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Brown Sugar Cinnamon Easter Pull-Apart Bread Recipe Easy Homemade Treat

brown sugar cinnamon pull-apart bread - featured image

A cozy, sweet, and buttery pull-apart bread layered with brown sugar and cinnamon, finished with a tangy cream cheese glaze. Perfect for Easter brunch or any special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (440g)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar (50g)
  • 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (one packet)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (56g)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed (100g)
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (56g)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened (113g)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (120g)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 23 tbsp milk (30-45ml) to thin glaze as needed

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by combining warm milk, granulated sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Let sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl or stand mixer, whisk together flour and salt. Add softened butter, egg, and yeast mixture. Mix until dough forms, about 3-4 minutes with mixer or 8-10 minutes kneading by hand.
  3. Form dough into a ball, place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 ½ hours until doubled in size.
  4. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl for the filling.
  5. Punch down risen dough and roll out on floured surface into a 12×16-inch rectangle. Brush evenly with brown sugar cinnamon mixture.
  6. Cut dough into 6 strips lengthwise (about 2 inches wide). Stack strips and cut stack into 6 squares. Place squares upright in greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, packing snugly but not squishing.
  7. Cover loaf pan loosely and let dough rise again for 30-40 minutes until puffed and nearly doubled.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake bread for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
  9. While baking, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth and pourable. Adjust milk to desired consistency.
  10. Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then drizzle generously with cream glaze. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives and use almond or oat milk. For gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend designed for yeast breads. Avoid over-kneading and ensure proper second rise for fluffy texture. The cream glaze can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Add nuts, dried fruit, or spices for variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown sugar cinnamon bread, pull-apart bread, Easter bread, cinnamon bread, cream cheese glaze, homemade bread, sweet bread