Pull-Apart Bread with Caramel Sauce and Strawberries

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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!