Monkey bread brings back warm memories of cozy weekend mornings spent with family, sharing laughs and indulging in sweet treats. The first time I made monkey bread was during a winter holiday at my grandmother’s house. She loved baking, and her kitchen was always filled with delightful aromas. One chilly morning, she introduced me to the art of making monkey bread. The process of rolling dough into balls and coating them with cinnamon and sugar was magical for my younger self. Now, as an adult, I cherish those moments and have made this recipe a staple in my own kitchen.
This Easy Monkey Bread recipe is perfect for those new to baking or anyone looking for a simple, delicious treat to share with loved ones. It’s also versatile enough to tweak according to your preferences. For instance, adding a handful of chopped nuts or dried fruits can bring a delightful twist to the classic recipe. If you’re a fan of a more decadent dessert, try incorporating chocolate chips or a caramel drizzle.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the joy it brings when shared. The soft, fluffy dough balls, each coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar mix, are sure to become a favorite. Plus, the aroma that fills your home while it bakes is simply irresistible. This monkey bread is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a wonderful way to create lasting memories with friends and family.
How to Prepare Easy Monkey Bread
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Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/4 cups warmed milk (110F)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (split)
- 1 large egg
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons sugar
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the warmed milk, yeast, and sugar. Cover the bowl and set it aside for 5 minutes.
- Melt the butter and mix it into the yeast mixture along with the egg. Whisk until smooth.
- Incorporate the flour and salt into the mixture. Stir until the dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth or use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and allow it to rise for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Deflate the dough and divide it into 40-42 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a small ball.
- For the coating, blend the sugar with cinnamon in a bowl. Melt half of the butter in a deep bowl. Grease a bundt pan with some of the butter.
- Dip each dough ball into the melted butter, then roll them in the sugar-cinnamon mix. Arrange the coated dough balls in the bundt pan.
- Mix the remaining melted butter with brown sugar and vanilla extract. Drizzle this mixture over the dough balls and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Bake the bread for 35-40 minutes.
- Let the bread cool for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a plate. While it cools, make the icing by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the icing over the bread and serve immediately.
FAQs:
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast in this recipe. Use the same amount, but there’s no need to dissolve it in warm milk. You can add it directly to the dry ingredients.
How should I store leftover monkey bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat before serving.
What should I do if the dough is too sticky to handle?
If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it becomes manageable. Be careful not to add too much flour, as this can make the bread dense.
Can I make monkey bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and arrange the coated balls in the bundt pan the night before. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature and rise for about 30 minutes before baking.
What can I use if I don’t have a bundt pan?
If you don’t have a bundt pan, you can use a regular loaf pan or even a 9×13-inch baking dish. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as the bread may bake faster in a different pan.
How can I tell when the monkey bread is done baking?
The monkey bread is done when it turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Easy Monkey Bread
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 1/4 cups milk warmed to 110F
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 tablespoon cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons yeast
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup confectioners sugar
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter divided
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Cover the bowl and set it aside for 5 minutes.
- Melt the butter and add it to the yeast mixture along with the egg. Whisk until smooth.
- Fold in the flour and salt. Stir until the dough comes together. Knead on a lightly floured surface until smooth, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rise for an hour, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and cut it into 40-42 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a small ball.
- For the coating, mix the sugar with cinnamon in a bowl. Melt half of the butter in a deep bowl. Grease a bundt pan with some butter.
- Dip each dough ball into the melted butter, then coat them with the sugar-cinnamon mixture. Arrange the coated dough balls in the bundt pan.
- Mix the remaining melted butter with brown sugar and vanilla extract. Drizzle this mixture over the dough and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350F.
- Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes.
- Cool the bread for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a plate. While it cools, prepare the icing by whisking together the confectioners sugar with milk and vanilla extract.
- Drizzle the icing over the bread and serve immediately.
