Monkey Bread Recipe
Monkey bread is an irresistible pull-apart treat, perfect for any occasion. This classic sweet dish combines the richness of bread dough with the delightful crunch of caramelized sugar, creating an indulgent experience in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or need a showstopper dessert, monkey bread never fails to impress. The process is as fun as the final result—rolling dough into sugar-coated balls, watching them rise, and pulling them apart as the gooey caramel sauce seeps between every layer. It’s warm, gooey, and utterly satisfying.
Ingredients Overview
The essential ingredients for monkey bread strike the perfect harmony of sweetness and richness. Brown sugar brings a deep, molasses-like flavor to the caramel sauce, enhancing the buttery richness and giving the bread its signature golden hue. Granulated sugar coats the dough pieces, ensuring a crisp, caramelized crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft, pillowy interior. The Rich Golden Bread dough, light and airy, forms layers that absorb the caramel sauce as it rises. Butter, melted into the sauce, adds creamy richness, transforming the sugar into a luscious, sticky glaze. For a personalized touch, you can experiment with variations like adding a pinch of cinnamon for a spiced twist or swapping brown sugar for coconut sugar to introduce a subtle tropical note.
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
Start by preparing the Rich Golden Bread dough, following it through Step 3 until it has completed its first rise. Once the dough is ready, transfer it to your work surface. Gently break or cut the dough into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1 inch in diameter. The smaller the pieces, the more layers of sugary goodness you’ll get in each bite.
Next, spread the granulated sugar in a shallow dish. Roll each piece of dough into a smooth ball and toss it in the sugar until fully coated. This step ensures that every piece of bread will have a sweet, crisp exterior after baking.
As you coat the dough balls, layer them into a generously greased bundt pan. Make sure to stack them evenly, as this creates the beautiful, pull-apart structure of monkey bread. Once the dough is in the pan, cover it loosely with plastic wrap and let it rise again in a warm place. This second rise, which takes about 1 to 1 ½ hours, allows the dough to double in size, becoming soft and airy.
While the dough rises, prepare the caramel sauce by melting the butter with brown sugar over medium heat. Stir occasionally, ensuring the sugar dissolves completely into the butter, forming a rich, golden sauce. Pour this mixture evenly over the dough balls in the bundt pan, ensuring it seeps into every crevice.
Bake the bread at 350°F for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is deeply browned and the caramel has bubbled through the layers. Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. This step is essential, as it allows the caramel to set slightly, creating that irresistible sticky coating. Serve warm for the ultimate gooey experience or let it cool for a more structured texture.
Recipe Tips
Dough Rising:
Ensure the dough rises in a warm, draft-free area for the best results. A slightly warm oven (turned off) can be an ideal spot.
Caramel Sauce:
Don’t rush the sauce-making process. Stirring the butter and brown sugar gently helps prevent burning and ensures a smooth, cohesive mixture.
Flavor Enhancements:
For extra flavor, sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg over the dough before baking, or add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
Avoid Overbaking:
Check the monkey bread after 30 minutes of baking to prevent it from becoming too dry.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Monkey bread pairs beautifully with a range of beverages and sides. For a cozy brunch, serve it alongside a fresh cup of coffee or tea. The rich sweetness of the bread balances out well with a savory side, like scrambled eggs or bacon, offering a delightful contrast.
If serving monkey bread as dessert, consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. It also makes a great addition to any potluck or party spread, as it’s easy to share and enjoy with friends and family. Whether at breakfast, brunch, or a casual evening get-together, monkey bread is a crowd-pleaser.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
To maintain the freshness of monkey bread, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to 5 days. For the best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, which will revive the gooey texture without drying it out.
If you prefer to reheat the entire bread, wrap it loosely in foil and warm it in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. This method ensures the bread stays soft and moist while warming it thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can monkey bread be stored?
Monkey bread stays fresh for up to 2 days at room temperature and 5 days when refrigerated.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and assemble the bread the night before. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. The next day, allow it to come to room temperature before baking.
What’s the best way to prevent the dough from sticking to the pan?
Generously grease the bundt pan with butter, ensuring every corner is coated. You can also dust it lightly with flour for extra protection.
Is it possible to freeze monkey bread for later use?
Yes, you can freeze baked monkey bread. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
For an extra touch of elegance, present your monkey bread on a decorative cake stand or platter. The warm, sticky layers naturally invite people to pull it apart, making it a fun centerpiece for any gathering. You can also drizzle extra caramel sauce or a simple glaze over the top to enhance the presentation and add a burst of flavor.
Encourage your guests to enjoy the bread while it’s still warm, as the gooey, caramelized texture is at its peak. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or cooled to room temperature, monkey bread offers a delectable treat that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 recipe Rich Golden Bread dough, prepared through Step 3
1 1/2 sticks butter, plus extra for greasing
Instructions
Lightly butter a bundt pan to prevent sticking. After the dough completes its initial rise, transfer it to your work surface and break or cut it into small, bite-sized pieces about 1 inch in diameter. In a shallow dish, spread the granulated sugar evenly. Shape the dough pieces into small balls and roll them in the sugar, ensuring they’re fully coated. Begin layering the sugared dough balls in the greased bundt pan, stacking them evenly. Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and set it in a warm area to rise again for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. As the dough finishes rising, melt the butter with the brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves and forms a smooth mixture with the butter, about 3 to 4 minutes. Pour this caramel-like sauce over the dough in the bundt pan, ensuring even coverage.
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is a rich, golden brown. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a serving plate. Serve it warm for the best flavor, or let it cool entirely before enjoying.
Monkey Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 recipe Rich Golden Bread dough prepared through Step 3
- 1 1/2 sticks butter plus extra for greasing
Instructions
- Lightly butter a bundt pan to prevent sticking. After the dough completes its initial rise, transfer it to your work surface and break or cut it into small, bite-sized pieces about 1 inch in diameter. In a shallow dish, spread the granulated sugar evenly. Shape the dough pieces into small balls and roll them in the sugar, ensuring they’re fully coated. Begin layering the sugared dough balls in the greased bundt pan, stacking them evenly. Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and set it in a warm area to rise again for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. As the dough finishes rising, melt the butter with the brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves and forms a smooth mixture with the butter, about 3 to 4 minutes. Pour this caramel-like sauce over the dough in the bundt pan, ensuring even coverage.
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is a rich, golden brown. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a serving plate. Serve it warm for the best flavor, or let it cool entirely before enjoying.