Introduction to Monkey Bread
What is Monkey Bread?
Monkey bread is a delightful and sticky dessert known for its sweet, cinnamon-infused dough that pulls apart easily. It is often baked in a bundt pan and served in pieces, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends. The texture is soft and gooey, with layers of dough that are coated in a sugary cinnamon glaze. Monkey bread is often served for breakfast or as a fun, interactive dessert.
Why is Monkey Bread So Popular?
There’s no denying that monkey bread has become a crowd favorite. Its irresistible combination of warm, fluffy dough and rich cinnamon sugar is one of the reasons it’s so beloved. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or just a cozy weekend brunch, this treat is sure to bring smiles to the table.
Looking for the perfect monkey bread recipe? Check out how it’s done on Food Network for expert tips and tricks.
A Fun Dessert for All Ages
What makes monkey bread stand out is its versatility. It’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and can be customized with your favorite add-ins, such as raisins or nuts. Plus, it’s a hit with kids and adults alike! The fun comes from pulling apart the dough pieces, making it a hands-on dessert for gatherings.
Discover more on how to create the best monkey bread by checking out this AllRecipes guide.
What to Expect in This Article
In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about making the best monkey bread at home. We’ll cover the step-by-step recipe, advanced techniques for perfecting it, and ways to customize it to fit dietary preferences. Let’s dive into the delicious world of monkey bread!
Best Monkey Bread Recipe
PrintBest Monkey Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A deliciously sticky, sweet, and gooey cinnamon monkey bread recipe made with refrigerated biscuit dough, cinnamon, and brown sugar, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
- 4 cups white sugar
- 8 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 12 (12 ounce) packages refrigerated biscuit dough
- 2 cups chopped walnuts (optional)
- 2 cups raisins (optional)
- 2 cups butter or margarine
- 4 cups packed brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine white sugar and cinnamon. Cut the biscuit dough into quarters and roll each piece in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. If using, add raisins and walnuts.
- Grease a bundt pan and layer the coated dough pieces inside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar together over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Pour this mixture over the layered dough in the bundt pan.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let the monkey bread cool for a few minutes before flipping it onto a plate.
Notes
- You can substitute margarine for butter if preferred.
- Optional ingredients like raisins and walnuts can be left out or replaced with other nuts or fruits.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of the loaf
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 48g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Best Monkey Bread Recipe
Check out Minimalist Baker’s gluten-free monkey bread for a twist on the classic.
STEPS :
Step 1Â
Gather all ingredient
Step 2
Combine white sugar and cinnamon in a plastic bag. Cut the biscuits into quarters and shake 6 to 8 pieces in the sugar-cinnamon mixture.
Step 3
Place the coated biscuit pieces in the bottom of the prepared pan. Continue layering until all the biscuits are coated and in the pan. If using walnuts and raisins, sprinkle them in and around the biscuit pieces as you go.
Step 4
Step 5
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a plate and allow everyone to pull it apart.
Step 6
Enjoy !
Techniques for Making Perfect Monkey Bread
Achieving the Perfect Dough Texture
To create the best monkey bread, focus on getting the dough just right. Cut the refrigerated biscuit dough into quarters and roll each piece in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. The coating should be generous but not overly thick, as this will ensure that each bite is perfectly sweet and gooey. If you add nuts or raisins, ensure they are evenly distributed.
Layering for Maximum Flavor
The key to monkey bread lies in how you layer the dough pieces. When placing them in the bundt pan, arrange them in a random, slightly messy pattern. This will allow the sugar syrup to soak through every piece, giving each one a delicious cinnamon flavor. Don’t forget to drizzle the melted butter and brown sugar mixture evenly over the dough layers to achieve that rich, caramelized texture.
Perfecting the Baking Process
When baking monkey bread, it’s important to keep a close eye on the time. Bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the dough has fully cooked. You can test it by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread—it should come out clean.
Enhancing the Flavor with Variations
Feel free to get creative with monkey bread. Add your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, dried fruits, or different nuts. You can also switch up the spices by adding nutmeg, ginger, or allspice to the cinnamon-sugar coating for a deeper flavor.
For more baking tips, explore this AllRecipes guide to elevate your monkey bread-making skills. For more advanced recipes visit cookingwhite.
Maintenance and Storage Tips for Monkey Bread
Storing Leftover Monkey Bread
If you have any monkey bread left after your gathering, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain its moist texture for a couple of days. Alternatively, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge to extend its freshness for up to a week.
Reheating for Softness
To bring back the gooey texture of monkey bread, simply reheat individual pieces in the microwave for 15–20 seconds. If you’re reheating a larger portion, wrap it in foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes. This method will restore the bread’s softness and warm, sticky consistency.
Freezing Monkey Bread
If you want to prepare monkey bread ahead of time, freezing is a great option. Once your bread is fully baked and cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as described above.
Preventing Sticking and Mess
To avoid the bread sticking to the pan, make sure to grease the bundt pan generously with butter or non-stick spray. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for extra protection. After baking, let the monkey bread cool for a few minutes before flipping it onto a plate to prevent any of the sticky syrup from sticking to the pan.
By following these maintenance tips, your monkey bread will stay fresh and delicious for longer. Whether you’re storing it for later or reheating, it will still maintain its irresistible texture.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
Vegan Monkey Bread
For a vegan monkey bread, you can easily swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative, such as vegan margarine or coconut oil. Use a non-dairy milk like almond milk or oat milk in place of regular milk, and choose egg-free biscuit dough for a fully vegan treat. These adjustments ensure that the bread retains its soft, gooey texture without sacrificing flavor.
Gluten-Free Monkey Bread
If you’re following a gluten-free diet, replace the regular biscuit dough with gluten-free alternatives. Many stores offer gluten-free biscuit dough that works perfectly in this recipe. Additionally, check the ingredients of your cinnamon and sugar mix to ensure they’re gluten-free. These simple swaps let you enjoy the same delicious monkey bread without worrying about gluten.
Lower Sugar Version
To make a lower sugar version of monkey bread, consider reducing the amount of white sugar and brown sugar in the recipe. You can also substitute with a sugar alternative like stevia or erythritol. While this will slightly change the flavor, it will still create a satisfying and sweet treat. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, but it will remain delicious.
Nut-Free and Raisin-Free Options
For those with nut or raisin allergies, simply omit the raisins and chopped walnuts from the recipe. You can replace them with other mix-ins such as sunflower seeds, or leave them out entirely. The bread will still be incredibly tasty, offering the same wonderful cinnamon flavor. The texture and overall taste will remain satisfying.
By making these simple substitutions, you can enjoy a monkey bread tailored to your specific dietary needs without losing the essence of this classic treat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Monkey Bread
Can I Make Pull-Apart Bread Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare pull-apart bread ahead of time. Simply assemble the dough, coat it in cinnamon and sugar, and place it in the bundt pan. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight. The next day, let it come to room temperature before baking. This makes for an easy breakfast or dessert when you’re short on time.
Why is My Pull-Apart Bread Too Dry?
If your pull-apart bread turns out dry, it may be because the dough was overbaked. Make sure to check the bread around the 30-minute mark and test it with a toothpick. Also, ensure that the butter and brown sugar mixture is evenly distributed over the dough, which helps keep it moist. If necessary, you can brush the bread with a bit more melted butter after baking for added richness.
Can I Use Homemade Biscuit Dough?
You can certainly use homemade biscuit dough for a more from-scratch version of pull-apart bread. The dough should be soft and flaky, which will absorb the cinnamon-sugar syrup well. However, refrigerated biscuit dough is more convenient and provides a quicker solution with similar delicious results.
How Do I Prevent Pull-Apart Bread from Sticking?
To prevent the pull-apart bread from sticking to the pan, be sure to grease it generously with butter or non-stick cooking spray. You can also line the bundt pan with parchment paper for extra protection. This will allow you to easily release the bread after baking, ensuring it keeps its shape.
By following these tips, you’ll have an easier time making the best pull-apart bread and avoid common baking pitfalls. Enjoy your delicious, warm, and sticky treat!