Tsoureki is one of Greece’s most beloved sweet breads, traditionally flavored with mahlepi, mastic, and orange zest. It’s soft, aromatic, and slightly chewy, enjoyed all year round with coffee or tea.

Today I’m sharing a special twist on the classic: Apple Tsoureki. Imagine the rich, fluffy dough of tsoureki wrapped around a sweet apple-cinnamon filling. It’s comforting, fragrant, and perfect for autumn or any time you want something cozy.

What makes this version unique is that you can shape it as a classic braided tsoureki or bake it in a loaf pan for a neat, sliceable bread. The loaf-pan method gives you beautiful swirls of apple inside each slice and makes it easy to serve.

Crockery & ingredients love using—find them all here: My Mediterranean Greek Pantry

For the Dough

500 g strong bread flour, sifted

30–35 g fresh yeast (12 g instant yeast)

75 g butter, melted

170–180 g sugar

3 eggs (room temperature)

120 ml warm whole milk

½ tsp ground Chios mastic (crushed with sugar)

½ tsp ground mahlepi

½ tsp ground cardamom (kakoule)

Zest of ½ orange

Pinch of salt

½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Apple Filling

2 apples, peeled and grated (or finely diced)

30 g butter

1 tbsp sugar (brown sugar adds a deeper flavor)

1 tsp cinnamon

½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Topping

1 egg yolk mixed with 1 tbsp milk (egg wash)

A little sugar for sprinkling

Optional: sliced almonds or sesame seeds

Prepare the yeast

Dissolve the yeast in warm milk with 1 tsp sugar. Let it sit for 10 minutes until foam

Directions

Make the dough

In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, mastic, mahlepi, cardamom, and orange zest. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla.Knead until smooth and elastic (10 minutes by hand or 6 minutes with a mixer).

Cover and let rise until doubled (about 1½–2 hours).

Cook the apple filling

In a pan, melt butter. Add apples, sugar, and cinnamon. Cook until soft and fragrant (5–7 minutes).Stir in vanilla . Let cool completely.

Shape the tsoureki

Punch down the dough and divide into 3–4 pieces.Roll each piece into a rope, flatten slightly, spread with apple filling, then seal and roll again. Braid or place directly into a loaf pan if you prefer the sliceable bread style.

Cover and let rise for another 40–50 minutes.

Bake

Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F.

Brush with egg wash, sprinkle sugar (and almonds or sesame, if using).

Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown.

Cool & serve

Allow to cool slightly before slicing to reveal the apple swirls inside.

Serving Idea

Enjoy your Apple Tsoureki with a cup of Greek coffee or tea. It’s perfect for breakfast, afternoon snack, or even as a sweet centerpiece for a family gathering.

The aroma of apples, cinnamon, and traditional Greek spices fills the kitchen and makes this bread truly unforgettable.

This Apple Tsoureki brings together tradition and comfort with a touch of autumn flavor.

Whether you braid it the classic way or bake it in a logpan, it’s always a showstopper.

Greek Chios Mastic