Gather all your ingredients so that you have everything close at hand on the counter or table.
Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, potato flakes, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt, mixing well.
Add the softened butter, vanilla extract, large egg, and whole milk. Stir until dough holds it's form.
Knead by hand or by kneading hook for 7-8 minutes until smooth.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise until double, 1 1/2 - 2 hours.
Make the Filling
While the dough is rising, combine the filling ingredients.
In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and Speculaas spice.
Peel, core, and coarsely grate the apple. Place in a medium bowl. Pour lemon juice over the grated the fruit and mix together.
Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the apples and mix well. Set aside.
Assemble the Twisted Bread
Turn out risen dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently punch down two-three times. Divide dough in half. Roll each into 10"x12" rectangle.
Spread half of the apple filling over the dough, leaving a 1/2" margin along the edges. If desired, sprinkle raisins over the filling.
Starting with the long side, roll the dough (cinnamon roll style) into a log, sealing the edge.
Cut the log in half lengthwise. Place the half-logs, filled side up, side-by-side on a baking sheet lined with parchment or a silicone baking mat. Twist the two logs together, keeping the filling side up, working from the center to the ends. Pinch the ends together. Repeat with the second piece of dough. Cover the dough and allow to rise for one hour.
Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 30-35 minutes until lightly browned. (May need to cover with aluminum foil the last ten minutes to keep edges from getting too dark.) Remove from oven and allow to cool before glazing.
Glaze the Bread
In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and whole milk until creamy. Drizzle over loaves. Makes 2 loaves.
Notes
*Unless otherwise indicated, all butter used on this recipe site is salted.