Celebrate the fall season with this delightful pull-apart cinnamon bread that’s both sweet and savory. Perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or a special breakfast, this bread combines layers of soft dough with aromatic cinnamon-sugar filling that will make your kitchen smell heavenly. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, it’s an irresistible treat for all ages.
Ingredients
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 4 tbsp butter, melted
– 1/3 cup milk
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Filling
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 4 tbsp butter, melted
Directions
1. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix well.
2. In a small saucepan, heat milk and butter until just warm and butter is melted. Remove from heat.
3. Add milk mixture, water, eggs, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
6. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle about 12×20 inches. Brush with melted butter.
7. In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon together. Sprinkle evenly over the buttered dough.
8. Cut the dough into strips, then stack them and slice into squares.
9. Layer the pieces into the prepared loaf pan, upright. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
10. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
The beauty of this pull-apart bread lies in its versatility. You can experiment with different fillings like chocolate chips, raisins, or nuts. Adjust the sweetness to your preference by using less or more sugar. The dough can also be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated, allowing for a quick and easy bake the next day. For a vegan option, substitute the milk, butter, and eggs with plant-based alternatives.
Cook Techniques
Ensuring the dough rises properly is crucial for a soft and fluffy texture. Be patient and let it double in size. When kneading, look for a smooth and elastic dough, which indicates proper development of gluten. Brushing the rolled-out dough with melted butter ensures the cinnamon-sugar mixture adheres well, creating evenly distributed flavor.
FAQ
– Can I freeze the dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough after the first rise. When ready to use, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight, then let it come to room temperature before rolling and filling.
– What if my dough doesn’t rise? Ensure your yeast is fresh and active. Also, make sure the milk and butter mixture is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
– Can I use whole wheat flour? You can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but it may alter the texture slightly.
Conclusion
This simple pull-apart cinnamon bread is an absolute crowd-pleaser. Its soft, fluffy texture and sweet, aromatic filling make it perfect for any time of the day. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of tea or coffee, or serving it as an after-dinner treat, it’s a recipe that brings warmth and comfort. Fall is the perfect time to indulge in the delightful flavors of cinnamon, and this bread is sure to become a favorite in your household.
More Recipes Suggestions and Combinations
– Pumpkin Spice Bread: Add a fall twist by incorporating pumpkin puree and spices.
– Apple Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread: Include finely chopped apples in the filling.
– Nutella Pull-Apart Bread: Substitute the cinnamon-sugar filling with Nutella for a chocolatey version.
– Savory Cheese and Herb Bread: For a savory variation, fill the dough with a mixture of grated cheese and herbs.
– Sticky Buns: Use the same dough to make sticky buns by adding a caramel syrup and pecans.
Each of these variations offers a unique twist on the classic pull-apart bread, making sure there’s something for everyone.
