Baking at home can be a delightful way to spend your time, whether you're an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen. Today, we're going to explore a deliciously simple pull apart bread recipe that's perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-follow guide will ensure that even those with limited baking skills can produce a mouthwatering treat that's perfect for gatherings, snacks, or simply to enjoy with a cup of tea.
Ingredients
The beauty of this pull apart bread lies in its simplicity:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1⁄3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- For Filling:
- 1⁄2 cup butter, softened
- 1⁄2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Preparation
Here’s how you can bring your pull apart bread to life:
Dough Preparation
Mix Yeast and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of the warm milk with 2 tablespoons of sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Sprinkle the yeast over this mixture and let it sit for about 10 minutes until it gets frothy.
Add Butter and Eggs: After the yeast has activated, mix in the melted butter and the beaten eggs.
Combine Flour and Salt: Gradually incorporate the flour, adding the salt last to prevent inhibiting yeast growth. Use a mixer with a dough hook or knead by hand until the dough is soft, smooth, and slightly sticky.
Let Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Making the Filling
Prepare the Filling: While the dough is rising, prepare your cinnamon-sugar filling. In a bowl, mix the softened butter with sugar and cinnamon until you have a spreadable paste.
Assembly
Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, approximately 18x12 inches.
Add the Filling: Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough.
Cut and Stack: Cut the dough into strips, then stack the strips on top of each other. Cut these strips into squares or desired shapes.
Arrange in Pan: Place the squares into a greased loaf pan vertically so they line up next to each other, creating the ‘pull-apart’ effect.
Baking
Second Rise: Cover the loaf pan with a clean cloth and allow the dough to rise again for about 30-45 minutes, until puffy.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for about 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
Cooling
Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
🔍 Note: If you notice the top of your bread browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning while the interior continues to bake.
Serving Suggestions
This pull apart bread is incredibly versatile:
- Enjoy it warm, freshly baked, with a dollop of butter or cream cheese.
- It makes an excellent addition to a brunch table, paired with coffee or tea.
- Add a drizzle of glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or cream to enhance the sweetness.
⚡ Note: For a savory twist, you can replace the cinnamon-sugar filling with a mixture of herbs, cheese, and garlic!
Home baking is an art, but with this straightforward pull apart bread recipe, it's also a joy. The combination of a tender, fluffy dough with the rich flavors of cinnamon and sugar creates an irresistible treat that not only fills your kitchen with a heartwarming aroma but also brings people together. Whether you're serving it at a family gathering, a friendly brunch, or just craving something sweet for yourself, this easy pull apart bread will not disappoint.
How can I make this bread healthier?
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To make this pull apart bread healthier, you can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber. Also, consider using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup instead of sugar. Additionally, reduce the amount of butter by half or replace it with a lighter alternative like applesauce.
Can this bread be made ahead?
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Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before, refrigerate it after the first rise, and then proceed with the shaping and baking the next day. Allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
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If your dough doesn’t rise, check if your yeast is still active. Make sure the milk isn’t too hot (it should be warm, not scalding), as this can kill the yeast. Also, ensure your dough is kept in a warm, draft-free area for rising.
Can I freeze pull apart bread?
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Yes, this bread freezes well. After baking and cooling, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven.
How long does the bread stay fresh?
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When stored at room temperature in an airtight container, the pull apart bread will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. After that, consider freezing or toasting slices for best taste.
