Cinnamon Sugar Pull Apart Bread

Think of this cinnamon sugar pull apart bread as a less sticky version of monkey bread. 

Now, don’t get me wrong, it’s still sticky and definitely sweet! It’s also every bit as irresistible as monkey bread. But it feels more like a breakfast or brunch recipe than monkey bread, which gives dessert-pretending-to-be-breakfast vibes.

The other difference between cinnamon sugar pull apart bread and monkey bread is that this recipe is baked in a loaf pan and you pull “sheets” of bread off the loaf instead of little balls of dough. It’s like self-slicing bread! 

Because it all starts with store-bought biscuit dough, this is a fantastic recipe for kids to help with. And even if they don’t help with the making, they’ll help with the eating. Between the flaky layers, buttery cinnamon sugar, and sticky glaze, this pull apart bread will disappear fast.

Easy Warm Cinnamon Bread Recipe

A shortcut to deliciousness. Using canned biscuit dough makes this bread quick and easy. No one wants to have to wake up at the crack of dawn to fuss with yeast and proofing and kneading!

Perfect for sharing. Pull apart bread is great for passing around the table and sharing, making it a great choice for family breakfasts and brunches. We also love it as a special treat for after school or dinner!

A fun brunch option. There’s something irresistible about pull apart bread and this recipe is especially satisfying. The flaky, buttery layers easily pull apart to reveal the sweet, soft, cinnamon-y interior.

Ingredient Notes

• Flaky Layers Biscuits: Canned biscuits are found in the refrigerated section of the grocery store. Be sure to choose the correct kind of biscuit so your bread will separate easily into layers, essential for that pull apart texture. Buttermilk or southern-style biscuits don’t have the right consistency to make the layers of the pull-apart loaf.
• Granulated Sugar: This gets sticky in the oven, but not quite as syrupy-sticky as monkey bread which is sweetened with a brown sugar and butter syrup.
• Ground Cinnamon: Use a good one! If you open your bottle and it’s no longer fragrant, it’s past its prime.
• Unsalted Butter: There’s already salt in the biscuits, so I recommend using unsalted butter for this recipe.
• Optional Glaze: If you like, make a simple glaze with powdered sugar, milk or water, and a dash of vanilla extract.

How To Make Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread

Preheat your oven to 350℉. Lightly spray a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan with nonstick spray, line with parchment paper, then lightly spray again.

Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl large enough to coat the biscuits in. Melt the butter in another bowl.

Take the biscuit dough out of the can and separate the biscuits. Then, divide each biscuit into two parts by pulling apart the layers in the center.

Using a small pastry brush, coat each side of the biscuit dough with melted butter, then dip the pieces in the cinnamon sugar mixture. (There will be extra cinnamon sugar, which you’ll use later!)

Place the biscuits into the lined loaf pan, stacking them horizontally on their sides to make a loaf.

Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar over the top and bake the bread for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown.

To make the glaze, whisk the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk or water in a small dish. Drizzle the glaze over the entire loaf or individual pieces.

Recipe Variations

• Try different spices: Pumpkin pie spice is a great substitute for ground cinnamon, or you can mix in other spices like nutmeg or cardamom for additional layers of flavor.
• Add nuts: Finely chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch to this pull apart bread. Mix them in with the cinnamon sugar.
• Make it savory: Instead of using cinnamon sugar, try making a savory version by using butter, garlic powder, chopped parsley, and Parmesan cheese. Be sure to try my Italian herb and cheese pull apart bread, too.
• Get creative with the glaze: Cream cheese glaze, cinnamon cream cheese glaze, or maple cream cheese glaze are delicious on this cinnamon sugar pull apart bread.
• Rather have homemade bread? Try my snickerdoodle bread with three layers of cinnamon goodness, or homemade cinnamon swirl bread, a yeast bread that is simply amazing! Cinnamon roll pancakes are another popular recipe that is easy to make.

Serving Suggestions

If you’re making this for a brunch get-together, pair the pull-apart bread with a savory dish like crustless quiche or sweet potato and spinach breakfast bake, and don’t forget plenty of bacon, too! Jack Frost mimosas are a hit at special occasions.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store this cinnamon sugar pull apart loaf at room temperature in an airtight container or covered in the loaf pan for up to 2 days. Freeze the cinnamon sugar pull apart bread in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

To reheat pieces of the loaf, place them on a microwave-safe plate and warm for about 20 seconds.