If you’re looking for a warm, cozy, and irresistibly sweet treat to brighten your mornings or charm your guests, this Cinnamon Pull-Apart Puff Pastry Bread with Maple Glaze Recipe is exactly what you need. With layers of flaky puff pastry, cinnamon-spiced brown sugar, crunchy pecans, and a luscious maple glaze drizzled on top, every bite feels like a hug in bread form. It’s surprisingly simple to make yet impressive enough to serve at brunch, holiday gatherings, or anytime you crave that perfect balance of buttery, sweet, and nutty flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cinnamon Pull-Apart Puff Pastry Bread with Maple Glaze Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays an essential role—puff pastry brings buttery flakiness, cinnamon and brown sugar layer in warmth and sweetness, pecans add delightful crunch, and the maple glaze ties everything together with a dreamy drizzle of rich flavor.
- 1 (17.3-oz) package puff pastry, thawed: The flaky base that creates the signature pull-apart texture.
- ¼ cup melted butter: Adds moisture and richness to every layer.
- 4 Tbsp brown sugar: Gives that deep, caramel-like sweetness when baked.
- 1 Tbsp cinnamon: The warm spice that makes this bread utterly addictive.
- ¼ cup finely chopped pecans: Adds a lovely crunch and nutty depth.
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar: For the smooth, sweet glaze coating.
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup: Enhances sweetness with cozy maple notes.
- 1 Tbsp milk: Helps create the perfect glaze consistency.
How to Make Cinnamon Pull-Apart Puff Pastry Bread with Maple Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375ºF. Grab a loaf pan, spray it lightly with cooking spray, and line it with parchment paper to ensure your bread lifts out easily after baking. Setting up your workspace like this lays the foundation for a smooth baking experience.
Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon-Sugar
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. This simple yet magical duo will bring the sweet and spicy layers to your puff pastry, filling your kitchen with an inviting aroma that’s hard to resist.
Step 3: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
Unfold one sheet of thawed puff pastry and roll it out gently into a 12 by 10-inch rectangle. This creates the perfect canvas for your cinnamon-sugar and pecan layers.
Step 4: Layer the Butter, Sugar, and Pecans
Brush the puff pastry sheet evenly with half of your melted butter. Then sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over it, followed by half of the chopped pecans. Lightly press these tasty toppings into the dough so they stick during baking and create those gorgeous flavor pockets.
Step 5: Cut and Stack the Strips
Cut the pastry into four strips, each about 10 by 3 inches. Stack these strips carefully on top of each other to form a four-layer stack. Then cut this stack crosswise to make four stacked squares. Place these squares upright, standing on their sides, into your prepared loaf pan. This clever technique creates the beautiful pull-apart effect.
Step 6: Repeat with Second Puff Pastry Sheet
Repeat the exact layering and stacking process with the second sheet of puff pastry to fill your loaf pan completely with flavorful layers. This builds the full structure of your bread.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the loaf for 55 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the scent of baked cinnamon fills your home. After baking, carefully remove it from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack for about an hour. This cooling step helps the bread set so it pulls apart delightfully.
Step 8: Make the Maple Glaze
While the bread cools, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk in a bowl until you reach a smooth glaze. Adjust with more milk or syrup if it feels too thick or thin—this glaze is the secret finish that brings the whole Cinnamon Pull-Apart Puff Pastry Bread with Maple Glaze Recipe to life.
Step 9: Drizzle and Serve
Place your beautifully cooled bread onto a serving plate and drizzle the maple glaze generously over the top. This final touch makes every slice shimmer and taste like a little slice of heaven.
How to Serve Cinnamon Pull-Apart Puff Pastry Bread with Maple Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
To add extra flair, sprinkle a few more chopped pecans or a pinch of cinnamon over the glaze just before serving. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also create a snow-kissed look that’s perfect for festive occasions.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with creamy coffee, rich hot chocolate, or a fresh berry compote on the side. It also makes an elegant companion to savory breakfast dishes like scrambled eggs or a cheese platter for contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the bread right out of the loaf pan, encouraging everyone to tear off their own warm, gooey chunks. Alternatively, slice it neatly and arrange the pieces on a rustic wooden board alongside fresh fruit and small bowls of additional maple syrup for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh for up to two days and is perfect for quick indulgent snacks.
Freezing
You can freeze this bread before baking by assembling it in the loaf pan, wrapping it well, and freezing for up to a month. When ready, bake it directly from the freezer, adding extra time. Or freeze fully baked, cooled bread wrapped tightly—thaw before reheating.
Reheating
To revive the bread’s fresh-baked magic, warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds. This brings back the flaky layers and makes the maple glaze melty and inviting again.
FAQs
Can I use any nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts work wonderfully in this recipe, adding their own unique crunch and flavor to the pull-apart bread.
Is puff pastry difficult to work with?
Not at all! Using pre-made, thawed puff pastry makes this recipe approachable even for beginners. Just be gentle while handling to keep those flaky layers intact.
Can I make the maple glaze sweeter or less sweet?
Yes, simply adjust the amount of maple syrup or powdered sugar to your taste. If you prefer a thinner glaze, add a bit more milk gradually.
What if I don’t have maple syrup for the glaze?
You can substitute honey or a simple vanilla glaze to achieve a different but equally delicious sweetness.
How do I ensure the bread bakes evenly?
Using a loaf pan lined with parchment paper and not overcrowding it helps maintain heat distribution. Also, keep an eye on the color—golden brown indicates it’s ready.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Cinnamon Pull-Apart Puff Pastry Bread with Maple Glaze Recipe is like giving yourself a delicious gift that tastes like love baked into every layer. It’s simple enough for a weekend treat yet special enough to impress friends and family. Don’t wait to enjoy this warm, sweet, and flaky delight—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread is a delightful treat featuring flaky puff pastry layered with a buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture and chopped pecans, baked to golden perfection and drizzled with a sweet maple glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy dessert, this easy-to-make bread offers a fun way to enjoy classic cinnamon flavors in a pull-apart form.
Ingredients
Pastry and Filling
- 1 (17.3-oz) package puff pastry, thawed
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 4 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup finely chopped pecans
Glaze
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup
- 1 Tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Spray a loaf pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon thoroughly to create the filling mixture.
- Roll Out Pastry: Unfold one sheet of puff pastry and gently roll it into a 12×10-inch rectangle to evenly spread the filling.
- Layer Filling on Pastry: Brush the pastry sheet with half of the melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture and top with half of the chopped pecans. Lightly press the toppings into the pastry for better adhesion.
- Cut and Stack Pastry Strips: Cut the pastry into four strips measuring roughly 10×3 inches each. Stack these strips on top of one another to form a four-layer stack. Next, cut this stack crosswise into four squares, then place these stacked squares on their sides inside the prepared loaf pan.
- Repeat with Second Sheet: Repeat the layering, cutting, stacking, and placing steps using the remaining puff pastry sheet and the rest of the butter, cinnamon sugar, and pecans.
- Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and cooked through. Once baked, remove from the pan and cool on a wire rack for about an hour.
- Prepare the Glaze: Stir together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or syrup if the glaze is too thick.
- Glaze and Serve: Transfer the cooled bread to a serving plate and drizzle the maple glaze evenly over the top. Serve warm or at room temperature, pulling apart the bread to enjoy the layers.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed before using to make rolling and folding easier.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- This bread can be lightly warmed before serving to refresh the flakiness of the pastry.
