Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this homemade monkey bread recipe from scratch. This sweet treat is made with a simple yeast dough, coated in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar, and baked to perfection in a Bundt pan. With its sweet, sticky, and indulgent flavor, you’ll love this recipe for homemade monkey bread.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This homemade monkey bread recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves sweet breads and desserts. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also perfect for special occasions or everyday treats. Here are just a few reasons why you’ll love this recipe:
- Easy to make: This recipe requires only a few simple ingredients and is easy to follow, even for beginners.
- Delicious flavor: The combination of cinnamon and sugar creates a sweet and indulgent flavor that’s sure to please.
- Perfect for special occasions: This homemade monkey bread recipe is perfect for holidays, parties, or other special events.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
To make this homemade monkey bread recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
1¼ cup milk
⅓ cup granulated sugar
2¼ teaspoon active dry yeast
2 large eggs
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1½ teaspoons salt
4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
½ cup dark brown sugar
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
If you need to make substitutions, you can try using non-dairy milk alternatives, such as almond or soy milk, or substituting the eggs with flax eggs or applesauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
To make this homemade monkey bread recipe, follow these step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Combine the milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast in a large mixing bowl. Stir to dissolve the yeast, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
3. Add the eggs, flour, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt to the bowl. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
6. Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball.
7. Dip each dough ball into the melted butter, then roll it in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar to coat.
8. Place the coated dough balls into a greased Bundt pan, leaving some space between each ball.
9. Bake the monkey bread for 30-35 minutes, or until it is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F.
10. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
For more information on safe minimum internal temperatures and safe internal temperature chart, visit the USDA website.
Expert Chef Tips & Troubleshooting
To ensure that your homemade monkey bread recipe turns out perfectly, here are a few expert chef tips and troubleshooting tips:
- Make sure the milk is at the correct temperature (between 98°F and 105°F) when you add the yeast.
- Use active dry yeast and store it in a cool, dry place.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place, such as the oven with the light on, for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Check the dough’s rise by gently pressing your finger into it; if the indentation remains, the dough is ready.
If you’re having trouble with your dough rising, check the yeast expiration date and make sure the milk is at the correct temperature. You can also try using a different type of yeast or adjusting the rising time.
Storage, Make-Ahead & Reheating
To store your homemade monkey bread, let it cool completely on a wire rack. You can then store it at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw the bread overnight and bake it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until it’s warmed through.
For more information on storing and reheating bread, check out our recipe for Lemon Rhubarb Bread.
Homemade Monkey Bread Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Electric mixer
- Bundt pan
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 1/4 cup milk
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Coating
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Combine the milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast in a large mixing bowl. Stir to dissolve the yeast, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Add the eggs, flour, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt to the bowl. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball.
- Dip each dough ball into the melted butter, then roll it in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar to coat.
- Place the coated dough balls into a greased Bundt pan, leaving some space between each ball.
- Bake the monkey bread for 30-35 minutes, or until it is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Potassium: 100mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make monkey bread ahead of time and store it for later?
You can prepare the dough and let it rise ahead of time, but it’s best to bake the monkey bread just before serving for optimal freshness and flavor. If you need to make it ahead, you can prepare the dough up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Let the dough come to room temperature before baking. Alternatively, you can bake the monkey bread and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.
How do I ensure the dough rises properly for my homemade monkey bread?
To ensure the dough rises properly, make sure the milk is at the correct temperature (between 98°F and 105°F) when you add the yeast. Also, use active dry yeast and store it in a cool, dry place. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place, such as the oven with the light on, for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. You can also check the dough’s rise by gently pressing your finger into it; if the indentation remains, the dough is ready.
Can I substitute any ingredients in the monkey bread recipe to accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, you can substitute some ingredients to accommodate dietary restrictions. For example, you can use a non-dairy milk alternative, such as almond or soy milk, for those with dairy allergies or intolerances. You can also use a gluten-free flour blend for those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity. However, keep in mind that substituting ingredients may affect the texture and flavor of the monkey bread.
What is the best way to coat the dough balls in cinnamon sugar for my monkey bread?
To coat the dough balls in cinnamon sugar, melt the unsalted butter and mix it with the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. Then, dip each dough ball into the melted butter mixture, coating it completely, and roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat. Place the coated dough balls in the prepared Bundt pan, leaving some space between each ball to allow for even baking and expansion.
Check out our recipe for Mojito Sugar Cookies for more ideas on how to use cinnamon and sugar in your baking.
