Peach Pull Apart Bread Recipe
If you’re looking for a show-stopping treat that’s bursting with juicy sweetness and cozy cinnamon spice, this Peach Pull Apart Bread Recipe is an absolute game changer. Imagine soft, fluffy layers of tender dough, generously swirled with a luscious peach filling that tastes like summer in every bite. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack that makes the whole house smell heavenly. This recipe transforms humble pantry staples into a stunning centerpiece that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple ingredients is the secret to this recipe’s charm; each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect texture, sweet warmth, and inviting color of the bread. You’ll notice how the combination of fresh peaches, cinnamon, and yeast dough works harmoniously to create an irresistible pull apart experience.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The base of your dough, delivering softness and structure.
- 1/4 cup sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the fruit’s tartness.
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast: The magic ingredient that helps the dough rise to light, fluffy perfection.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, making everything pop deliciously.
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warm: Keeps the dough tender and helps activate the yeast.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness and a buttery aroma.
- 1 large egg: Gives the bread a beautiful golden color and adds structure.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: A subtle note that lifts the peach and cinnamon flavors.
- 2 large peaches, peeled and diced: The star of the show, offering juicy freshness and natural sweetness.
- 1/4 cup sugar: Sweetens the peach filling perfectly.
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon: Adds warm spice to the fruit filling.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional): Helps thicken the peach filling to prevent sogginess.
- 1/2 cup sugar: For the cinnamon sugar coating, adding a delightful crunch.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Infuses the sugar coating with cozy spice.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: For brushing the dough layers and enhancing flavor.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: For the glaze, providing a sweet finishing touch.
- 1 tbsp milk: Helps the glaze reach a perfect drizzling consistency.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Adds depth to the glaze’s flavor.
How to Make Peach Pull Apart Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by stirring together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a big bowl—this dry mixture is your dough’s foundation. In a separate bowl, whisk the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until a soft dough forms. Knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour and keep kneading gently. This step ensures your bread will be fluffy with a tender crumb.
Step 2: First Rise
Shape your dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise somewhere warm for about 1 to 1.5 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when it has doubled in size. This rising period is where the yeast transforms the dough, making it light and airy—an essential stage for that perfect pull-apart texture.
Step 3: Make the Peach Filling
While the dough is rising, it’s time to cook your peaches. Combine the diced peaches, sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch (if using) in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the peaches soften and the filling thickens, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, set it aside to cool slightly. This filling will add juiciness and a burst of fruity flavor inside each bread layer.
Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Mix the sugar and cinnamon for the coating in a small bowl. This classic combo adds a crunchy, flavorful layer between the dough and peach filling, giving the bread that irresistible cinnamon sugar kick in every bite.
Step 5: Assemble the Pull-Apart Bread
After your dough has risen, punch it down gently and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll the dough out into a large rectangle, about 12 by 18 inches. Brush the melted butter all over the dough, then sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon sugar mixture before spreading the peach filling in a smooth, even layer on top. This layering is what makes every morsel so delightful and full of flavor.
Step 6: Form the Layers
Slice the dough lengthwise into 6 to 8 strips. Next, stack the strips on top of each other before cutting the stack into smaller squares — around 6 to 8 pieces. Place these squares stacked in a greased 9×9-inch baking pan. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes so the layers puff up together beautifully, preparing them for baking into a pull-apart sensation.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. If you notice the top browning too fast, tent it loosely with foil to prevent burning. When it’s done, your kitchen will be filled with the most inviting aroma of peaches and cinnamon that’s virtually impossible to resist.
Step 8: Make the Glaze (Optional)
While the bread bakes, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth for a simple glaze. Drizzle this over the warm bread right after taking it out of the oven for an added burst of sweetness and a glossy finish that looks as good as it tastes.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Let the bread cool just a bit so the layers settle, then drizzle on the glaze. Pull apart the bread and savor the combination of soft dough, sweet peaches, and cinnamon sugar in every bite—you’ve just made a delightful treat that everyone will love!
How to Serve Peach Pull Apart Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To take your Peach Pull Apart Bread Recipe to the next level, consider garnishing with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh peach slices arranged on top. A sprinkle of chopped toasted almonds also adds a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that complements the peaches beautifully.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or brunch. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside creamy yogurt or mascarpone cheese to add richness. A scoop of vanilla ice cream turns this pull apart bread into a decadent dessert that’s hard to put down.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive touch, arrange the pull apart bread on a decorative platter surrounded by fresh peach wedges and cinnamon sticks. You can also cut the bread into bite-sized pieces and serve it on a wooden board as a finger food for brunch gatherings — making it just as fun to eat as it is to share.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The bread stays soft and moist, but to keep it fresh longer, refrigeration is a good option. Just be sure to warm it slightly before serving to bring back that fresh-baked taste.
Freezing
This Peach Pull Apart Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will last up to 3 months frozen without losing flavor or texture, perfect for making ahead or saving for a special treat later.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or warm the whole loaf in a 300°F oven wrapped in foil for about 10-15 minutes. Adding a light brush of butter before reheating can revive its buttery aroma and softness, making every bite taste freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh peaches?
Yes, canned peaches can work in a pinch, but fresh peaches offer the best flavor and texture. If using canned, drain them well and consider reducing the added sugar in the recipe since canned fruit can be sweetened.
Is it possible to make this bread without yeast?
This recipe depends on yeast to create the light, fluffy layers that are essential for pull apart bread. Using a different leavening agent would change the texture significantly, so yeast is recommended for best results.
Can I substitute milk with a non-dairy alternative?
Absolutely! Non-dairy milks like almond, oat, or soy milk can be used in equal amounts. Just make sure it’s warm to properly activate the yeast.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The bread should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped gently on the bottom. If unsure, insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Can I add nuts or other fruits to this recipe?
Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts pair nicely with peaches and cinnamon. You can also incorporate other fruits like blueberries or raspberries, but adjust sugar accordingly to balance sweetness.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Peach Pull Apart Bread Recipe a try because it brings such warmth and joy to any table. Each bite is like a little celebration of summer’s sweetness and homemade goodness. Whether for a lazy weekend brunch or a special gathering, this bread is destined to become one of your favorite recipes to share with friends and family. Enjoy every pull, every layer, and every moment baking this delicious treat!
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Peach Pull Apart Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Peach Pull Apart Bread is a delightful sweet bread featuring layers of cinnamon sugar and juicy peach filling. Soft, fluffy, and bursting with fruity flavor, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting dessert. The bread is easy to make with a yeast dough, filled with a warm peach mixture, and finished with a sweet glaze that adds the perfect touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warm
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Peach Filling
- 2 large peaches, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, to thicken)
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Glaze (optional)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate small bowl, mix the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
- First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Make the Peach Filling: While the dough is rising, prepare the peach filling. In a medium saucepan, combine the diced peaches, sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch (if using). Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the peaches soften and the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon for the coating. Set aside.
- Assemble the Pull-Apart Bread: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll the dough out into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Brush the melted butter over the dough, then sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon sugar mixture. Spread the peach filling over the dough in an even layer.
- Form the Layers: Slice the dough into 6-8 strips lengthwise. Stack the strips on top of each other, then cut the stack into smaller squares (about 6-8 squares). Arrange the squares in a greased 9×9-inch baking pan, stacking them so they form layers. Cover the pan with a towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake the Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking.
- Make the Glaze (optional): While the bread is baking, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Serve: Once the bread is done baking, let it cool slightly before drizzling with the glaze. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- If the peach filling is too watery, use the optional cornstarch to thicken it for better layering.
- Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast.
- Cover the dough with a towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for best results.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
- The glaze is optional but adds a sweet finishing touch to the bread.
- You can use canned peaches drained if fresh are not available, but fresh is preferred for best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
