Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Toast Recipe

Name: Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Toast
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 95 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: Cooking spray; 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar; 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 (11 ounce) cans original French bread dough (such as Pillsbury); 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly; 3 ounce (about 1/3 cup) cream cheese, softened; 3/4 (about 4 ounces) cup sifted powdered sugar; 3 to 4 tablespoons whole milk or half-and-half; 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Picture layers of fluffy French bread coated in a decadent cinnamon-sugar blend and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Its part cinnamon roll, part French toast, and 100% delicious. Whether you make it for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, this is the easiest baked masterpiece to ever come out of your oven. Its SO fun-looking, said recipe taster Elizabeth Mervosh. And I could honestly eat the whole thing.

Ingredients

This recipe yields 8 servings. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted based on your preferences, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged.

Bread:

Cooking spray
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
2 (11 ounce) cans original French bread dough (such as Pillsbury)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly

Glaze:

3 ounces cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sifted powdered sugar
3 tablespoons whole milk (or as needed)
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering dish:

Step 1: Gather all the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Grease an 8.5- x 4.5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper, allowing 2 inches to hang over the long sides. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the bread: In a small bowl, stir together brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined. Set aside.
Step 3: Place a sheet of parchment paper on a work surface. Unroll 1 can of dough and gently stretch or roll it into a 10- x 12-inch rectangle.
Step 4: Brush 2 tablespoons of the melted butter evenly over the entire dough.
Step 5: Sprinkle half (about heaping 1/3 cup) of the cinnamon-sugar mixture across the dough, covering it completely. Lightly press the mixture into the dough, smoothing it out to adhere. Some of the mixture may fall off.
Step 6: Cut the dough into 12 even rectangles (about 3- x 3 1/2 inches).
Step 7: Stack the dough rectangles on top of each other, then carefully transfer the stack to the prepared pan, arranging the rectangles upright like dominoes.
Step 8: Repeat with the remaining can of dough, butter, and cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Step 9: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until puffed and golden. After 30 minutes, cover the loaf loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
Step 10: Remove from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Use the parchment paper as handles to lift the loaf out of the pan and onto a wire rack. Let cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
Step 11: While the loaf cools, prepare the glaze. Beat the cream cheese in a medium bowl with an electric hand mixer until smooth and whipped.
Step 12: Add powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Continue to beat until smooth and creamy. Add more milk, 1 1/2 teaspoons at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Step 13: Drizzle the glaze over the warm or room-temperature bread.
Step 14: Serve with the remaining glaze on the side for extra sweetness.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 390
Total Fat: 11g (14% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 6g (30% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 26mg (9% Daily Value)
Sodium: 586mg (25% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 64g (23% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 3g (10% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 26g
Protein: 9g (19% Daily Value)
Calcium: 89mg (7% Daily Value)
Iron: 3mg (18% Daily Value)
Potassium: 140mg (3% Daily Value)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Toast Recipe

The Story Behind Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Toast

The Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Toast is a modern twist on classic baked goods, blending the rich flavors of traditional cinnamon rolls with the soft, airy texture of French toast. Its origin lies in American home baking innovations from the late 20th century, where convenience met indulgence. By using pre-made dough, bakers could create a dessert-like breakfast quickly without compromising on flavor or presentation. Over time, this recipe gained popularity for its visual appealstacked layers that pull apart easily and ooze buttery cinnamon sweetness.

Regional Variations

While Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Toast is widely recognized across the United States, regional adaptations reflect local tastes. In the Midwest, its often enriched with extra cream cheese glaze and sometimes topped with chopped pecans for added texture. On the West Coast, bakers experiment with different spices like cardamom or nutmeg, blending them with the cinnamon to create a more aromatic profile. Southern versions occasionally incorporate a hint of bourbon or maple syrup, adding depth to the sweet layers.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, which are rolled individually and baked in a tray, the pull-apart toast stacks dough rectangles upright, creating a loaf that can be easily torn into portions. Compared to French toast, this dish relies on yeast dough rather than bread slices soaked in an egg mixture, giving it a fluffier texture and a more pronounced buttery flavor. The combination of cinnamon-sugar layers with cream cheese glaze also sets it apart, providing both sweetness and a subtle tanginess.

Where Its Commonly Served

This pull-apart toast is a favorite at brunch tables, coffee shops, and holiday breakfasts. Its often served warm, straight from the oven, allowing the layers to separate naturally. Cafs might accompany it with fresh fruit, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a side of espresso. At home, its commonly enjoyed on weekends or special occasions, offering a visually impressive centerpiece that doubles as a shareable treat.

Interesting Facts

The pull-apart concept was inspired by monkey bread, a sticky, sweet treat made of small dough balls baked together.
Despite its decadent appearance, the recipe is surprisingly simple, thanks to store-bought dough shortcuts.
The cream cheese glaze not only adds flavor but also helps keep the bread moist, making leftovers just as enjoyable the next day.
Its often a crowd-pleaser for both children and adults because of its interactive, tear-apart nature.
Some bakers experiment with fillings such as chocolate chips, apple slices, or caramel to create seasonal variations.

Whether enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Toast remains a symbol of comfort food innovationblending tradition with convenience and a touch of show-stopping flair.

FAQ about Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Toast Recipe

To store the Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Toast, place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to store it for a longer period, it can be refrigerated for up to 1 week. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until it’s heated through and slightly crispy.

Yes, you can freeze the baked cinnamon roll pull-apart toast. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through.

Yes, you can prepare the cinnamon roll pull-apart toast ahead of time. You can assemble the dish and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When you're ready to bake, preheat your oven and bake as directed. If you prepare it ahead of time, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

If you don’t have French bread dough, you can substitute it with other pre-made dough, such as biscuit dough, croissant dough, or even pizza dough. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly from the original recipe, but it will still create a delicious treat.

Yes, you can use a simple powdered sugar glaze or a vanilla glaze instead of the cream cheese glaze. To make a basic glaze, mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and drizzly.

The toast is done baking when it has puffed up and turned golden brown on top. If you're unsure, you can insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf—if it comes out clean, it's ready. If needed, tent the loaf with foil after 30 minutes to prevent over-browning.

Yes, you can make the glaze ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to use it, give it a good stir and, if necessary, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.

This recipe contains dairy, so it is not suitable for vegan or dairy-free diets. However, you can easily substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free cream cheese and powdered sugar for the glaze to make it dairy-free.

Yes, you can substitute the powdered sugar with other sweeteners, such as maple syrup or agave nectar, for a different flavor. Keep in mind that using liquid sweeteners may require adjusting the consistency of the glaze by adding more powdered sugar or a thickening agent.

Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Toast is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. It's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack with coffee or tea.

Comments

ElfinPie7440

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

Was delicious and will try it again. My only issues were of my own making. It did make more glaze than needed, and we like a lot.

Marie Hogan

12/02/2024 03:50:57 PM

I love the recipe and can’t wait to make it

Joyce Lopez

09/11/2024 05:03:48 PM

I wasn’t sure about this recipe at first, but I’m so glad I tried it. It turned out incredible — the flavors were rich and perfectly balanced. My whole family loved it, and it didn’t take much time at all. This is definitely a new favorite in my house.

Pamela Gonzalez

08/20/2024 11:21:11 AM

The flavors are absolutely spot-on.

Trisha Jury

07/15/2024 07:41:54 PM

Love it

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