Cinnamon Swirled Apple Bread

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl combine 2 cups of the flour and the yeast; set aside.

Step 2

In a saucepan heat and stir milk, granulated sugar, the 3 tablespoons butter, and the salt until warm (120° to 130°) and until butter almost melts.

Step 3

Add milk mixture to dry mixture along with eggs.

Step 4

Beat with an electric mixer on low to medium speed for 30 seconds, scraping side of bowl constantly.

Step 5

Then beat on high speed 3 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in shredded apple.

Step 7

Using a wooden spoon, stir in as much remaining flour as you can.

Step 8

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface.

Step 9

Knead in enough of the remaining flour to make a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic (6 to 8 minutes total).

Step 10

Shape into a ball. Place in lightly greased bowl, turning once to grease surface.

Step 11

Cover; let rise in a warm place until double (about 1 hour. Punch dough down.

Step 12

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide in half Cover; let rest 10 minutes.

Step 13

Lightly grease two 8x4x2- or 9x5x3-inch loaf pans.

Step 14

Meanwhile, for filling, in a medium mixing bowl combine chopped apple, nuts, brown sugar, and cinnamon; set aside.

Step 15

Roll half of the dough to a 14x9-inch rectangle. Spread with 1 tablespoon of the softened butter; sprinkle with half of the filling.

Step 16

Beginning at both short ends, roll each end up, jelly-roll style, to center.

Step 17

Place loaf, rolled side up, in a prepared loaf pan. For second loaf, repeat with remaining dough, remaining butter, and remaining filling.

Step 18

Cover, let rise until almost double in size (about 30 minutes).

Step 19

Stir together egg white and water. Brush egg white mixture over tops of loaves; sprinkle with coarse sugar.

Step 20

Bake in a 375° oven for 30 to 40 minutes or until bread sounds hollow when you tap tops (if necessary, loosely cover with foil for the last 15 minutes of baking to prevent overbrowning).

Step 21

Immediately remove from pans. Cool on wire racks.