When it comes to indulgent yet comforting desserts, few treats can rival the gooey, pull-apart delight of Monkey Bread. This cinnamon-sugar-coated favorite combines soft, buttery dough with a caramelized topping that’s perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a festive occasion, or simply craving a sweet treat, Monkey Bread is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and impossible to resist.
The charm of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can create a stunning dessert or breakfast option. Additionally, you can customize it to suit dietary preferences by opting for gluten-free or vegan variations. With its enticing aroma and indulgent flavor, Monkey Bread is bound to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Perfect for any season, this dish demonstrates how simple pantry ingredients can transform into a luxurious treat. Whether you’re an experienced baker or new to the kitchen, this guide will help you achieve perfectly soft and flavorful Monkey Bread that’s as delightful to eat as it is to share.
Preparation Time
Preparation: 30 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour
Baking: 35 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Ingredients
For the Dough
- All-Purpose Flour (4 cups, ~480g)
Calories: ~1,920 calories - Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup, ~50g)
Calories: ~200 calories - Warm Milk (1 cup, ~240ml)
Calories: ~150 calories - Unsalted Butter (1/4 cup, ~56g)
Calories: ~400 calories - Active Dry Yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
Calories: ~10 calories - Salt (1 teaspoon)
Calories: 0 calories - Eggs (2 large)
Calories: ~140 calories
To Make the Coating
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup, ~100g)
Calories: ~400 calories - Ground Cinnamon (2 teaspoons)
Calories: ~12 calories - Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, melted, ~113g)
Calories: ~800 calories
For the Caramel Sauce
- Brown Sugar (1 cup, ~200g)
Calories: ~800 calories - Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, ~113g)
Calories: ~800 calories - Heavy Cream (1/4 cup, ~60ml)
Calories: ~200 calories
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let it Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Coating
- Mix the Cinnamon Sugar: In a shallow dish, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon.
- Melt the Butter: Place melted butter in a separate bowl.
3. Shape the Dough
- Divide the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into small, 1-inch pieces.
- Roll and Coat: Roll each piece of dough in melted butter, then coat in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
4. Assemble the Monkey Bread
- Layer the Dough: Arrange the coated dough pieces in a greased bundt pan, layering them evenly.
5. Make the Caramel Sauce
- Combine the Ingredients: In a saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream and cook until smooth.
- Pour Over the Dough: Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the dough in the bundt pan.
6. Bake the Monkey Bread
- Preheat the Oven: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the Monkey Bread: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling.
- Cool Slightly: Allow the Monkey Bread to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.
Serving and Storing
Serve and Enjoy
- Presentation: Serve warm for the best flavor and texture. Optionally, drizzle with additional caramel sauce or a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
Storing Leftovers
- Room Temperature: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat before serving.
Freezing Option
- Freezing: Freeze baked Monkey Bread for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.
Calorie Breakdown
- All-Purpose Flour: ~1,920 calories
- Granulated Sugar (Dough + Coating): ~600 calories
- Brown Sugar: ~800 calories
- Milk: ~150 calories
- Butter (Dough + Coating + Sauce): ~2,400 calories
- Eggs: ~140 calories
- Heavy Cream: ~200 calories
- Cinnamon: ~12 calories
- Salt: 0 calories
Total Calories: ~6,222 calories (serves 12, ~519 calories per serving)
Why This Recipe Works
Perfect Texture
The soft, pillowy dough paired with the caramelized exterior creates a delightful contrast.
Irresistible Flavor
The combination of cinnamon, sugar, and caramel is comforting and indulgent.
Shareable Delight
Perfect for gatherings, this pull-apart treat is as fun to eat as it is delicious.
Customizable Options
Easily adapt to dietary needs with gluten-free flour or dairy-free substitutes.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, refrigerated biscuit dough is a quick and easy substitute. Simply cut it into small pieces and proceed with the coating and assembly steps.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Substitute the milk with almond or soy milk, and use vegan butter or coconut oil in place of regular butter.
What if I don’t have a bundt pan?
You can use a regular loaf pan or a deep cake pan. Just ensure the dough pieces are evenly distributed.
Can I prepare Monkey Bread ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the bread and refrigerate overnight. Bring it to room temperature before baking.
How long does Monkey Bread last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat before serving.
Can I freeze Monkey Bread?
Yes, you can freeze baked Monkey Bread for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven before serving.
Are there variations to this recipe?
Absolutely! Add nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor. You can also experiment with different glazes or fruit preserves.