Delicious & Easy Cinnamon Apple Pull-Apart Bread: Your Ultimate Fall Dessert!

Are you searching for a dessert that delivers on both flavor and simplicity? Look no further than this incredibly delicious Cinnamon Apple Pull-Apart Bread! Crafted with humble refrigerated canned biscuits, this recipe transforms into a show-stopping, apple-infused masterpiece that tastes delightfully homemade. Each tender slice is bursting with sweet diced apples, warm cinnamon, and rich brown sugar, creating a truly irresistible treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an effortless dessert.

Why This Cinnamon Apple Pull-Apart Bread Will Be Your New Favorite

This recipe for Cinnamon Apple Pull-Apart Bread is a true gem for anyone who loves the comforting flavors of apple and cinnamon but doesn’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The secret lies in using refrigerated canned biscuits, which drastically cuts down on prep time without compromising on taste or texture. We elevate these everyday biscuits with a generous filling of fresh, crisp apples, a harmonious blend of cinnamon and brown sugar, and a hint of vanilla, making each bite reminiscent of a cozy autumn day.

It’s an impressive dish that looks like you’ve slaved over it for hours, yet it comes together with surprising ease. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, need a quick dessert for an unexpected guest, or simply craving a sweet treat for your family, this pull-apart bread is guaranteed to be a hit. Its unique “pull-apart” nature makes it fun to share and enjoy, inviting everyone to grab a piece and savor the homemade goodness.

Essential Ingredients for Your Cinnamon Apple Pull-Apart Bread

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful apple dessert. Most of these items are likely already in your pantry or easily found at your local grocery store. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility, allowing for some personalization to suit your taste.

Key Ingredients for Flavor and Texture:

• Green Apple: We recommend a crisp, tart apple like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness of the sugars. You can peel the apple for a softer texture or leave the skin on for added color, fiber, and a slight chew. Ensure it’s thoroughly washed if unpeeled.
• Ground Cinnamon: The star spice that infuses every layer with its warm, inviting aroma. We use it generously throughout the apple mixture and the pecan topping.
• Granulated Sugar & Light Brown Sugar: A combination of these two sugars provides the perfect level of sweetness and a lovely caramel-like depth, especially from the brown sugar. Divided use ensures both the apples and the biscuit layers are perfectly sweetened.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances all the other flavors, adding a comforting, aromatic note to both the apple filling and the final icing.
• Refrigerated Biscuits: The foundation of our pull-apart bread! “Grands homestyle biscuits” are fantastic for a fluffy, substantial bread. For a lighter, flakier texture, opt for “flaky layers” biscuits. Either choice works wonderfully.
• Salted Butter: Melted butter is brushed onto the biscuits, providing moisture and helping the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere. Salted butter subtly cuts through the sweetness, creating a more balanced flavor profile. If you only have unsalted, a tiny pinch of salt can be added to the cinnamon-sugar mix.
• Chopped Pecans (Optional): For a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, chopped pecans are a fantastic addition. They complement the apples and cinnamon beautifully. If pecans aren’t your preference, feel free to omit them or substitute with other nuts like walnuts or even macadamia nuts.
• Powdered Sugar & Milk: These two simple ingredients come together with a hint of vanilla to create a luscious, smooth icing that’s drizzled generously over the warm, baked bread, adding a final touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

Expert Tips & Creative Variations for Your Pull-Apart Bread

While this recipe is fantastic as written, there are many ways to customize your Cinnamon Apple Pull-Apart Bread to make it uniquely yours or to suit different occasions. Here are some expert tips and creative variations to inspire you:

Fun Flavor Additions:

• Add Dried Fruits: Incorporate some dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots into the apple mixture for extra bursts of flavor and chewiness. They’ll plump up beautifully during baking.
• Chocolate or Caramel Boost: For an indulgent twist, sprinkle in some white chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or caramel bits along with the apple mixture. These will melt into gooey pockets of deliciousness.
• Nutty Variations: While pecans are recommended, don’t hesitate to experiment with other nuts. Chopped walnuts offer a slightly more bitter contrast, while toasted almonds or macadamia nuts could add a different dimension of flavor and crunch.
• Citrus Zest: A tiny bit of lemon or orange zest mixed into the apple filling can brighten the flavors and add a subtle zing.

Biscuit Choices & Preparation:

• Grands vs. Flaky: Grands biscuits yield a more substantial, bread-like texture, while flaky layer biscuits will give you lighter, more delicate layers that are incredibly fun to pull apart. Both are excellent choices, so pick your favorite!
• Don’t Overcrowd: When spreading out the biscuit pieces, ensure they have enough space to work with. Overlapping them too much can make it difficult to evenly distribute the fillings.

Apple & Fruit Alternatives:

• Different Apples: Granny Smith apples are classic for baking due to their tartness and ability to hold their shape. However, Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples can also be used for a sweeter, softer filling. A mix of varieties can offer complexity.
• Pear Pull-Apart: In place of apples, try using firm pears like Bosc or Anjou for a slightly different, equally delicious fruit filling.
• Pumpkin Spice Twist: For an even more autumnal flavor, add a pinch of pumpkin pie spice to your cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Make it a Cinnamon Roll Bread:

• If you’re out of apples or simply prefer a classic cinnamon roll flavor, you can absolutely leave out the diced apples. Just proceed with the butter and cinnamon-pecan mixture for a rich, sweet pull-apart cinnamon bread.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bake the Perfect Cinnamon Apple Pull-Apart Bread

Creating this delicious bread is a straightforward process, even for beginner bakers. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a perfectly baked, mouth-watering result every time.

Preparation is Key:

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when your bread is ready to bake, leading to even cooking. Generously spray a standard loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. A well-greased pan is essential for easy removal later.
2. Prepare the Apple Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the diced green apple with half of the ground cinnamon, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Stir in the vanilla extract until the apples are evenly coated. Set this mixture aside; the apples will start to release some of their juices, creating a delicious syrupy coating.
3. Create the Cinnamon-Pecan Topping: In a separate small bowl, mix together the remaining half of the cinnamon, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and chopped pecans (if you’re using them). This mixture will provide a delightful crunchy, sweet, and nutty layer between the biscuit slices. Set this aside.

Assembling Your Delicious Layers:

4. Prepare the Biscuits: Open your can of refrigerated biscuits. For standard homestyle biscuits, carefully cut each biscuit lengthwise in half to create thinner slices. This effectively doubles your biscuit count and allows for more layers. If you’re using flaky layer biscuits, you can gently pull them apart into two thinner layers by hand. Lay these biscuit pieces out on a clean, flat surface, such as a large cutting board or parchment paper.
5. Layer the Flavors: Working with one biscuit piece at a time, lightly brush the top surface with a little melted salted butter. Then, sprinkle each buttered biscuit piece generously with your prepared cinnamon-sugar pecan mixture. This step is crucial for building those distinct, flavorful layers.
6. Add the Apple Filling: Next, spoon a small amount of the diced apple mixture onto each biscuit piece. Don’t worry if you don’t use all the apples or if some pieces slip off—any leftover apples can be sprinkled on top of the bread before baking for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Building and Baking:

7. Stack and Arrange: Carefully stack the prepared biscuit pieces on top of each other. You should aim for three distinct stacks, making them manageable. Once stacked, gently place these three stacks side-by-side in a long row inside your prepared loaf pan. They should fit snugly, creating a solid loaf.
8. Final Touches Before Baking: Brush the top of the stacked biscuits with any remaining melted butter. Then, sprinkle any leftover diced apples and pecans on top for an extra burst of flavor and a beautiful rustic appearance.
9. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the loaf pan in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it – the bread should turn a lovely golden brown on top, and the internal temperature should reach about 200-210°F (93-99°C).
10. Prevent Over-Browning: If you notice the top browning too quickly before the inside is fully cooked (this can happen with sweet doughs!), simply loosely cover the loaf pan with aluminum foil. Continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs, indicating it’s cooked through.

The Sweet Finishing Touch: Icing and Serving:

11. Prepare the Icing: While the bread cools slightly, prepare the icing. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract until completely smooth and free of lumps. Start with the recommended milk quantity, then gradually add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired drizzling consistency. You want it thick enough to cling but thin enough to flow.
12. Drizzle and Serve: Once the bread has cooled for a few minutes (it’s best to ice it while still warm), generously drizzle the powdered sugar icing over the top. The warmth of the bread will allow the icing to slightly melt and seep into the crevices, creating a beautiful glaze. Serve warm and watch it disappear!

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

This Cinnamon Apple Pull-Apart Bread is incredibly versatile and delicious in many settings. Here are some ideas for how to enjoy and store your homemade creation:

How to Serve:

• Warm Delight: It’s absolutely best served warm, fresh out of the oven, allowing the cinnamon-apple flavors to truly shine and the biscuits to be at their most tender.
• Breakfast or Brunch: A perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee or tea. Serve it alongside scrambled eggs and bacon for a complete, satisfying brunch spread.
• Dessert Extravaganza: Elevate it to a full dessert by serving slices with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce would also be divine!
• Afternoon Treat: Enjoy a piece with a glass of milk or cider for a comforting afternoon snack.

Storing Leftovers:

• Room Temperature: If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply pop individual slices into the microwave for 15-30 seconds, or warm the entire loaf in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What kind of apples are best for pull-apart bread?

We highly recommend using firm, tart apples like Granny Smith as they hold their shape well during baking and provide a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the bread. Other good options include Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala for a slightly sweeter and softer result.

Can I make this Cinnamon Apple Pull-Apart Bread ahead of time?

For the freshest taste and best texture, it’s ideal to bake this bread the day you plan to serve it. However, you can prep the apple mixture and the cinnamon-pecan mixture a day in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before serving.

How do I prevent the top from browning too quickly?

If you notice the top of your pull-apart bread is getting too dark before the center is fully baked, simply loosely tent the loaf pan with aluminum foil. This will shield the top from direct heat, allowing the inside to cook thoroughly without burning the crust.

Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of canned biscuits?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade biscuit dough recipe, you can definitely use it. Just make sure the dough is rolled out and cut into pieces roughly equivalent to the size of a halved canned biscuit, or separate into similar layers for flaky homemade biscuits.

Full Recipe Card: Cinnamon Apple Pull-Apart Bread

Cinnamon Apple Pull-Apart Bread

This delightful Cinnamon Apple Pull-Apart Bread uses convenient canned biscuits filled with diced apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar. It’s incredibly easy to make but tastes wonderfully homemade, perfect for any occasion!

Yields: 6 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 30 minutes | Total time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 green apple, diced small (peeled or not – up to you)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided use
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar, divided use
• 2 teaspoons light brown sugar, divided use
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for apple mixture)
• 1 (16 ounce) can refrigerated biscuits (like Grands homestyle or flaky layers)
• 2 Tablespoons salted butter, melted
• ⅓ cup chopped pecans (optional, or use walnuts/macadamia nuts)

For the icing:

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 3 Tablespoons milk (you may need more for desired consistency)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a large loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the diced apple with half the cinnamon, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Set aside.
   

   
   

3. In a separate small bowl, mix together the remaining cinnamon, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and chopped pecans (if using). Set aside.
4. Open the can of biscuits. Cut each biscuit lengthwise in half to create thinner slices. If using flaky layer biscuits, you can pull them apart.
   

   
   

5. Spread the biscuit pieces out on a clean surface. Brush each biscuit piece with a little melted butter and sprinkle each with the cinnamon-pecan mixture.
   

   
   

6. Next, sprinkle some of the diced apple mixture onto each biscuit piece. Any leftover apples can be used on top before baking.
   

   
   

7. Stack the biscuits into three equal rows. Carefully place these stacks in a long row in the prepared loaf pan.
   

   
   

8. Brush the top of the bread with any remaining melted butter, then sprinkle on any remaining apples and pecans. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes.
   

   
   

9. Note: If the top starts to brown too much before the inside is fully baked, cover the loaf pan loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
   

   
   

10. While the bread cools slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if needed to achieve your desired drizzling consistency.
    

    
    

11. Drizzle the warm, baked bread generously with the prepared powdered sugar icing. Serve immediately and enjoy!
    

    
    

Video Instructions:

Notes:

• For extra flavor and texture, consider adding dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, or caramel bits to the apple mixture.
• Swap pecans for chopped walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts based on your preference.
• You can omit the apples entirely for a delicious cinnamon roll pull-apart bread.
• Peeling the apples is optional. Unpeeled apples offer a slightly firmer texture and more color, while peeled apples will be softer. Both methods work well.

Nutrition Information (Estimated per serving):

Calories: 376kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 20g | Sodium: 746mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g

Nutritional Disclaimer

The nutritional information provided is an estimate. As ingredients and brands can vary, for precise values, we recommend calculating the nutritional content using your specific ingredients through a reliable online nutritional calculator. This information is for guidance only and should not be considered medical or dietary advice.

More Irresistible Cinnamon & Apple Recipes to Try

If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting flavors of cinnamon and apple, you’ll be thrilled to explore more delicious recipes from our collection:

• Homemade Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks
• Cozy Pumpkin Pull-Apart Bread
• Easy Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
• Classic Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Bread
• Simple & Sweet Cinnamon Bread
• Delicious Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
• Dollywood’s Famous Cinnamon Bread Copycat
• Classic Homemade Monkey Bread
• 40 Must-Try Fall Apple Recipes
• Quick Puff Pastry Apple Pies
• Irresistible Apple Streusel Muffins
• Decadent Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting

Originally published: November 2017
Updated photos & republished: January 2023