Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the joy of making *monkey bread*! It’s one of those desserts that brings everyone together—just imagine pulling apart those gooey, cinnamon-sugar-coated dough balls! I remember the first time I made it; my friends and I were gathered for a movie night, and as soon as that warm, sweet aroma filled the kitchen, we couldn’t resist. We dove in, fingers sticky with sweet goodness, and laughter filling the air. Monkey bread is not just a treat; it’s an experience! It’s perfect for brunch, family gatherings, or just a cozy night at home. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked on this delightful pastry that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Ingredients for Monkey Bread
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this delicious monkey bread, and I promise it’s super simple! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: This will give your monkey bread its lovely structure. Make sure to spoon it into the measuring cup for accuracy!
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Just a bit of sweetness to get that dough started on the right foot.
- 1 packet active dry yeast: This is what makes your dough rise and become fluffy. Make sure it’s fresh!
- 1 cup warm milk: Not too hot, just warm enough to activate the yeast—think baby bath temperature!
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: This adds richness and flavor to your dough. Let it cool slightly before mixing it in.
- 1 teaspoon salt: A little salt helps balance the sweetness and enhances all those lovely flavors.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: This is where the magic happens—cinnamon is the star of the show!
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: This will create that delightful sticky sweetness that pulls everything together.
Once you have these ingredients on hand, you’re all set to dive into the fun of making monkey bread!
How to Prepare Monkey Bread
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to make this scrumptious monkey bread! Don’t worry, it’s a straightforward process, and I’ll guide you every step of the way. Just make sure to follow along, and you’ll have a warm, gooey treat in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by combining 1 cup of warm milk and your packet of active dry yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. You want to see that yeast start to bubble and froth—this means it’s alive and ready to work its magic!
- Next, add in the 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt to the yeast mixture. Give it a good stir to combine all those luscious flavors.
- Now, gradually add in the 3 cups of all-purpose flour. I like to do this a bit at a time to avoid any flour clouds! Once it’s all incorporated, knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Trust me, this is a great arm workout!
- Once you’ve kneaded your dough, place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. You want it to double in size, so be patient—it’ll be worth it!
- While your dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’ll be nice and hot when your monkey bread is ready to bake!
- In a separate bowl, mix together the 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon and 1/2 cup brown sugar. This is where the magic really starts to happen!
- Once your dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Then, divide it into small balls—about 1 inch in size. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, making sure they’re well coated.
- Now, place those glorious balls into a greased bundt pan. Don’t worry about them being perfect; it’s all about that rustic charm!
- Pop your bundt pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and it smells heavenly. The kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll be so excited!
- When the time is up, let your monkey bread cool in the pan for a few minutes before inverting it onto a plate. Try to resist the urge to dig in right away—just a few more moments!
And there you have it! Just follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to enjoying the best monkey bread ever!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation means you can whip this up in no time, perfect for unexpected guests!
- It’s a fun, interactive dessert that everyone can enjoy pulling apart together.
- The warm, gooey, cinnamon-sugar flavor is simply irresistible!
- Leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delicious the next day—if you can resist eating it all at once!
- It makes for a stunning centerpiece at any gathering, and you’ll impress everyone with your baking skills!
Tips for Success
To ensure your monkey bread comes out perfectly every time, here are a few of my favorite tips! First, make sure your yeast is fresh—if it doesn’t bubble in the warm milk, it’s time to get a new packet. When kneading the dough, don’t rush it; you want it smooth and elastic, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour as you go, but try not to overdo it.
For baking, keep an eye on it in the last few minutes—every oven is different! You want that golden brown top, but be careful not to overbake. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before inverting it to prevent it from falling apart. Serve it warm for the best experience, and don’t hesitate to drizzle some icing on top for an extra indulgent treat. Enjoy every gooey bite!
Variations of Monkey Bread
Now, let’s get creative with your monkey bread! There are so many fun variations to try that will keep things exciting every time you make it. For a chocolate twist, add some mini chocolate chips to the dough balls before rolling them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture—trust me, it’s a game changer!
If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch. You could also swap out the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice in the fall for a delicious seasonal twist. And don’t forget about fillings! Try stuffing some of the dough balls with cream cheese or fruit preserves before rolling them in sugar for a surprise inside.
For an even sweeter finish, drizzle a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk over the top once it’s baked. The possibilities are endless, so let your imagination run wild!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional info for our delicious monkey bread! Each serving is estimated to contain about 250 calories, 10g of fat, 4g of protein, and 35g of carbohydrates. You’ll also find around 12g of sugar in there. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the ingredients you use and any variations you might try. So, if you add chocolate chips or nuts, the nutrition will change a bit! Just enjoy it in moderation, and savor every gooey bite!
FAQ About Monkey Bread
Can I make monkey bread ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just bring it back to room temperature before rolling it in the cinnamon-sugar and baking.
Why is my monkey bread not rising? If your dough isn’t rising, it might be due to inactive yeast. Always check that your yeast is fresh, and make sure the milk is warm but not hot when you mix it in.
Can I use a different type of sugar? Yes! You can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or even maple sugar for a different flavor profile. Just remember, this will change the taste slightly!
What’s the best way to store leftovers? Store your monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you have any left after that, feel free to refrigerate it, though it’s best enjoyed warm!
Can I freeze monkey bread? Definitely! After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It should keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the fridge and warm it up before serving!
Final Thoughts
I’m so excited for you to try making this monkey bread! It’s such a fun and delicious project that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. Once you pull that warm, gooey goodness out of the oven, I promise you’ll be the star of the gathering! If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you add your own twist? Share your thoughts or any questions in the comments below—I can’t wait to connect over our love for this delightful treat!
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Monkey bread: 10 Reasons to Fall in Love with This Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Monkey bread is a sweet, sticky pastry made from dough balls rolled in cinnamon and sugar, baked together in a bundt pan.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Add melted butter, sugar, and salt to the yeast mixture.
- Gradually add flour and knead until smooth.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a separate bowl, mix cinnamon and brown sugar.
- Divide the dough into small balls and roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Place the balls in a greased bundt pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Let it cool slightly before inverting onto a plate.
Notes
- Serve warm for best flavor.
- Can be topped with icing for extra sweetness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: monkey bread, sweet bread, cinnamon rolls
