Homemade Monkey Bread

Monkey bread is a delightful treat that brings together the joy of pulling apart gooey cinnamon rolls. This Homemade Monkey Bread recipe is perfect for breakfast gatherings, brunches, or as a sweet dessert. Its unique pull-apart style and warm cinnamon flavor make it an irresistible choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This monkey bread requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Customizable Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different spices or add-ins like nuts or dried fruits to suit your taste.
• Fun for Gatherings: The pull-apart nature of this treat encourages sharing, making it a hit at parties and family gatherings.
• Deliciously Gooey: With its buttery cinnamon-sugar coating, each bite offers a satisfying sweetness that everyone will love.
• Perfect for Leftovers: While best enjoyed fresh, leftover monkey bread stays tasty for several days when stored properly.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making your homemade monkey bread, gather all the necessary tools. Having everything ready will help streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer with dough hook or paddle attachment
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Bundt pan
• Silicone spatula
• Kitchen towel or plastic wrap

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes mixing and kneading the dough easier and less labor-intensive.
• Bundt pan: Provides the perfect shape for baking your monkey bread while allowing even cooking throughout.
• Silicone spatula: Ideal for scraping down the sides of bowls and ensuring all ingredients are well mixed.

Ingredients

To create this delicious homemade monkey bread, you’ll need the following 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

Whisk the warm milk, yeast, and sugar together in the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a dough hook or paddle attachment. Cover and allow to sit for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Add Ingredients

Add the eggs, melted butter, salt, and one cup of flour. Beat on low speed for about 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl before adding the remaining flour. Mix on medium speed until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Keep the dough in the mixer for an additional 5–7 minutes on medium speed. Alternatively, knead by hand on a floured surface until smooth. If too sticky, add flour gradually.

Step 4: Let It Rise

Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or nonstick spray. Place your dough in it, turning to coat all sides. Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm spot for about 1–2 hours until doubled in size.

Step 5: Prepare Bundt Pan

Generously grease a Bundt pan with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking during baking.

Step 6: Mix Coatings

Melt half a cup of unsalted butter in one bowl. In another bowl, combine granulated sugar with ground cinnamon for coating your dough balls later.

Step 7: Form Dough Balls

Once risen, punch down the dough to release air. Roll small pieces into balls about an inch in diameter. Dip each ball into melted butter then roll them in cinnamon-sugar mixture before placing them in the Bundt pan.

Step 8: Let It Rest

Cover the pan again with plastic wrap or a towel and let it rest for another 20 minutes while you preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).

Step 9: Add Topping Mixture

Melt remaining butter then whisk in brown sugar and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture evenly over your shaped monkey bread before baking.

Step 10: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for about 35–45 minutes until golden brown on top. If needed, cover loosely with foil if browning too quickly.

Step 11: Cool & Drizzle

After removing from oven, let cool for around ten minutes prior to flipping onto a serving plate. Whisk together icing ingredients and drizzle over warm monkey bread.

Step 12: Enjoy!

Serve immediately while warm! Monkey bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be kept covered at room temperature for one day or refrigerated up to four days.

This homemade monkey bread recipe is sure to become a favorite!

How to Serve Homemade Monkey Bread

Homemade monkey bread is a delightful treat that can be served in various ways. Whether you want it for breakfast, dessert, or a fun snack, here are some creative serving suggestions.

Breakfast Delight

• Serve warm slices of monkey bread alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries for a colorful breakfast plate.

Dessert Extravaganza

• Drizzle extra icing over the warm monkey bread and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

Family Style

• Place the entire Bundt pan on the table, allowing everyone to pull apart their own gooey pieces. This interactive style makes it perfect for gatherings.

Coffee Companion

• Pair slices of monkey bread with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. The cinnamon flavor complements hot beverages nicely.

Brunch Buffet

• Include homemade monkey bread as part of a larger brunch spread with scrambled eggs, fruit salads, and pastries. It adds a sweet touch to your buffet.

How to Perfect Homemade Monkey Bread

Making the perfect homemade monkey bread requires attention to detail and a few handy tips. Follow these suggestions for optimal results.

• Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise and texture. Check the expiration date before use.

• Warm Environment: Allow the dough to rise in a warm area. If your kitchen is cold, consider using an oven set to low heat (turned off) as a cozy spot.

• Don’t Rush Kneading: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This step is crucial for achieving that fluffy texture in your final product.

• Customize Flavors: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips into the dough or filling for added flavor and texture variations.

• Keep an Eye on Baking: Monitor your monkey bread as it bakes. If it browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Monkey Bread

Serving homemade monkey bread with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

1. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs make a classic breakfast pairing that balances the sweetness of monkey bread.

2. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and brightness to your plate, making it more balanced.

3. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and berries provides a creamy and crunchy contrast that goes well with sweet bread.

4. Sausage Links: Savory sausage links offer a hearty addition that contrasts beautifully with the sweet flavors of monkey bread.

5. Crispy Hash Browns: Golden-brown hash browns add texture and savory flavor, perfect for brunch settings.

6. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide richness and variety, making your meal more sophisticated.

7. Smoothie Bowl: A refreshing smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds complements the sweetness while adding health benefits.

8. Breakfast Burritos: Hearty breakfast burritos filled with eggs and veggies create a filling combination that pairs well with sweet treats like monkey bread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Homemade Monkey Bread can be a delightful experience, but a few common mistakes can lead to unsatisfactory results.

• Ignoring yeast activation: Ensure the yeast is properly activated by letting it sit with warm milk and sugar for 5 minutes. If it doesn’t bubble, discard and start over.
• Over-kneading the dough: Kneading too much can make the bread tough. Aim for a soft, slightly tacky dough that passes the windowpane test without being overly dry or sticky.
• Not allowing enough rise time: Skipping the rise time can result in dense bread. Letting the dough double in size is crucial for fluffy monkey bread.
• Using incorrect measurements: Accurate measuring of ingredients is essential. Use a kitchen scale for precision, especially with flour.
• Not greasing the pan sufficiently: A well-greased Bundt pan prevents sticking. Generously apply butter or nonstick spray to ensure easy removal after baking.

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 pieces tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Homemade Monkey Bread

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Homemade Monkey Bread.

How do I make my Homemade Monkey Bread fluffier?

To achieve fluffiness, ensure your dough rises properly and isn’t over-kneaded. Enough resting time is key.

Can I prepare Homemade Monkey Bread in advance?

Yes! You can assemble it ahead of time and refrigerate overnight before baking. Just allow it to come to room temperature before baking.

What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?

You can use flaxseed meal mixed with water or applesauce as an egg replacement if desired.

How should I serve Homemade Monkey Bread?

This treat is best served warm, allowing everyone to pull apart their own gooey pieces right from the Bundt pan!

Final Thoughts

Homemade Monkey Bread is not only a fun breakfast treat but also perfect as dessert. Its gooey texture and sweet cinnamon flavor make it irresistible. Customize it by adding nuts or dried fruits, making each batch uniquely yours. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!