Oh, how I adore the smell of fresh bread baking, especially when it’s something truly special like this.
Our fluffy bread recipe Cloud Soft Pull Apart brings that dream to life, effortlessly delivering tender, pillowy goodness with an irresistible aroma and a cloud-soft texture that practically melts in your mouth.
Perfect for busy families, this easy recipe transforms simple ingredients into tender, pillowy goodness. I often bake a batch on a lazy Sunday afternoon, and it usually disappears before dinner even starts!
Handed down and perfected over countless family dinners, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and joy to any table. Get ready for a simple baking experience yielding versatile bread your family will truly love.

Ingredient List with Smart Choices
To create this wonderful fluffy bread recipe Cloud Soft Pull Apart, you’ll need a handful of essential items. Each component contributes to its irresistible texture and flavor.
Core ingredients and their purpose.
- All-purpose flour: 3 cups (360g), plus more for dusting. This provides the essential structure for that perfect fluffy texture.
- Active dry yeast: 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet). Our key to incredible rise and the signature softness.
- Granulated sugar: ¼ cup (50g), plus a pinch. It feeds the yeast and adds subtle sweetness.
- Whole milk: 1 cup (240ml), warmed to 105-115°F (40-46°C). Delivers richness and moisture for a tender crumb (or use unsweetened almond milk if dairy-free).
- Unsalted butter: ¼ cup (56g), melted. Essential for rich flavor and a pillowy, tender texture (or use plant-based butter).
- Large egg: 1, at room temperature. Adds structure, richness, and a beautiful golden hue.
- Fine sea salt: 1 teaspoon. Balances flavors and controls yeast activity.
Everyday pantry items vs. fresh market picks.
Most ingredients are likely already in your pantry, making this a convenient, family-friendly bake. For ultimate softness and a richer flavor, I always prefer using fresh whole milk and high-quality large eggs when making this fluffy bread recipe Cloud Soft Pull Apart.
Highlight special diet options.
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a GF fluffy bread recipe Cloud Soft Pull Apart. Texture will vary slightly.
- Dairy-free: Swap whole milk for unsweetened almond milk and unsalted butter for a plant-based alternative.
- High-protein: Add a tablespoon of vital wheat gluten (if not GF) to boost protein and elasticity.
Seasonal upgrades or affordable substitutions.
- Brush with melted herb butter (e.g., garlic, rosemary) for a savory twist.
- If you’re out of milk, using water instead results in a slightly denser, chewier loaf.
Easy Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
Achieving that perfect, cloud-soft texture with this fluffy bread recipe Cloud Soft Pull Apart is surprisingly simple. Just follow these clear steps for a successful, family-friendly bake every time.
Clear numbered steps with timing cues.
- Activate Yeast: Warm 1 cup (240ml) milk to 105-115°F (40-46°C). Stir in 1 pinch sugar and 2¼ tsp active dry yeast. Let it bloom for 5-10 minutes until foamy and fragrant, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough: Combine yeast mix with remaining ¼ cup (50g) sugar, 1 egg, ¼ cup (56g) melted butter, 1 tsp salt, and 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour. Mix until a shaggy dough forms and no dry streaks remain. If it looks too dry to come together, splash in 1-2 Tbsp milk, one tablespoon at a time, until combined.
- Knead Until Smooth: Knead dough 8-10 minutes by hand (or 6-8 minutes with a stand mixer) until smooth, elastic, and it springs back slowly when poked.
- First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, until visibly doubled in size and airy.
- Shape the Pull-Apart Loaf: Gently punch down dough. Divide into small 1.5-inch (4cm) balls. Arrange them tightly in rows in a greased 9×5-inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf pan loosely. Let rise again for 30-45 minutes, until puffy and almost filling the pan.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake 25-30 minutes, until the top is beautifully golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 200°F / 93°C). The house will smell divine as your fluffy bread recipe Cloud Soft Pull Apart bakes to perfection!
I often use my stand mixer for the kneading step; it’s a fantastic shortcut for busy weeknights, ensuring perfect dough every time.
Inline shortcuts for busy cooks.
- Stand Mixer: Using a stand mixer with a dough hook dramatically reduces hands-on kneading time, perfect for a quick dinner idea.
- Faster Rise: Place the covered dough in a slightly warm (but off) oven for a faster, consistent rise.
Notes for flavor variations or healthier twists.
- Sweeter Bread: Add an extra tablespoon of sugar to the dough for a delightful breakfast or snack.
- Heartier Option: Substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier, more substantial loaf.
Ideal Uses and Serving Suggestions
This tender, homemade loaf is incredibly versatile, fitting seamlessly into any family meal plan. It truly elevates simple dishes, making everyday eating feel special.
- Occasions: weeknight dinners, kid lunches, gatherings, holidays.
- A perfect companion for any weeknight dinner, from comforting soups to hearty stews.
- Great for packing in school lunches or as a satisfying after-school snack.
- Impress guests at gatherings or holidays with this beautiful Cloud Soft Pull Apart bread.
- Pairings: sides, sauces, drinks that complement this fluffy bread.
- Serve warm with butter, jam, or honey for a delightful breakfast or brunch.
- Excellent for soaking up gravies or chili, making sure no flavor is left behind.
- Pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and a glass of milk or juice.
- Guidance for leftovers, storage, and reheating.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage and great meal prep, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month.
- Reheat gently in the microwave for 15-30 seconds or a warm oven (300°F / 150°C) for 5-7 minutes for that fresh-baked feel.

Everyday Benefits of Cooking with this Fluffy Bread
Baking your own bread offers numerous advantages for a balanced lifestyle, providing both nourishment and convenience.
- Showcase practical wins: budget-friendly, nourishing.
- Making this fluffy bread recipe Cloud Soft Pull Apart at home is incredibly budget-friendly compared to store-bought options.
- It’s a nourishing choice, allowing you to control ingredients and avoid unnecessary additives, supporting healthy eating habits.
- Tie this bread to balanced lifestyle goals.
- It’s a fantastic addition to healthy recipes for families, ensuring everyone gets a wholesome, satisfying component to their meal.
- Excellent for budget meal prep, as you can bake a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week for quick meals.
- This Cloud Soft Pull Apart bread transforms simple meals into comforting quick dinner ideas.
- Leftovers can even become satisfying, nutritious snacks for kids and adults alike, perfect for high-protein snacks if served with cheese.
Tips, Variations, and Dietary Adjustments
Fine-tune your baking technique and explore delicious variations to make this recipe your own.
- Technique upgrades to improve results.
- Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure milk is at the right temperature (105-115°F / 40-46°C) for optimal yeast activation.
- Don’t overcrowd the loaf pan; I always leave a little room for the bread balls to expand beautifully during the second rise.
- For a glossy finish, brush the top with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 Tbsp water) before baking.
- Flavor/spice tweaks for different cuisines.
- Add garlic powder and dried herbs (rosemary, thyme) for a savory garlic herb pull-apart bread, perfect with Italian dishes.
- Mix in cinnamon (1-2 tsp) and a ½ cup of raisins for a sweet breakfast treat or afternoon snack.
- Top with sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning before baking for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Adjustments for common diets.
- Low-carb: Experiment with specific low-carb flour blends, such as almond or coconut flour, though texture will differ significantly from traditional fluffy bread.
- Plant-based: Use unsweetened plant-based milk and plant-based butter, ensuring the egg is replaced with a flax egg (1 Tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 Tbsp water, let sit 5 minutes) or other binder.
- Kid-safe: This recipe is naturally kid-friendly! I find my kids love to help shape the dough balls — just ensure small pieces if serving to very young children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this fluffy bread recipe Cloud Soft Pull Apart suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, you can adapt this fluffy bread recipe Cloud Soft Pull Apart using a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be aware that the texture might be slightly different, often a bit denser, but it will still be delicious and soft. Always check your blend’s specific recommendations for liquid adjustments.
How can I meal prep with this fluffy bread recipe Cloud Soft Pull Apart for the week?
Bake a batch of this delicious bread on Sunday. Once completely cooled, slice or pull apart and store in an airtight container at room temperature. It’s perfect for quick sandwiches, toast, or as a side throughout the week, making healthy meals easy.
What’s the best way to store homemade fluffy bread recipe Cloud Soft Pull Apart?
To keep your homemade bread fresh, store it in an airtight container or a bread bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, freezing for up to a month.
Can I make this fluffy bread recipe Cloud Soft Pull Apart ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough for this fluffy bread recipe Cloud Soft Pull Apart and let it do its first rise in the refrigerator overnight (8-12 hours). Just bring it to room temperature for 30-60 minutes before shaping and allowing for the second rise.
My fluffy bread isn’t rising, what went wrong?
The most common issues are inactive yeast or milk that’s too hot or too cold. Ensure your active dry yeast is fresh (check expiration dates!) and your milk is between 105-115°F (40-46°C) for the best rise in your fluffy bread recipe Cloud Soft Pull Apart. Too hot kills the yeast; too cold won’t activate it.
What pan size is best for this fluffy bread recipe Cloud Soft Pull Apart?
A standard 9×5-inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan is ideal for this fluffy bread recipe Cloud Soft Pull Apart. This size allows the dough balls to proof beautifully and create that perfect pull-apart texture, giving each piece a soft, airy crumb.
Experience the joy and satisfaction of baking a truly remarkable fluffy bread recipe Cloud Soft Pull Apart right in your own kitchen; it’s a simple pleasure that elevates any meal and promotes healthy, family-friendly eating. Don’t wait! Try this incredible fluffy bread recipe Cloud Soft Pull Apart this week, and remember to save it on Pinterest for future quick dinner ideas and delicious family meals!
Print
fluffy bread recipe Cloud Soft Pull Apart
- Total Time: 170 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 servings) 1x
- Diet: General
Description
This Cloud Soft Pull Apart bread recipe delivers tender, pillowy goodness with a cloud-soft texture, perfect for families. It transforms simple ingredients into a delightful loaf that’s easy to make and universally loved.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar, plus a pinch
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed to 105-115 degrees F (40–46 degrees C), or unsweetened almond milk
- 0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted, or plant-based butter
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Warm 1 cup milk to 105-115 degrees F (40-46 degrees C). Stir in 1 pinch sugar and 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast. Let it bloom for 5-10 minutes until foamy and fragrant, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough Ingredients: Combine the yeast mixture with the remaining 0.25 cup sugar, 1 egg, 0.25 cup melted butter, 1 teaspoon salt, and 3 cups all-purpose flour. Mix until a shaggy dough forms and no dry streaks remain. (If it looks too dry to come together, splash in 1-2 tablespoons milk, one tablespoon at a time, until combined.)
- Knead Until Smooth: Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes by hand (or 6-8 minutes with a stand mixer) until smooth, elastic, and it springs back slowly when poked.
- Allow First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, until visibly doubled in size and airy.
- Shape Pull-Apart Loaf: Gently punch down the dough. Divide into small 1.5-inch (4 cm) balls. Arrange them tightly in rows in a greased 9×5-inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan.
- Allow Second Rise: Cover the loaf pan loosely. Let rise again for 30-45 minutes, until puffy and almost filling the pan.
- Bake Until Golden: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is beautifully golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 200 degrees F or 93 degrees C).
Notes
For dietary needs, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend or swap whole milk for unsweetened almond milk and butter for a plant-based alternative for dairy-free. Add vital wheat gluten for a high-protein option. For flavor variations, try brushing with herb butter, adding extra sugar for a sweeter bread, or substituting whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf. A stand mixer can reduce kneading time, and a slightly warm, off oven can speed up rising. The bread is done when golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 200 degrees F (93 degrees C).
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (75 g)
- Calories: 250 calories
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: fluffy bread, pull apart bread, cloud soft, easy bread, family friendly, yeast bread, baking, homemade




