Ingredients You Need
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
- 1 cup warm milk
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
For Coating the Dough Balls:
- ½ cup melted butter
- ½ cup sugar (optional, if you want a sweet version)
For the Topping:
- 1 egg yolk + 1 tablespoon milk (egg wash)
- Sesame seeds for sprinkling
These ingredients produce a soft, rich dough that rises beautifully and results in a bread with amazing flavor and texture.
Making the Dough Step by Step
The dough is the foundation of this bread, and it must be soft, well-kneaded, and properly rested.
Activating the Yeast
Begin by warming the milk until it’s just lukewarm — not hot. Add the sugar and yeast into the milk, stir gently, and let it sit for about 10 minutes. The mixture should become foamy on top. This means your yeast is active and ready to work.
Preparing the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the eggs, melted butter, and activated yeast mixture. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix all the ingredients until they start coming together. Once the dough begins to form, transfer it to a lightly floured work surface.
Kneading
Knead the dough for at least 8–10 minutes. The goal is to achieve a smooth, elastic texture. A well-kneaded dough will feel soft and slightly tacky but should not stick to your hands excessively. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour, but avoid adding too much or the bread will become dry.
First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1½ hours. The dough should double in size. In your image, the dough is beautifully puffed — exactly how it should look after the first rise.
Shaping the Pull-Apart Ring
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Transfer it onto a working surface and divide it into equal pieces — usually 16 to 20 pieces works well.
Coating the Pieces
Melt the butter in a bowl. If you want a sweeter bread, mix sugar into the melted butter. Dip each dough ball into the butter mixture, coating all sides. This gives the bread its rich, tender layers and helps create separation between the pieces as they bake.
Arranging in the Pan
Place the coated dough balls into a bundt pan, round cake pan, or ring mold. Arrange them close together in a circular pattern as shown in your photo. The dough pieces will expand during the second rise and then again in the oven, forming a connected ring.
Second Rise
Allow the shaped dough to rest for 20–30 minutes. This short rise allows the bread to become light and airy before baking.
Baking the Perfect Golden Loaf
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Before placing the bread in the oven, brush the top with an egg wash made from egg yolk and milk. This step is responsible for the glossy, deep golden color that makes the bread look bakery-perfect.
Sprinkle sesame seeds generously over the top. They will toast beautifully during baking, adding flavor and visual appeal.
Bake Time
Bake the bread for 25–35 minutes, depending on your oven. The surface should be golden brown, and the bread should feel slightly firm when pressed. If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil for the remainder of the baking time.
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bread cool for 10 minutes before unmolding. This allows the structure to set so it comes out in one beautiful piece.
The Texture, Flavor, and Aroma
This bread is incredibly soft — the inside stays fluffy, moist, and airy. The outer crust has a gentle sweetness and a shine that makes it look irresistible. The toasted sesame seeds add nuttiness and a subtle crunch that contrasts beautifully with the pillowy interior.
When you pull apart a piece, you’ll see long, tender strands of dough stretching apart, showing that the gluten has developed perfectly during kneading. The buttery coating ensures that each bite is rich and flavorful without being heavy.
The aroma alone is enough to fill your kitchen with warmth — a mix of freshly baked bread, melted butter, and toasted sesame.
Serving Ideas
This Golden Sesame Pull-Apart Bread can be enjoyed in many ways:
- Serve warm with butter, honey, or jam.
- Pair it with soups and stews.
- Use it as a centerpiece for holiday meals.
- Enjoy it plain — it’s already wonderfully flavorful.
- Serve it during breakfast or brunch gatherings.
Because it pulls apart easily, it’s ideal for family-style eating and sharing.
Tips for Success
- Make sure your yeast is active and bubbly before adding it to the dough.
- Knead until the dough is elastic and smooth — this ensures softness.
- Allow the dough to rise fully; rushing this step affects texture.
- Brush generously with egg wash for maximum shine.
- Toast the sesame seeds lightly before sprinkling for more flavor.
- Bake until deeply golden for the best crust.
Following these tips will help you achieve a bread that looks just like the one in your picture.
Final Thoughts
This beautiful sesame pull-apart bread is more than just a recipe — it’s a showstopper. From the moment the dough rises to the final glossy bake, every step is rewarding. The bread is soft, rich, and perfect for sharing. With its golden surface and inviting aroma, it turns any meal into a special occasion.