Chocolate Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread
The ultimate comfort food, Chocolate Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread combines rich chocolate and warm cinnamon in a gooey, shareable loaf. It's perfect for gatherings or a cozy treat at home. Whip it up tonight for a sweet indulgence!
Equipment
- Frying Pan
- Oven
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen white bread dough thawed
- 4 oz semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Start by rolling and stretching the frozen white bread dough into a 12-inch (30 cm) square on a lightly floured surface. It's important to keep the surface dusted with flour to prevent sticking. As you stretch, you’ll notice the dough becoming elastic and pliable.
- In a bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, sugar, and ground cinnamon. This mixture will create the flavorful filling that makes this bread so special. Stir it until well mixed, and set it aside.
- In a separate bowl, mix the unsalted butter, pure vanilla extract, and salt. This buttery mixture will be spread over the dough, giving it richness and flavor. Make sure to blend it until it’s smooth.
- Now, spread the buttery mixture evenly over the 12-inch square of dough using a spatula. You want to ensure that every inch of the surface is coated, as this will help the filling stick.
- Next, sprinkle the chocolate mixture over the top, pressing lightly as you go to ensure it adheres well. The aroma will be enticing, and you’ll want to make sure every part of the dough is covered.
- Cut the dough into 16 small squares. Stack them into groups of four and arrange these stacks vertically in a buttered 9-by-5-inch (23 x 12 cm) loaf pan. Make sure to position them on their sides as they’ll expand during baking.
- Gently separate the layers of dough within the pan, allowing them to fill any gaps. This will create those lovely pull-apart layers we all love. If any chocolate falls, don’t worry! Just sprinkle it back on top.
- Cover the loaf loosely with plastic wrap and set it aside in a warm place. Allow it to rise until it’s about double in size, which should take about 1 to 2 hours. This step is crucial for achieving that fluffy texture.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C). Once the dough has risen sufficiently, it’s time to bake. Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake until it’s browned and cooked through, which should take about 40 to 45 minutes. If it begins to brown too quickly, tent it with foil.
- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. After that, loosen the edges with a knife and transfer the loaf to a plate. Allow it to cool for another 30 minutes, and then it’s ready to serve and enjoy!
Notes
This recipe is versatile and offers some great tips to ensure it comes out perfectly every time. Here are some notes to keep in mind:
- Storage: Keep any leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the assembled but unbaked dough. Just allow it to thaw completely and rise before baking.
- Pairing: This bread pairs wonderfully with coffee or milk, making it ideal for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with adding different spices like nutmeg or using various types of chocolate for a unique twist.
- Serving: This bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain its softness.