Gluten-Free Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread

This gluten-free cinnamon pull-apart bread is a deliciously soft, sweet, and utterly irresistible treat. With buttery dough layered with cinnamon-sugar goodness, every piece pulls apart easily, making it the perfect indulgence for breakfast, dessert, or any time you want a little sweet comfort. Whether you’re avoiding gluten or just looking to try something new, this homemade bread will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

• 1/2 cup warm milk (dairy or non-dairy)

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 3 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the glaze (optional):

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 1 tablespoon milk

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is activated.

2. Make the dough: In a large bowl, mix the gluten-free flour, salt, and baking powder. Add the frothy yeast mixture, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for about 3–5 minutes until it’s smooth, either using a stand mixer with a dough hook or kneading by hand.

3. Let the dough rise: Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

4. Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

5. Roll out the dough: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Brush the melted butter over the dough and then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top.

6. Assemble the pull-apart bread: Cut the dough into strips about 2 inches wide, stack them on top of each other, and then slice them into squares. Place the squares into a greased loaf pan, stacking them vertically to create the pull-apart effect. Cover the pan with a towel and let the dough rise for another 30 minutes.

7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the bread for 30–35 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover it with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

8. Optional glaze: While the bread is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. After the bread has finished baking, drizzle the glaze over the warm bread.

9. Serve: Let the bread cool slightly, then pull it apart and enjoy the warm, gooey cinnamon goodness!

Nutritional Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (includes rise time)
Yield: 12 servings

Per Serving: Approximately 300 calories

The Origins of Pull-Apart Bread

Pull-apart bread, also known as monkey bread, is a beloved treat in many households around the world. It is famous for its irresistibly soft, buttery texture and its ability to be pulled apart into individual pieces. While there are various versions of this bread, the gluten-free cinnamon pull-apart bread is a modern twist that caters to those with dietary restrictions but does not compromise on taste.

Pull-apart bread itself has deep roots in American baking history. Originally, it was made with yeast-based dough, often mixed with sugar, butter, and spices, making it a popular option for brunch or dessert. This bread, however, was typically made using gluten-containing flour. As more people started to embrace gluten-free diets due to health concerns or preferences, recipes for gluten-free versions of traditional treats, including pull-apart bread, emerged.

The gluten-free cinnamon pull-apart bread offers a fluffy, soft alternative to the classic recipe, allowing those who cannot consume gluten to indulge in the same comfort and joy that this iconic dish provides.

Why Choose Gluten-Free?

Many people choose gluten-free products for a variety of reasons, whether it be for medical conditions such as celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or simply personal preference. Celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder, prevents the body from properly digesting gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, and rye. Gluten sensitivity, on the other hand, may lead to digestive discomfort, fatigue, and headaches. For those individuals, a gluten-free diet is not just a choice but a necessity for optimal health.

In recent years, the popularity of gluten-free foods has surged, not only for those with gluten-related disorders but also for people who want to try something new. The rise in demand for gluten-free foods has led to significant improvements in gluten-free baking products. From flours that are easily substituted for wheat to innovative recipes like this gluten-free cinnamon pull-apart bread, people on gluten-free diets no longer need to miss out on their favorite foods.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making the best gluten-free cinnamon pull-apart bread lies in the flour blend and the yeast activation. Gluten-free all-purpose flour, often containing a mix of rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca flour, is the perfect base for this bread. It provides the soft texture and pliability needed to create pull-apart bread without any gluten. The added xanthan gum helps to bind the ingredients together and provides elasticity, which is often the challenge in gluten-free baking.

In this recipe, we use a simple combination of yeast, warm milk, eggs, butter, and vanilla extract to create a dough that rises beautifully. Unlike traditional gluten-based doughs that rely on gluten for structure and elasticity, the combination of yeast and xanthan gum works together to provide lift and a tender texture. When properly mixed and kneaded, the dough will become smooth and flexible.

Another critical element is the cinnamon-sugar filling. The rich cinnamon flavor, paired with the brown sugar, infuses the dough with a delightful sweetness, creating layers of flavor that make the bread absolutely irresistible. The melted butter ensures that the dough remains moist and soft, adding to the bread’s indulgent, melt-in-your-mouth quality.

The Importance of Rising Time

One of the most critical steps in making pull-apart bread is allowing the dough to rise. Just like traditional bread recipes, gluten-free dough needs to be given enough time to rise and double in size. This step allows the yeast to work its magic, creating pockets of air that give the bread its light, fluffy texture. Be sure to cover the dough and let it rest in a warm, draft-free area to encourage optimal rising.

The second rise after the dough is shaped into layers is equally important. This rise ensures that the dough fully expands and creates the characteristic pull-apart effect. If you don’t allow the dough to rise sufficiently, the bread might be denser than desired, and the pull-apart feature may not be as pronounced.

How to Make the Perfect Pull-Apart Texture

The unique pull-apart texture is what sets this bread apart from other baked goods. After the dough has risen and been rolled out, it’s cut into strips, stacked, and then cut into squares. This method allows for easy separation of each piece as the bread is pulled apart.

The key to maintaining this texture is stacking the dough squares vertically in the loaf pan. This ensures that when the bread is baked, the pieces remain separate and form a beautiful pull-apart effect. Additionally, the dough is soft enough that each piece comes away from the next with ease, making it a fun and interactive way to enjoy the bread.

Tips for Success

• Yeast Activation: Always ensure that your yeast is fresh and properly activated. If your yeast doesn’t foam after mixing with warm milk and sugar, it may be inactive, and the dough will not rise properly. Fresh yeast is key to achieving the light texture of the pull-apart bread.

• Flour Choices: Not all gluten-free flours are created equal. Make sure to use a high-quality all-purpose gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum or another binding agent. This helps to ensure that your dough has the right texture.

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature eggs and butter for a smooth and easy-to-handle dough. Cold ingredients can cause the dough to seize up, making it harder to knead and shape.

• Glaze Options: The optional glaze adds a finishing touch to the bread, making it even more indulgent. However, if you prefer a less sweet option, you can skip the glaze or simply dust the bread with powdered sugar for a lighter finish.

• Make-Ahead Option: This bread can be made ahead of time by preparing the dough and filling and storing it in the fridge overnight. Simply let it come to room temperature before baking, and enjoy fresh, warm bread in the morning.

Serving Ideas

Gluten-free cinnamon pull-apart bread can be served in various ways to fit the occasion. It’s perfect for a lazy weekend breakfast or brunch with family and friends. Serve it warm with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy treat. You can also make it a festive dessert, perfect for gatherings, birthdays, or even holidays.

For an extra touch, consider pairing it with a side of fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. The versatility of this bread allows it to be served at any time of day, from breakfast to dessert, and everywhere in between.

The Benefits of Gluten-Free Baking

Gluten-free baking not only makes your treats accessible to a broader range of people but also brings with it unique textures and flavors. Many gluten-free ingredients, like almond flour or coconut flour, can add interesting flavor profiles that aren’t found in traditional wheat-based products. For example, the use of gluten-free flour in this recipe creates a bread that is naturally tender and moist, with a slightly crumbly texture that is unique to gluten-free baked goods.

Additionally, gluten-free baking often means that the recipe will be lower in carbs compared to traditional recipes, especially if you are using nut-based flours or coconut flour. This can be an advantage for people watching their carbohydrate intake, though the sugar and butter in this recipe should still be consumed in moderation.

Conclusion

The gluten-free cinnamon pull-apart bread is a wonderfully indulgent treat that proves you don’t have to sacrifice taste for dietary needs. By using high-quality gluten-free ingredients and following the steps carefully, you can create a soft, flavorful bread that will delight everyone, whether they follow a gluten-free diet or not.

Whether enjoyed as a weekend breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a special dessert, this cinnamon pull-apart bread is a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and sweetness to every occasion. With its fluffy layers, rich cinnamon filling, and sweet glaze, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire, bringing joy to those with gluten sensitivities and gluten lovers alike.