Homemade Monkey Bread

Monkey bread is a delightful treat that combines several tiny balls of dough coated in warm, gooey butter, cinnamon, and sugar. This Homemade Monkey Bread recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert and brings a fun, interactive experience to the table. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying a cozy weekend at home, this sweet dish is sure to impress with its irresistible flavors and pull-apart style.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up this delicious treat.
• Perfect for Sharing: The pull-apart nature makes it a fun dish for gatherings and celebrations.
• Customizable Flavors: You can easily add nuts, fruits, or even chocolate chips to make it your own.
• Gooey Goodness: The combination of melted butter and cinnamon-sugar creates a rich, indulgent flavor.
• Great for Meal Prep: Leftovers can be stored for a few days and still taste amazing.

Tools and Preparation

Getting the right tools ready will ensure your monkey bread turns out perfectly. Here are the essentials you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or mixing bowl
• Dough hook or paddle attachment
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Bundt pan
• Silicone spatula
• Aluminum foil or plastic wrap

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand Mixer: Makes kneading the dough easier and more efficient, saving time and effort.
• Bundt Pan: Provides the signature shape for monkey bread while allowing even cooking.
• Silicone Spatula: Great for scraping down the sides of the bowl to keep everything incorporated.

Ingredients

Monkey bread combines several tiny balls of dough coated in butter, cinnamon, and sugar. It’s basically a giant Bundt pan of gooey cinnamon rolls! Finish this fun breakfast or dessert treat with vanilla icing and serve pull apart style.

Ingredients:
– 1 and 1/2 cups (360ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
– 2 and 1/4 teaspoons Platinum Yeast from Red Star (1 standard packet)
– 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/3 cup (5 Tbsp; 71g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 5 cups (625g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
– 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, divided
– 1 and 1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar
– 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 2/3 cup (130g) packed light or dark brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar
– 3 Tablespoons (45ml) whole milk
– 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

How to Make Homemade Monkey Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Whisk the warm milk, yeast, and sugar together in your stand mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook. Cover it with a cloth for about five minutes until frothy.
2. Add eggs, melted butter, salt, and one cup of flour. Mix on low speed for about thirty seconds before adding the remaining flour. Increase to medium speed until the dough comes together.
3. Knead the dough using your stand mixer on medium speed for an additional five to seven minutes or by hand on a floured surface.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

1. Lightly grease a large bowl with oil. Place your dough inside this bowl, turning it to coat all sides with oil.
2. Cover with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Allow it to rise in a warm place until doubled in size—this should take about one to two hours.

Step 3: Prepare the Bundt Pan

1. Generously grease your Bundt pan with either butter or nonstick spray.
2. Melt half a cup of unsalted butter in a medium bowl while mixing sugar and cinnamon in another bowl.

Step 4: Shape the Monkey Bread

1. Once risen, punch down your dough to release air. Divide it into small pieces approximately one inch in diameter.
2. Dip each piece into melted butter then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture before placing them into the Bundt pan.

Step 5: Final Rise

Cover your filled Bundt pan with foil again and let it rest for another twenty minutes while you preheat your oven.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Bake monkey bread for thirty-five to forty-five minutes until golden brown on top.

Step 7: Icing

After cooling slightly, invert onto a serving plate. For icing, whisk confectioners’ sugar with milk and vanilla extract before drizzling over warm monkey bread.

Enjoy this delightful Homemade Monkey Bread as a special treat that’s both fun to make and deliciously satisfying!

How to Serve Homemade Monkey Bread

Serving Homemade Monkey Bread is all about creating a fun and interactive experience for your guests or family. This delightful treat is perfect for breakfast or dessert and can be enjoyed in various ways.

Pull-Apart Style

• Serve the monkey bread straight from the Bundt pan, allowing everyone to tear off pieces. This style encourages sharing and adds to the fun!

With Vanilla Icing Drizzle

• Drizzle the warm vanilla icing over the monkey bread just before serving. The sweetness of the icing complements the cinnamon flavor beautifully.

Accompanied by Fresh Fruit

• Present fresh fruit on the side, such as berries or sliced bananas. The freshness balances the richness of the monkey bread.

Pair with Coffee or Tea

• Offer a hot cup of coffee or tea alongside. The warmth enhances the cozy feel of this delicious treat.

How to Perfect Homemade Monkey Bread

To ensure your Homemade Monkey Bread turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Warm Milk: Ensure the milk is warmed to about 110°F (43°C) to activate the yeast effectively.
• Knead Properly: Knead until your dough passes the windowpane test. This helps achieve a soft, fluffy texture.
• Allow Enough Rising Time: Be patient during rising times; allowing the dough to double in size leads to better flavor and texture.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on baking time; it should be golden brown but not too dark. Cover with foil if needed.
• Experiment with Flavors: Add nuts, dried fruits, or different spices for unique variations that suit your taste.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Monkey Bread

Pairing side dishes with your Homemade Monkey Bread can enhance your meal experience. Here are some delightful options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness to balance the sweetness of monkey bread.
2. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layered with granola and berries, this parfait offers creamy texture and crunch.
3. Scrambled Eggs: Lightly seasoned scrambled eggs provide protein that complements this sweet treat well.
4. Breakfast Sausages: Turkey or chicken sausages add savory flavors that contrast nicely with the sweet cinnamon rolls.
5. Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns bring a satisfying crunch, making them an excellent side dish.
6. Smoothie Bowl: A thick smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds can provide a refreshing contrast while keeping breakfast light.
7. Herbed Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado spread on toasted bread brings in healthy fats and a savory element.
8. Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses paired with crackers can create a nice balance against the sweet cinnamon flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Homemade Monkey Bread can be a fun experience, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some tips to ensure your monkey bread turns out perfectly.

• Incorrect yeast temperature – Using milk that’s too hot or too cold can kill the yeast. Always warm your milk to about 110°F (43°C) for optimal activation.
• Over-kneading dough – Kneading for too long can make the bread tough. Aim for a soft, slightly tacky dough that bounces back when poked.
• Skipping the rising time – Allowing the dough to rise is crucial. Don’t rush this step; let it double in size for the best texture.
• Not greasing the pan properly – If the Bundt pan isn’t greased well, your monkey bread may stick. Use plenty of butter or nonstick spray.
• Baking at wrong temperature – Baking at too high a temperature can result in burning the top while leaving the inside raw. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for even cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover monkey bread in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Homemade Monkey Bread

• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Frozen monkey bread can last up to 2 months.

Reheating Homemade Monkey Bread

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Heat individual pieces on medium power for about 20-30 seconds.
• Stovetop – Place pieces in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions that can help enhance your experience making Homemade Monkey Bread.

How do I know when my dough is ready?

The dough is ready when it has doubled in size and feels soft yet slightly tacky. A poke test can help; if it bounces back slowly, it’s good to go!

Can I customize my Homemade Monkey Bread?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips to the dough or cinnamon-sugar mixture for added flavor and texture.

What should I serve with my Homemade Monkey Bread?

Homemade Monkey Bread is delicious on its own but pairs well with cream cheese frosting or fresh fruit for an extra touch.

Can I make this recipe vegan-friendly?

Yes! Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based butter and milk alternatives to make a vegan version of homemade monkey bread.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Monkey Bread is not only a delightful treat but also incredibly versatile! You can customize it with various flavors and toppings. Whether served as breakfast or dessert, this gooey delight is sure to impress. Give it a try, and enjoy pulling apart those sweet, sticky pieces!