If you’re looking for a deliciously sweet, gooey, and indulgent treat that combines the best of both cinnamon rolls and French toast, look no further than the Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Toast. This unique recipe, while deceptively simple, is a show-stopping addition to any breakfast, brunch, or dessert table. Its ease of preparation, thanks to the use of store-bought dough, makes it accessible even for novice bakers, while its flavor and presentation give it the appeal of a homemade classic.
This article explores the joy of making this delightful pull-apart bread, from its irresistible layers of cinnamon-sugar goodness to its creamy, sweet glaze. Let’s delve into what makes this recipe a standout and why you’ll want to add it to your repertoire of go-to comfort foods.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- For the bread:
- 2 (8-ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough (or similar pre-made dough)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the glaze:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Directions:
- Prepare the loaf pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8.5- x 4.5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray, and line it with parchment paper, allowing 2 inches to hang over the long sides for easy removal. Set aside.
- Make the cinnamon-sugar mixture: In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined. Set this mixture aside.
- Roll out the dough: Place a sheet of parchment paper on your work surface. Open one of the cans of dough and gently stretch it out into a 10- x 12-inch rectangle. Brush 2 tablespoons of the melted butter evenly across the entire surface of the dough.
- Add the cinnamon-sugar: Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture (about a heaping 1/3 cup) evenly over the buttered dough. Lightly press the mixture to help it adhere to the dough. Some of the mixture may fall off, but that’s okay.
- Cut and stack: Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 12 equal rectangles (about 3- x 3.5 inches each). Stack the rectangles on top of each other. Carefully transfer the stack into the prepared loaf pan, standing the pieces upright (like dominoes). Repeat this process with the second can of dough, using the remaining butter and cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the dough is puffed and golden brown. After 30 minutes, cover the pan with foil to prevent excessive browning. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the loaf cool in the pan for about 5 minutes.
- Cool the bread: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the loaf out of the pan and onto a wire rack. Allow the loaf to cool to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Prepare the glaze: While the bread cools, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using an electric hand mixer until smooth and whipped. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Continue beating until the glaze is smooth and creamy. Add more milk, 1.5 teaspoons at a time, if needed, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Glaze and serve: Once the loaf has cooled slightly or reached room temperature, drizzle your desired amount of glaze over the top of the bread. Serve with the remaining glaze on the side for dipping.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Toast is an ideal fusion of two beloved comfort foods: the tender, sweet dough of cinnamon rolls and the flavor-packed richness of French toast. Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, which require individual rolling and shaping, this recipe simplifies the process by stacking pieces of dough into a loaf pan, resulting in a pull-apart effect that’s both fun to eat and visually appealing.
At the heart of this recipe is a store-bought dough, which serves as a time-saving shortcut without sacrificing flavor or texture. The dough is stretched, layered with cinnamon sugar, and baked to golden perfection. What emerges from the oven is a loaf of tender, buttery bread, with crisp edges and soft, melt-in-your-mouth layers.
The pull-apart format allows each piece to be infused with the cinnamon-sugar filling, giving every bite the perfect balance of sweet and spice. And then, there’s the glaze — a rich cream cheese-based topping that elevates the dish to another level of indulgence. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this glaze adds a luxurious, creamy finish that perfectly complements the spiced bread.
The Appeal of Cinnamon-Sugar Goodness
There’s something universally comforting about the combination of cinnamon and sugar. The warm, fragrant spice has been cherished for centuries, and it pairs perfectly with the rich sweetness of brown sugar. Together, they create a deeply satisfying flavor that is both familiar and festive.
In the case of this pull-apart toast, the cinnamon-sugar mixture forms a rich, gooey filling that seeps into the dough as it bakes, creating pockets of flavor that enhance every piece. As the loaf rises and browns, the sugar caramelizes slightly, giving the outer edges a crisp, almost candied texture, while the inside remains soft and pillowy.
The use of brown sugar, rather than granulated sugar, adds a subtle hint of molasses that deepens the flavor and complements the cinnamon. It’s the kind of sweetness that isn’t overpowering, making this dish equally suitable for breakfast or dessert.
Effortless Preparation with Maximum Results
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is how easy it is to make. Using store-bought dough removes the most time-consuming step of making cinnamon rolls from scratch, which involves mixing, kneading, and proofing the dough. This shortcut allows you to focus on the fun part: layering and assembling the loaf.
The process is simple. After preparing the cinnamon-sugar mixture, the dough is rolled out and brushed with butter before being sprinkled generously with the filling. Then, the dough is cut into rectangles and stacked upright in the loaf pan, creating a unique structure that allows the bread to bake evenly while developing its characteristic pull-apart texture.
This stacking method is not only practical but also adds a beautiful presentation to the final product. When the bread emerges from the oven, the layers are visible and enticing, inviting everyone to grab a piece and enjoy the warm, cinnamon-scented bread.
The Decadent Cream Cheese Glaze
No cinnamon roll-inspired dish would be complete without a glaze, and this one doesn’t disappoint. The cream cheese glaze is rich, tangy, and just sweet enough to complement the bread without overwhelming it. It’s made by whipping cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla, and a touch of milk to achieve the perfect drizzling consistency.
As the loaf cools slightly, the glaze is generously drizzled over the top, sinking into the crevices between the layers and enhancing the already decadent flavor of the bread. You can adjust the thickness of the glaze by adding more or less milk, depending on your preference. Some may prefer a thinner glaze that lightly coats the bread, while others may opt for a thicker, more luxurious topping that envelops each piece.
This cream cheese glaze not only adds flavor but also contributes to the visual appeal of the dish. The shiny, smooth finish makes the bread look as good as it tastes, ensuring it will be a standout on any table.
Serving and Enjoying Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Toast
This pull-apart bread is incredibly versatile. It can be served warm, straight from the oven, when the bread is at its most tender, and the glaze is slightly melted. Alternatively, it can be enjoyed at room temperature, making it an excellent make-ahead option for brunch or a dessert spread.
The pull-apart nature of the loaf makes it perfect for sharing. It’s fun to pull apart the layers, each one infused with cinnamon and sugar, and savor the gooey center. The bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it an ideal treat for a cozy weekend morning or a special gathering with friends and family.
For those who love to experiment, there are plenty of ways to customize this recipe. You can add a sprinkle of nuts, like chopped pecans or walnuts, to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a bit of crunch. Or, try incorporating raisins or dried fruit for an extra layer of flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even experiment with different spices, like cardamom or nutmeg, to give the bread a unique twist.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Toast is a delightful and easy-to-make recipe that combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls and French toast. Its simplicity, paired with its beautiful presentation and rich flavor, makes it a perfect choice for home bakers looking to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this pull-apart bread is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. Its warm layers of cinnamon-sugar goodness, topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze, are guaranteed to make any occasion feel special.
Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the process of creating a dish that’s both fun to make and irresistible to eat!