There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen, especially when it signals a warm, freshly baked treat. Enter the Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Toast, a decadent cross between two breakfast favorites—cinnamon rolls and French toast. This recipe takes the best elements of both dishes to create a pull-apart bread that’s soft, gooey, and layered with rich cinnamon-sugar goodness. It’s the perfect way to elevate a lazy weekend breakfast or make any brunch gathering extra special. Using store-bought dough as a time-saving shortcut, this dish allows you to achieve bakery-level deliciousness without spending hours in the kitchen. With a drizzle of creamy glaze on top, this pull-apart toast is not just a treat for the taste buds, but also a visual delight that’s sure to impress.
This Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Toast is a warm, buttery delight that combines the best of cinnamon rolls and French toast in a quick and easy treat. Layers of cinnamon-sugar-coated dough are stacked together, baked until golden and fluffy, and then drizzled with a creamy glaze for the perfect finish. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack, this pull-apart bread will fill your home with the comforting aroma of cinnamon and warmth. Its soft, sweet layers and decadent glaze make it a show-stopping dish that everyone will reach for.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 cans of store-bought dough
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and divided
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Cooking spray
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3–5 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8.5 x 4.5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper, allowing an overhang on the long sides for easy removal.
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined. Set aside.
- Place a sheet of parchment paper on your work surface. Unroll one can of dough and gently stretch or roll it into a 10 x 12-inch rectangle.
- Brush 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the dough. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough, pressing gently to adhere.
- Cut the dough into 12 equal rectangles (about 3 x 3.5 inches).
- Stack the rectangles on top of each other and place them upright (like dominoes) in the prepared loaf pan.
- Repeat the process with the second can of dough, remaining butter, and cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place the stack in the loaf pan alongside the first.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, tenting with foil after 30 minutes to prevent over-browning. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
- Using the parchment overhang, lift the loaf out of the pan and cool on a wire rack to room temperature.
- While the bread cools, prepare the glaze. Beat the cream cheese in a medium bowl until whipped. Add powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until smooth, adding more milk as needed to reach the desired consistency.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm bread and serve with extra glaze on the side.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Calories: 280 kcal | Servings: 8
About the Recipe:
The Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Toast is a delightful cross between classic cinnamon rolls and French toast. This recipe is perfect for those mornings when you want a sweet, comforting breakfast or brunch dish that looks and tastes impressive but is surprisingly simple to make. Using store-bought dough as a shortcut, it comes together quickly without sacrificing the rich, buttery flavor of homemade cinnamon rolls.
Recipe Highlights:
- Quick and Easy: Thanks to store-bought dough, you can skip the time-consuming steps of making dough from scratch. This recipe is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require any advanced baking skills.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its pull-apart nature makes it ideal for sharing. Place it in the center of the table and watch as everyone eagerly pulls away warm, gooey pieces.
- Versatile: Serve it for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. It’s also perfect for holidays or gatherings when you want to impress guests with a delicious homemade treat.
Tips for Making the Best Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Toast:
- Use Fresh Dough: While this recipe uses store-bought dough for convenience, make sure it’s fresh and not near its expiration date for the best texture.
- Customize the Filling: While the classic cinnamon-sugar filling is always a hit, you can add extras like chopped nuts, raisins, or even a sprinkle of chocolate chips for a twist.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the bread while it’s in the oven. You want it to be golden and fluffy, not overly dry. Tent with foil after 30 minutes to prevent the top from browning too much.
- Serve Warm: This pull-apart toast is best enjoyed warm when the layers are soft and the glaze is slightly gooey. If making ahead, reheat it in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Variations to Try:
- Apple Cinnamon Pull-Apart: Add a layer of thinly sliced apples between the dough layers for a fruity twist.
- Cream Cheese Filling: Spread a thin layer of sweetened cream cheese over the dough before sprinkling the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a richer, creamier texture.
- Nutty Surprise: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts in the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a bit of crunch.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Toast with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast. If you’re serving it for brunch, consider adding fresh fruit, yogurt, or a savory egg dish on the side to balance the sweetness.
Storage and Reheating:
If you have leftovers (though it’s rare because it’s so delicious!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place a slice in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes or microwave for a few seconds until warm.
Nutritional Information:
While this recipe is indulgent, it can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. Each serving is rich in flavor but also high in sugar and butter. Pair it with protein-rich foods like eggs or Greek yogurt to help balance the meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Toast offers the nostalgic flavors of traditional cinnamon rolls with the ease of using pre-made dough. The result is a golden, fluffy bread with layers of cinnamon-sugar goodness, topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Its pull-apart style makes it fun and interactive, perfect for family breakfasts or brunch gatherings.
Conclusion:
The Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Toast is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience that brings joy to the breakfast table. Each layer is infused with buttery cinnamon-sugar goodness, making every bite a delightful blend of soft, flaky dough and warm spices. This recipe is perfect for cozy mornings, family brunches, or special occasions when you want to offer something indulgent yet easy to prepare. The pull-apart nature of this bread encourages sharing, adding a sense of warmth and community to your meal. Whether enjoyed straight from the oven with a steaming cup of coffee or reheated for a quick morning treat, this pull-apart toast promises to make your mornings a little sweeter. And while it’s a comforting classic on its own, the recipe offers plenty of room for customization, from adding fruit to sprinkling in nuts, allowing you to make it uniquely yours. In a world where we often rush through breakfast, this dish invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and indulge in a bit of sweet, cinnamon-spiced happiness.