Gooey Sweet Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread Recipe

Cozy Sweet Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread Recipe for Baking Bliss

Weekends call for something special, and this gooey sweet cinnamon pull-apart bread recipe delivers pure comfort.

Layers of soft, pillowy dough dance with warm cinnamon and delicate swirls of sugar.

Each bite promises a melt-in-your-mouth experience that transforms an ordinary morning into a delightful celebration.

The aroma alone will draw everyone from their corners of the house, creating an irresistible morning moment.

Golden-brown edges and a tender interior make this bread a showstopper on any breakfast table.

Drizzle with a light glaze for an extra touch of sweetness that elevates this classic treat from good to unforgettable.

Dive into this delectable recipe and watch magic unfold in your kitchen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 265 kcal

Servings: 13

Sweet Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread: What You Need

For Dough Base:
  • Flour: Foundation of bread, choose unbleached all-purpose for best texture and rise.
  • Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast development, use fine-grain table salt.
  • Milk: Adds richness and helps activate yeast, use whole milk for creamier result.
  • Water: Helps hydrate dough and create smooth consistency.
  • Butter: Provides flavor and tenderness, use unsalted for precise flavor control.
  • Sugar: Feeds yeast and adds subtle sweetness, white granulated works perfectly.
  • Yeast: Critical for bread rising, ensure it's fresh and active.
For Coating and Flavor:
  • Brown Sugar: Creates caramelized coating with deep, warm sweetness.
  • Cinnamon: Adds signature spicy-sweet aroma, use fresh ground for intense flavor.
  • Melted Butter: Helps coating stick and adds rich, golden color to dough balls.
For Finishing Touch:
  • Confectioners' Sugar: Creates smooth, silky glaze with elegant drizzle.
  • Milk: Thins sugar for perfect glazing consistency, use room temperature.

Bakeware That Makes Pull-Apart Bread Shine

  • Stand Mixer: Essential for kneading dough smoothly and consistently.
  • Dough Hook: Attachment for stand mixer that helps develop gluten in the dough.
  • Large Measuring Cup: Used for mixing liquid ingredients and activating yeast.
  • 12-Cup Bundt Pan: Gives the bread its signature shape and helps with even baking.
  • Mixing Bowls: Needed for preparing sugar mixture and other ingredients.
  • Whisk: Perfect for creating smooth glaze and mixing ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Sharp Knife or Dough Cutter: Helps divide dough into even pieces.
  • Platter: For serving the finished pull-apart bread.

How to Prep Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread Right

  • Dough Preparation

Mix milk, water, butter, sugar, and yeast in a measuring cup until yeast activates. In a stand mixer, combine flour and salt, then gradually add the liquid mixture. Knead until smooth and slightly sticky.

  • First Dough Rise

Place dough in a greased bowl and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, around 1-2 hours.

  • Dough Shaping

Roll out the risen dough and cut into small pieces. Shape each piece into a ball.

  • Coating and Pan Arrangement

Dip each dough ball in melted butter, then roll in a cinnamon-sugar mixture. Carefully place the balls in a greased Bundt pan, ensuring they’re not stacked directly on top of each other.

  • Second Rise

Cover the pan and let the dough rise again until puffy and nearly doubled, about 1-2 hours.

  • Baking Magic

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the bread in the center of the oven for 30-35 minutes until it turns a beautiful golden brown.

  • Finishing Touches

Cool the bread in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a platter. Drizzle with a smooth milk and powdered sugar glaze before serving.

Ideas to Make It Extra Sticky and Sweet

  • Dough Consistency Magic: Achieve the perfect texture by adding flour gradually. Stop kneading when the dough feels soft and slightly tacky, which ensures a tender, light bread.
  • Temperature Tricks: Always use lukewarm milk and water to activate yeast effectively. Cold ingredients can slow down rising, while hot liquids might kill the yeast completely.
  • Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare the dough a day ahead and refrigerate overnight for the first rise. This slow fermentation develops deeper, richer flavors and makes morning baking easier.
  • Creative Mix-Ins: Enhance the classic recipe by sprinkling chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit between dough layers. Pecans or walnuts add delightful crunch, while chocolate brings decadent sweetness.
  • Storage Wisdom: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Warm individual pieces briefly in the microwave or oven to restore that fresh-baked softness and restore the bread's irresistible warmth.

Sharing and Serving Your Pull-Apart Bread

  • Brunch Centerpiece Magic: Create a stunning breakfast spread by placing this golden, gooey cinnamon bread as the star attraction, surrounded by fresh berries and steaming coffee.
  • Sweet Morning Treat: Slice and serve warm pieces alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a delightful weekend family breakfast that will have everyone asking for seconds.
  • Dessert Transformation: Convert this bread into a decadent dessert by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzling extra caramel sauce over each slice for an indulgent after-dinner delight.
  • Party Sharing Platter: Break apart the pull-apart bread at gatherings, letting guests casually grab pieces during casual get-togethers, making it a perfect interactive and social food experience.

Keep That Pull-Apart Bread Soft for Days

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Transfer leftover bread to an airtight container, keeping it fresh at room temperature for 2-3 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Freezing Strategy: Wrap individual sections or entire loaf in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature and gently reheat in oven at 300°F for best texture restoration.
  • Refrigeration Tips: When storing glazed bread, place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Consume within 4-5 days for optimal taste and soft texture.
  • Reheating Wisdom: Warm individual portions in microwave for 10-15 seconds or restore entire loaf in oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Wrap loosely in foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
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Gooey Sweet Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread Recipe

Gooey Sweet Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread Recipe


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4.8 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Irresistible sweet cinnamon pull-apart bread weaves magic through layers of buttery dough and warm spices. Delicate segments invite gentle tearing and shared moments of pure comfort. Bakers will savor each caramelized, tender morsel.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ¼ cups (462 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (212 g) light brown sugar
  • 2 ¼ tsps instant yeast
  • ½ cup (113 g) melted butter
  • 1 cup (105 mL/3.5 fl oz) warm milk
  • ⅓ cup (80 mL/2.7 fl oz) warm water
  • ¼ cup (53 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tsps ground cinnamon
  • 2 tbsps softened butter
  • 2 tbsps (28 g) melted butter
  • 2 tsps salt
  • 1 cup (114 g) confectioners’ sugar
  • 2 tbsps milk

Instructions

  1. Prepare Dough: Whisk milk, water, melted butter, sugar, and yeast in a measuring cup until uniformly blended and yeast becomes activated, creating a smooth liquid base.
  2. Mix and Knead: In a stand mixer with dough hook, combine flour and salt, gradually incorporating the liquid mixture. Knead at medium speed for 5-7 minutes until achieving a silky, elastic consistency.
  3. First Rise: Transfer dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm environment until volume doubles, approximately 1-2 hours.
  4. Dough Preparation: Gently deflate risen dough on a floured surface, slice into 64 uniform pieces, and roll each into a perfect sphere.
  5. Coating Process: Melt butter in one bowl; mix brown sugar and cinnamon in another. Dip each dough ball first in melted butter, then thoroughly coat in cinnamon-sugar mixture, arranging strategically in a generously buttered 12-cup Bundt pan.
  6. Second Rise: Cover pan and allow dough to become puffy and nearly double in size, typically 1-2 hours.
  7. Baking: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Position pan on center rack and bake for 30-35 minutes until bread reaches a rich golden-brown color and internal temperature between 190-200 degrees F.
  8. Finishing Touch: Rest bread in pan for 5 minutes, carefully invert onto a serving platter. Whisk confectioners’ sugar with milk to create a smooth glaze, then artfully drizzle over warm bread before serving.

Notes

  • Activate Yeast Precisely: Ensure water and milk temperatures are between 100-110°F to properly activate yeast without killing it.
  • Knead for Texture: Proper kneading develops gluten, creating a soft, stretchy dough that pulls apart beautifully and has a tender crumb.
  • Rise in Warmth: Use a draft-free, warm spot like near a preheated oven or in a turned-off oven with the light on to help dough rise consistently.
  • Prevent Overbaking: Check bread early and use a instant-read thermometer to avoid dry, tough texture; golden-brown color indicates perfect doneness.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 265
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 144 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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