Pull Apart Yeast Cake Recipe – Hungarian Special
Pull-Apart Yeast Cake is a deliciously soft and fluffy dessert that’s perfect for sharing. This sweet, yeasted cake features layers of tender dough that pull apart effortlessly, often filled with a buttery cinnamon-sugar swirl or fruit jam for extra flavor. Baked to golden perfection, it has a slightly sweet taste and light texture, making it a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Easy to make, this pull-apart cake is not only visually appealing but also irresistible when served warm, fresh from the oven.
- Prep Time20 min
- Cook Time35 min
- Perform Time40 min
- Total Time1 hr 35 min
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup finely chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- 1/4 cup fruit jam (optional, like raspberry, apricot, or strawberry)
For the Topping (optional):
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How to make Pull-Apart Yeast Cake:
Activate the Yeast:In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and granulated sugar. Stir to dissolve the sugar, then sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy and bubbly. If it doesn’t bubble, your yeast may be inactive, and you may need to use a new packet.
Make the Dough:In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, softened butter, and eggs.
Mix with a spoon or dough hook attachment (if using a stand mixer) until a soft dough forms.
Knead for about 5-7 minutes (by hand or in the mixer) until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling:In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir until smooth. If you’re using fruit jam, you can prepare that as well by warming it slightly to make it spreadable.
Shape the Cake:Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a rectangle about 12×18 inches (30×45 cm).
Spread the cinnamon-sugar butter mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. If you’re using jam, spread it over the butter mixture.
Cut and Stack the Dough:Cut the dough into 6-8 strips (lengthwise). Stack the strips on top of each other, then slice the stack into smaller pieces (about 2-3 inches each).
Place the dough pieces standing up (cut side facing up) into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking dish, arranging them snugly.
Second Rise:Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let the dough rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until it has puffed up and filled the pan.
Bake the Cake:Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the pull-apart yeast cake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through.
You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center — it should come out clean.
Cool and Serve:Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes in the pan. If desired, dust the top with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Serve warm, pulling apart the layers for a soft, sweet bite.
Recipe Note:
Dough Consistency:If the dough feels too sticky, add a little extra flour, one tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, add a little more milk to get the right texture.
Flavor Variations:You can mix in different fillings like chocolate chips, Nutella, or cream cheese for a twist on the classic cinnamon filling. Adding fruit jam gives a nice tangy contrast to the sweetness.
Make Ahead:The dough can be prepared ahead of time. After the first rise, you can refrigerate it overnight. The next day, let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Add-ins:Nuts, raisins, or even a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce can be added to the filling for added flavor and texture.
Storage:Store any leftover pull-apart cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat individual pieces in the microwave for a few seconds to restore softness.
Topping:For a more decadent finish, you can drizzle a simple glaze over the top made from powdered sugar and milk or a cream cheese glaze.
