Apple Ladder Loaf Recipe

Ingredients for Apple Ladder Loaf

How to Make Apple Ladder Loaf

1. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast in 1 cup warm water (105-115°F).
2. Add 1/2 cup warm milk, 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 large eggs. Whisk well.
3. Gradually add 4 cups all-purpose flour, beating on low speed for 3 minutes until combined.
4. Stir in enough remaining flour (about 1-1 1/2 cups) to form a soft, slightly sticky dough.
5. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes.
6. Place dough in a large greased bowl, turning once to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
7. Punch down the dough.
8. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
9. Punch down the dough again.
10. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide in half.
11. Roll each half into a 12-inch x 9-inch rectangle.
12. Place each rectangle onto a greased baking sheet.
13. Spread each rectangle with 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
14. For the filling: In a large bowl, combine 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice.
15. Add 4 medium apples (about 4 cups), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced. Toss to coat evenly.
16. Spread the apple filling down the center third of each rectangle.
17. On each long side, cut 1-inch wide strips about 3 inches into the center, stopping just short of the filling.
18. Starting at one end, fold alternating strips at an angle across the filling, creating a ladder effect. Seal the ends.
19. Cover loosely and let rise in a warm place until nearly doubled, about 45-60 minutes.
20. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
21. While loaves are baking, prepare the icing: Whisk together 2 cups powdered sugar, 2-4 tablespoons milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
22. Drizzle icing over warm loaves immediately after baking.
23. Serve warm or at room temperature. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.