This monkey bread recipe is a delightful pull-apart bread made from scratch without using store-bought biscuits. It features a soft, fluffy texture and is coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture, making it a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert.
The recipe is simple and requires basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. It’s a fun dish to share with family and friends, and it can be customized with nuts or chocolate chips for added flavor.
What is Monkey Bread?
Monkey bread is a delightful treat that invites sharing and enjoyment. This pull-apart bread is known for its soft, fluffy texture and sweet, cinnamon-infused flavor.
Traditionally served warm, it’s perfect for breakfast or as a dessert. The fun lies in tearing off pieces with your hands, making it a favorite among families and gatherings.
Ingredients for Homemade Monkey Bread
Creating monkey bread from scratch requires simple ingredients that are often found in most kitchens.
The base consists of all-purpose flour, sugar, yeast, and milk, combined to create a dough that rises beautifully.
For the sweet coating, a mixture of cinnamon and sugar adds that signature flavor, while melted butter ensures each piece glistens enticingly.
Preparation Steps
Making monkey bread involves a few straightforward steps that culminate in a warm, golden-brown masterpiece.
Start by preparing the dough, allowing it to rise until it doubles in size.
Once ready, divide the dough into small balls, coat them in melted butter, and then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Layer these in a bundt pan for baking, where they will rise again before transforming into a fluffy delight.
Baking and Serving
After the second rise, the monkey bread is baked until it reaches a beautiful golden color.
Allow it to cool slightly before inverting onto a plate.
Serve warm, encouraging guests to pull apart pieces and enjoy the gooey, sweet interior.
Variations and Customizations
This recipe offers plenty of room for creativity.
For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, adding chopped nuts between the layers can enhance the texture.
Chocolate chips can also be incorporated for a richer flavor, making it a delightful treat for chocolate lovers.
Why Monkey Bread is a Crowd-Pleaser
Monkey bread is more than just a delicious pastry; it’s an experience.
The interactive nature of pulling apart pieces makes it a hit at gatherings, encouraging sharing and conversation.
Its warm, comforting aroma and sweet taste create a memorable moment for everyone involved, making it a perfect addition to any occasion.
Easy Monkey Bread Recipe from Scratch
This monkey bread is made by creating a dough from flour, sugar, yeast, and milk, which is then rolled into balls, coated in cinnamon sugar, and baked until golden. The total time for preparation and baking is about 1 hour and 30 minutes, yielding a deliciously sweet and sticky bread that serves 8.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for coating)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for coating)
- Optional: 1 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. Add melted butter, eggs, and salt, and mix well.
- Add Flour: Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare Coating: In a separate bowl, mix 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Shape the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into small pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then dip in melted butter and coat with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Assemble: Layer the coated dough balls in a greased bundt pan. If using, sprinkle nuts or chocolate chips between the layers.
- Second Rise: Cover the pan with a cloth and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the monkey bread for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a plate. Serve warm, pulling apart the pieces to enjoy.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
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