What is comfort food? What is warm, gooey, pull-apart clouds of deliciousness? What do you know about Monkey Bread? What are some of the best baked treats? It’s a nostalgic hug in the form of sweet, cinnamon-coated dough, perfect for sharing (or, let’s be honest, we’re not kidding). Is it true that I devour solo What’s better, a cinnamon roll? I swear, this Monkey Bread Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and my family BEGS for it every time. What is the holiday season I can’t wait for you to try it!
What is monkey bread?
What is monkey bread? Imagine tiny balls of buttery dough, each one coated in cinnamon sugar, all nestled together. In a bundt pan, bake until golden brown and sticky. What is cinnamon sugar bread? What is monkey bread? What is the best way to pluck Is it messy? What is a Cinnamon Roll Casserole? What is comfort food at its finest? I make it for a late night snack. Don’t judge me!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Seriously, where do I even begin? First, the flavor is insane. You get that warm, comforting cinnamon and sugar, balanced by the rich, buttery dough. Every bite is a perfect combination of sweet and savory. Second, and this is a big one, it’s SO easy to make. Don’t let the fancy look fool you; this recipe is surprisingly beginner-friendly. I’ve taught my kids how to make it, and they’re pros now! What I love most about this Monkey Bread recipe is that it uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. We’re talking flour, sugar, butter, yeast – nothing fancy. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can customize the flavors with different spices, nuts, or even chocolate chips. Trust me, this is one of those recipes that you’ll make again and again. It’s also much less fussy than making individual Cinnamon Rolls, and the result is just as satisfying. Think of it as a lazy baker’s cinnamon roll masterpiece! It also disappears FAST! At any holiday gathering, this Monkey Bread recipe is always the first thing to go.
How do I make monkey bread?
Quick Overview
How do you make monkey bread? How do I make dough? What is the cinnamon- If you’re making a large ball, you can bake it until golden brown. Then, drizzle the ball with sour cream. What is the best way to let yeast rise, and not overmix the dough? What are some foolproof dessert recipes? What is a Monkey Bread Recipe?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
* 3 cups all-purpose flour (I always use unbleached for the best texture)
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 ounce (or 2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
* 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F – this is important for activating the yeast)
* 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
* 1 large egg
For the Filling:
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (I like to use Ceylon cinnamon for its delicate flavor)
* 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (you might need a little more depending on how heavily you coat it).
For the Glaze:
* 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
* 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
* 1/4 cup milk (add more or less to reach desired consistency)
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but adds a nice touch).
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Is it safe to grease a 12-cup bundt pan with butter or cooking spray? Don’t worry about your Monkey Bread sticking to the pan! I even like to dust it with a little flour after greasing for extra insurance. What are the nooks and crannies of life?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Set aside. Make sure the yeast is evenly distributed throughout the flour. How do I make dough rise properly? I always give it a good whisk for at least 30 seconds.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Set aside. If the milk is hot, it will kill the yeast. I usually microwave it for about 30-45 seconds. How do you whisk the wet ingredients together until they are well combined?
Step 4: Combine
Mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Then, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic. What makes the skin smooth and elastic? If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at .50. If you overmix the dough, it will be tough.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a shallow dish, combine the sugar and cinnamon. In another bowl, melt the remaining 1/2 cup of butter. This is your cinnamon-sugar coating station! I like to use a large plate for this, so I have plenty of room to work.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Pinch off pieces of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. How do you roll a ball in Cinnamon Sugar and dip it in the melted butter? Place the dough balls in the prepared bundt pan, layering them evenly. I like to arrange them in circular pattern for a nice presentation. I use curved shapes to make them more interesting.
Step 7: Bake
Cover the bundt pan with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes. If you have a small intestine, eat it for about 10 minutes, or until it has double Remove the plastic wrap and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the Monkey Bread is golden brown. Is golden brown and cooked through? If a toothpick is inserted into the center of the tooth, it should come out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the Monkey Bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. While the Monkey Bread is cooling, prepare the glaze. In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside. Do not overdo the Monkey Bread. Drizzle the glaze over the warm bread. I like to use a spoon to make sure that the glaze gets into all the cracks and crevices.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
What are some good ways to serve Monkey Bread warm? What’s the best part about pulling off those gooey, cinnamon-sugar-coated pieces and enjoying every single single piece? I like to serve this with coffee or Ice Cream. Get ready for some serious smiles!
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best ways to make Monkey Bread?
For Breakfast:Pair it with a strong cup of coffee or latte. What are some great side dishes to serve with fresh fruit? I love serving it on a platter with some berries for an festive touch.
For Brunch:Serve it alongside other brunch favorites like scrambled eggs, bacon, and mimosas. What is the perfect sweet treat to balance out the savory dishes?
As Dessert:Top it with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream or whipped cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce or chocolate syrup also adds a nice touch. I sometimes sprinkle it with chopped nuts for extra crunch.
For Cozy Snacks:What’s better than a slice of Monkey Bread and Ice Cream? What is the ultimate comfort food?
My family has a tradition of making this Monkey Bread every Christmas morning. What is the best way to start the day with cinnamon and sugar? We all gather around the table and pull apart the Monkey Bread, sharing stories and laughter. Is it a tradition I cherish, and I hope it becomes one for your family too?
What are some tips for perfecting Monkey Bread?
Want to make your Monkey Bread even more amazing? Here are some tips I’ve learned over the years:
Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, but not too wet. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. Be careful not to overmix the dough, or it will be tough.
Yeast Activation: Make sure your milk is warm enough to activate the yeast, but not too hot, or it will kill the yeast. The ideal temperature is around 110°F (43°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test it by dipping your finger in the milk. It should feel warm, but not scalding.
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: Don’t skimp on the cinnamon and sugar! The more, the better! I like to use a generous amount to make sure every dough ball is evenly coated. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for extra flavor.
Rising Time: The rising time will vary depending on the temperature of your kitchen. In a warm kitchen, the dough will rise faster. In a cooler kitchen, it will take longer. Just be patient and let the dough double in size before baking.
Baking Time: The baking time will also vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the Monkey Bread and check it after 30 minutes. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil.
Glaze Consistency: The glaze should be thick enough to coat the Monkey Bread, but not so thick that it’s difficult to drizzle. Add more milk or powdered sugar to adjust the consistency as needed.
I once accidentally added too much salt to the dough, and the Monkey Bread turned out super salty. It was a disaster! Now, I always make sure to measure the salt carefully. Another time, I forgot to grease the bundt pan properly, and the Monkey Bread stuck to the pan and was a total mess to remove. Lesson learned: always grease the pan really well!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Want to enjoy your Monkey Bread for days to come? Here’s how to store and reheat it:
Room Temperature: Monkey Bread can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can refrigerate Monkey Bread for up to 5 days. Store it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing odors from the refrigerator.
Freezer Instructions: Monkey Bread can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag or container. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat Monkey Bread, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Monkey Bread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until it’s warm. You can also reheat it in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, but it may become a little soggy.
I find that Monkey Bread tastes best when it’s served fresh, but it’s still delicious after being stored and reheated. If you’re planning to store it, I recommend waiting to glaze it until just before serving. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky and melting during storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to Monkey Bread recipe that’s guaranteed to bring smiles to faces! It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. What makes this recipe extra special is how it brings people together. The process of making it is fun, and the experience of sharing it is even better. The warm, gooey texture and comforting cinnamon-sugar flavor make it a treat that everyone will love. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my Cinnamon Roll recipe or my apple crisp recipe. They’re both equally delicious and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Happy baking! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Leave a comment below and let me know what you think! And don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends. I’d love to see your creations, so tag me on social media!
Monkey Bread Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 1 can refrigerated biscuits separated
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan.
- In a bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Dip each biscuit into the melted butter, then roll in the sugar mixture.
- Arrange biscuits in the prepared bundt pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before inverting onto a serving plate.