Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup warm milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup sliced almonds
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for sprinkling between layers)
• Optional glaze: ½ cup powdered sugar + 1–2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

1. Activate yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, 1 teaspoon sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the dough: In a large bowl, mix flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add melted butter, egg, and yeast mixture. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, until doubled in size.
3. Prepare the layers: Roll dough into a rectangle about 12×8 inches. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the surface, then layer cranberries and sliced almonds.
4. Slice and stack: Cut the dough into strips (about 2 inches wide). Stack the strips on top of each other, then cut into smaller sections and layer them in a greased loaf pan.
5. Second rise: Cover and let the loaf rise 30–40 minutes until puffy.
6. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
7. Add glaze: Optional: Mix powdered sugar and milk to drizzle over warm bread for extra sweetness.
8. Serve: Let cool slightly, then pull apart the layers and enjoy warm!

Tips for Perfect Pull-Apart Bread

• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure eggs, milk, and butter are not cold for better dough rise.
• Even layering: Sprinkle fillings evenly to avoid clumps and ensure every piece has flavor.
• Check doneness: Bread should sound hollow when tapped; insert a toothpick to test the center.
• Optional toppings: Toasted almonds on top add extra crunch and presentation appeal.

Variations

• Other fruits: Use dried cherries, blueberries, or raisins instead of cranberries.
• Nut swap: Try pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts for a different flavor profile.
• Spiced version: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the dough for a warm, aromatic twist.
• Chocolate twist: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips between layers for a dessert-style loaf.

Serving Ideas

This pull-apart bread is perfect for:

• Breakfast or brunch with coffee or tea ☕
• Holiday gatherings or special occasions 🎉
• Afternoon snack with a smear of butter or cream cheese 🧈
• Sharing with friends and family—the pull-apart style makes it fun!

Storage

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat slices briefly in the microwave or oven to enjoy them warm and soft. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month.