Maple Pecan Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread
Soft, buttery layers of homemade dough beckon you as they rise, wafting delightful aromas of cinnamon and pecans throughout your kitchen. Each piece of this Maple Pecan Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread promises a warm, gooey explosion of flavor that hugs your senses. As the golden crust forms, you can’t help but visualize a cozy family gathering, where hands reach in to share this mouthwatering loaf, making it perfect for the holidays or a lazy Sunday morning.
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One memory that always comes to mind when I think about this bread is the sweet scent that enveloped my childhood home whenever my grandmother baked. I’d sit at the kitchen table, eagerly waiting for her to pull the freshly baked bread out of the oven, all of us hoping to snag a warm piece before she could even plate it. This year, as the leaves turn and the air cools, inviting that nostalgic warmth back into your home through this recipe is not just possible; it’s a joy I invite you to experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: A delightful breakfast option that’s ready in just under 2 hours, mostly hands-off while you wait for the dough to rise.
- Irresistible Flavor: The rich combination of cinnamon and maple syrup combined with crunchy pecans gives each bite a sweet and buttery bliss.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Impress friends and family with this stunning pull-apart loaf that looks as good as it tastes.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for brunch, cozy snacking, or even as a fun dessert to share during festive gatherings.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easy to adapt this recipe to fit gluten-free or dairy-free diets if needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ¾ cup whole milk (warmed to 110℉): Essential for activating the yeast and giving the bread its tender texture. Substitute with almond milk for a dairy-free option.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness to the dough. Can replace with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
- 1 large egg: This binds the dough. For vegan alternatives, use a flaxseed egg or unsweetened applesauce.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough, contributing to its lovely golden crust. Brown sugar can also work for added moisture.
- 2¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet): The leavening agent that makes the bread rise. It’s fast-acting, so there’s no need for proofing.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure; can be swapped with gluten-free flour blend but check the package for ratios.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances flavor; don’t skip this!
- ½ cup light brown sugar (packed): Rich caramel flavor for the filling. You can substitute with cane sugar if that’s what you have.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: A second layer of sweetness that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Star of the show! Freshly ground cinnamon elevates the flavor more than store-bought blends.
- ½ cup finely chopped pecans: Add a delightful crunch that complements the soft bread; also try walnuts or almonds if you prefer.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted): Used for brushing the dough before adding the filling for that extra buttery goodness.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: For the sweet glaze on top that really finishes this pull apart bread off.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, rich flavor to the glaze.
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup: This brings a beautiful sweetness to the glaze with a hint of earthy flavor.
How to Make Maple Pecan Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread
Mix the Dough: In a stand mixer equipped with a dough hook, combine the warmed milk, melted butter, egg, granulated sugar, yeast, flour, and salt. Mix on low until the ingredients start to come together into a shaggy dough. Increase the speed slightly and knead for 3-5 minutes until the dough turns smooth and elastic.
Let It Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with butter or oil, then transfer your dough ball into this bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and place it in a warm area. Allow it to rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling: While waiting, prepare your filling by mixing the brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped pecans in a bowl. This blend will create a delightful sweet and nutty crunch to offset the soft bread.
Roll It Out: Grease a 9×5” loaf pan and add a parchment paper sling for easier removal. Lightly flour your work surface, then turn out the dough. Pat it into a rectangle and roll it out into approximately a 12×20” rectangle. Remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect—the love you put into it counts!
Butter and Sprinkle: Brush the rolled-out dough with melted butter all the way to the edges. Generously sprinkle your cinnamon-sugar-pecan mixture across the surface, ensuring you cover every corner to maximize flavor.
Cut and Stack: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into thirds along the short side, then into sixths down the long side, giving you 18 rectangular pieces. Stack 6 pieces together, then place them upright in the prepared loaf pan, starting from one end. Continue nesting them in, alternating direction as you go.
Second Rise: Cover the loaf pan with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy. This step is vital to create that light, airy texture.
Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350℉. Once ready, bake the bread for about 30-35 minutes until the top is a light golden brown. You’ll know it’s done when it turns fragrant and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Allow it to cool for 15-20 minutes on a wire rack.
Glaze and Serve: To drizzle the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. If needed, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency. Once cooled slightly, lift the bread from the pan using the parchment sling and transfer it to a serving platter before drizzling the warm glaze generously on top. Serve warm and watch as it disappears!
Storing & Reheating
To store your Maple Pecan Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread, wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop it in a warm oven at 300℉ for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. While freezing may slightly alter the texture, refreshing it in the oven restores that beloved warmth!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Be careful not to over-knead the dough; it should be smooth but not tough.
- Make sure your milk is just warm—not hot—when mixing it in; too hot can affect yeast activation.
- Keep an eye on the second rise; it’s done when the dough is softer and visibly puffy.
- Experiment with different nuts or even add chocolate chips to mix things up.
- For a richer flavor, let the dough rise overnight in the refrigerator for about 8 hours, then proceed with the recipe.
This Maple Pecan Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread carries delightful memories and sweet flavors that are hard to resist. Whether you’re looking for a fun brunch project or a cozy snack to warm up chilly days, this recipe is your new go-to. Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations—it’s forgiving and always delicious. Gather your ingredients and let’s make some memories together over this delightful bread!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this bread in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and assemble the loaf the night before. Just let it rise in the fridge overnight, then bring it to room temperature before baking the next day. This slow rise enhances the flavor beautifully.
Can I use a different kind of nut?
Definitely! While pecans offer a wonderful flavor and crunch, feel free to substitute with walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts for a delightful variation.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread is finished baking when the top appears lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. It should make a hollow sound when gently tapped on the bottom.
Can I skip the glaze?
While the glaze adds a lovely finish, you can absolutely skip it if you prefer a less sweet bread. It’s still delicious on its own or with a spread of butter or cream cheese!
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📖 Recipe Card
Maple Pecan Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Maple Pecan Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread features soft, buttery layers with irresistible flavors of cinnamon and maple, perfect for brunch or cozy snacking.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup whole milk (warmed to 110℉)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup finely chopped pecans
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions
- Mix the warmed milk, melted butter, egg, sugar, yeast, flour, and salt in a stand mixer.
- Let the dough rise in a greased bowl for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Prepare the filling with brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and pecans.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle and brush with melted butter.
- Sprinkle filling mixture generously over the dough.
- Cut the dough into pieces, stack them, and place upright in a loaf pan.
- Second rise for 30-45 mins until puffy.
- Bake at 350℉ for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Glaze with a mixture of powdered sugar, vanilla, and maple syrup before serving.
Notes
Substitute almond milk or coconut oil for dairy-free options.
Let the dough rise overnight in the fridge for enhanced flavor.
Experiment with different nuts or chocolate for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
