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