Ingredients
Units Scale
Sweet dough
- 6 Tablespoons butter (softened)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup milk (not skim- I used 2%)
- 3 Tbsp sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 1/4 - 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg (lightly beaten)
Apple filling
- 2 medium-large apples (peeled and chopped)
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 3 Tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
Cream cheese filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Vanilla Drizzle (optional)
- 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 5 5 1/2 teaspoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
Dough:
- Heat butter, sugar, water and milk to 120F.
- Combine 2 cups flour, salt and yeast in a medium bowl. Make a well in the center. Add butter mixture. Mix in additional 1/2 cup flour and egg. Knead on low speed for about 7-8 minutes scraping down bowl as needed. Add additional 1/2 cup of flour while kneading if necessary. Dough should be smooth.
- Place dough in a greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap. Let it rise for about an hour or until doubled in bulk.
Apple Filling:
- Meanwhile, over low heat combine apples, butter, sugar, cinnamon and cornstarch. Heat until apples are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- In a small bowl combine cream cheese, sugar, vanilla and lemon juice. Mix until smooth.
- After dough has doubled in bulk. On floured parchment or silicone mat roll out dough into a large rectangle about 12 x 10.
Cream Cheese:
- Spread cream cheese filling down the center. Arrange apple mixture on top.
- Using a pizza cutter cut diagonally from end of dough towards center in 1 inch strips. Do this on both sides.
- Starting on one side of the braid pull one strip up and over the braid. Repeat with the other side. Continue alternating until braid is complete.
- Cover loosely with plastic. Let rise for about 30-40 minutes.
- Bake at 350 for about 20-25 minutes or until braid is golden brown.
Drizzle
- Combine powdered sugar, milk and vanilla. Drizzle over braid. Serve warm or allow to cool and then serve. Delicious either way.
- Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
