This monkey bread became a family favorite after countless rainy-day baking sessions with my kids. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve made it! Every bite reminds me of my mom’s version, but mine’s got a twist that makes it stand out.
The secret to its gooey texture lies in the double rise, allowing the dough to develop a light and tender crumb that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients in Homemade Monkey Bread
The magic of monkey bread lies in its simple yet effective ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that warm, gooey goodness we all crave.
Warm Water: Activates the yeast for that rise. Make sure it’s between 110°F-115°F for best results.
Active Dry Yeast: The leavening agent that gives the bread its lightness. A fresh pack is key.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps feed the yeast. It’s essential for that sticky-sweet flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the dough. Room temperature is best for easy incorporation.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor. Don’t skip it; it’s vital.
Whole Milk: Creates a soft, elastic dough. Scald it to help with yeast activation.
Large Egg: Binds the dough together and adds richness. Use it at room temperature for easier mixing.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture. Spoon and level it for accuracy.
Ground Cinnamon: Delivers that classic flavor. Adjust a bit for more cinnamon love.
Key Technique: Double Rise – This step lets the dough develop a light and tender crumb, making it pull-apart perfect.
How to Make Monkey Bread
This monkey bread comes together in about 70 minutes of prep and 45 minutes of baking. It’s a fun project that’ll turn any day into a special occasion.
Activate Yeast: Whisk the warm water and a bit of granulated sugar in a bowl until dissolved. Sprinkle the yeast on top and stir gently. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until it’s foamy.
Mix Ingredients: In a heat-proof mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, and salt. Pour the whole milk over the mixture and whisk until well blended. It should be warm but not hot to the touch.
Incorporate Flour: Mix in all-purpose flour with either your hands or a stand mixer. Add the yeast mixture and the egg, stirring until everything is combined.
Knead Dough: Gradually add more all-purpose flour, mixing until fully combined. Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes on a floured surface until it’s smooth and elastic. It should feel slightly tacky but not sticky.
First Rise: Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, until it’s doubled in size and puffy.
Prepare Coating: Melt the unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in another bowl.
Shape Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Cut it into 8 pieces, then each piece into 6 smaller pieces. Roll them into balls and dip each in melted butter, then coat with the cinnamon sugar.
Final Rise: Grease a bundt pan and layer the coated balls in it. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
Now you’re ready to bake! Enjoy every sticky-sweet bite, and don’t forget to share the love.
Switch It Up: Easy Variations
I love how versatile monkey bread can be, especially when life gets busy and you want to try something different. Here are a few ways to switch up the recipe while sticking to the core ingredients.
Milk Substitution: If you’re out of whole milk, you can use 2%, 1%, or skim milk. It’ll still work to create that soft dough.
Brown Sugar Alternative: Don’t have brown sugar? Mix granulated sugar with a bit of molasses to create your own. It’ll give that same depth of flavor without needing a trip to the store.
Instant Dry Yeast Option: You can swap the active dry yeast for an equal amount of instant dry yeast. It saves a bit of time since you won’t need to activate it in warm water first.
Feel free to experiment and find what works best for you!
Keeping the Magic Alive
Store any leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, it freezes well for about 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before sealing it up to prevent sogginess.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. If you want to get that gooey texture back, add a little pat of butter on top before microwaving. It’ll melt and bring back that sticky-sweet goodness we all love!
What to Serve Alongside
Optional Serving Ideas
- Coffee: A warm cup of coffee pairs well with the sweet, gooey bread, making for a cozy breakfast or snack.
- Hot Chocolate: For a sweet treat, hot chocolate can complement the flavors and add a comforting touch.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream can add a light, airy texture that contrasts nicely with the dense bread.
What sides will you try with your monkey bread? I can’t wait to hear how it turns out!
Homemade Monkey Bread for Cozy Family Gatherings
Ingredients
Method
- 1. To make the monkey bread dough: Whisk the warm water and the teaspoon of sugar together until the sugar is dissolved. Sprinkle the yeast on top and gently stir it into the water. Set aside for 5 to 10 minutes or until the yeast is foamy.
- 2. Add the 5 tablespoons of granulated sugar, butter, and salt to a heat-proof mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Set aside.
- 3. Pour the milk into a small saucepan and place it over medium heat, stirring often. Once the milk starts to bubble, right before it comes to a boil, remove it from the heat.
- 4. Pour the scalded milk on top of the sugar, butter, and salt and whisk until well combined. Set aside and allow to cool until it’s warm and no longer hot (about 110°F or 43°C).
- 5. Once the scalded milk mixture has cooled, mix in 2 cups (250 grams) of flour by hand or using the dough hook attachment on a stand mixer. Add the yeast mixture and mix until well combined, then mix in the egg.
- 6. Mix in 2 more cups (250 grams) of flour until fully combined, then mix in 1 to 2 tablespoons of flour at a time until the dough is easy to handle. Knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface or using the dough hook on a stand mixer on low speed for 5 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic, adding a little extra flour if needed.
- 7. Once the dough is kneaded, form it into a ball and place it into a lightly greased bowl. Cover and allow to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- 8. To make the cinnamon sugar coating: Melt the stick of butter in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave or in a small pot over medium-low heat. Set aside, allowing it to cool slightly.
- 9. In a separate mixing bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
- 10. To assemble the monkey bread: Gently punch down the risen dough to release any excess air. Pat the dough into a square, then cut the square into 8 equal-sized pieces. Cut each piece into 6 pieces and roll each one into a ball; you should end up with 48 pieces.
- 11. Grease a 12-cup bundt pan with a generous amount of non-stick cooking spray or butter. Set aside.
- 12. Dip each ball of dough in the melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Place each coated ball into the bundt pan during this process.
- 13. Cover the pan with a damp towel or plastic wrap and allow to rise for another 30 minutes.
- 14. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) while the dough is rising.
- 15. To make the caramel sauce: Combine the sliced stick of butter and brown sugar in a small saucepan. Place over medium heat, stirring often until the mixture comes to a boil.
- 16. Once the mixture is boiling, remove it from the heat and pour it all over the top of the monkey bread.
- 17. Bake in the center rack of the oven for 30 to 45 minutes. Cover loosely or tent with aluminum foil if the dough starts to brown too much. Place a tray underneath (on the bottom oven rack) lined with parchment paper to catch any spills since the sugar can bubble over.
- 18. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Use a butter knife to loosen any stuck parts of the monkey bread from around the edges of the pan. Then, carefully flip the pan onto a serving plate. If needed, use something heavy to bang the pan to help loosen the monkey bread. Shimmy the pan to see if the monkey bread starts to release and repeat with tapping the pan until it’s easy to lift up.
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