Irresistible Homemade Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting
Few things evoke a sense of warmth and comfort quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your home. But when that scent is intertwined with sweet, spicy cinnamon, it transforms into an an irresistible invitation. This Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread recipe delivers on that promise and more. Imagine soft, tender, and incredibly chewy layers of sweet yeast bread, generously coated in a decadent cinnamon sugar mixture, all crowned with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting. Each individual piece is easy to pull apart, offering a perfect bite every time. It’s not just bread; it’s an experience, making it the absolute best treat for any occasion.
There is nothing quite as comforting as the heavenly aroma of freshly baked bread permeating through your kitchen. But elevate that experience by infusing it with warm, sweet cinnamon, and you have something truly magical. This cinnamon pull-apart bread is incredibly similar in taste and texture to a classic cinnamon roll, making it an absolutely perfect breakfast treat or a delightful dessert at any time of the day. It’s a sweet indulgence that promises to satisfy any craving for something warm, soft, and utterly delicious.
Every single section of this homemade Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread is lovingly layered with a generous amount of cinnamon sugar, baked to a beautiful golden brown perfection, and then gloriously frosted with a rich, velvety cream cheese frosting. The ingenious pull-apart design means each person can easily tear off a soft, gooey piece, ensuring a fun and interactive eating experience that everyone will love.
Just look at it! Even before frosting, this bread is a sight to behold. It emerges from the oven beautifully golden, with glistening pockets of cinnamon sugar goodness peaking through, almost smiling up at you from the bread pan. There’s a moment when you consider leaving it unfrosted, letting its natural beauty and simple flavors shine.
But then, the cream cheese frosting enters the scene. And oh, baby! Adding that smooth, tangy frosting, enhanced with just a subtle hint of nutmeg, truly takes it over the top. It transforms an already wonderful bread into an absolute masterpiece of flavor and texture. It was nothing short of perfection, a decadent crown to an already glorious creation.
Why This Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread Recipe is a Must-Try
This exceptional recipe for cinnamon pull-apart bread elevates your favorite cinnamon bun experience to a whole new level. It takes the beloved ingredients of a classic cinnamon roll and transforms them into an even more decadent and delightful loaf of bread. Each component is carefully crafted to deliver unparalleled flavor and texture, making this the most luxurious cinnamon bread you can possibly find. There’s simply no denying that every bite of this bread is loaded with an abundance of sweet, spicy cinnamon sugar goodness.
Whether you’re planning a cozy Christmas morning breakfast, a lavish weekend brunch, or simply looking for an excuse to treat yourself and your loved ones, this recipe is guaranteed to become a cherished favorite. Waking up to the promise of this warm, fragrant, and sumptuously frosted bread is truly one of life’s simple pleasures, perfect for any special occasion or just to brighten an ordinary day.
Understanding the Delicious Difference: Pull-Apart Bread vs. Monkey Bread
If the concept of this “pull-apart bread” reminds you of monkey bread, it’s understandable, as they share some delightful similarities in how they’re eaten. However, it’s important to note that they are not precisely the same. Traditional monkey bread, sometimes playfully referred to as “monkey brains,” typically utilizes pre-made biscuit dough or refrigerated dough that is portioned into small dough balls. These dough balls are then rolled individually in a cinnamon sugar mixture before being baked. While they both offer that satisfying, sweet cinnamon taste and a fun, shareable format, their preparation methods differ significantly. For instance, in this alternative recipe, dinner rolls are cleverly adapted to create a delicious monkey bread.
This cinnamon pull-apart bread, on the other hand, involves preparing a richer, more refined yeast dough from scratch, which is then rolled out, layered with butter and cinnamon sugar, stacked, and cut into segments before its final rise and bake. This method creates beautifully defined, soft layers that truly “pull apart” with ease, offering a different texture and baking experience. If you adore the concept of cinnamon pull-apart bread, you are sure to love these other fantastic variations as well: explore the refreshing Blueberry Lemon Pull Apart Bread, the autumnal Pumpkin Zucchini Streusel Bread, or this comforting recipe for Applesauce Bread With Chocolate Chips. Each offers a unique twist on the beloved pull-apart format.
Make-Ahead & Freezing Tips for Your Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread
While crafting this cinnamon pull-apart bread involves a few distinct steps, the final result is unequivocally worth every bit of effort. The good news is that you can tackle several of these steps in advance, helping to streamline your baking process and make serving this delicious treat even easier. To get a head start, you can prepare the cinnamon and sugar mixture and whip up the cream cheese frosting the night before. Just remember to store the frosting properly in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
Alternatively, if you prefer to bake the bread fully, you can do so and then store the unfrosted loaf on your kitchen counter for a day or two, tightly wrapped, before serving. For longer storage, this cinnamon bread freezes beautifully. It’s best to freeze the bread *unfrosted*. Once you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw the bread at room temperature, warm it gently if desired, and then apply the freshly prepared or thawed cream cheese frosting just before serving. These make-ahead options ensure you can enjoy this decadent treat with minimal last-minute fuss, perfect for busy mornings or planned gatherings.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread
To ensure you create the most delicious cinnamon pull-apart bread, it’s essential to understand the role each ingredient plays. For a comprehensive list of all ingredients and detailed instructions, please scroll to the bottom of this post for the full printable recipe card.
For the Rich Yeast Bread Dough:
- Butter: Whether salted or unsalted, melted butter adds crucial richness and moisture to the dough, contributing to its soft, tender texture.
- Milk: Any type of milk works perfectly in this pull-apart bread recipe. Whole milk is often preferred for its added richness, but 2% or even a non-dairy alternative can be used. It helps activate the yeast and creates a tender crumb.
- Cool Water: Used in conjunction with warm milk/butter, cool water helps regulate the overall temperature of the liquid mixture, ensuring it’s at the ideal temperature (around 110°F) for yeast activation without killing it.
- Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the bread dough itself, providing food for the yeast and contributing to a beautifully golden crust.
- Yeast: The star ingredient that makes the bread rise, creating that wonderfully light and airy, yet chewy, texture characteristic of a good pull-apart bread. Instant yeast is typically used for convenience, but active dry yeast can also be substituted with a slightly longer rising time.
- Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. It complements the cinnamon beautifully and adds a subtle depth to the bread.
- Eggs: Beaten eggs add richness, moisture, and structure to the dough, helping it become tender and slightly chewy.
- All-Purpose Flour: You’ll need several cups for the initial dough and a bit more for dusting your work surface during kneading. All-purpose flour provides the necessary gluten structure for the bread.
For the Irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
- Melted Butter: This acts as the glue, allowing the cinnamon sugar mixture to adhere perfectly to every layer of the dough, creating moist and flavorful pockets.
- Granulated White Sugar & Brown Sugar: A combination of both sugars creates a richer, more complex sweetness in the filling. Brown sugar adds a touch of molasses flavor and moisture that enhances the cinnamon.
- Ground Cinnamon: The star spice! High-quality ground cinnamon is essential for giving this bread its iconic warm, aromatic flavor.
For the Decadent Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream Cheese: Either low-fat or full-fat cream cheese can be used. Full-fat will provide a richer, creamier frosting, while low-fat offers a slightly lighter option. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for a smooth consistency.
- Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioner’s sugar or icing sugar, this finely milled sugar is key for creating a smooth, lump-free frosting with the perfect sweetness.
- Nutmeg (Optional): A small sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg can add a subtle, warm depth to the frosting, complementing the cinnamon in the bread beautifully.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make This Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread Recipe
Creating this cinnamon pull-apart bread is a true labor of love, but the immense satisfaction and delicious reward at the end make every single step entirely worthwhile. Don’t be intimidated by what might seem like a long list of instructions; I promise you, the process is straightforward, and the result is absolutely phenomenal. Trust me on this one – your taste buds will thank you!
1. Preparing the Enriched Bread Dough
Begin by combining the milk and butter in a small, microwave-safe bowl. Heat this mixture in the microwave until the butter is fully melted, which typically takes about 45 seconds. Alternatively, you can gently melt it over the stove in a small saucepan. Once the butter is melted, add the cool water to the warm milk and butter mixture. This step is crucial for achieving the ideal temperature for your yeast; the mixture should be approximately 110 degrees Fahrenheit. While some recipes suggest warm water, using cool water here helps to bring the overall temperature down to a safe range for yeast activity after heating the milk and butter.
Next, stir in the granulated sugar, followed by the yeast. Allow this mixture to sit for a few minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating your yeast is active. Then, incorporate the beaten eggs and vanilla extract, mixing them until well combined. Gradually begin to add the all-purpose flour, stirring in one cup at a time. After adding the first two cups, assess the dough’s consistency. If it’s still excessively sticky, incorporate another half cup. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter and begin to knead it, adding more flour a quarter cup at a time as needed, until it becomes smooth and elastic. This dough will naturally be slightly different from a typical lean bread dough due to its higher butter content; it will be softer and a bit richer. You’ll know the dough is ready when you can press your hand into it and your fingers come away clean, forming a beautiful, soft, and slightly oily ball of dough.
Once kneaded, form the dough into a smooth ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean, light tea towel or plastic wrap. Find a warm, draft-free place in your kitchen for the dough to rise. This initial rise is vital for developing flavor and texture. Let the dough rise for approximately one hour, or until it has visibly doubled in size. This process indicates the yeast is working its magic, preparing your dough for its delicious transformation.
After this first rise, the dough will be puffy and airy, ready for the next stage of preparation.
2. Crafting the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
While your dough is rising, you can quickly prepare the star of the filling. In a small bowl, combine the granulated white sugar with the aromatic ground cinnamon. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the sugar. This sweet and spicy blend will infuse every layer of your bread with irresistible flavor.
3. Rolling, Filling, and Stacking the Layers
Once your dough has completed its first rise and doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a generously floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a large rectangle, aiming for dimensions of approximately 12 inches by 20 inches. Keeping a ruler handy can be quite helpful here to ensure even strips later on.
Now, it’s time to add the delicious filling! Spread the melted butter evenly over the entire surface of the rolled-out dough using your fingers or a pastry brush. Ensure every inch is covered, as this butter acts as a base for the cinnamon sugar. Next, generously sprinkle the prepared cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough. Once coated, use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to carefully cut the large rectangle into five equal strips, each measuring about 12 inches long by 4 inches wide.
Carefully stack these five cinnamon-sugar-coated strips one directly on top of the other, creating a multi-layered stack. Once stacked, cut this taller stack crosswise into six equal sections. These sections, when baked, will form the individual “pull-apart” pieces of your bread.
Prepare your bread pan by greasing it thoroughly (a standard loaf pan works perfectly). Carefully place the stacked dough sections into the well-greased pan, arranging them one behind the other, much like you would file papers. A useful tip here is to set the loaf pan on its end to make the stacking process easier and more precise. Once all the sections are in the pan, cover it loosely with a tea towel or plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise for another 40 minutes. During this second rise, the dough sections will expand and crowd together nicely within the loaf pan, creating that characteristic pull-apart structure.
4. Baking and Frosting Your Decadent Pull Apart Bread
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Once preheated, place the loaf pan into the oven and bake for approximately 30-40 minutes, or until the top of the bread turns a beautiful golden brown and the internal temperature reaches around 190-200°F (88-93°C). The scent alone will be intoxicating!
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This brief cooling period helps the bread set. Then, carefully invert the pan to turn the loaf out onto a wire cooling rack or a serving platter. Allow it to cool further to room temperature. While the bread cools, prepare your cream cheese frosting (if you haven’t already done so). Once the bread has cooled sufficiently, generously spread the creamy, dreamy frosting over the entire loaf. This step is where the magic truly comes together, adding that irresistible finish.
Any leftover cinnamon pull-apart bread can be stored in an airtight container or simply covered tightly with plastic wrap to maintain its freshness. It remains delicious for several days on the counter. For best results, enjoy it warm!
Love This Recipe? Pin It for Later!
If you’re as smitten with this recipe for homemade cinnamon sugar pull-apart bread as we are, make sure you don’t lose track of it! Head over to Pinterest and pin it to your favorite recipe board before you go. This way, you’ll always have this amazing recipe at your fingertips whenever a craving strikes for soft, sweet, and perfectly frosted cinnamon bread.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread
- What exactly is Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread? Cinnamon pull-apart bread is a delightful baked treat made from a rich yeast dough. It’s cleverly designed so that individual, cinnamon-sugar-coated pieces can be easily pulled apart and enjoyed. It’s often compared to classic cinnamon buns due to its similar sweet, spiced flavor profile and soft texture, but in a loaf form that encourages sharing.
- Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast in this recipe? Absolutely, active dry yeast is a perfectly acceptable substitute for instant yeast in this recipe. The primary difference you might notice is that active dry yeast often requires a slightly longer proofing time for the dough to rise effectively. Be sure to activate it in warm liquid (around 105-115°F or 40-46°C) before combining with other ingredients if the recipe doesn’t specify an initial activation step.
- What’s the purpose of adding vanilla extract to the bread dough? While cinnamon is the dominant flavor, vanilla extract plays a crucial supporting role. It subtly enhances and rounds out the overall flavor profile of the dough, adding a layer of warmth and complexity that makes the cinnamon notes shine even brighter without overpowering them. It’s a secret weapon for a truly well-balanced taste.
- Can I prepare this bread in advance or freeze it for later enjoyment? Yes, this bread is wonderfully versatile for make-ahead preparation or freezing. For making ahead, you can bake the bread and then store the unfrosted loaf tightly wrapped on your kitchen counter for 1-2 days. For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to serve, thaw it at room temperature (or gently warm in the oven), and then apply the cream cheese frosting fresh, as frosting tends to not freeze or thaw as well as the bread itself.
Creative Variations and Substitutions for Your Pull-Apart Bread
Don’t be afraid to experiment and get creative with your baking! Recipes are fantastic guidelines, but they also offer a wonderful canvas for personalizing flavors and textures to suit your individual preferences and dietary needs. Make this pull-apart bread uniquely your own!
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Chocolate Delight: For a delicious twist, swap out the cinnamon powder for an equal amount of high-quality cocoa powder to create a rich chocolate pull-apart bread. You could even add chocolate chips to the layers for extra decadence.
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Alternative Pans: If you don’t own a traditional loaf pan, a bundt pan makes an excellent alternative for baking pull-apart bread. Just ensure it’s thoroughly greased to prevent sticking, and adjust baking time slightly as needed.
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Yeast Options: Feel free to use either instant yeast or active dry yeast. Just remember that active dry yeast might require a few extra minutes for the dough to rise compared to instant yeast.
Expert Tips & Tricks for a Flawless Pull Apart Bread
Achieving a perfect cinnamon pull-apart bread is easier with a few insider tips:
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Flavor & Texture Boost: For an added layer of taste and texture, consider mixing in plump raisins, finely chopped pecans, or walnuts along with your cinnamon sugar filling. This provides a delightful crunch and chewiness.
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Prevent Sticking: Always thoroughly spray your baking pan with non-stick cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper to ensure your beautiful loaf releases easily without any sticking. This is especially important for pull-apart breads due to their layered structure.
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Effortless Cutting: A pizza cutter is an invaluable tool for cutting the rolled-out dough into neat, even strips and then the stacked layers into individual sections. Its sharp, rolling blade makes quick and clean cuts.
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Optimal Storage: To keep your leftovers fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container or cover the entire top of the bread tightly with plastic wrap. This helps maintain moisture and prevent staleness. Leftovers will generally keep for up to 4 days at room temperature on the kitchen counter, or they can be frozen for up to 3 months (unfrosted) for long-term enjoyment.
More Delightful & Unique Bread Recipes to Love
If you’ve fallen in love with the charm of pull-apart breads, there’s a whole world of delicious variations waiting for you to explore. Here are a few of our absolute favorites, guaranteed to inspire your next baking adventure:
- Russian Rose Bread (pictured above, a beautiful and intricate pull-apart style loaf)
- Dorothy’s Cheesy Bacon Pull Apart Bread (a savory and utterly addictive option)
- Blueberry Lemon Pull Apart Bread (a bright and zesty sweet bread)
- Crack Bread (an incredibly flavorful and highly addictive garlic bread style)
- Cinnamon Toffee Monkey Bread Muffins (individual portions of sweet, gooey goodness)
- Apple Monkey Bread (a fruity and comforting classic)
- ALL Bread Recipes (explore our full collection of bread recipes!)
In conclusion, if you are searching for that ultimate “pièce de résistance” to elevate your next brunch table or simply want to indulge in a truly spectacular homemade treat, this cinnamon pull-apart bread is unequivocally for you. With its soft, irresistibly chewy pieces of cinnamon-infused bread, each generously topped with a velvety cream cheese icing, there’s truly no more delightful or decadent way to start your day or cap off a meal. It’s a culinary hug in bread form.
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Print Recipe
Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread
Equipment
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Sharp Knife Set
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KitchenAid Classic Pizza Wheel
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Rocker Style Pizza Cutter
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Pro Dough Pastry Scraper/Cutter/Chopper
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Kitchenaid Stand Mixer
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KitchenAid Hand Mixer
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Loaf Pans
Ingredients
- For the Bread Dough:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup cool water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour plus more for kneading
- For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1/2 cup softened cream cheese full-fat or low-fat
- 1 cup powdered sugar confectioner’s sugar
- Pinch ground nutmeg optional
Instructions
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Prepare the Dough: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat milk and 1/4 cup butter until butter melts (approx. 45 seconds). Add cool water; mixture should be about 110°F (43°C). Stir in 1/4 cup sugar, then yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. Add beaten eggs and vanilla.
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Gradually mix in 2 cups of flour, then stir in another 3/4 cup. If dough is too sticky, add another 1/2 cup flour. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead, adding more flour as needed, until it forms a soft, slightly oily, non-sticky ball. (It will be richer than regular bread dough.)
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Form dough into a ball and place in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a light tea towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
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Prepare the Filling: While dough rises, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside.
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Roll & Stack Dough: After the first rise, punch down the dough. Turn it onto a floured surface and roll into a 12″ x 20″ rectangle. Spread 1/4 cup melted butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the butter.
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Cut the dough rectangle into five 12″ x 4″ strips. Stack these strips one on top of the other. Then, cut this stack crosswise into 6 equal sections.
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Generously grease a standard loaf pan. Place the stacked dough sections into the pan, arranging them one behind the other (like filing papers). Cover and let rise for another 40 minutes, until crowded in the pan.
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Bake & Frost: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
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Let bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack or serving platter to cool completely to room temperature.
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While bread cools, prepare the frosting: Beat 1/2 cup softened cream cheese with 1 cup powdered sugar until creamy. Sprinkle in a pinch of nutmeg if desired.
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Once bread is completely cool, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe for Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread was originally posted on August 9, 2015. It has been extensively updated and re-shared on October 17, 2023, to improve user experience, enhance recipe clarity, and provide additional helpful tips and information.
