Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread

This decadent cinnamon sugar pull-apart bread is pure comfort and always turns breakfast or brunch into an event Worth gathering around for its soft buttery texture and gooey spiced layers each piece peels away in the most satisfying way and fills the kitchen with nostalgic bakery aroma Perfect for weekend baking projects or cozy holiday mornings

My first loaf disappeared faster than any treat I have made I now bring it to every brunch potluck Friends are always stunned it is homemade

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: gives structure and tenderness Use a high quality brand for best rise
• Whole milk: adds richness Choose full fat for that soft bakery crumb
• Unsalted butter: for flavor and moisture European style butter makes the bread extra lush
• Active dry yeast: helps the dough rise properly Always check the expiration date for reliable lift
• Granulated sugar: sweetens the dough and the coating Opt for organic for a slight caramel undertone
• Brown sugar: in the filling for deeper molasses warmth Light or dark both work
• Ground cinnamon: is the star Check that it smells fresh for maximum aroma
• Eggs: add structure and extra softness Use room temperature eggs for fluffier results
• Salt: enhances flavors and balances sweetness Use fine sea salt for even distribution
• Vanilla extract: gives a mellow fragrant background Pure vanilla is worth the splurge

Instructions

Mix the Dough:

Combine warm milk sugar and yeast in a large bowl Let stand until foamy which ensures the yeast is alive Mix in melted butter eggs vanilla and salt then fold in the flour until a sticky dough forms Knead by hand or mixer until smooth and elastic about twelve minutes for gorgeous texture

First Rise:

Place the dough in a greased bowl Cover and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size about one hour This fermentation step builds flavor and guarantees pillowy bread

Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

Stir together granulated sugar brown sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish Melt butter in a separate bowl Set up a work area to coat your dough pieces later

Shape and Coat:

On a lightly floured surface roll out the dough to a large rectangle Measure for an even thickness Brush the surface generously with melted butter Scatter the entire cinnamon sugar mixture over the dough pressing lightly so it sticks Slice the dough into even strips then stack and cut into equal squares

Arrange in Loaf Pan:

Grease a loaf pan well Stand the stacked dough squares upright in the pan like filing papers Do not worry if it looks messy that makes the pull-apart effect

Final Rise:

Cover the pan loosely and let the dough puff until almost doubled again about thirty to forty five minutes This creates the lightest layers

Bake:

Bake in a preheated oven until deeply golden and fragrant Usually about thirty to thirty five minutes Tent with foil at the twenty minute mark if browning too fast Cool in pan for fifteen minutes Turn out onto a wire rack and let cool until just warm so the gooey filling sets slightly

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Leftovers toast up beautifully Brown sugar is the secret to that rich caramel layer between pieces I still remember my niece’s face the first time she pulled apart a warm piece every slice was followed by giggles and sticky fingers It has become our family’s way to slow down together

Storage Tips

Once cool wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature for up to two days If you want to keep it longer slice and freeze the bread in portions Reheat gently in the oven wrapped in foil to enjoy freshly baked flavor even days later

Ingredient Substitutions

If you have no active dry yeast try instant yeast just reduce the rise times a bit Nondairy milk like oat or almond works well in place of whole milk You can use plant based butter if needed Swap in pumpkin pie spice for the cinnamon for a festive twist

Serving Suggestions

Serve this bread as a showstopper breakfast or brunch with a spread of fresh fruit and coffee For extra decadence top with cream cheese glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar It is also wonderful as a holiday dessert warmed up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

Cultural Context

Pull apart breads are a classic in American baking especially in Midwest kitchens where sweet yeasty loaves gather families around the table This recipe evokes the familiar flavors of cinnamon rolls but with a fun communal format perfect for sharing

Seasonal Adaptations

In autumn add chopped apples or pears between the bread layers For spring try a lemon zest sugar filling During winter serve it alongside mulled cider for a festive pairing Try a hint of cardamom for bolder spice Sprinkle in orange zest for a citrus pop Use leftover slices for over the top French toast

Success Stories

Dozens of readers have told me this is the first yeast bread they ever tried making and it turned out perfectly Neighbors say it turned their weekend breakfast into an event My cousin once devoured half a loaf straight from the oven and called it the best thing since birthday cake

Freezer Meal Conversion

To freeze assemble the bread all the way to shaping then cover tightly and freeze in the loaf pan When ready to bake simply thaw overnight in the fridge and let rise to room temperature before baking as usual You can also freeze fully baked slices individually for easy breakfast treats

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Make this pull-apart bread for a memorable homemade breakfast It is sure to spark smiles and create new traditions

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I achieve fluffy layers?

Use room temperature butter and allow the dough to rise fully for airy layers.

→ Can I substitute white sugar for brown?

You can use brown sugar for richer flavor, or white sugar for a lighter sweetness.

→ Is this bread best served warm?

Yes, serving freshly baked and warm enhances the buttery softness and cinnamon aroma.

→ Can I prepare ahead of time?

Shape the dough and refrigerate overnight; let it come to room temperature before baking.

→ What pairs well with cinnamon sugar bread?

Enjoy with coffee, tea, or a drizzle of glaze for an extra sweet touch at breakfast.