Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread - freshly baked bread

Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread

Sweet Breads & Brioche

Layers of buttery dough coated in cinnamon sugar that pull apart into irresistible gooey pieces.

Prep Time

25 min

Proof Time

1h 15m

Bake Time

35 min

Servings

10

Calories

310

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2¼ tsp instant yeast
  • ¾ cup warm milk
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 large egg

Instructions

  1. 1

    Mix

    Combine flour, yeast, sugar, salt, warm milk, and egg.

  2. 2

    Add Butter

    Incorporate softened butter gradually until dough is smooth and elastic.

  3. 3

    Rise

    Cover and rise 60–90 minutes (or refrigerate overnight).

  4. 4

    Shape

    Shape as directed and place in a greased pan.

  5. 5

    Second Rise

    Cover and rise 30–45 minutes until puffy.

  6. 6

    Bake

    Brush with egg wash. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until deep golden brown.

Baker's Notes

Cold dough is much easier to handle when making enriched breads. Refrigerate brioche and babka doughs for at least 2 hours before shaping.

Baker Thomas Moreau

About This Recipe

Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread is the kind of loaf that earns its name — every piece comes away with a sticky, caramelized crust and a pillowy, cinnamon-scented centre. Made from a simple enriched dough of flour, warm milk, egg, and softened butter, it's layered generously with cinnamon sugar before baking, so each bite delivers that satisfying crackle of spice and sweetness.

Canadian home cooks love it because it's forgiving enough for beginners yet impressive enough for holidays. The pull-apart format makes it perfect for sharing at the table, and the recipe itself is flexible — you can prep the dough the night before, tuck in fruit preserves or chocolate, or drizzle it with cream cheese frosting when you want to go all out.

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread

Chill the dough before shaping — cold enriched dough is far easier to work with and holds its layers better. Use an egg wash for the deepest golden colour, and bake until the top is a rich amber rather than pale gold. Any leftover crumb makes excellent French toast or bread pudding.

What to Serve With It

Serve warm straight from the pan with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a classic Canadian weekend breakfast. Fresh berries — strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries — cut through the sweetness nicely, and a dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone adds a lovely finish. It also shines at brunch alongside bacon or smoked salmon.

Storage & Reheating

Keep leftovers covered at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to four. Reheat gently in a 300°F oven wrapped in foil for about ten minutes so the interior stays soft and the crust doesn't harden. Freeze individual pieces for longer storage and thaw at room temperature before warming.

Nutrition Facts

310

cal

4g

Protein

15g

Fat

41g

Carbs

2g

Fiber

215mg

Sodium

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?+

Yes — instant yeast works perfectly here since you mix it directly into the flour. You won't need to proof it in the milk first, and you can use the same amount.

What shape should the dough be before baking?+

Cut the risen dough into even squares — about two inches each — and stack them loosely in a greased 9-by-13-inch pan. Don't press them down tight; the gaps let the cinnamon sugar flow between layers.

Can I make this ahead?+

Absolutely. After the first rise, punch the dough down, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bring it to room temperature for the second rise before shaping and baking.

Why did my pull-apart bread fall apart when I lifted it out?+

This usually means the pieces were stacked too loosely or baked just a little too long. Press them gently together before the second rise and check for a deep golden colour rather than waiting for the edges to brown.

Can I substitute whole wheat flour?+

You can replace up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a heartier crumb, but going higher will make the bread dense and tough. Stick with all-purpose for the lightest texture.

Tips & Tricks

  • Cold dough is much easier to handle — refrigerate enriched doughs before shaping.
  • Egg wash gives the best golden, glossy finish on enriched breads.
  • Rich breads make the best French toast and bread pudding.

Reviews (5)

Michael W.★★★★★

This recipe is a keeper. The Baker's Notes really helped me understand the technique. My new favourite bread to bake on weekends.

Sarah M.★★★★★

So glad I found this recipe. The instructions are clear and the result is consistently great. I've made it four times already and it's perfect every time.

David C.★★★★★

Bakery-quality bread at home. I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out amazing. The proofing tips really helped.

Lisa P.★★★★★

Made this for a dinner party and everyone wanted the recipe. The bread was the star of the table — warm, crusty, and absolutely delicious.

Robert B.★★★★★

Five stars! The crust was perfectly crispy and the crumb was soft and airy. I'll never buy store-bought bread again.