Imagine a breakfast treat that combines the warm, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls with the ease and fun of pull-apart bread. That’s exactly what Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Toast is—an irresistibly delicious hybrid of two beloved foods. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of cinnamon rolls or someone who loves a unique twist on a classic recipe, this dish is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.
The Origins of Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls have a rich history dating back centuries, with origins in Sweden where they’re called “kanelbullar.” They were traditionally served with coffee during a Swedish tradition known as “fika,” a break for coffee and socializing. Over time, cinnamon rolls became a global favourite, evolving into various forms, including sticky buns, Danish pastries, and now, the Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Toast.
What is Pull-Apart Toast?
Pull-apart bread, sometimes called monkey bread, is a type of bread that’s baked in clusters, making it easy to pull apart each piece without needing a knife. The genius of combining it with cinnamon rolls is that you get the sweet, sticky, cinnamon-sugar experience but in a shareable, finger-friendly format. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert.
If you’re in the mood for something lighter after enjoying this Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Toast, try my refreshing and healthy Vegan Chocolate Avocado Mousse. It’s a creamy, guilt-free dessert made with wholesome ingredients like ripe avocados and rich cocoa powder.
Ingredients Needed for Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Toast
To make this delightful dish, you’ll need some staple baking ingredients and a few extras to elevate the flavour:
- For the dough:
- All-purpose flour
- Active dry yeast
- Warm milk
- Sugar
- Butter
- Eggs
- Salt
- For the filling:
- Cinnamon (the star of the show)
- Brown sugar
- Butter (softened)
- Optional ingredients:
- Vanilla extract
- Nutmeg or cardamom for a flavor twist
- Chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture
Tools You’ll Need
Making Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Toast doesn’t require fancy gadgets, but these tools will make the process smoother:
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Bundt pan or loaf pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pastry brush
Don’t have a rolling pin? You can use a wine bottle in a pinch!
Step-by-Step Recipe for Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Toast
Now, let’s dive into the heart of the recipe. Follow these steps to create a pull-apart cinnamon roll masterpiece:
- Prepare the dough: Start by dissolving yeast in warm milk. Mix in sugar, butter, eggs, and salt. Slowly add flour to create a soft, elastic dough. Let it rise for about an hour.
- Make the filling: While the dough is rising, mix your softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Assemble the bread: Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly, then cut the dough into squares.
- Layer and stack: Stack the squares into piles and place them in your pan vertically.
- Bake: Let it bake for 25-30 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown.
- Add icing: Drizzle with icing (homemade or store-bought) once the toast is slightly cooled.
How to Make the Perfect Cinnamon-Sugar Mix
The cinnamon-sugar filling is the heart of this recipe. To get the perfect balance, mix 2 parts brown sugar to 1 part cinnamon. For a deeper flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom.
Homemade Icing vs Store-Bought Icing
While store-bought icing is convenient, homemade icing adds a personal touch. For a simple homemade version, mix powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk until smooth. Drizzle it over your pull-apart toast for that signature sweet finish.
Tips for the Perfect Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Toast
- Avoid over-kneading the dough; it should remain soft and slightly sticky.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place to ensure it doubles in size.
- Bake the bread until it’s just golden to keep it soft and fluffy inside.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Toast
Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Toast
Ingredients
- – 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- – 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- – 1 cup warm milk
- – ¼ cup sugar
- – ½ cup butter softened
- – 2 large eggs
- – 1 tsp salt
- – 2 tbsp cinnamon
- – 1 cup brown sugar
- – ½ cup butter for filling
- – 1 cup powdered sugar for icing
- – 2 tbsp milk for icing
- – 1 tsp vanilla extract for icing
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, butter, eggs, and salt. Slowly add in the flour to create a soft dough.
- Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, then let it rise for 1 hour.
- In a separate bowl, mix cinnamon, brown sugar, and softened butter for the filling.
- Roll out the dough, spread the filling, and cut it into squares.
- Stack the dough squares in a loaf or bundt pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for the icing.
- Drizzle icing over the pull-apart toast after it has cooled slightly.
Notes
Nutrition
Serving Suggestions
Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Toast is best served warm. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk for the ultimate cozy breakfast. For a fancier touch, add fresh berries or whipped cream on the side.
If you’re looking for more delightful homemade treats, try our Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies for a quick and easy dessert. For a more indulgent option, you can’t go wrong with our Classic New York City Cheesecake, rich and creamy, perfect for a special occasion.
Customizing Your Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Toast
Feel free to get creative with add-ins. Throw in some chocolate chips for a decadent twist, or add dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for extra texture. You can even mix in a bit of pumpkin puree to give it a fall flavor.
Healthier Alternatives
If you’re looking to make a lighter version, consider these swaps:
- Use whole wheat flour or almond flour for a healthier base.
- Substitute coconut sugar for brown sugar.
- Replace some of the butter with applesauce for a lower-fat version.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Toast can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes, or microwave individual pieces for 20-30 seconds.
Why Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Toast is Perfect for Gatherings
This dish is ideal for brunches, family breakfasts, or holiday gatherings. Its shareable nature makes it fun to eat, and it’s impressive enough to wow your guests. Plus, you can prepare the dough a day ahead, making it easy to bake fresh when needed.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Toast combines everything we love about cinnamon rolls into an easy-to-share, crowd-pleasing dish. Whether you’re making it for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion, it’s sure to become a household favourite.
Looking for more sweet inspiration? Check out our Classic New York City Cheesecake for a creamy dessert or our Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies for a quick treat or this Perfect Classic Cheeseburger.
FAQs
- How long does it take to make Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Toast?
It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours from start to finish, including rising time for the dough. - Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. - What can I use if I don’t have cinnamon?
For a similar warm spice flavor, you can substitute cinnamon for a blend of nutmeg, allspice, and ginger. - Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free baking blend to make it gluten-free. - Can I use premade dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Premade dough like crescent roll or pizza dough can work as a quick alternative.
crowd-pleasing dish