Imagine the moment when your kitchen fills with the warm, cozy scent of cinnamon and freshly baked bread—a moment that promises comfort with every bite. That’s exactly what you’ll get with this Gluten Free Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread, a show-stopping loaf that’s both tender and delightfully sticky, layered with cinnamon sugar and finished with a sweet, dreamy glaze. Whether you’re hosting brunch, need a treat for coffee time, or just want to make an ordinary day a little more special, this bread is about to become your new go-to recipe.

Gluten Free Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need any fancy or hard-to-find ingredients to make this delicious loaf. Each component has an important role—bringing tenderness, warmth, and that irresistible gooey texture to your Gluten Free Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread.

Gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum): The foundation for a light, fluffy crumb that’s completely gluten-free.
Active dry yeast: Makes the bread rise beautifully for that classic pull-apart texture.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough and helps activate the yeast.
Salt: Balances flavor so the bread isn’t too sweet.
Warm milk (about 110°F): Activates the yeast and keeps the loaf tender—dairy-free versions work wonderfully too.
Unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness throughout the dough and the luscious cinnamon filling.
Large eggs: Give the bread structure and that lovely golden color.
Vanilla extract: Deepens the overall flavor, making the loaf feel extra cozy.
Brown sugar (for the filling): Melts into caramel-like ribbons between each layer.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice, bringing that classic warmth and aromatic presence.
Powdered sugar (for the glaze): Creates the classic finishing drizzle, just sweet enough without overpowering the bread.
Milk (for the glaze): Thins the glaze to the perfect consistency—use dairy-free if you like.

How to Make Gluten Free Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by combining your warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast in a small bowl. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it develops a foamy head. This step wakes up the yeast, ensuring your Gluten Free Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread rises sky-high with a beautifully fluffy texture.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour and salt. Pour in your foamy yeast mixture, then add melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until a sticky dough forms—no need for heavy kneading here, but make sure all the flour is incorporated for even rising.

Step 3: Let It Rise

Cover your bowl with a clean towel and set it somewhere cozy to rise for 45 to 60 minutes. The dough should look slightly puffed, letting you know it’s ready for shaping. This rise is what will give your bread its pillowy layers!

Step 4: Make the Filling

While your dough rises, stir together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon until perfectly blended. This will become the sweet, spiced glue holding all those strips of bread together. Prepare the melted butter too—you’ll brush it onto the dough later for extra richness.

Step 5: Roll and Fill the Dough

Lightly flour your work surface before rolling out the dough into a large rectangle (about 12 by 16 inches). Brush generously with the melted butter and sprinkle every inch with your cinnamon-sugar mixture so each bite is flavorful and sweet.

Step 6: Cut and Stack

Slice the dough into 5 long strips, stack them on top of each other (don’t worry, it’s a bit rustic!), and then slice that stack into 5 squares. This is what gives your Gluten Free Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread its signature “pull-apart” look and texture.

Step 7: Second Rise and Arrange

Stand the stacks upright in your greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, cut sides facing up. Arrange them so they fill the pan with plenty of nooks for the filling and glaze to seep into. Cover the pan and let it rise again for about 20 minutes while you preheat your oven to 350°F.

Step 8: Bake

Pop your loaf in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell heavenly—trust me, everyone will come running! Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully removing.

Step 9: Glaze and Serve

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of vanilla extract until you have a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle it over the warm bread, allowing it to cascade into the cracks and soak into the layers. The glaze adds that little touch of sweet magic every pull-apart bread craves.

How to Serve Gluten Free Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread

Garnishes

A classic drizzle of the homemade powdered sugar glaze is all you truly need, but you can get playful with extra toppings like toasted chopped pecans or a pinch of flaky sea salt. Sometimes, a light dusting of cinnamon right before serving adds both color and another layer of warm spice.

Side Dishes

Pair your pull-apart bread with a steaming mug of coffee, hot cocoa, or even a spiced chai latte for cozy breakfast vibes. On a brunch spread, serve it alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, or scrambled eggs for a balanced meal that feels delightfully special.

Creative Ways to Present

For a wow factor at gatherings, arrange torn pieces of the bread on a rustic wooden board and let guests pull off their own gooey squares. Individual ramekins of glaze on the side make for fun dipping, or transform leftovers into bread pudding or French toast for an unforgettable twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have leftovers, keep your Gluten Free Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it at room temperature for up to two days, or pop it in your fridge for an extra day or two if needed—just remember the texture is best enjoyed fresh and fluffy!

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully! Once it’s completely cool, wrap the loaf (or individual portions) well and store in a zip-top freezer bag. It’ll keep for up to a month. Thaw on the counter overnight or gently warm slices straight from the freezer when a craving strikes.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked magic, microwave slices for 10 to 15 seconds until soft and warm. For a slightly crispier outside, warm in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. Drizzle with a little extra glaze if you have it, and you’ll be transported right back to that “fresh from the oven” moment!

FAQs

Can I make Gluten Free Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread dairy-free?

Absolutely! Just swap out the milk and butter for your favorite dairy-free alternatives. Plant-based options like coconut, almond, or oat milk work well, and most dairy-free butters perform beautifully in both the dough and filling.

My dough seems sticky—should I add more flour?

A sticky dough is perfectly normal with gluten-free bread recipes! Too much extra flour can yield a dense loaf, so resist the urge. Instead, dust your work surface and rolling pin with a bit of gluten-free flour to make handling easier.

Do I really need xanthan gum in the flour blend?

Yes, especially for this pull-apart style! Xanthan gum acts like gluten would in traditional flour, giving your bread elasticity and structure. If your blend doesn’t already include it, add about 1 teaspoon to your dry ingredients.

What can I use if I don’t have a loaf pan?

If a loaf pan isn’t available, a square or round cake pan can work in a pinch—just arrange the dough pieces like pull-apart rolls. Keep an eye on the bake time, as it may need adjusting based on the pan’s size and shape.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

You sure can! Make the dough through the first rise, then refrigerate it overnight. Bring it back to room temperature before shaping, assembling, and baking as directed. Great for fuss-free morning baking!

Final Thoughts

There’s simply something magical about sharing a loaf of Gluten Free Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread—each piece is a little bundle of warmth, comfort, and just the right amount of sweetness. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try, whether it’s for a special celebration or just to treat yourself. The best memories are made one gooey, cinnamon-swirled pull-apart square at a time!