Irresistible Nutella Pull Apart Bread: A Decadent Homemade Delight

Hello, wonderful bakers and food enthusiasts! It’s Dana from Food for Thought, absolutely thrilled and honored to be contributing a special guest post here on Lynne’s beloved blog.

This post is actually a little belated, but definitely worth the wait! Lynne, with her incredible dedication to her “365 days of posts” philosophy (a commitment I truly admire, as my own posting schedule is far more spontaneous!), had kindly invited me to step in while she was enjoying a well-deserved vacation in beautiful Rhode Island a few weeks back. Naturally, I jumped at the chance!

Unfortunately, some pesky technical difficulties conspired against us, and the post couldn’t go live as planned. But fear not, the stars have finally aligned, and I’m here now, ready to share something truly spectacular with all of you!

Lynne was incredibly gracious, giving me complete creative freedom over what I chose to share. While my culinary adventures often span various themes, I felt it was only right to honor her blog’s wonderful baking focus. After all, when you’re a guest in someone’s lovely home, you don’t start rearranging the furniture!

My main goal was to present a recipe that would leave a lasting impression and make Lynne proud of her choice of guest blogger. To be completely honest, my kitchen hasn’t been churning out many “blog-worthy” creations lately. For those unfamiliar with my recent life updates, I’m newly engaged! My mind has been delightfully, and quite thoroughly, consumed with wedding planning, leaving little bandwidth for elaborate culinary experiments.

However, luck was on my side! A few weeks prior, I had hosted a fantastic Brinner Party (that’s breakfast for dinner, for the uninitiated!), and I had taken plenty of photographs of the absolutely divine Nutella Pull Apart Bread I served as dessert. I had promised to share the recipe and pictures on my own blog but, alas, the wedding whirlwind meant it never quite happened. (I wasn’t kidding about being wedding-obsessed – what else could possibly make me forget about sharing creamy, chocolaty Nutella baked into warm, fresh bread? Nothing, that’s what!)

This magnificent treat undoubtedly falls into the “A-MAZING” category, and I am confident it will make Lynne smile. So, a huge THANK YOU to Lynne for inviting me and, perhaps unknowingly, giving me the perfect nudge to finally share this utterly delicious Nutella Pull Apart Bread with all of you!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with Nutella Pull Apart Bread

There’s something uniquely enchanting about pull apart bread, and when you combine that interactive, communal eating experience with the rich, hazelnut-cocoa embrace of Nutella, you create pure magic. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s an event. Each golden, soft square, generously slathered with molten Nutella, invites you to tear, share, and savor every single bite. It’s the perfect centerpiece for brunch, a show-stopping dessert, or an incredibly comforting treat for a cozy evening. Its impressive appearance belies a surprisingly straightforward baking process, making it accessible even for those who might shy away from yeasted doughs. The aroma alone as it bakes will fill your home with warmth and anticipation, promising a truly unforgettable homemade indulgence.

The Essential Ingredients for Your Delicious Creation

For the Irresistible Dough:

• 2 3/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (ensure it’s fresh for best results)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (to feed the yeast and add a touch of sweetness)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 envelope) active dry yeast (check expiration date for optimal rise)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (enhances flavor and controls yeast activity)
• 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter (for richness and tenderness)
• 1/3 cup whole milk (provides moisture and flavor)
• 1/4 cup water (helps activate the yeast)
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature (binds the dough and adds richness, ensuring they are at room temperature helps them incorporate better)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (a subtle yet essential flavor enhancer)

For the Decadent Filling:

• 1 jar (approximately 13 ounces or 370g) Nutella (the star of the show – don’t skimp!)
• 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted until browned (this “browned butter” adds a nutty, deep flavor that elevates the Nutella)

This recipe was originally discovered on Love with Food, but the concept of pull apart bread has become incredibly popular, appearing in countless delicious variations. In fact, Lynne herself crafted a mouthwatering Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread just a few months ago, proving the versatility and widespread appeal of this baking technique!

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Your Nutella Pull Apart Bread

Creating this stunning Nutella Pull Apart Bread is a rewarding experience. Follow these detailed instructions to achieve a perfectly soft, gooey, and utterly delicious result.

1. Preparing the Enriched Dough:

   Begin by gently melting the 2 ounces of unsalted butter together with the whole milk in a small saucepan over low heat. Once the butter is fully melted and integrated, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and 1/4 cup of water. Allow this mixture to cool down until it reaches a comfortable temperature of about 115°F to 125°F (46°C to 52°C). This specific temperature range is crucial for activating the yeast without killing it.

2. Combining Dry Ingredients:

   In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of the all-purpose flour, the granulated sugar, active dry yeast, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the yeast and salt, which is key for a uniform rise and flavor.

3. Adding Eggs:

   In a separate small bowl, lightly whisk the 2 large room-temperature eggs until just combined. Using room-temperature eggs helps them emulsify better with the other liquids, contributing to a smoother, more uniform dough.

4. Mixing the Dough:

   Using an electric stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or a hand mixer), slowly add the cooled milk mixture (from step 1) to the dry ingredients (from step 2). Mix on low speed until well combined. Next, incorporate the whisked eggs. Continue mixing until the batter is smooth and well incorporated. Gradually add the remaining 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of flour, mixing until a sticky dough begins to form. The dough will be quite soft and sticky at this stage, which is perfectly normal for an enriched dough like this.

5. First Rise (Proofing):

   Lightly grease a large clean bowl with butter. Transfer the sticky dough into the greased bowl, turning it once to coat the entire surface. Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Place it in a warm, draft-free spot (such as a slightly warmed, turned-off oven or a sunny windowsill) and let it rest until the dough has impressively doubled in size. This usually takes approximately 1 hour, depending on the warmth of your environment. This first rise develops the bread’s flavor and texture.

6. Preparing for Assembly:

   While your dough is undergoing its magical first rise, prepare the filling butter. Melt 2 ounces of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, swirling occasionally, until it turns a beautiful golden brown and smells nutty. Be careful not to burn it! Remove from heat immediately and set aside to cool slightly. Next, generously grease and lightly flour a 9x5x3 inch loaf pan. Ensuring the pan is well-prepared prevents sticking and helps achieve a perfect loaf shape. Set the pan aside.

7. Deflating and Resting:

   Once the dough has doubled, gently deflate it by pressing down lightly with your knuckles. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Incorporate about 2 tablespoons of extra flour into the dough as you knead it briefly, just enough to make it more manageable. This helps remove large air pockets and prepares the gluten for shaping. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for an additional 5 minutes. This brief rest allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.

8. Rolling Out the Dough:

   On your lightly floured work surface, use a rolling pin to roll out the dough as thinly as possible. Aim for a rectangular shape, approximately 12 inches tall and 21 inches long. The thinner you roll it, the more delicate layers you’ll achieve in your finished bread.

9. Applying the Browned Butter:

   Using a pastry brush, generously spread the cooled, melted browned butter evenly across the entire surface of the rolled-out dough. This layer of butter not only adds incredible flavor but also helps create distinct, separate layers when the bread bakes.

10. Spreading the Nutella:

    Now for the star attraction! Liberally spread as much Nutella as you can across the buttered dough. Don’t be shy; the more Nutella, the merrier and gooier your bread will be. Ensure it’s spread almost to the edges, leaving a small border.

11. Slicing the Dough:

    Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice the dough vertically (from the 12-inch side) into 7 equal strips, each approximately 3 inches wide. Precision here helps with even baking and a beautiful presentation.

12. Stacking the Strips:

    Carefully stack these 7 Nutella-covered dough strips one on top of the other. Try to align the edges as best as possible to create a neat stack.

13. Creating Individual Pull Apart Sections:

    Next, slice the stacked dough crosswise (horizontally) into 6 equal sections. This will result in 6 individual stacks, each composed of 7 smaller, layered squares of dough. These stacks are what will form the “pull apart” segments of your bread.

14. Second Rise (Final Proofing):

    Carefully arrange the stacks of dough squares vertically inside your prepared 9x5x3 inch loaf pan, standing them on their narrow edges. They should fit snugly. Place a clean kitchen towel over the loaf pan and allow it to rest in a warm, draft-free place for another 30-45 minutes. During this second rise, the dough will expand significantly, filling the pan and preparing for baking.

15. Baking to Golden Perfection:

    While the dough is completing its second rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position an oven rack in the center of the oven. Once preheated and the dough has risen, place the loaf pan into the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top of the bread is a beautiful golden brown. A rich golden color on top is a good indicator that the center of the bread is thoroughly cooked and not soggy, ensuring a perfect texture throughout.

16. Cooling and Serving:

    Once baked, carefully remove the loaf pan from the oven. Let the bread rest in the pan for about 20 minutes. This cooling period allows the Nutella to set slightly and the bread to firm up, making it easier to handle. After resting, run a butter knife gently around the edges of the pan to loosen the bread. Invert the pan onto a clean plate or wire rack. Serve warm for the ultimate indulgent experience. It’s absolutely divine on its own, but truly exceptional when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Tips for Success and Variations

• Don’t Rush the Rise: Patience during the proofing stages is key for a light, airy texture. If your kitchen is cool, slightly warming your oven (to about 100°F/38°C then turning it off) can create an ideal environment for rising.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Especially for the eggs, bringing ingredients to room temperature ensures they incorporate smoothly into the dough, leading to a more consistent texture.
• Nutella Quantity: While “the more the merrier” is a good rule, ensure you don’t overdo it to the point where it becomes difficult to roll and slice the dough. A generous, even layer is perfect.
• Browned Butter Magic: Don’t skip browning the butter! It adds a depth of nutty flavor that really elevates this bread from good to extraordinary. Watch it carefully as it browns to prevent burning.
• Beyond Nutella: Feel free to experiment with other fillings! Cinnamon sugar, a blend of chopped nuts and chocolate chips, or even a cream cheese filling could be delightful variations. Just ensure the filling isn’t too wet, which could make the dough soggy.
• Serving Suggestions: This bread is not just for dessert! It makes a fantastic addition to a brunch spread, a comforting breakfast with coffee, or a delightful afternoon snack.

Using Lynne’s insightful rating scale, which gracefully ranges from one to four rolling pins (with four being the absolute best), I am thrilled to award this incredibly delicious and wonderfully gooey Nutella Pull Apart Bread a well-deserved 3 1/2 rolling pins! It’s truly a triumph of flavor and texture, guaranteed to bring joy with every pull.