Monkey bread is a classic dessert or breakfast treat that’s loved for its sweet, sticky, and irresistible pull-apart texture. Made with soft balls of dough coated in cinnamon sugar and baked to golden perfection, this indulgent treat is perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether served as a special brunch dish or enjoyed as a comforting dessert, monkey bread is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
Preparation Time:
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Rise time: 1-2 hours
- Bake time: 30-35 minutes
- Total time: 2 hours 55 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 4 cups (480 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons or 7 grams) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) salt
- 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup (56 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
For the Coating:
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons (5 grams) ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
For the Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons (30-45 ml) milk
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
2. Let the Dough Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
3. Prepare the Coating:
- In a shallow bowl or dish, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
- In another bowl, melt the unsalted butter.
4. Shape the Monkey Bread:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small pieces, about the size of golf balls.
- Roll each piece of dough into a ball, then dip it into the melted butter, followed by the cinnamon sugar coating. Place the coated balls of dough into a greased bundt pan or tube pan.
5. Bake the Monkey Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Once all the dough balls are coated and arranged in the pan, cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until puffed up.
- Bake the monkey bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Glaze the Monkey Bread (optional):
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm monkey bread.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Allow the monkey bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a serving plate.
- Serve the monkey bread warm, pulling apart the individual pieces to enjoy their gooey, cinnamon-sugar goodness.
Cooking Tips:
- To speed up the rising process, you can place the covered dough in a warm oven (turned off) or in a slightly warmed microwave.
- For a variation, you can add chopped nuts, raisins, or diced apples to the cinnamon sugar coating for added texture and flavor.
- Leftover monkey bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Irresistible Flavor: With its warm, cinnamon-sugar coating and soft, pillowy dough, monkey bread is a decadent treat that’s hard to resist.
- Fun to Make: Rolling the dough into balls and coating them in cinnamon sugar is a fun and satisfying process, making this recipe perfect for baking with family or friends.
- Perfect for Sharing: Monkey bread is meant to be pulled apart and enjoyed with loved ones, making it a delightful addition to any brunch spread or dessert table.
Conclusion:
Monkey bread is a timeless and crowd-pleasing treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a special breakfast or a comforting dessert, its sweet, sticky, and indulgent flavors are sure to satisfy your cravings. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, monkey bread is a recipe that’s worth sharing with family and friends. So gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade monkey bread!