This Apple and Honey Challah recipe combines soft, fluffy challah with sweet apples and honey for a delicious fall-inspired bread. It’s perfect for holiday meals, brunch, or serving warm with butter and honey.
Why This Apple and Honey Challah Works
The honey adds gentle sweetness to the dough, while diced apples provide juicy bursts of flavor. The braided loaf bakes into a beautiful golden crust with a soft, tender center.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm water
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 large eggs
- 1 egg yolk
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Apple Filling
- 2 medium apples, peeled and finely diced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
How to Make Apple and Honey Challah
- Activate the yeast: Combine warm water, yeast, and a teaspoon of honey in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the remaining honey, eggs, egg yolk, and oil. Add the yeast mixture, flour, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let it rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the apples: Toss the diced apples with honey, cinnamon, brown sugar, and lemon juice.
- Divide the dough: Punch down the dough and divide it into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rectangle.
- Add the filling: Place some of the apple mixture down the center of each piece. Fold the dough around the filling and pinch the seams closed.
- Braid the challah: Place the three filled ropes together and braid them. Pinch the ends to seal and tuck them underneath.
- Second rise: Place the braided loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely and let it rise for 30–45 minutes.
- Brush and bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Whisk the egg with water and brush it over the loaf. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool: Let the challah cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips for the Best Apple and Honey Challah
- Choose firm apples that hold their shape when baked.
- Dice the apples small so they fit neatly inside the braid.
- Avoid adding too much filling, which can make the dough difficult to braid.
- Let the loaf cool slightly before slicing for cleaner pieces.
- Drizzle warm challah with extra honey before serving for more sweetness.
Final Thoughts
Apple and honey challah is a soft, flavorful bread that brings together sweet honey, warm cinnamon, and juicy apples. It makes a beautiful addition to a fall breakfast, brunch, or holiday table.
