Homemade Monkey Bread

Homemade Monkey Bread: A Delicious, Indulgent Treat

Homemade Monkey Bread is not just a recipe; it’s a delightful experience filled with nostalgia and warmth that wraps around you like a cozy blanket. Imagine pulling apart gooey, buttery chunks of sweet, cinnamon-kissed dough that melt in your mouth, evoking memories of family gatherings and crisp childhood mornings. This lovely treat beckons you with its inviting aroma, making it irresistible to anyone nearby. With minimal effort and a short list of ingredients, you can whip up this magical bread in no time, making it a perfect weekend project or a kid-friendly baking session. Let the fun begin as you dive into this indulgent culinary adventure!

What’s Your Sweetest Memory?

Have you ever gathered around a table with loved ones, sharing stories over a warm, comforting dessert? Picture a lazy Sunday morning when the scent of cinnamon and yeast fills the air as your Monkey Bread bakes. Imagine each family member tearing off a piece, laughter echoing off the walls while sticky fingers reached for more. What’s your favorite memory of a sweet treat that brings everyone together? Monkey Bread has a magical way of creating those moments. So, why not create new memories this weekend by baking up a delightful batch?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When it comes to special treats, homemade Monkey Bread has earned its place at the top for many reasons.

• Easy Prep: With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe is easy enough for novice bakers and rewarding enough for seasoned pros.

• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, brunches, or cozy family nights, it’s a sure-win among guests of all ages.

• Minimal Ingredients: Unlike some intricate desserts, you won’t need a pantry full of obscure items.

• A Wholesome Gesture: By making it at home, you can control the quality, offering warmth and love in each bite.

Ingredients

To create this mouthwatering Monkey Bread, you’ll need a few essential ingredients paired with a touch of love. Here’s the full list:

• Dough Ingredients:

  • 1 and 1/2 cups whole milk, warmed to about 110°F
  • 2 and 1/4 teaspoons Platinum Yeast from Red Star
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 5 cups all-purpose flour

• Coating Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 and 1/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 2/3 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• Vanilla Icing Ingredients:

  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 3 Tablespoons whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Each ingredient plays a significant role in creating the rich flavors and gooey textures that define Monkey Bread. The warm milk and yeast awaken the dough, while the cinnamon sugar coating brings a sweet, spicy embrace that makes every bite delightful.

Timing

The beauty of homemade Monkey Bread lies not only in its incredible taste but also in its timing.

• Fast and Indulgent: You can have it in your hands in about 2-3 hours, allowing for some time while it rises and bakes.

• Slow and Luxurious: Alternatively, you can opt for a more leisurely approach if you choose to spend time with family or let the bread rise longer for fluffier results.

No matter how you tackle it, the delightful scent wafting through your kitchen is invaluable.

Step-by-Step

Follow these easy, step-by-step directions to create your very own delightful Monkey Bread:

1. Prepare the dough: In the bowl of your stand mixer, whisk the warm milk, yeast, and sugar together. Allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. Add the eggs and ingredients: Add the eggs, melted butter, salt, and 1 cup of flour. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Gradually add the remaining flour, beating on medium speed until the dough begins to come together, about 2 minutes.

3. Knead the dough: Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes. If it becomes too sticky, you can sprinkle flour, 1 teaspoon at a time.

4. First rise: Lightly grease a large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and allow it to rise in a warm environment for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.

5. Grease the Bundt pan: Generously grease a 10-12 cup Bundt pan to ensure easy release.

6. Prepare the coating: Melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter and mix together granulated sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.

7. Shape the dough: After punching down the dough, divide it into pieces, rolling them into balls about 1.25 inches in diameter. Dip each ball in the melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Arrange the balls in the Bundt pan, cover, and allow to rest for 20 minutes.

8. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to achieve that perfect golden brown crust.

9. Finish the coating: Melt the remaining butter, then whisk in brown sugar and pure vanilla extract. Pour this luscious mixture over the arranged dough balls.

10. Bake: Bake for 35-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the dough is cooked through.

11. Cool and invert: Allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate.

12. Make the icing: Whisk together all icing ingredients to create a sweet drizzle, and then drizzle it generously over your Monkey Bread.

Each step draws you closer to the indulgent aroma wafting through your kitchen, paving the way for the moment you finally tear into this delectable creation.

Nutritional Information

While indulging in homemade Monkey Bread, it’s essential to be mindful of your nourishment. Each serving contains approximately 300-400 calories, with significant amounts of sugar due to the glorious coating.

Remember, a little indulgence goes a long way, and enjoying sweet treats is part of life’s joys. Savor every gooey bite while appreciating the simple pleasures of baking!

Healthier Alternatives

If you’re watching your sugar intake or seeking ways to make this beloved dessert a bit healthier, consider these alternatives:

• Low-sugar Swaps: Substitute the granulated sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce calories significantly.

• Dairy-free Options: Use almond or oat milk in place of whole milk, and coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.

These swaps can help you relish in the delightful experience without the guilt.

Serving Suggestions

Imagine the joy of serving Homemade Monkey Bread at special occasions or on cozy weekends.

• With Ice Cream: Top warm Monkey Bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable treat—a delightful contrast of warm and cold.

• For Holidays: It’s an absolute showstopper at family gatherings, especially around the holidays when sharing warmth and joy is at the forefront.

Pair it with a warm cup of coffee, and you’ll have a bakery-style experience in your own home!

Common Mistakes

While making Monkey Bread is a simple endeavor, a few common mistakes can throw a wrench in your baking plans:

1. Overbaking: Keep an eye on the bread in the oven. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture, which isn’t ideal for such a gooey treat.

2. Texture Issues: Not kneading the dough sufficiently may result in a dense bread instead of the airy, fluffy goodness you desire.

3. Messes in the Kitchen: The sticky dough and messy cinnamon sugar can be overwhelming. Prepare your workspace in advance to minimize chaos!

Avoid these easy pitfalls, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving Monkey Bread perfection.

Storing Tips

If you manage to have any leftovers (which is rare!), storing them properly ensures you can enjoy the delightful goodness later.

• Freezing Portions: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months!

• Reheating Instructions: To enjoy Monkey Bread again, thaw it overnight in the fridge, and then warm it up in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.

This way, every bite tastes just as good as the first!

Temptation to Bake It ASAP

With its gooey texture and comforting aroma, Homemade Monkey Bread is far more than a recipe; it’s a wonderfully sweet experience filled with love and fun.

What are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get baking! In no time, your kitchen will be filled with the heavenly scent of butter and cinnamon, beckoning friends and family to gather around for an unforgettable treat.

FAQs

• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise overnight in the fridge.

• What if I don’t have a Bundt pan? No worries! You can use a regular round cake pan or muffin tins.

• Can I add mix-ins? Absolutely! Chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or raisins can be delightful surprises within your Monkey Bread.

• Is Monkey Bread best served warm? Yes! It’s best served warm with gooey icing dripping down each piece.

• How do I know when it’s done baking? Look for a golden brown top, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Incorporate these FAQs within your baking adventure, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience! Happy baking!

Homemade Monkey Bread

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• Author: bright
• Total Time: 120 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and indulgent treat, Homemade Monkey Bread features gooey, buttery chunks of sweet dough kissed with cinnamon, perfect for family gatherings or cozy weekends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 and 1/2 cups whole milk, warmed to about 110°F
• 2 and 1/4 teaspoons Platinum Yeast from Red Star
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, divided
• 1 and 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 2/3 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 3 Tablespoons whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. In the bowl of your stand mixer, whisk the warm milk, yeast, and sugar together. Allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Add the eggs, melted butter, salt, and 1 cup of flour. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Gradually add the remaining flour, beating on medium speed until the dough begins to come together, about 2 minutes.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes. If it becomes too sticky, sprinkle flour, 1 teaspoon at a time.
4. Lightly grease a large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and allow it to rise in a warm environment for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
5. Generously grease a 10-12 cup Bundt pan to ensure easy release.
6. Melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter and mix together granulated sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.
7. After punching down the dough, divide it into pieces, rolling them into balls about 1.25 inches in diameter. Dip each ball in the melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Arrange the balls in the Bundt pan, cover, and allow to rest for 20 minutes.
8. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
9. Melt the remaining butter, then whisk in brown sugar and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture over the arranged dough balls.
10. Bake for 35-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
11. Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.
12. Whisk together icing ingredients and drizzle generously over the Monkey Bread.

Notes

For a dairy-free option, use almond or oat milk instead of whole milk and coconut oil instead of butter. You can also try low-sugar alternatives like stevia.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 60mg