Cinnamon pull-apart bread is soft, buttery, and beautifully layered with sweet spiced goodness. Every bite melts in your mouth with that perfect balance of warm cinnamon sugar and tender bread. It is cozy enough for a weekend breakfast yet impressive enough for serving to friends with coffee or tea.
I first tried a version of this bread during a winter gathering with friends. Someone brought a homemade loaf and as soon as it was pulled apart, everyone reached in with eager hands. It was gone before the kettle finished boiling. That memory stayed with me and since then I have been making my own version. It is one of those recipes that always sparks joy and conversation.
Why You’ll Love This
It fills the house with the best aroma. Few scents beat the smell of cinnamon and bread baking together. It makes your kitchen feel warm and welcoming and everyone will know something delicious is on the way.
Each piece is soft and gooey. The layers of dough are brushed with melted butter and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, so when baked they pull apart into tender, sticky bites. The texture is a mix of fluffy bread and caramelized edges, which makes it irresistible.
It is perfect for sharing. This bread naturally pulls apart into sections, so you can serve it at brunch or during a holiday breakfast with no slicing needed. Guests love grabbing a piece and enjoying it right away.
It is flexible and forgiving. You can make the dough from scratch or use store-bought dough if you are short on time. It works with different fillings too, so you can customize it to your taste or to what you have on hand.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 25 minutes plus rising time
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: About 2 hours including proofing
Cuisine Type(s): American, Comfort Baking
Servings: 8 to 10
Estimated Cost: Moderate
Equipment Needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or dough hook mixer
- Rolling pin
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Small saucepan for melting butter
- Loaf pan
- Pastry brush (optional but helpful)
- Kitchen towel or plastic wrap for covering dough
Ingredients
- 3 cups all purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 packet active dry yeast, about 2 and 1/4 teaspoons
- 1 cup warm milk, about 110°F
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Optional toppings:
- Powdered sugar glaze made with 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
- Chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
Ingredient notes:
You can substitute part of the all purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. If you prefer, use plant based milk and butter for a dairy free version. Leftover bread should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the dough. In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy. Stir in the melted butter, egg, and salt. Gradually add the flour while mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 2. Knead and rise. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 6 to 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 3. Prepare the filling. While the dough rises, melt the butter and mix the brown sugar with the cinnamon. Keep them ready for spreading. Grease a loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 4. Roll and cut. Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12 by 20 inches. Brush the surface with melted butter and sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon sugar mix. Cut the rectangle into 5 long strips, then stack them and cut into squares.
Step 5. Assemble the loaf. Layer the dough squares vertically into the prepared loaf pan. Do not worry if it looks a bit uneven, the bread will puff up beautifully as it bakes. Cover again and let it rise for another 20 to 25 minutes.
Step 6. Bake and enjoy. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the bread for 30 to 35 minutes, until golden brown on top and cooked through. Let it cool slightly before pulling apart. If desired, drizzle with glaze or sprinkle with nuts before serving.
Nutrition Facts (per serving, about 1/10 of loaf)
Calories: 320
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 2g
Fat: 12g
Sodium: 220mg
Vitamin A: 6% DV
Calcium: 8% DV
Iron: 12% DV
Tips for Success
Use warm milk, not hot. If the liquid is too hot, it may kill the yeast and prevent your dough from rising.
Be patient with rising. Giving the dough enough time to double in size will make your bread light and airy instead of dense.
Do not skip greasing the pan. Cinnamon sugar can caramelize and stick, so make sure your pan is well greased for easy removal.
Let it cool slightly before serving. The bread will be easier to pull apart once it sets for a few minutes after baking.
Common Questions
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough and assemble the loaf, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake it fresh the next morning.
Can I freeze it? Absolutely. Bake the bread, cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warm.
What if I do not have a loaf pan? You can use a round cake pan and arrange the dough pieces in a circle. It will bake just as nicely.
Can I use store bought dough? Yes, refrigerated biscuit or pizza dough can be used if you want to save time. The texture will be a bit different but still tasty.
Variations and Substitutions
Try adding raisins, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips to the filling for extra bursts of flavor. You can also use cardamom instead of cinnamon for a spiced twist. For a savory version, fill the layers with garlic butter and shredded cheese instead of cinnamon sugar.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, spiced chai, or warm apple cider. It also makes a lovely side for a weekend brunch spread with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit. For a sweet treat, serve it with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
The joy of cinnamon pull-apart bread is how it brings people together. It is more than just a recipe, it is an experience of sharing warm slices and laughter around the table. Give this bread a try on a cozy morning or surprise your family with it on a holiday. Thank you for being part of my kitchen today, I hope this recipe brings the same happiness to your home as it has to mine.
