Butter-Sugar Pull Apart Bread Recipe

If you’re in the mood for something deeply comforting, irresistible, and just a little bit show-stopping, let me introduce you to Butter-Sugar Pull Apart Bread. Imagine tender, pillowy sections of warm bread enriched with real butter and bright, sparkling sugar that practically beg to be pulled apart and savored one gooey, golden bite at a time. Pull apart bread is always crowd-pleasing, but this version is anything but ordinary. With a soft overnight-starter for extra fluffiness, a buttery interior, and a perfectly caramelized sugar-kissed top, this sweet bread is easy enough for a special breakfast and decadent enough to headline a celebratory brunch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Butter-Sugar Pull Apart Bread is a celebration of a few simple pantry staples working together beautifully. Each ingredient has an important role, bringing that signature soft crumb, rich flavor, and irresistible texture to every bite.

• 100 grams bread flour: For the overnight dough, this builds the unique texture that makes the bread extra soft and springy.
• 70 grams boiling water: Helps create a tangzhong-style roux starter, ensuring a moist crumb throughout the loaf.
• 300 grams bread flour: The backbone of the bread, delivering chewiness and structure for the final product.
• 100 grams plain flour: Softens the loaf so it’s perfectly pull-apart tender without being dense.
• 80 grams sugar: Sweetens the dough without overpowering, plus adds sparkle when sprinkled on top.
• 20 grams milk powder: Adds a touch of creaminess to the crumb and helps with beautiful browning.
• 1 tbsp instant yeast: Gives rise and wonderful lift to the bread—no need to dissolve it first!
• 1 tsp salt: Enhances flavor and balances out the sweetness in every bite.
• 1 large egg: Binds the dough and adds richness for a truly luxurious mouthfeel.
• 175 grams cold water: Keeps the dough cool and easy to handle while mixing and kneading.
• 60 grams butter: Makes the bread ultra-rich and decadent—don’t skimp here!
• 3-4 grams per piece butter cubes: For tucking between the slits, these create gooey pockets of buttery goodness in every pull-apart section.
• Sugar: For sprinkling—this creates a sugary crust that’s absolutely irresistible when caramelized.
• 1 egg yolk (for brushing): Gives the loaf a gorgeously shiny, golden-brown finish.

How to Make Butter-Sugar Pull Apart Bread

Step 1: Make the Overnight Dough

Combine 100 grams bread flour and 70 grams boiling water in a bowl. Mix until smooth, cover tightly with cling wrap, and refrigerate overnight. This makes a soft, swirly roux that gives the Butter-Sugar Pull Apart Bread an unbeatable light, pillowy structure.

Step 2: Gather and Combine Dry Ingredients

The next morning, grab a large mixing bowl. Add bread flour, plain flour, salt, sugar, and milk powder. Stir gently, making a well in the center; sprinkle the instant yeast into this well. Start your mixer on low for about 30 seconds to evenly distribute everything—this will help the yeast bloom evenly for the fluffiest rise.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients and Egg

Gradually pour in the cold water and then add the egg. Beat on low or medium speed until you have a rough, shaggy dough. It should be slightly sticky but cohesive—don’t worry if it looks scraggly at first, that’s perfectly normal.

Step 4: Incorporate the Overnight Dough

Add the chilled overnight flour mixture (from step 1) to your bowl. Beat again to ensure it’s fully combined; the dough will begin to look smoother and more elastic at this stage. This is where you start seeing that signature Butter-Sugar Pull Apart Bread texture take shape!

Step 5: Knead in the Butter

Drop in the 60 grams of butter a little at a time, allowing it to fully incorporate before adding more. Continue mixing and kneading until the dough becomes shiny, supple, and stretches thin without tearing (the classic “windowpane” test). This takes the bread from basic to bakery-worthy.

Step 6: First Rise

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly by hand—just a minute or so does the trick. Return the dough to a bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it proof for about 40 minutes. By the end, it should look soft and slightly domed.

Step 7: Punch Down and Portion

Once doubled in size, gently punch the dough to knock out air bubbles. Divide into 12 even portions. Let these portions rest on a tray for about 10 minutes—this allows the gluten to relax so you can shape the pieces easily.

Step 8: Shape and Arrange in Pan

Take each portion and further divide into pieces weighing about 30 grams each. Arrange them slightly spaced in a greased 8-inch square tin—the magic is in letting them puff up and connect during the final rise, giving the signature pull apart effect.

Step 9: Second Proof

Give your bread another cozy rise for 40 minutes. To make things speedy, place the tin over a bowl of steaming hot water inside an enclosed space (like a turned-off microwave or oven). This creates a perfect steamy “proof box” that boosts the dough to fluffy, pillowy heights.

Step 10: Add Butter Cubes and Sugar

Once the dough is nicely puffed, make small slits in each roll and tuck a butter cube into each one. Brush the tops gently with egg yolk, then sprinkle generously with sugar. This step guarantees those iconic, golden, sugar-capped domes that make Butter-Sugar Pull Apart Bread impossible to resist.

Step 11: Bake and Cool

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the top is gorgeously golden and the bread sounds hollow when tapped. Cool in the pan for just a few minutes, then unmold while still slightly warm. Serve right away and experience the joy of pulling apart and enjoying every soft, buttery bite.

How to Serve Butter-Sugar Pull Apart Bread

 

Garnishes

The best way to serve Butter-Sugar Pull Apart Bread is fresh and warm, scattered with a little more melted butter and a shimmering snowfall of granulated or powdered sugar. For extra flair, add citrus zest or a sprinkle of cinnamon—each little touch makes every piece feel like a treat.

Side Dishes

Pair this bread with fresh fruit, creamy yogurt, or even a dollop of whipped cream for breakfast decadence. For a dessert platter, offer alongside a drizzle of honey or a spoonful of berry jam; the sweetness complements everything from tea to coffee.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, let guests pull apart pieces themselves or cut the loaf into big, dramatic squares to reveal the gooey, buttery pockets inside. Mini loaves, baked in muffin tins, are a fun (and adorable!) way to make individual servings of Butter-Sugar Pull Apart Bread for brunch buffets and picnics.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve somehow managed to have leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic or slide into an airtight container once bread has cooled. Butter-Sugar Pull Apart Bread stays pillowy for up to two days at room temperature, especially if you add a little square of wax paper to keep moisture in.

Freezing

To freeze, allow the bread to cool completely, then individually wrap pull-apart pieces or the entire loaf in plastic wrap and foil. Label and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight at room temperature or gently warm in the oven for that “just-baked” aroma.

Reheating

For best results, preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F), wrap the bread loosely in foil, and heat for about 10 minutes. If you’re short on time, pop individual sections in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Add a touch more butter and sugar after warming—just like fresh!

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

While you can substitute all-purpose flour in a pinch, bread flour gives Butter-Sugar Pull Apart Bread its signature chewy, light texture. If you need to use all-purpose, expect a slightly less fluffy bread, but it will still taste delicious.

What if I don’t have milk powder?

Milk powder adds creamy flavor and better browning, but you can skip it or replace it with a tablespoon of condensed or whole milk—just reduce the water slightly to compensate for the extra liquid.

Can I add spices or other flavors?

Absolutely! A pinch of cinnamon, cardamom, or a tiny splash of vanilla extract can take Butter-Sugar Pull Apart Bread into festive territory. Just blend spices with the dry ingredients so they’re evenly distributed.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The top should be deeply golden, and the bread will sound hollow when tapped. For extra certainty, test with a thermometer; the center should be around 90–93°C (195–200°F).

Can I make the dough by hand instead of a mixer?

Yes! It’s a bit more effort, but a firm wooden spoon and some good old-fashioned elbow grease work just as well. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic—it’s well worth the hands-on experience.

Final Thoughts

Butter-Sugar Pull Apart Bread is the kind of recipe you’ll want to share—soft, buttery, sweet, and just a little indulgent. Whether for a lazy Sunday brunch or a festive family breakfast, this bread creates moments worth savoring. Give it a try and get ready to bake up some serious smiles!

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