There’s just something about peanut butter that feels like home. The smell alone can send me straight back to childhood — sitting at the kitchen table with sticky fingers, a glass of milk, and zero worries. This Peanut Crunch Pull-Apart Bread is basically that memory baked into something warm, fluffy, and shareable. It’s the kind of thing you set on the table and watch disappear piece by piece, no knives required. The best part? Every pull reveals soft layers laced with creamy peanut butter and crunchy peanuts, so every bite is different — and every bite is good.
Why You’ll Love This
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Sweet, nutty, and crunchy — think peanut butter-studded dough wrapped around a buttery, crumbly crust.
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Totally shareable vibes — ideal for lazy weekend brunches or a low-key dessert at the end of the day.
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Fully hands-on and fun — shaping the pull-apart sections is oddly soothing… and your kitchen smells divine.
Recipe Snapshot
| Prep Time | Rise Time | Bake Time | Total Time | Servings | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 minutes | 1 hr (plus proofing) | 25–30 minutes | about 2 hours | 8–10 pieces | Easy |
Ingredients
Dough
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3 cups (380 g) all-purpose flour
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1/4 cup (50 g) sugar
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2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) instant yeast
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1/2 tsp salt
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1 cup (240 ml) warm milk (about 110 °F / 43 °C)
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1 large egg, lightly beaten
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1/4 cup (57 g) unsalted butter, melted
Filling
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1/2 cup (125 g) creamy peanut butter
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1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar
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1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional, but sooo good)
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1/2 cup (60 g) chopped peanuts for crunch
Topping (Optional but satisfying!)
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Melted butter + extra chopped peanuts for finishing
Instructions
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Make the dough: Whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a bowl. Add warm milk, egg, and melted butter. Stir until a loose dough forms.
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Knead and rise: Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth (~5 minutes), or use a stand mixer with dough hook. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled — about an hour.
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Shape the pull-apart: Roll risen dough into a rectangle (~12×16 inches). Spread peanut butter evenly over it. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped peanuts, then sprinkle on top. Slice the dough into strips (~2-inch wide), then cube them or fold them loosely like little pillows of goodness.
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Second rise: Arrange the pieces in a greased loaf pan or round pan, snug but not packed. Cover and let it rise until it’s fluffy — around 30 minutes.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and deeply fragrant. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil.
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Optional finish: Brush the warm loaf with melted butter and sprinkle more chopped peanuts for that extra crunch.
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Invite everyone to tear and share — that’s the whole point!
Pro Tips
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For a rich twist, swap half the milk for buttermilk or use a mix of white and whole wheat flour.
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If peanut butter is thick, microwave it for 15 seconds to make spreading easier.
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This bread is ridiculously good fresh, but you can refresh slices in a warm oven or toaster — they’ll taste freshly baked again.
FAQ
Can I make this bread in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to the point of shaping the pull-apart sections, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Just let it come to room temperature and rise before baking the next day.
Can I freeze the dough before baking?
Absolutely. You can freeze the shaped dough (before the second rise). Just wrap it well and store it in an airtight container for up to a month. When ready to bake, let it thaw and rise, then bake as usual.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Definitely! Crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture to the filling, making the bread even more delicious.
What can I substitute for the brown sugar?
You can use white sugar if that’s what you have on hand, but the brown sugar gives it a richer flavor and a slight molasses undertone, which is perfect for this recipe.
How should I store the leftover bread?
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to a month. Simply warm it in the oven for a few minutes to refresh it.
Can I add chocolate to this bread?
Yes! If you’re a fan of chocolate and peanut butter, adding mini chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted chocolate would make an amazing twist. Try layering it between the dough sections or on top before baking.
A Little Personal Tidbit
I’ll be honest: I sometimes bake this just to inhale the aroma of peanuts and sugar drifting through the house. There’s something so cozy about tearing off a piece, warm, pillowy, sweet — and being reminded of Saturday mornings wherever your childhood was. If that sounds like a flavor memory, you absolutely get it.
Jacklyn is a San Diego–based food journalist with a background in the confectionery world. Before diving into food reporting, she worked at a startup crafting plant-based, low-sugar sweets designed to make candy a little healthier
