Sometimes you’re in the mood for something a little special to serve for a weekend brunch, holiday breakfast, or dessert and this seriously delicious recipe for monkey bread from scratch is just the thing! There are loads of recipes that use readymade biscuit dough, but in my recipe, I’m making it from scratch. This is a yeasted dough and it requires some kneading, then after kneading and letting the dough rest and double in size twice, you divide the dough and form balls of any size that you prefer. Making monkey bread from scratch does require some patience as you’ll be letting the dough rise twice, but I promise you that it is worth the time and effort!
What is Monkey Bread?
Monkey bread is made up of gooey, caramelized dough balls that pull apart effortlessly when you grab a piece. The dough itself is soft and pillowy and each piece is coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar. It’s truly an indulgent treat! How did it get its name? No one is quite sure, but one idea is that picking apart the sticky dough balls with your fingers and popping them into your mouth is like what monkeys do when they groom each other! This bread is infinitely tastier, I’m sure! Plus, it’s so fun to eat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Homemade monkey bread is simply irresistible and it’s not just a special Christmas treat! You can make it anytime! You’ll need some time for the prep, but there’s something so satisfying about making your own enriched dough. Each bite is soft and fluffy and coated in delicious cinnamon sugar. Perfection! Plus, it’s fun to pull off each scrumptious bite and you’ll love sharing this treat with your friends and family!
key ingredients
This dough is an enriched dough which means we will be adding butter, sugar, and eggs. I used a 9.5 or a 10-inch Bundt or tube pan for this recipe.
Active dry yeast: The yeast is what helps your dough to rise. It is mixed with warm water and sugar to ‘activate’ it. All-purpose flour: This is my go-to flour for this recipe. I haven’t tried it with other flours so I’m not sure if they would work the same. Vanilla extract: A hint of vanilla goes well in this enriched dough. Sugar: I use both granulated and brown sugar here. The brown sugar adds a slightly caramelized note to the dough. Egg: One large egg added to the dough helps to keep it softer for longer than regular bread dough. Unsalted butter: I use melted butter as the fat in my enriched dough. It also helps to keep the bread soft. Whole milk: Whole milk has more fat in it than 2% or skim milk, so it adds to the dough’s richness. Coating: The simple coating is made with brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter.
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
How To Make Monkey Bread
The end result is a softer and richer dough than regular bread dough. If you’ve made homemade cinnamon rolls like my Russian Cinnamon Buns or homemade sticky buns, you’ve probably used enriched dough.
Recipe Tips
Don’t over-knead the dough! This can cause a dense and tough texture. Be sure to knead the dough just until it becomes smooth and elastic. Remember to grease your pan. Non-stick cooking spray works well for this purpose. Let the dough rise properly. Let the dough rise until it is doubled in size both times. Rushing the process can alter the light and fluffy texture of the dough.
Storing Tips
Even though monkey bread tastes best when it’s served right away, warm and fresh. It’s still really good when it’s reheated and enjoyed the next day! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat individual portions, place them on a microwave-friendly plate and heat in the microwave for 20 seconds or until warm. You can also reheat in a 250°F/120°C oven for 10 minutes or until warm. If you want to freeze your monkey bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. Allow it to thaw completely before reheating.
Variations
Once you get the hang of the basic recipe, you can go ahead and get creative with your monkey bread! Here are some ideas that might inspire you. Feel free to mix and match!
Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts between the layers of dough balls to add a toasty crunch. Chocolate: Add some chocolate chips or chunks between the layers of dough balls. The chocolate will melt as it bakes creating sweet chocolatey pockets. Delicious! Caramel: This is a popular choice! Drizzle some caramel sauce in between the layers or as a topping after the bread has baked. It’s sticky and irresistible! Dried fruit: Chopped dried cranberries, raisins, or apricots can be added to the dough to add some fruitiness to your bread.
Maple glaze: Make a sweet maple glaze to drizzle over your bread. Combine powdered sugar with maple syrup and pour over the top of your baked bread for an extra treat. Save this recipe for your next special occasion brunch. Easter, Christmas, you name it! Monkey bread is never a bad idea. Pin it for more people to enjoy too! © Little Sunny Kitchen
