Sourdough Monkey Bread – sweet dreams kitchen

A tangy, sticky-sweet Sourdough Monkey Bread is perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in. This delightful pull-apart bread combines the flavors of cinnamon and sugar with a soft, chewy texture that everyone loves. Great for breakfast, dessert, or snacking, this recipe stands out due to its unique use of sourdough starter, giving it a special depth of flavor. Enjoy it fresh from the oven for a truly unforgettable experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal ingredients, you can whip up this delicious monkey bread without any hassle.
Perfect for Sharing: The pull-apart nature makes it fun and interactive—ideal for parties or family gatherings.
Versatile Flavor: Customize it by adding nuts or dried fruits to the cinnamon sugar mixture for added texture and taste.
Delightful Aroma: Baking this bread fills your kitchen with an irresistible scent that will have everyone eagerly awaiting their first bite.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making Sourdough Monkey Bread, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand mixer with dough hook attachment
Large greased bowl
Bench scraper or sharp knife
Medium-sized bowl or gallon-sized bag
Greased bundt pan
Small saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

Stand mixer with dough hook attachment: Saves time and effort when mixing and kneading the dough to perfection.
Bench scraper or sharp knife: Makes dividing the dough into equal pieces quick and easy.
Bundt pan: Creates beautiful shapes as it allows the monkey bread to rise evenly while baking.

Ingredients

For this scrumptious Sourdough Monkey Bread, you’ll need:

For the Dough

3/4 cup sourdough starter (active and bubbly)
1/3 cup sugar
1 1/4 cup warm water
6 tablespoons melted butter
3/4 teaspoon sea salt
4 cups all-purpose flour

For the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon

For the Syrup Topping

1/2 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar (lightly packed)

For the Glaze

3/4 cup powdered sugar
1.5 tablespoons milk

How to Make Sourdough Monkey Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Beginning with a recently fed, active sourdough starter:
1. In a stand mixer bowl, combine the sourdough starter, sugar, warm water, melted butter, sea salt, and flour.
2. Mix at medium speed using the dough hook for 10-15 minutes until smooth and stretchy. Check gluten development with the windowpane test.

Step 2: Allow Dough to Ferment

Transfer the dough into a large greased bowl.
Cover with a lid or plastic wrap.
Let it ferment overnight (8-12 hours).

Step 3: Shape the Dough Pieces

The next day:
1. Turn out the cold dough onto a lightly floured surface.
2. Divide into eight equal parts.
3. Cut each part again to yield about 32-40 small pieces using a bench scraper or knife.

Step 4: Roll in Cinnamon Sugar

Prepare the cinnamon sugar mixture:
1. In a medium bowl or bag, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon.
2. Roll each piece of dough in this mixture before layering them in a greased bundt pan.

Step 5: Let It Rise

Cover your bundt pan with plastic wrap.
Allow it to rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size and soft to touch.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit during this time.

Step 6: Prepare Syrup Topping

In a small saucepan over low heat:
1. Melt the butter.
2. Whisk in brown sugar until just dissolved.
3. Carefully pour this syrup evenly over the top of your rolled dough pieces.

Step 7: Bake

Bake your monkey bread at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 40-50 minutes:
1. Keep an eye on it as baking times may vary; look for golden-brown color and bubbling edges.

Step 8: Glaze Your Bread

After removing from oven:
1. Carefully turn onto a serving platter while still hot.
2. Combine powdered sugar with milk until you achieve a glaze consistency.
3. Drizzle over warm monkey bread before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Sourdough Monkey Bread right away!

How to Serve Sourdough Monkey Bread

Sourdough Monkey Bread is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just want a sweet snack, these serving suggestions will elevate your experience.

For Breakfast

Warm with Butter – Serve warm pieces with a pat of butter for a simple yet indulgent start to your day.
Accompanied by Fresh Fruit – Pair with seasonal fruits like strawberries or bananas for a refreshing contrast.

As a Dessert

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce – Add richness by drizzling melted chocolate over the warm monkey bread.
Topped with Ice Cream – Serve slices alongside vanilla or caramel ice cream for an irresistible dessert option.

For Brunch Gatherings

With Coffee or Tea – A perfect companion to your morning coffee or afternoon tea, enhancing the flavors of both drinks.
On a Charcuterie Board – Include Sourdough Monkey Bread on a board with cheeses and spreads for an upscale touch.

How to Perfect Sourdough Monkey Bread

Creating the perfect Sourdough Monkey Bread requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure success:

Use Active Starter – Always use an active and bubbly sourdough starter for the best rise and flavor.
Check Gluten Development – Perform the windowpane test to ensure gluten is properly developed before fermentation.
Allow for Proper Fermentation – Let the dough rise overnight for optimal flavor and texture.
Watch Baking Time Closely – Keep an eye on the bread while baking, as times may vary based on your oven.

Best Side Dishes for Sourdough Monkey Bread

Sourdough Monkey Bread pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to complement this sweet treat:

Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of refreshing fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the monkey bread.
Greek Yogurt Parfait – Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious addition that contrasts nicely.
Savory Scrambled Eggs – Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and richness, making it a satisfying meal.
Crispy Hash Browns – Golden-brown hash browns add crunch and heartiness, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Cheese Platter – A selection of soft cheeses offers a creamy counterpart to the sticky sweetness of the bread.
Spinach Salad – A light spinach salad dressed in vinaigrette adds freshness and acidity, balancing out flavors beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Sourdough Monkey Bread, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Using inactive starter: Always ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly before starting. An inactive starter can lead to dense bread.
Skipping the overnight fermentation: Allowing the dough to ferment overnight develops flavor and texture. Don’t rush this step!
Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure precise measurements for best results.
Overbaking the bread: Keep an eye on the baking time. Overbaking can dry out your monkey bread, making it less enjoyable.
Neglecting the rise time: Letting the dough rise until doubled in size is crucial for a light and fluffy texture. Be patient with this process.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Sourdough Monkey Bread in an airtight container.
It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Sourdough Monkey Bread

Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Place wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Sourdough Monkey Bread

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place monkey bread on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Heat individual pieces on high for 15-20 seconds. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, covered, for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Sourdough Monkey Bread:

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

You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This will give your monkey bread more fiber and nutrients but may alter the texture slightly.

What if my dough doesn’t rise?

If your dough isn’t rising, it may be due to an inactive sourdough starter or too cold of an environment. Ensure your starter is bubbly and keep your dough in a warm place during fermentation.

How do I know when my Sourdough Monkey Bread is done baking?

The bread should be golden brown and bubbly when done. You can also insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when baked properly.

Can I add different flavors or fillings?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your Sourdough Monkey Bread by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruit for added flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

Sourdough Monkey Bread is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Its sticky-sweet goodness makes it perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even as a snack. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different fillings or toppings to make it uniquely yours!