Monkey Bread

Monkey bread is a delightful sweet treat that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. This pull-apart bread is made of soft, buttery dough pieces coated in cinnamon and sugar, all baked together to create a gooey, satisfying delight. Each bite serves up a delectable combination of sweetness and warmth, making it an irresistible choice for family gatherings, brunches, or even just a cozy evening at home.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Servings: 10
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 230
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 300mg

Why Make This Monkey Bread

Monkey bread is not only a crowd-pleaser but also incredibly fun to make! Its soft, pillowy bites are perfect for sharing, especially when served warm right out of the oven. The delightful aroma fills your kitchen, making it a fantastic choice for family gatherings and special occasions. Plus, it’s remarkably simple to prepare, ensuring that even beginner bakers can achieve scrumptious results.

How to Make Monkey Bread

Making monkey bread can be a straightforward process with rewarding results. Follow these easy steps to ensure a fluffy, cinnamon-sugar success!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups warm milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 to 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Directions:

• Step 1: Preparation

  In a bowl, combine warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.

• Step 2: Mixing

  In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, salt, and cinnamon. Add the frothy yeast mixture and mix well. Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.

• Step 3: Kneading

  Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

• Step 4: Prepping for Baking

  Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Punch down the risen dough and tear it into small pieces. Roll the pieces in melted butter, then in a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon.

• Step 5: Layering

  Layer the dough pieces in a greased bundt pan. If using, sprinkle chopped nuts in between layers.

• Step 6: Second Rise

  Allow the dough to rise again for about 20-30 minutes.

• Step 7: Baking

  Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for a few minutes before inverting onto a plate. Serve warm.

How to Serve Monkey Bread

Serve monkey bread warm, right from the oven, for the best experience. You can enjoy it plain or with a drizzle of icing for extra sweetness. Pair it with coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy brunch.

How to Store Monkey Bread

To store leftover monkey bread, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. You can store it at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate it for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze it wrapped in plastic and placed in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Expert Tips for Perfect Monkey Bread

1. Use warm milk: Ensure your milk is warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly.
2. Knead well: Don’t skip the kneading step! Proper kneading develops the gluten, giving your monkey bread its soft texture.
3. Check for rise: Be patient with the rising times; warmer environments can speed this up, but don’t rush it!
4. Customize flavors: Swap in different spices like nutmeg or ginger for a unique flavor twist.

Delicious Variations

• Chocolate Monkey Bread: Add chocolate chips to the dough for a sweet treat.
• Nutty Monkey Bread: Incorporate various nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
• Fruit-Filled: Add chopped apples or berries to the layers for fruity bursts.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make monkey bread ahead of time?
  Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it. Let it come to room temperature before baking.

• What type of yeast should I use?
  Active dry yeast works best for this recipe. Instant yeast can also be used, just skip the frothing step.

• How do I know when monkey bread is done baking?
  It should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.

• Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
  Yes, but substitute only part of it; too much whole wheat could make it dense.

• Is it possible to make monkey bread in a slow cooker?
  Yes! Form the dough lumps and layer them in a greased slow cooker, cooking on high for about 2-3 hours.

Conclusion

Monkey bread is a delightful, simple treat that brings comfort and joy with every bite. Its sweet, gooey goodness makes it a hit for any gathering or a simple treat at home. Try making this recipe for your next breakfast or dessert, and enjoy the warm smiles from everyone who shares in the experience. Embrace the fun of pulling apart warm, cinnamon-coated bites, and discover just how much joy this classic dish can bring!

Monkey Bread

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• Author: hannah-belssy
• Total Time: 105 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful sweet treat that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert, made of soft, buttery dough pieces coated in cinnamon and sugar.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups warm milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 to 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, salt, and cinnamon. Add the frothy yeast mixture and mix well. Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Punch down the risen dough and tear it into small pieces. Roll the pieces in melted butter, then in a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon.
5. Layer the dough pieces in a greased bundt pan. If using, sprinkle chopped nuts in between layers.
6. Allow the dough to rise again for about 20-30 minutes.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for a few minutes before inverting onto a plate. Serve warm.

Notes

Serve warm with a drizzle of icing or pair it with coffee or hot chocolate. Store leftovers wrapped tightly; can last at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to a week.

• Prep Time: 75 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 30mg