Twisted Apple Speculaas Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Twisted Apple Speculaas Bread is an irresistible blend of sweet and spiced flavors with a comforting, soft texture. The dough, enriched with butter, vanilla, and milk, pairs wonderfully with the Speculaas-spiced filling and the natural sweetness of the Gala apples. The optional raisins add a little extra texture and chew, but the bread is just as amazing without them. The sweet glaze on top gives the bread a shiny finish, elevating its flavor and making it even more indulgent. It’s a perfect combination of flavors, and the twisted presentation adds a charming touch to this delightful treat.

Ingredients

Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup instant potato flakes
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons butter (softened)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup whole milk

Filling:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Speculaas spice
• 1 cup Gala apple (peeled, cored, and grated)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons whole milk

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the dough:
   In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant potato flakes, sugar, yeast, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
   Add the softened butter, vanilla extract, egg, and milk to the dry ingredients. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
   Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour as needed.
   Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the filling:
   In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and Speculaas spice.
   In a separate bowl, combine the grated Gala apple and lemon juice. Set aside.
3. Assemble the bread:
   Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll the dough out into a rectangular shape on a floured surface, about 12×16 inches.
   Sprinkle the sugar and flour mixture evenly over the rolled dough, followed by the grated apple and lemon juice mixture. If you’re using raisins, sprinkle them over the apple mixture.
   Starting from one of the long sides, carefully roll the dough into a tight log.
4. Twist the bread:
   Slice the dough log lengthwise down the middle, creating two long strands. Twist the strands around each other, creating a twisted shape. Bring the ends together to form a circular loaf or leave it as a twisted log on a baking sheet.
   Cover the bread with a cloth and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has puffed up.
5. Bake the bread:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and fully baked. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
6. Prepare the glaze:
   While the bread is baking, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk in a small bowl. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if necessary to reach a drizzly texture.
7. Glaze the bread:
   Once the bread has cooled for about 10 minutes, drizzle the glaze over the top. Let it set for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes one large loaf and serves about 8-10 people. It takes approximately 2 hours to prepare and bake, including the dough rising time.

Variations

• Use different apples: While Gala apples work wonderfully, feel free to experiment with other apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a slightly different flavor.
• Add nuts: For extra crunch, you can sprinkle in chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the filling.
• Gluten-free version: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, though the texture might be slightly different.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can also wrap it in plastic wrap or foil to keep it fresh.
• Reheating: Reheat slices of bread in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or warm the whole loaf in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time, then store them in the fridge overnight. Let the dough come to room temperature before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.

2. Can I freeze Twisted Apple Speculaas Bread?

Yes, you can freeze the bread after it has been baked and cooled. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and store it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

3. Can I make this recipe without Speculaas spice?

If you don’t have Speculaas spice, you can substitute it with a mix of cinnamon, ginger, and a pinch of cloves or nutmeg for a similar flavor.

4. Can I use a stand mixer to make the dough?

Yes, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough. Mix the ingredients on low speed until combined, then increase to medium speed and knead for about 5-7 minutes.

5. How do I know when the bread is done baking?

The bread should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf – if it comes out clean, the bread is done.

6. Can I make the glaze without vanilla extract?

Yes, you can omit the vanilla extract and use just powdered sugar and milk for the glaze, or you could substitute the vanilla with almond extract for a different flavor.

7. What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Gala apples are ideal for their sweetness and moisture, but you can also use Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or any apple variety you prefer.

8. Can I make a savory version of this bread?

Yes, you can create a savory version by omitting the sugar and glaze and adding ingredients like cheese, herbs, and sautéed onions or garlic in the filling.

9. How do I get the twisted shape to hold?

Make sure to twist the dough tightly and seal the edges of the log before baking. If it unravels, you can lightly press the ends together before twisting.

10. Can I add more spices to the filling?

Yes, you can adjust the spice mixture to your taste. Adding a little extra cinnamon or cardamom can enhance the warm flavor of the bread.

Conclusion

Twisted Apple Speculaas Bread is a beautiful and delicious treat that combines the flavors of sweet apples, warming spices, and a soft, buttery dough. The added glaze brings it all together with a sweet finishing touch. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion, a cozy breakfast, or just as a treat, this bread will surely delight your taste buds. Give it a try and enjoy the comforting, homemade goodness!

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