Pull-Apart Bread with Caramel Sauce and Strawberries
Ingredients:
For the bread:
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
For the caramel sauce:
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the topping:
Fresh strawberries, sliced
Whipped cream or cream cheese frosting
Mint leaves (optional)
Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
Prepare the Bread Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt.
Add the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs to the dry ingredients.
Mix until a dough forms, then knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
Shape and Bake the Bread:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
Divide the dough into small balls (about the size of a golf ball).
Arrange the dough balls in a greased baking dish, placing them close together but not touching.
Cover the dish with a damp cloth and let the dough rise again for about 30-45 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the bread is cooked through.
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Make the Caramel Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water over medium heat.
Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and turns a deep amber color.
Carefully add the heavy cream (the mixture will bubble up), and stir until smooth.
Remove from heat and stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and salt.
Let the caramel sauce cool to room temperature.
Assemble and Serve:
Drizzle the caramel sauce over the warm pull-apart bread.
Top with sliced fresh strawberries and dollops of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting.
Garnish with mint leaves if desired and dust with powdered sugar.
Serve the pull-apart bread warm and enjoy!
This sweet and sticky pull-apart bread is perfect for special occasions or as a delightful treat to share with family and friends. Enjoy!