Imagine pulling apart a warm, golden-brown pastry that bursts with bright, tangy lemon flavor in every single bite. These Lemon Pull Aparts are not just a recipe; they're a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary baking into an extraordinary experience. Whether you're looking to impress your brunch guests or treat yourself to a delightful homemade breakfast, these pull-aparts promise to be the star of your morning spread, delivering sunshine on a plate with their irresistible citrusy charm.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 pull-apart pieces
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or a similar baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the pull-aparts from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together until they are well mixed and free of lumps.
- In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir until the ingredients are well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture together using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. With floured hands, gently knead the dough a few times until it comes together. Divide the dough into equal pieces, about 12 portions.
- Shape each portion into a small ball. If desired, you can flatten each ball slightly before stacking them. Place the dough balls in the prepared cake pan, arranging them in a circular pattern, leaving a little space between each piece.
- Once all the dough balls are in the pan, you can brush the tops with a little melted butter for extra flavor and a golden color.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the pan from the oven and allow the pull-aparts to cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Serve warm, and enjoy the delightful lemony flavor of your pull-aparts. You can also drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the top if desired, made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
Tips
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the most vibrant flavor - bottled juice simply can't compete with the bright, aromatic essence of freshly squeezed lemons.
- Don't overmix the dough! Gentle folding keeps the pull-aparts tender and light. A few lumps are perfectly okay and will ensure a soft, delicate texture.
- For an extra indulgent touch, brush the tops with melted butter before baking to achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and rich flavor.
- Let the pull-aparts cool slightly in the pan before removing to help them maintain their shape and prevent burning your fingers.
- For a professional finishing touch, drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the warm pull-aparts. Mix powdered sugar with a little lemon juice until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
