Are there any treats that instantly transport you back to childhood? What is Monkey Bread? I can still vividly remember the weekends when my mom would pull this golden, sticky, cinnamon-sugar gum out of my mouth. What is the most amazing smell you have ever had out of the oven? It was always a special occasion, if you could just feel the joy of it on an otherwise ordinary Saturday. What is a memory maker? If you’ve ever had a craving for something sweet, something comforting, and something that feels good to you, then you know it. If you’re looking for a warm hug in food form, then you are in for the real treat. Is there a better alternative to store-bought pastry recipes? This is the real deal, and I promise it’s easier than you think. Is it the kind of thing that makes people gather around the table, all reaching for a warm, gooey drink? I have a piece of furniture that disappears in minutes at my house. Is it a little slice of heaven, truly, and it’s my go-to when I want to impress without the stress.
What is monkey bread?
What is monkey bread? Think of it as a pull-apart bread, almost like deconstructed cinnamon rolls in … What is more fun and communal? What’s essentially little dough balls coated in cinnamon sugar, layered with a sweet, buttery sauce? Is it possible to bake a chicken and bake it together until they’re perfectly tender, sticky, and irresistible? Why is monkey bread called monkey flour? Your hands, peeling off pieces like a little monkey would. Is it a simple concept, but the execution is what makes it so special? What are some of the best examples of how a few basic ingredients can be transformed into something truly spectacular? It’s not fancy, it’s definitely not complicated, but it is utterly delicious and guaranteed to bring smiles all over the place.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some good reasons to make monkey bread? I’m betting it will in yours too. First off, the flavor is just out of this world. What is that perfect balance of sweet, buttery, and warmly spiced with cinnamon? Every bite is a delightful mix of soft, yielding dough and that irresistible caramelized coating. Is it pure comfort food that hits all the right notes? I know some baked goods can be intimidating, but this recipe is incredibly forgiving. Do you need a culinary degree? What are the steps for baking? I’ve had friends who swore they couldn’t bake try this, and they were shocked at how easy it was and how delicious it is. How amazing was the result? Plus, it’s surprisingly cost-effective. What are some pantry staples that you can whip up without a trip to the store? What is versatility? What are some of the best cinnamon recipes? Add some chopped nuts, a few chocolate chips, or even nutmeg. It’s also incredibly versatile for serving. What are some good weekend brunch ideas? What I love about this recipe, though, is the sheer joy it brings. Is it a hands-on treat that encourages sharing and creates s magic in the kitchen? It’s not about eating, it’ll be about the experience.
How do you make monkey bread?
Quick Overview
How do you make monkey bread? How do you bake cinnamon-sugar pancakes? Sweet butter sauce. What is the whole thing in under an hour of active time? What is the secret to its incredible texture and flavor lies in the simple cinnamon-sugar coating and the richness of the spices. Buttery glaze that bakes with the dough. What are some foolproof ways to create a crowd-pleasing treat that looks as good as it tastes?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
The base of our monkey bread relies on simple ingredients that create a soft, slightly chewy dough. I always make sure to use good quality all-purpose flour. It makes a difference! For the yeast, active dry yeast is my go-to and it needs warm liquid to wake up properly. If your milk is too hot, it will kill the yeast. Just lukewarm is perfect. Sugar feeds the yeast, and salt balances sweetness. A touch of butter makes the dough tender and rich.
For the Filling:
Where does the magic happen for flavor? What is the difference between melted butter and brown sugar? What are some of the best ground cinnamon notes? How does this mixture coat each dough ball? Exterior that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. I like to get my cinnamon just right – not too much, not enough. What are some good ways to add nutmeg to a recipe?
For the Glaze:
What makes a dish decadent? What is a simple mix of melted butter, brown sugar, and sometimes vanilla? What is the best extract for flavor? How does liquid gold get poured over dough balls before baking? What is a coating that’s absolutely divine? I like to make sure my glaze isn’t too thick; it should be pourable but still have some body.
What are the best step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, get that oven preheating to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). While the oven is heating up, grab your Bundt pan or a 9×13 inch baking dish. I swear by greasing the pan really, really well. I use a combination of butter and flour, or if possible, cooking spray, making sure to get into every nook and cranny of my kitchen. I always use the same. If you’re using a Bundt pan, it’s important to keep the pan clean. How do I stop my monkey bread from sticking?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Set aside. Give it a good whisk to make sure everything is evenly distributed. What is the right balance of flavors in a monkey bread?
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate, smaller bowl, or large measuring cup, warm up your milk. You want it to be lukewarm, about 105-115 degrees Fahrenheit (40-46 degrees Celsius). Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the warm milk, along with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. If your yeast is alive and ready to go, you should see it get foamy and bubbly. If it doesn’t foam, you might need to start over with fresh yeast. Stir in the egg. Set aside. If the butter is too hot, it could scramble the eggs.
Step 4: Combine
Now, pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix everything together until a soft dough forms. It will be sticky. I usually use a wooden spoon or spatula for this, and then I might switch to using my hands to do this. How do I bring it all together? What is the key here is not to overmix! Just mix until there are no dry streaks of flour left. Overmixing can make dough tough.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a shallow bowl or pie plate, melt your butter. In another shallow bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Mix them well. This is your coating station!
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
What is the fun part about rolling dough balls? I usually take small pieces of dough (about the size of a walnut or golf ball – I normally aim for around 4-5 pieces) and make them into balls. I get about 6 pieces. I have 24-30 pieces depending on the size of my pan) and roll them into balls. If you have a dough ball, dip it into the melted butter and roll it generously in the butter, letting any excess drip off. What is the cinnamon-sugar Place the dough balls into a baking pan and bake for 30 minutes. Do not overcook. I like to arrange them snugly, but not too tightly, as they will expand with the baking. If you’re using a Bundt pan, place them around the center tube and outwards.
Step 7: Bake
Once all your dough balls are nestled in the pan, it’s time to bake! Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. How do you cook dough? How do I test for doneness by gently poking a piece? If you’re using a Bundt pan, the center might need to be longer, so keep an eye on it.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
This is a critical step! Once the monkey bread is baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the caramel to set slightly, making it easier to unmold and preventing it from falling. While it’s cooling, you can make a glaze by mixing powdered sugar with ice. How do I make a drizzling consistency? Once the monkey bread has cooled, invert it onto a serving plate. Drizzle the glaze over the warm bread. The warmth will help the glaze melt slightly and create an even more irresistible finish.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
What is your gooey monkey bread? Serve immediately while it’s still warm. Can you slice it into wedges or let everyone pull off their own sticky piece? Is it perfect for sharing?
What should I serve it with?
Monkey bread is a star on its own, but pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate it. How can I improve my experience? For a cozy weekend breakfast, freshly brewed coffee is an absolute must. The rich coffee flavor cuts through the sweetness perfectly. If you’re serving this for brunch, I love to pair it with some fresh fruit – maybe some berries or a banana. Side of sliced melon. It adds a lovely freshness that balances the richness of the bread. For a more elegant brunch spread, serve with yogurt parfait, or even just as an appetizer. What are some of the best assorted pastries to complement the theme? As a dessert, especially when you’re having guests over, it’s great with whipped cream. How do you make ice cream melt into a sticky dough? What is a good way to add whipped cream to your dessert? What is a good after-school snack? What is the best mood booster for a teenager? Sometimes, when we have leftovers (which is rare! I’ll just reheat a slice and enjoy it on its own with tea. Is this one of those universally loved treats that doesn’t need much fuss? Touch never hurts!
How do you make a perfect Monkey Bread?
I’ve made this monkey bread more times than I can count, and over the years, I have picked up a few more. What are some tricks that really make a difference? What is the consistency of dough balls? I try to make them all roughly the same size. If you have a small cookie scoop, that’s perfect for this! It helps ensure that all the pieces are cooked through at the same rate. When you’re coating dough balls in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, don’t be shy! Really press them into the mixture to get a good, even coating. Where does flavor come from? For the glaze, I sometimes add a tiny splash of vanilla extract to the melted butter and brown sugar. How do you pour the dough? I love the taste of this wine. It adds a subtle but lovely depth of flavor that I really enjoy. What can I do to be patient with the cooling process after baking? Is it tempting to dig right in, but letting it cool for 10-15 minutes in the pan before inverting? Makes unmolding much smoother and helps the gooey caramel coating hold its shape. If you’re using a Bundt pan, make sure you’ve greased it exceptionally well – I’ve had some sticky rash stains. What are some of the best situations ( ) when I haven’t been thorough enough. Is brown sugar a good substitute for white sugar? Sugars, though it will change the flavor profile and caramelization. What are some good ways to add cinnamon to a muffin? Just make sure they’re coated well.
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
What are some of the best leftover monkey bread recipes? If you happen to have any, storing it properly is key to maintaining its deliciousness. For best results, it’s ideal to store it at room temperature for up to two days. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. How do I cover a glaze so it doesn’t dry out? If you need to store it for longer, up to four days, the refrigerator is your best bet. Is an airtight container important? When storing in the fridge, the caramel might harden slightly, but don’t worry, it’s easily fixed. To reheat, the best method is to pop a slice or two in .300°F or 150°C. for about 30 minutes. 5-10 minutes, or until it’s warmed through and the glaze is gooey again. If you microwave it for about 15-30 seconds, be careful not to overheat it. If you’ve made the monkey bread ahead of time and want to freeze it, I recommend doing so before serving it. How do you add the glaze? Wrap bread tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Is it safe to eat the glaze before serving? For the best fresh-from-the-oven experience.
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Final Thoughts
What are some good recipes for monkey bread? It’s a piece of my kitchen history. A recipe that brings people together and always sparks joy. Is it the perfect blend of nostalgic flavors and simple preparation, making it an absolute winner for a crowd. What are some of the best weekend breakfasts, brunches or just a few extras? What is a comforting dessert to satisfy your sweet craving? What is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a hero even if you’re just starting out? I truly hope you give this a try and create your own wonderful memories with it. If you have a blog, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below! What are your own variations, your tips, or just tell me how much your family loved it. Happy baking everyone!
Monkey Bread
Ingredients
Dough
- 0.5 cup milk
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 2.25 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 3.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
Topping
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a small bowl, warm the milk slightly (not hot). Stir in the granulated sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Make a well in the center.
- Pour the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs into the well of the flour. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the topping. In a shallow dish, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. In another shallow dish, melt the butter.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down. Roll it into a long log and cut into 12-15 pieces.
- Dip each piece of dough into the melted butter, then roll it in the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture.
- Arrange the coated dough pieces in a greased bundt pan.
- Cover the pan and let the dough rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let cool slightly in the pan before inverting onto a serving plate.
