This easy cinnamon roll pull-apart bread has all the buttery cinnamon-sugar flavor of homemade cinnamon rolls, without all the work! The dough is quickly rolled into balls, coated in melted butter and covered in gooey cinnamon filling then spread with luscious cream cheese frosting.
It’s basically what would happen if our favorite homemade cinnamon rolls and monkey bread got together, except I might like this version even more because you don’t have instead of being rolled into individual spirals you just roll, dunk, coat and bake!
And whatever you do, don’t skip the frosting while the bread is warm. It melts down between all those cinnamon-y pieces and you’re looking at the gooiest pan of deliciousness.
QUICK LOOK
- Makes: 2 round pull apart loaves
- Bake: 350°F
- Bake Time: 20–30 minutes
- Rise Time: About 2–3 hours total
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Best For: Holidays, brunch, breakfast and sharing
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread
- Cinnamon sugar in every bite: Because every dough ball gets individually coated, you’re not waiting to reach the cinnamon swirl in the middle.
- Incredibly soft dough: Heavy cream and buttermilk help make the homemade yeast dough rich, tender and fluffy.
- No rolling or cutting: Unlike cinnamon rolls, there’s no rectangle to roll out, fill, roll up and slice.
- Cream cheese frosting: It goes onto the bread while it’s warm so it starts melting down into all the cracks.
- Makes TWO: Bake two pans for a holiday breakfast, give one away or save one for later.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Dough
- Warm water: Provides the warm liquid needed to activate the yeast. It should feel warm, never hot.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness and helps create an extra-soft, tender bread.
- Instant yeast: Gives the bread its rise. Your 4½ teaspoons equals 2 standard packets, which I would mention because that’s much easier for readers.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and gives the yeast a little boost as it activates.
- Buttermilk: Adds moisture, richness and a subtle tang that balances all that cinnamon sugar.
- Sea salt: Essential for balancing the sweetness a