Homemade Yeast Monkey Bread Recipe

This yeast monkey bread is a delightful pull-apart treat that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. Made with soft, fluffy dough coated in cinnamon sugar, it’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy a sweet bread.

The recipe is simple and requires basic baking techniques. You can customize it with your favorite fillings, such as nuts or chocolate chips, to enhance the flavor.

What is Monkey Bread?

Monkey bread is a delightful treat that brings a sense of nostalgia to many. This pull-apart bread is known for its soft, fluffy texture and sweet flavor, making it a favorite for both breakfast and dessert.

Traditionally, monkey bread is made by rolling small pieces of dough in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar, then baking them together in a bundt pan. The result is a warm, gooey bread that can be easily pulled apart, perfect for sharing.

Creating the Perfect Dough

The foundation of any great monkey bread lies in its dough. A combination of all-purpose flour, sugar, and yeast creates a soft and airy texture that is essential for this recipe.

To start, warm milk and water are combined with sugar and yeast, allowing the yeast to activate. This step is crucial as it ensures the dough rises properly, resulting in a light and fluffy bread.

Flavoring with Cinnamon and Sugar

Cinnamon sugar is the star of the show when it comes to monkey bread. The mixture of brown sugar and ground cinnamon not only adds sweetness but also infuses the bread with a warm, comforting flavor.

Each piece of dough is rolled in this mixture before being layered in the bundt pan. This technique ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor, making it hard to resist.

Customization Options

One of the best aspects of monkey bread is its versatility. While the classic version is delicious on its own, there are countless ways to personalize it.

Consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the dough balls for an extra layer of flavor and texture. These additions can elevate the monkey bread experience, making it even more enjoyable for those with a sweet tooth.

Serving Suggestions

Monkey bread is best served warm, allowing the gooey texture to shine. For an extra treat, consider drizzling it with icing or serving it alongside cream cheese frosting.

This bread is perfect for gatherings, as it encourages sharing and interaction. Guests can pull apart their own pieces, creating a fun and inviting atmosphere around the table.

Storing and Reheating

If you happen to have leftovers, storing monkey bread is simple. Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days, or refrigerate it for longer freshness.

To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave. This will revive the soft texture and melt any remaining butter, making it taste freshly baked again.

Easy Cinnamon Yeast Monkey Bread Recipe

This monkey bread features bite-sized pieces of dough rolled in cinnamon sugar and baked until golden brown. The recipe takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish and serves 8 people.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
• 1/4 cup water, warmed
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips (optional)
• Additional melted butter for brushing

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, warm water, and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Mix Ingredients: Add melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually stir in flour until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon.
5. Shape the Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and tear off small pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture. If desired, place a few nuts or chocolate chips inside each ball.
6. Assemble the Monkey Bread: Layer the dough balls in a greased bundt pan, brushing with melted butter between layers. Sprinkle any remaining cinnamon sugar over the top.
7. Final Rise: Cover the pan and let the dough rise for another 30 minutes.
8. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the monkey bread for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.
9. Serve: Pull apart the pieces and enjoy warm, optionally drizzling with icing or serving with a side of cream cheese frosting.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

• Servings: 8 servings
• Calories: 250kcal
• Fat: 10g
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 36g