Monkey bread, also known as pull-apart bread, is a delightful, sweet, and sticky treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a dessert. Its name comes from the fun, interactive way people eat it—pulling off pieces of the bread, much like a monkey would. This delicious pastry is made from chunks of dough rolled in cinnamon sugar, then baked together to create a gooey, caramelized masterpiece.
Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion, a holiday gathering, or just as a weekend treat, monkey bread is sure to impress. In this guide, we will walk you through the entire process of making monkey bread from scratch, including tips for achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe!
Ingredients for Monkey Bread
- For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast: This will help the dough rise and become fluffy. Ensure that your yeast is fresh and not expired.
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F): Warm milk helps activate the yeast. Make sure it’s not too hot, as excessive heat can kill the yeast.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough and also helps activate the yeast.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Provides richness and moisture to the dough.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds structure.
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dough. You may need a bit more or less depending on the consistency.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough.
- For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness and texture.
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: Adds the classic cinnamon flavor to the bread.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: To coat the dough pieces and help the cinnamon sugar stick.
- For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup brown sugar: Provides the caramel flavor and sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and creates the caramel sauce.
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup: Helps prevent crystallization and ensures a smooth caramel sauce.
How to Make Monkey Bread
- Prepare the Dough
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Mix until the dough starts to come together.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a shallow dish, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Melt Butter: In a separate bowl, melt the butter for coating the dough.
- Form the Monkey Bread
- Shape 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.
- Coat the Dough: Dip each piece of dough into the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating it thoroughly.
- Arrange the Dough: Place the coated dough pieces in a greased bundt pan, layering them as you go. The pieces should be snug but not overly packed.
- Prepare the Caramel Sauce
- Cook the Caramel: In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a boil. Let it boil for about 1 minute, then remove from heat.
- Pour the Caramel: Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the dough in the bundt pan.
- Bake the Monkey Bread
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the monkey bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a serving platter. Serve warm and enjoy!
About the Main Ingredients
- Active Dry Yeast: Yeast is a leavening agent that helps the dough rise by producing carbon dioxide gas. This gas causes the dough to expand and become fluffy.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to both the dough and the cinnamon sugar coating. It also helps feed the yeast, promoting a good rise.
- Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and moisture to the dough, and also helps the cinnamon sugar adhere to the dough pieces.
- Ground Cinnamon: Essential for the classic flavor of monkey bread. Cinnamon adds warmth and spice to the sugar coating.
- Brown Sugar: Used in the caramel sauce, brown sugar gives a deep, rich caramel flavor and a chewy texture.
- Light Corn Syrup: Helps to create a smooth and glossy caramel sauce, preventing sugar crystals from forming.
Monkey bread is a versatile and delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Its gooey, sweet layers make it irresistible, and the process of pulling apart each piece adds a fun and interactive element to your meal. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful recipe!
