Easy Monkey Bread Recipe: Perfect Pull-Apart Treat!

Wow your family and friends with this incredibly easy and delicious Monkey Bread recipe! This pull-apart treat is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a satisfying snack. Made with simple ingredients like refrigerated biscuit dough, brown sugar, cinnamon, and pecans, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

Monkey Bread

Versatile Flavor Profile: One of the coolest things about this monkey bread recipe is its versatility. While the classic version is already a crowd-pleaser with its cinnamon sugar coating and gooey texture, you can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences. Add nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips to the dough for extra flavor and texture. You can also experiment with different glazes, such as cream cheese or maple, to take your monkey bread to the next level of deliciousness!

Monkey Bread

Perfect for Sharing: Monkey bread isn't just a delicious treat; it's also a fantastic communal dish that brings people together. Whether you're hosting a brunch with friends or a family gathering, serving up a warm, freshly baked monkey bread is sure to put a smile on everyone's face. Plus, the fun of pulling apart the individual dough balls makes it an interactive and enjoyable eating experience for all ages. So whip up a batch of monkey bread and get ready to spread some joy and happiness with every bite!

FAQs

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

  • Yes, you can use instant yeast as a substitute for active dry yeast. Use the same amount and follow the recipe as directed.

2. Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour?

  • Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that it may result in a denser texture.

3. Can I use almond milk instead of whole milk?

  • Yes, almond milk or any other type of milk can be used as a substitute for whole milk in this recipe.

4. How do I know when the dough has doubled in size?

  • You'll know the dough has doubled in size when it visibly increases in volume and springs back when lightly pressed with your finger.

5. Can I prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight?

  • Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

6. Can I freeze the dough balls before baking?

  • Yes, you can freeze the dough balls before baking. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Thaw and proceed with the recipe as directed.

7. Can I use a different type of pan if I don't have a Bundt pan?

  • Yes, you can use a different type of pan, such as a loaf pan or cake pan, if you don't have a Bundt pan. Adjust baking time as needed.

8. Can I omit the glaze or use a different type of glaze?

  • Yes, you can omit the glaze if you prefer or use a different type of glaze, such as cream cheese or maple glaze, to suit your taste.

9. How long does the monkey bread stay fresh after baking?

  • Monkey bread is best enjoyed fresh on the day it's baked, but it can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

10. Can I reheat leftover monkey bread?

  • Yes, you can reheat leftover monkey bread in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven until warmed through.

11. Can I add nuts, raisins, or other mixins to the cinnamon sugar coating?

  • Absolutely! Feel free to customize your monkey bread by adding nuts, raisins, or other mixins to the cinnamon sugar coating according to your preference.

12. Can I make this recipe vegan by using plant-based milk and butter?

  • Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by using plant-based milk and butter as substitutes for dairy milk and butter. Just ensure that all other ingredients are vegan-friendly as well.

13. Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?

  • Yes, you can use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer to mix and knead the dough. It may require a bit more effort, but the results will be equally delicious.

14. Can I make mini monkey breads instead of one large one?

  • Absolutely! You can divide the dough into smaller portions and shape them into mini monkey breads. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.

15. Can I adjust the amount of cinnamon sugar coating to my taste preferences?

  • Of course! Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon sugar coating according to your taste preferences. Add more or less as desired for the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.

Make it

Ultimate Monkey Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon salt

2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Coating:

1 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Optional Add-ins:

1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

1/2 cup raisins or chopped dried fruit

1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

2-3 tablespoons milk or cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Prepare Stand Mixer: Attach the dough hook attachment to your stand mixer.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In the mixing bowl of the stand mixer, combine 3 cups of flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.

Mix Dough: With the stand mixer on low speed, gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.

Knead: Increase the speed to medium-low and knead the dough for about 5 minutes, or until it's smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup of flour until it reaches the desired consistency.

First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Shape and Coat: Follow steps 7 through 12 of the original recipe, shaping the dough into balls, dipping them in butter, and coating them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Second Rise: Arrange the coated dough balls in a greased Bundt pan, cover it, and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy and almost doubled in size.

Preheat and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the monkey bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Prepare Glaze: While the monkey bread is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Glaze and Serve: Once the monkey bread is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes. Invert the monkey bread onto a serving platter and drizzle the glaze over the top.

Serve: Serve the monkey bread warm, pulling apart the pieces to enjoy the gooey goodness!