Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite treat: Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread! This delightful bread is the perfect blend of sweet and fluffy, and honestly, it just fills the whole kitchen with the most heavenly aroma as it bakes. There’s something so comforting about pulling apart those soft, warm pieces, each coated in a luscious layer of cinnamon sugar. It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds! I love making this for family gatherings or cozy weekend brunches because it brings everyone together. Trust me, as soon as you take that first bite, you’ll see why it’s such a hit. It’s not just a treat; it’s an experience that everyone will want a piece of! So let’s dive into how to make this magical bread, shall we?
Ingredients List
Alright, let’s gather everything we need to whip up this Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread! Here’s the complete list of ingredients, along with some tips to ensure you get the best results.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of your dough, giving it structure and that perfect pull-apart texture.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: A little sweetness to balance out the bread—don’t worry; it’s just the right amount!
- 1 packet active dry yeast: This is what makes the magic happen! It helps your dough rise and gives it that fluffy quality we all love.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing the flavor of the bread. It may seem small, but it makes a big difference!
- 1 cup warm milk: Warm, not hot! This activates the yeast beautifully and contributes to a tender crumb.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture to the dough, making it even more delightful.
- 1 large egg: This helps bind everything together and adds to the bread’s lovely texture.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: This is the star of the show for your cinnamon sugar coating! It gives that deep, caramel-like flavor.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The hero ingredient that brings that warm, cozy flavor—feel free to adjust to your taste!
Make sure you have everything on hand before you start, and you’ll be well on your way to savoring this delicious bread!
How to Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread
Let’s get our hands doughy and dive into making this scrumptious Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread! Follow these steps, and you’ll be rewarded with a loaf that’s oh-so-fluffy and irresistibly sweet. Don’t worry; I’ll guide you through each step!
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
First things first, let’s get that yeast working its magic! In a bowl, combine your warm milk (make sure it’s warm, not scalding!) with the active dry yeast and granulated sugar. This mixture needs to sit for about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts to bubble and foam—this means the yeast is awake and ready to help your bread rise!
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Once your yeast is nice and bubbly, it’s time to add in the flavor! Stir in the melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Make sure everything is well combined—this is where the flavors start to meld together, creating the perfect base for your bread!
Step 3: Form the Dough
Now, let’s bring it all together! Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until a dough begins to form. Once you’ve got a shaggy dough, it’s time to knead! On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. It should bounce back when you poke it—this is the sign of a well-kneaded dough!
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Next, we need to give our dough some time to rise. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This is when the magic happens, so be patient—it’ll be worth it!
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Once your dough has risen beautifully, it’s time to get ready for baking! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, roll out your dough on a lightly floured surface. You want it to be about half an inch thick—this is where we get to the fun part!
Step 6: Cut and Coat the Dough
Cut the rolled-out dough into squares—about 2 inches works perfectly! In a separate bowl, mix together your brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Now, take each square and coat it generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Don’t be shy; you want each piece to be coated!
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Now it’s time to stack those delicious squares! Place them upright in a loaf pan, layering them nicely. Once you’ve got them all stacked, pop the pan into the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the whole kitchen smells divine!
Step 8: Cool and Serve
When your bread is done baking, let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Trust me, it’s hard to resist diving in right away, but letting it cool just a bit makes it easier to pull apart. Serve it warm or at room temperature—either way, it’s sure to be a hit!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional info for this delightful Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread! Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on typical ingredients and serving sizes, so they might vary a bit depending on how you make it. Here’s what you can expect per slice:
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 4g
This bread is a delightful treat, so while it’s okay to indulge every now and then, just keep these numbers in mind! Enjoy every fluffy, cinnamon-y bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! You can use whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that it will change the texture and flavor a bit. Whole wheat flour has a denser quality, so your bread might not be as light and fluffy as when using all-purpose flour. I recommend using half whole wheat and half all-purpose if you want to keep some of that fluffiness while adding a bit of whole grain goodness. Just remember, the flavor will have a nuttier profile that some folks might love!
How can I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super easy! Just place any unused bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It’ll last at room temperature for a couple of days, but if you want to keep it fresh longer, pop it in the fridge. Just a heads-up: it might get a little firmer in the fridge, so you might want to warm it up in the microwave or oven before enjoying. Trust me, a quick reheat brings back that delightful softness!
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
You sure can! If you want to get a jump on things, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Just follow the steps up to letting it rise, then cover it tightly and pop it in the fridge. It can stay there overnight! When you’re ready to bake, take it out, let it come to room temperature, and then proceed with shaping and baking. This way, you’ll have fresh, warm Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread ready to go with minimal effort on the day you want to serve it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both beginner and seasoned bakers alike!
- Delightful Flavor: The sweet and warm notes of cinnamon sugar create a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. Each bite is a little piece of heaven!
- Perfect for Sharing: This pull-apart bread is great for gatherings, family brunches, or cozy nights in. Everyone loves tearing off their own piece!
- Customizable: Feel free to add your own twist with different spices, nuts, or even chocolate to make it your own delicious creation.
- Impressive Presentation: It looks as amazing as it tastes! The stacked squares create a beautiful loaf that’s sure to impress your guests.
- Comfort Food: There’s something nostalgic and heartwarming about this bread, making it a perfect treat for any occasion or just because!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to make your Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread, here are some pro tips to ensure your loaf turns out perfectly every single time. Trust me, these little hints can make a big difference!
- Kneading: When kneading the dough, don’t rush it! Aim for that smooth and elastic texture by truly working the dough for the full 5-7 minutes. If it feels sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour on your surface, but be careful not to add too much—it can make your bread dense.
- Rising: For the best rise, place your dough in a warm, draft-free area. If your kitchen is cool, try turning on the oven for a minute or two, then turning it off and letting the dough rise in there. A cozy spot helps the yeast do its job!
- Baking: Keep an eye on your bread in the oven! If it starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil for the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning. The smell will be irresistible, and you won’t want to walk away!
- Cooling: Let your bread cool in the pan for just a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps keep the bottom from getting soggy and gives you that perfect pull-apart texture when it’s time to dig in!
- Flavor Enhancements: Don’t hesitate to experiment! Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar for an extra layer of flavor. You can even fold in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the dough for a delightful twist!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to baking a delicious loaf that everyone will adore. Happy baking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to give your Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread a little twist, there are so many fun ways to customize this recipe! Here are a few ideas that I love:
- Nutty Delight: Add some chopped walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a delightful crunch. It pairs wonderfully with the soft bread and adds an extra layer of flavor!
- Fruity Surprise: Toss in some dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots into the dough before shaping. They’ll add a nice sweetness and chewiness that’s simply irresistible!
- Chocolate Lovin’: For all the chocolate lovers out there, sprinkle some chocolate chips between layers of dough or fold them into the batter. It’s a sweet surprise in every pull-apart piece!
- Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices! Try adding a bit of nutmeg, cardamom, or even pumpkin spice to the cinnamon sugar for a unique flavor profile that’ll have everyone guessing!
- Maple Twist: Replace the granulated sugar with maple sugar for a different kind of sweetness. It’ll give your bread a lovely maple flavor that’s perfect for brunch!
- Cream Cheese Filling: For a richer experience, spread a layer of cream cheese mixed with a bit of sugar and vanilla on the dough before cutting and stacking. It’ll create a creamy, dreamy middle in every bite!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas or come up with your own! The beauty of this bread lies in its versatility, so let your creativity shine through, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread: 8 Irresistible Variations
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet and fluffy pull-apart bread coated with cinnamon sugar.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Add melted butter, egg, and salt to the mixture. Stir well.
- Gradually mix in flour until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Place dough in a greased bowl and cover. Let it rise for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the dough and cut into squares.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Coat each square in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Stack the squares in a loaf pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Adjust cinnamon sugar to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread