Apple Brioche Braid | Red Star® Yeast

Ingredients

• Makes about 4 1/2 pounds (2041g) of dough
• 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
• 1 tablespoon Platinum Yeast
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 6 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (170g) honey
• 1 1/2 cups (340g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
• 7 cups (990g) unbleached all-purpose flour (see note)
• 2 cups grated Gala apple
• 1/4 cup apple cider
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• Egg wash: 1 egg plus 1 tablespoon water (beaten together)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon brandy (optional)