Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread is more than just a delightful treat; it represents warmth, comfort, and sharing moments with family and friends. Imagine pulling apart soft, fluffy pieces of dough infused with the sweet, aromatic essence of cinnamon and sugar.
Why We Love This Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread Recipe
This recipe for Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread stands out for several reasons. First, the dough is incredibly easy to make—anyone, regardless of baking experience, can whip it up. The rich flavors of browned butter and cinnamon provide an irresistible allure, inviting you back for another piece. Whether you are preparing for a family gathering, a brunch with friends, or simply looking to indulge yourself, this bread rises to the occasion. Furthermore, the pull-apart design makes sharing easy, making it perfect for gatherings or cozy mornings at home. Plus, who can resist the warmth and aroma that fill your kitchen as it bakes? All these factors culminate in a delightful baking experience that nourishes both body and soul.
Ingredients about Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread
To create this delicious bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup whole milk (240 g)
- 2 oz unsalted butter (56 g)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast (8 g)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (45 g, divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (325 g, reserve 1/4 cup for rolling)
- 2 oz unsalted butter (57 g, browned)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (90 g)
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon (5 g)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (69 g)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (50 g)
These ingredients come together to create a pull-apart bread that surprises your taste buds with every piece you enjoy. The sweet and spicy aroma of cinnamon combined with the richness of butter and milk creates an unforgettable flavor experience.
How to Make Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread Directions
The process of making Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread involves several straightforward steps. Here’s how you can create this masterpiece at home.
Brown the Butter for the Filling: Start by heating the 2 oz of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir it occasionally until it turns a deep, beautiful caramel color. This browning process gives the filling a nutty flavor that elevates the overall taste. Once it’s done, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool.
Prepare the Bread Dough: In a microwave-safe container, gently heat the milk with the remaining 2 oz of unsalted butter until melted. It’s crucial to let it cool until it’s below 110°F before moving forward to avoid killing the yeast. Once cooled, stir in a teaspoon of sugar and sprinkle the active dry yeast on top. Let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes until it becomes foamy or “blooms.”
Mix the Dough: In a mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine the remaining granulated sugar, 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, and kosher salt. Once the yeast mixture is ready, add it to the bowl. Use a dough hook and mix on low speed for about 5 minutes until a dough forms.
Let it Rise: Shape your dough into a ball and place it in an oiled bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen cloth and find a warm spot for the dough to rise. Allow it to sit for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size. The warmth and the yeast work together to create that lovely, fluffy texture.
Rolling Out the Dough: After rising, punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Brush the cooled brown butter generously over the dough, leaving a little for the top if desired.
Cinnamon Sugar Magic: In a separate bowl, mix the remaining granulated sugar and cinnamon together to create a flavorful filling. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the brushed butter.
Cut the Dough: Carefully cut the dough into 18 equal pieces. Stack these pieces vertically into a buttered loaf pan, which will create that iconic pull-apart look once it rises and bakes.
Final Rise: Cover the loaf pan again and let it rise for another 30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This additional rise will help create an even lighter loaf.
Bake: Place the loaf in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a skewer inserted comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell divine!
Make the Maple Glaze: While the bread is cooling, whisk together the pure maple syrup and powdered sugar in a small bowl. This drizzle will provide a delightful finish to your bread.
Drizzle and Serve: Once the bread has cooled slightly, drizzle the maple glaze over the top. Allow it to set for a few minutes before serving, which will make pulling apart the pieces easy and delicious!
How to Serve Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread
Serving Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread is as enjoyable as making it. You can serve it warm or at room temperature, making it flexible for many occasions. Consider pairing it with a steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy brunch feeling. For those who enjoy a little extra flair, a dollop of whipped cream or a side of cream cheese icing can enhance the flavor experience.
For a festive touch, consider slicing it into thick pieces for holiday gatherings or family events. Placing it on a rustic wooden board and letting guests pull apart their portions creates a communal, homey feel. Everyone loves sharing, and this bread is perfect for that kind of interaction. Don’t forget to take plenty of pictures; its golden layers and delightful drizzle make for an Instagram-worthy treat.
Expert Tips: Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread
- Temperature Matters: When activating yeast, ensure the warm milk and butter mixture is not too hot; temperatures above 110°F can kill the yeast, preventing the dough from rising.
- Flour Types: If you live in a humid climate, you may need to adjust the flour amount slightly. Always start with a smaller amount and gradually add more to avoid a sticky dough.
- Don’t Rush the Rising: Allow your dough ample time to rise. A cooler environment may require a longer proofing time, but patience is key for a light and airy texture.
- Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to get creative! You might add chopped nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips to the filling, adding unique flavors your family will love.
- Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on your bread during the last few minutes of baking. Ovens vary in temperature, so watch for that beautiful golden-brown color to ensure you don’t overbake.
How to Store Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread
To preserve the freshness of your Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This way, you can keep it for up to two days. If you want to store it for longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator, where it can last for up to a week. You can also slice it and freeze individual portions, making it easy to enjoy whenever the craving hits.
To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for a few seconds or warm it in the oven at a low temperature until it’s heated through. This way, you can experience that lovely warmth and softness again!
Variation of Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread
While the classic recipe is undeniably delicious, you can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations worth exploring:
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the softness of the bread.
- Fruity Twist: Incorporate fresh or dried fruits, such as blueberries or cranberries. Mix these into the dough or layer them alongside the cinnamon filling for a fruity surprise in every bite.
- Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Add chocolate chips or cocoa powder to the filling for a rich, dessert-like flavor. Imagine pulling apart sweet chocolate-infused pieces that melt in your mouth!
- Maple Pecan: Instead of traditional cinnamon sugar, mix in maple sugar with pecans for an entirely new flavor profile that sings of autumn.
- Savory Version: For a unique twist, consider making a savory version by using herbs, cheese, and garlic, creating a delightful array of flavors perfect for serving alongside a meal.
FAQ about Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread
What makes Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread unique?
Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread is special because of its soft, fluffy texture paired with the warm, inviting flavors of cinnamon and sugar. Its unique pull-apart design makes it shareable and perfect for gatherings, creating a sense of community at the table.
Can I freeze Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread?
Yes! You can freeze Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread either whole or in individual slices. Make sure to wrap it tightly, ensuring no air escapes, to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw and heat it up!
How long will the bread stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container, Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread can last around 2 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freezing is the best option.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but it may result in a denser texture. Consider combining whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour for a lighter result.
What can I serve with Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread?
Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread pairs wonderfully with a variety of beverages such as coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk. For a complete meal experience, consider serving it alongside fresh fruit or yogurt.
Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk (240 g)
- 2 oz unsalted butter (56 g)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast (8 g)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (45 g, divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (325 g, reserve 1/4 cup for rolling)
Filling Ingredients
- 2 oz unsalted butter (57 g, browned)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (90 g)
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon (5 g)
Topping Ingredients
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (69 g)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (50 g)
Instructions
Preparation
- Brown the butter: Heat 2 oz of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns a deep caramel color. Remove from heat and cool.
- Prepare the dough: In a microwave-safe container, warm the milk and remaining 2 oz of butter until melted. Let cool to below 110°F, then mix in 1 tsp of sugar and sprinkle yeast on top. Let sit for 10-15 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the dough: In a bowl or stand mixer, combine 1/4 cup sugar, 2 1/4 cups flour, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and mix on low speed for about 5 minutes until a dough forms.
- Let it rise: Shape dough into a ball, place in an oiled bowl, cover with a cloth and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubles in size.
Assembly
- Roll out the dough: Punch down the dough, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Brush cooled brown butter over dough.
- Prepare cinnamon sugar: Mix remaining sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Sprinkle over buttered dough.
- Cut and stack the dough: Cut dough into 18 equal pieces and stack vertically in a buttered loaf pan.
- Final rise: Cover loaf pan and let rise for another 30 minutes as you preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Baking
- Bake the bread: Place the loaf in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes until golden brown and a skewer inserted comes out clean.
- Make the glaze: Whisk together maple syrup and powdered sugar in a bowl.
- Drizzle and serve: Drizzle glaze over slightly cooled bread and let set before serving.