Quick Apple Cinnamon Twist Loaf

1 Combine 1/2 cup warm water with yeast and a pinch of sugar in your mixing bowl. Mix and allow to proof (activate and bloom) for about 5 minutes or until foamy.
2 Add remaining water and sugar.
3 Add in salt and 3 1/2 cups flour, 1 cup at a time and allowing time for the flour to absorb.
4 Let mix on medium speed until well combined. Dough should be smooth and elastic. Turn dough onto a lightly floured counter. Allow to rise covered with a tea towel for about 10 minutes.
5 Peel and finely slice your apple, then add it to a small sauté pan with a tablespoon of butter. Sprinkle with cinnamon and allow to sauté for a few minutes until apples are just slightly tender. Remove from heat.
6 Sprinkle flour on the counter where you will roll your dough.
7 Roll dough into a SMALL rectangle about 10×12. Brush rectangle with melted butter. Sprinkle and spread cinnamon and brown sugar mixture to cover the dough. Sprinkle with sautéed apple pieces. Roll up the dough lengthwise like you’re making cinnamon rolls.
8 IMPORTANT *Add roll to a baking sheet with parchment for easy clean up and to make transferring to a pan easy.
9 With a pastry knife or sharp knife make a slice down the center of the roll leaving about a 1/2 inch attached at one end.
10 Turn the cut "ropes" so the cut side is facing up. *Without pulling*, move dough ropes into a twist by laying one over the other and tuck ends under.
11 Allow to rise (covered with a tea towel) for 20 minutes. This rise will really help the twist puff up and create a nice texture after baking. I like to preheat my oven while the twist rises.
12 Bake at 375° for 25 minutes or until lightly golden. Allow to cool down before adding cream cheese frosting.
13 Mix ingredients together and add to twist after it has cooled 10-15 minutes. The frosting will warm slightly onto the twist and create a sweet and delicious topping to compliment the filling!