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Homemade Monkey Bread for Cozy Family Gatherings

Homemade Monkey Bread for Cozy Family Gatherings

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Indulge in warm, gooey homemade monkey bread, perfectly pull-apart and drizzled in caramel bliss!
Prep Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ cup warm water
  • 1 0.25-ounce package active dry yeast
  • 5 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons salt
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 4 to 5 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar

Method
 

  1. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 9. In a separate mixing bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
  10. 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. 11. Grease a 12-cup bundt pan with a generous amount of non-stick cooking spray or butter. Set aside.
  12. 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. 13. Cover the pan with a damp towel or plastic wrap and allow to rise for another 30 minutes.
  14. 14. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) while the dough is rising.
  15. 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. 16. Once the mixture is boiling, remove it from the heat and pour it all over the top of the monkey bread.
  17. 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. 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 6gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gSodium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 25g

Notes

Ensure your oven is fully preheated for even baking and perfect texture.

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