Apple Streusel Coffee Bread

Apple Streusel Coffee Bread

(Tart apple such as Jonathan, Granny Smith, or Winsap is best for making this bread).

1 16-oz loaf frozen white bread dough

2 Tablespoon's butter or margarine, softened

1 1/2 cups finely chopped peeled apples

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon butter or margarine, melted

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 tablespoon butter or margarine

1/3 cup slivered almonds (optional)

Thaw dough according to package directions. Divide dough in half; let rest 10 minutes. On floured surface roll each dough half to an 8-inch square. Spread each with 1 tablespoon of the softened butter. Arrange half the apples down the center of each dough square. combine brown sugar and cinnamon; sprinkler over apples.

Cutting toward filling, make 2-inch-long cuts in dough at 1-inch intervals on both sides of apples. Fold strips alternately over apples; fold under ends of loaf.

Place loaves on a greased 15x10x1 inch baking pan. Brush with melted butter.

Stir together flour and granulated sugar. Cut in the 1 tablespoon butter till mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle half the crumb mixture over each loaf; top with almonds, if desired.

Cover; let rise till nearly double (45-60 minutes).

Bake in a 350 oven 30 minutes or until brown.