Monkey bread is a delightful and indulgent treat that combines the fun of pulling apart sweet, sticky dough balls with a rich history that traces back to the early 1970s in the United States. The name “monkey bread” is thought to come from the way people eat it—pulling pieces apart much like monkeys do with their food. This delectable dessert has evolved over the years, gaining widespread popularity for its versatility and appeal at various occasions. Whether served as a comforting breakfast, a sweet brunch delight, or an irresistible dessert, monkey bread’s gooey cinnamon-sugar coating and fluffy texture make it a favorite among both kids and adults alike.
Traditionally, monkey bread is made with pieces of dough that are rolled in cinnamon sugar and baked in a Bundt pan, creating a visually striking centerpiece for any table. It has become synonymous with family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and casual brunches, often making appearances at potlucks and festive events. The interactive nature of pulling apart this bread adds to the communal experience, making it a perfect choice for gatherings where sharing and enjoyment are key. Culinary enthusiasts appreciate that while the classic recipe is simple, there is still ample room for creativity through various add-ins and flavor combinations. Whether it’s chocolate chips, nuts, or seasonal spices, each variation provides a new twist on this beloved classic.
What is Monkey Bread?
Monkey bread is a delightful and indulgent treat that combines the fun of pulling apart sweet, sticky dough balls with a rich history that traces back to the early 1970s in the United States. The name “monkey bread” is thought to come from the way people eat it—pulling pieces apart much like monkeys do with their food. This delectable dessert has evolved over the years, gaining widespread popularity for its versatility and appeal at various occasions. Whether served as a comforting breakfast, a sweet brunch delight, or an irresistible dessert, monkey bread’s gooey cinnamon-sugar coating and fluffy texture make it a favorite among both kids and adults alike.
Traditionally, monkey bread is made with pieces of dough that are rolled in cinnamon sugar and baked in a Bundt pan, creating a visually striking centerpiece for any table. It has become synonymous with family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and casual brunches, often making appearances at potlucks and festive events. The interactive nature of pulling apart this bread adds to the communal experience, making it a perfect choice for gatherings where sharing and enjoyment are key. Culinary enthusiasts appreciate that while the classic recipe is simple, there is still ample room for creativity through various add-ins and flavor combinations. Whether it’s chocolate chips, nuts, or seasonal spices, each variation provides a new twist on this beloved classic.
Essential Ingredients for Monkey Bread
To create the perfect monkey bread, you will need a few essential ingredients that serve as the foundation for this delectable dish. Here’s a list of core ingredients required:
- Dough: Flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt, milk, butter, eggs
- Coating: Brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, melted butter
In addition to these key ingredients, there are also numerous optional add-ins and variations that you can explore to personalize your monkey bread experience:
- Dough Types: Use crescent roll dough, biscuit dough, or even homemade bread dough for different textures.
- Sugar Alternatives: Try using coconut sugar or honey for a unique flavor profile.
- Nuts: Incorporate walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added crunch and richness.
- Flavorings: Experiment with vanilla extract, lemon zest, or pumpkin spice to enhance your recipe.
Equipment Needed
To create the perfect monkey bread, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will aid in the preparation and baking process. Here are the necessary items:
- Bundt Pan: This is the centerpiece of your monkey bread, giving it a beautiful shape and allowing the dough to bake evenly. The unique tube design also promotes even cooking, ensuring a golden brown color all around.
- Mixing Bowls: Having both large and medium-sized mixing bowls will help you manage your ingredients effectively while mixing the dough and coating.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking, so make sure you have a set of measuring cups and spoons to measure out liquids and dry ingredients precisely.
- Pastry Brush: A pastry brush will be useful for applying melted butter to the dough pieces, ensuring they have the perfect coating.
- Non-Stick Spray: To prevent sticking, use a non-stick spray on your Bundt pan before adding the dough. This will make it much easier to release the bread after baking.
Detailed Monkey Bread Recipe
Preparation Time
Total Time: 90 minutes (including rise time)
Active Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients Breakdown
Dough Ingredients
- Flour
- Instant yeast
- Sugar
- Salt
- Milk
- Butter
- Eggs
Coating Mixture
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Melted butter
Optional Add-ins
- Nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds)
- Chocolate chips
- Dried fruits
Directions
- Making the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. In a small saucepan, heat the milk and butter until warm (not hot) and add to the dry ingredients along with eggs. Mix until a smooth dough forms. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until elastic and smooth. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a towel. Allow it to rise for approximately 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preparing the Coating: In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. This will be the sweet coating for your dough pieces.
- Shaping the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into small, bite-sized pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then coat each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring they are well covered.
- Layering in the Bundt Pan: Prepare your Bundt pan by spraying it with non-stick spray. Begin layering the coated dough balls evenly in the pan, creating a pleasing arrangement as you go. Leave some space in between for the dough to expand while rising.
- Second Rise: Cover the Bundt pan with a clean towel and let it rise for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the dough has risen sufficiently and fills the pan.
- Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the monkey bread for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center, it should come out clean.
- Serving the Bread: Allow the monkey bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving platter. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle with icing or serve it plain for an irresistible treat.
- Storing Leftover Monkey Bread: If there are leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze, then reheat in a microwave or oven.
monkey bread recipe
Equipment
- 1 10-inch bundt pan
- 1 mixing bowls
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 whisk
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 small saucepan
Ingredients
- 3 cans refrigerated biscuits Each 16.3 oz.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup unsalted butter 2 sticks.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts Pecans or walnuts optional.
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips Optional.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together.
- Open the cans of biscuits and cut each biscuit into quarters.
- Roll each piece of biscuit in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.
- In the bundt pan, layer half of the coated biscuit pieces. If using nuts or chocolate chips, sprinkle half over this layer.
- In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter and mix in the brown sugar until well combined. Pour half of this mixture over the layer of biscuits in the bundt pan.
- Add the remaining biscuit pieces on top, followed by the remaining nuts or chocolate chips. Pour the remaining butter mixture over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes in the pan. Then, invert onto a serving plate and allow to cool slightly before tearing apart and serving.
