Pull-Apart Cinnamon Bread is a sweet, soft, and buttery bread filled with layers of cinnamon sugar goodness. This delicious bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack. It’s easy to make and fun to pull apart and share with friends and family.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup water, warmed
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, warmed milk, warmed water, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon.
- Set the melted butter aside for brushing the dough.
Step 3: Roll Out and Fill the Dough
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface.
- Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×20 inches.
- Brush the entire surface of the dough with the melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top.
Step 4: Assemble the Bread
- Cut the dough into 6 equal strips lengthwise. Stack the strips on top of each other, then cut the stack into 6 equal squares.
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Place the stacked squares upright into the pan, side by side, like a flipbook.
- Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is cooked through.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool slightly.
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm bread before serving.
Step 7: Serve
- Pull apart the layers of the bread and enjoy warm.
Cooking Tips & Notes
- Yeast Activation: Make sure your milk and water are warm (not hot) to activate the yeast properly. The temperature should be around 110°F (43°C).
- Rising Time: Allow enough time for the dough to rise until doubled in size. This will ensure the bread is light and fluffy.
- Rolling the Dough: Roll the dough out as evenly as possible to ensure even baking and consistent layers.
Variations
- Nutty Cinnamon Bread: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar filling for a crunchy texture.
- Apple Cinnamon Bread: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of finely chopped apples over the cinnamon sugar filling for a fruity twist.
- Chocolate Cinnamon Bread: Add 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips to the cinnamon sugar filling for a chocolatey version.
- Maple Glaze: Substitute the vanilla extract in the glaze with 1/2 teaspoon of maple extract for a maple-flavored glaze.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Let it come to room temperature before rolling it out and assembling the bread.
2. How Do I Store Leftover Pull-Apart Bread?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to refresh their texture.
3. Can I Freeze Pull-Apart Cinnamon Bread?
Yes, you can freeze the bread after baking. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm before serving.
4. Can I Use Instant Yeast Instead of Active Dry Yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast. You won’t need to proof it; simply mix it with the dry ingredients and proceed with the recipe.
Pull-Apart Cinnamon Bread is a sweet and delightful treat that’s perfect for sharing. The tender layers, rich cinnamon sugar filling, and sweet glaze make this bread irresistible. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this bread is sure to be a hit. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the comforting flavors of homemade cinnamon bread!
