepared baking pan.
- Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Baking and Glazing
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Let the bread cool slightly in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the bread is cooling, prepare the glaze (optional) by whisking together powdered sugar and milk or apple juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bread.
Tips for the Best Apple Spice Bear Claw Bread:
- Use high-quality apples for the best flavor. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are excellent choices.
- Don't over-knead the dough. Over-kneading can result in a tough bread.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place away from drafts.
- If the glaze is too thick, add more milk or apple juice. If it's too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Variations:
- Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple filling for extra crunch.
- Use different spices, such as ginger or cardamom, to customize the flavor.
- Substitute maple syrup for some of the brown sugar in the filling for a richer flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 300-350 (This will vary based on the specific ingredients used.)
This easy recipe offers a delicious and satisfying homemade treat perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this quick dinner idea or delightful snack! It's one of the best recipes for utilizing seasonal fruit, and a great way to enjoy the flavors of autumn.