Comforting and Perfect Cinnamon Swirled Apple Babka Recipe

When life calls for something warm and sweet, Cinnamon Swirled Apple Babka answers in the most delicious way possible. This soft, buttery braided bread swirled with cinnamon-spiced apple filling is the kind of treat that transforms a regular day into a special occasion. It can be enjoyed at any time of day, and apple babka is a surefire way to win hearts and satisfy cravings.

What is Apple Babka?

Apple babka is a sweet, yeasty bread of Eastern European origin, traditionally made for celebrations and festive occasions. The word “babka” means “grandmother” in Polish, and the braided design of the loaf is said to resemble a grandmother’s pleated skirt. While the classic babka often features chocolate or cinnamon fillings, this version celebrates autumnal flavors with apples cooked in butter, cinnamon, and sugar.

Here is an interesting fact most people don’t know, babka owes part of its international fame to an unexpected source, a sitcom called Seinfeld. In one of the show’s most memorable episodes, this beloved Jewish pastry found itself at the center of a humorous debate when the characters attempted to buy a chocolate babka for a dinner party. To their dismay, the chocolate variety was sold out, leaving them with a cinnamon babka. This prompted the now-iconic line where cinnamon babka was described as the “lesser babka,” sparking a playful rivalry between the two flavors.

This moment didn’t just provide comedic gold, it also introduced a global audience to babka‘s charm, sparking curiosity and appetites alike. Today, while chocolate remains a popular choice, variations like cinnamon and apple have helped babka secure its place as a versatile and cherished treat in bakeries worldwide.

Pro Tips for the Best Apple Babka

• Use fresh yeast for a fluffier dough. Fresh yeast makes a world of difference in ensuring a light, airy loaf.
• The milk should be warm but not scalding, as high heat can kill the yeast.
• Don’t rush the rise. Allowing the dough to rise fully ensures a soft and tender texture.
• Chop apples finely as small apple pieces spread more evenly across the dough and are easier to roll.
• Cool the filling completely because warm filling can make the dough sticky and hard to handle.
• Seal the ends of the braid well to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.

What Type of Apples Work Best?

Green apples like Granny Smith are ideal because their tartness balances the sweetness of the filling. However, you can experiment with other firm apples like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady.

Can I Add Nuts to the Filling?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans make a delicious addition to the filling, adding a delightful crunch.

Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Bring it to room temperature before rolling out and filling.

Why Is My Babka Dense and Didn't Rise?

This could happen if the yeast wasn’t activated properly, or if the dough didn’t rise enough. Make sure your yeast is fresh and allow adequate rising time.

Can I Add Other Spices to the Filling?

Of course! Nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice can enhance the flavor of the apple filling beautifully.

Can I Freeze Apple Babka?

Yes, you can! To freeze, wrap it well and store for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!

How to Store Cinnamon Swirled Apple Babka

To store cinnamon apple babka, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It stays fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week, warming slices before serving.

How to Make Cinnamon Swirled Apple Babka

Step 1

Step 1

In a small bowl, combine warm milk with half of the sugar and fresh yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 10 minutes until frothy.

In a small bowl, combine warm milk with half of the sugar and fresh yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 10 minutes until frothy.

Step 2

Step 2

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, vanilla sugar, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and both types of flour.

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, vanilla sugar, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and both types of flour.

Step 3

Step 3

Knead until the dough comes together, then incorporate the butter and continue kneading for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Then, cover and let rise for 1 hour.

Knead until the dough comes together, then incorporate the butter and continue kneading for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Then, cover and let rise for 1 hour.

Step 4

Step 4

Peel and finely chop the apples. In a pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add apples, sugar, and cinnamon. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the apples soften slightly. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Peel and finely chop the apples. In a pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add apples, sugar, and cinnamon. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the apples soften slightly. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Step 5

Step 5

Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle approximately 30 x 40 cm (12 x 16 inches). Spread the cooled apple filling evenly over the surface and roll the dough tightly into a log

Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle approximately 30 x 40 cm (12 x 16 inches). Spread the cooled apple filling evenly over the surface and roll the dough tightly into a log

Step 6

Step 6

Using a sharp knife, slice the log lengthwise almost all the way through, exposing the layers of apple filling. Twist the two halves together into a braid.

Using a sharp knife, slice the log lengthwise almost all the way through, exposing the layers of apple filling. Twist the two halves together into a braid.

Step 7

Step 7

Transfer the braided dough to a greased baking mold. Cover and let rise for another hour. Brush the babka with egg wash and sprinkle almond flakes on top

Transfer the braided dough to a greased baking mold. Cover and let rise for another hour. Brush the babka with egg wash and sprinkle almond flakes on top

Step 8

Step 8

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for 60 minutes, or until golden brown and serve.

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for 60 minutes, or until golden brown and serve.