Homemade Monkey Bread – sweet dreams kitchen

Homemade Monkey Bread is a delightful treat that’s perfect for family gatherings, brunches, or just a cozy night in. This pull-apart bread is soft, gooey, and bursting with flavor, making it an irresistible option for any occasion. The combination of cinnamon, sugar, and buttery goodness elevates this simple recipe into something truly special. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or enjoying it solo, you’ll find that Homemade Monkey Bread brings joy to every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort and basic ingredients that you likely already have at home.
Perfect for Sharing: The pull-apart style makes it fun to share with friends and family during gatherings.
Customizable Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different spices or fillings to create your own unique twist on the classic recipe.
Great for All Occasions: From breakfast to dessert, Homemade Monkey Bread fits perfectly into any meal plan.
Gooey Goodness: Each piece is coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture that offers a deliciously sticky texture.

Tools and Preparation

For this recipe, having the right tools will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Below are the essentials you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand mixer (or large mixing bowl)
Dough hook or paddle attachment
Bundt pan
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Silicone spatula

Importance of Each Tool

Stand mixer: Makes mixing and kneading easier, saving time and effort.
Dough hook: Helps achieve the right texture by kneading the dough effectively.
Bundt pan: Creates a beautiful shape for the monkey bread, allowing even cooking.

Ingredients

For the Dough

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

For Coating

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

For Icing

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

Whisk the warm milk, yeast, and sugar together in your stand mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook or paddle attachment. Cover this mixture and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Add the eggs, melted butter, salt, and 1 cup of flour. Beat on low speed for about 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a silicone spatula before adding the remaining flour.
Increase speed to medium until dough pulls away from sides of the bowl—approximately 2 minutes.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Keep the dough in your mixer or transfer it to a lightly floured surface if kneading by hand.
Knead for an additional 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or nonstick spray; place dough inside, cover it, and let rise in a warm area for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape the Dough Balls

Generously grease a Bundt pan with butter or nonstick spray.
Melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter in one bowl; mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in another.
Punch down risen dough; roll small pieces into balls about 1.25 inches in diameter—aim for about 40-45 total.
Dip each ball into melted butter then roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture before arranging them in Bundt pan.

Step 4: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C), placing rack toward lower position.
Melt remaining butter; whisk it together with brown sugar and vanilla extract—pour evenly over shaped monkey bread.
Bake for approximately 35-45 minutes until golden brown on top; cover loosely with foil if browning too quickly.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Allow monkey bread to cool for about 5-10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.
Mix icing ingredients together; drizzle over warm monkey bread before serving.

Enjoy your Homemade Monkey Bread fresh out of the oven! It’s best enjoyed on the same day but can be stored for up to four days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How to Serve Homemade Monkey Bread

Serving homemade monkey bread is all about enhancing its gooey, sweet goodness. This delightful treat is perfect for gatherings, brunches, or even a cozy family night. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your monkey bread experience.

With Fresh Fruits

Berries: Serve with a side of mixed berries for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
Banana Slices: Add sliced bananas on top for a creamy texture and added flavor.

With Whipped Cream

Flavored Whipped Cream: Top your monkey bread with vanilla or cinnamon-flavored whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Coconut Whipped Cream: For a lighter option, use coconut whipped cream to add a tropical twist.

As a Dessert Platter

Cheese Board: Pair slices of monkey bread with cheeses like brie or cream cheese for a savory-sweet combination.
Chocolate Sauce Dip: Create a chocolate sauce dip for those who love rich flavors with their sweets.

How to Perfect Homemade Monkey Bread

Achieving the perfect homemade monkey bread involves attention to detail and some handy tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your monkey bread turns out soft, fluffy, and delicious every time.

Use Warm Milk: Warm milk helps activate the yeast better, leading to a fluffier dough.
Knead Properly: Knead until the dough passes the windowpane test; this ensures good gluten development.
Let It Rise Fully: Allow the dough to double in size during the first rise for maximum fluffiness in your final product.
Coat Evenly: Make sure each dough ball is well-coated in butter and cinnamon-sugar mix for that signature flavor throughout.
Bake on Lower Rack: Positioning your baking pan on the lower rack helps prevent over-browning on top while ensuring even cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Monkey Bread

Monkey bread pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its sweet and cinnamon profile. Here are some great options to consider when planning your meal.

Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness and balances the richness of monkey bread.
Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and make your breakfast spread more substantial.
Yogurt Parfait: A yogurt parfait with granola and fruits can be served alongside for a delightful contrast.
Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns offer a savory crunch that pairs perfectly with sweet monkey bread.
Oven-Baked Bacon Substitute: Use turkey bacon as a leaner alternative that still offers that crispy texture without pork.
Green Salad: A simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette adds brightness and cuts through the sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Homemade Monkey Bread can be a delightful experience, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

Using cold ingredients: Make sure your milk is warmed before adding yeast. Cold ingredients can prevent the dough from rising properly.
Over-kneading the dough: While kneading is important, overdoing it can lead to tough bread. Aim for a soft, slightly tacky dough that bounces back when poked.
Skipping the rise time: Allowing the dough to rise is crucial for texture. Don’t rush this step; let it double in size for best results.
Not greasing the pan adequately: A well-greased Bundt pan ensures easy release of your monkey bread. Use plenty of nonstick spray or butter.
Ignoring baking times: Keep an eye on your monkey bread while it bakes. If it browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Homemade Monkey Bread

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for freezer storage.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Homemade Monkey Bread

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds at a time.
Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Homemade Monkey Bread.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture may differ. You might need to adjust the liquid since whole wheat absorbs more moisture.

How do I know when my monkey bread is done?

The bread should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped lightly. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your monkey bread by adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips between the dough balls for extra flavor.

What if my dough doesn’t rise?

If your dough doesn’t rise, check if your yeast is active. You might need to replace it or ensure that your environment is warm enough for rising.

How do I make Homemade Monkey Bread without eggs?

You can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).

Final Thoughts

Homemade Monkey Bread is an irresistible treat that brings joy to any occasion. Its gooey goodness makes it perfect for breakfast or dessert. Plus, you can easily customize it by adding fruits, nuts, or different spices. Give this recipe a try and enjoy creating delicious memories!