Monkey bread is a fun, pull-apart treat that fills your kitchen with a warm, sweet aroma as it bakes. The dough is soft and fluffy, perfect for sharing.
You can definitely make this at home, and don’t worry about it being perfect. Just follow the steps, and enjoy the process of creating something delicious.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe for monkey bread is successful because it combines a simple dough-making technique with the perfect balance of warm milk, sugar, and yeast to create a soft texture. The cinnamon sugar coating adds delightful flavor, while the melting butter glaze gives it a rich finish, making each bite satisfying. Let’s explore how to make this delicious treat!
The One Thing That Makes It Work
- The key to perfect monkey bread lies in the dough rising properly.
- Ensuring your yeast is activated by letting the milk, sugar, and yeast sit until frothy is essential for achieving a light and fluffy texture.
- This step sets the foundation for a deliciously soft and pull-apart bread.
With the dough prepared, it's time to move on to the delightful cinnamon sugar coating that gives this monkey bread its signature taste.
Essential Ingredients
To create the perfect monkey bread, you'll need these key ingredients to ensure delightful flavor and texture.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting): Use a spoon to lightly aerate the flour before measuring for accuracy.
- 1 cup whole milk (warm (110°F to 115°F)): Warm the milk slightly; it should feel warm to the touch but not hot.
- 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 ¼ teaspoons): Ensure your yeast is fresh for optimal rising and texture.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (to feed the yeast): This sugar not only sweetens but also activates the yeast for better dough rise.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Salt enhances flavor; be sure to mix it well into the dough for even distribution.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted): Melt butter gently; this will blend beautifully with the other wet ingredients.
- 1 large egg (room temperature): Bring your egg to room temperature for better incorporation into the dough.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: This is crucial for coating, giving that delicious sweet crunch to every bite.
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: Freshly ground cinnamon can enhance flavor, so consider using high-quality spices.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted): Use this melted butter in the glaze for a rich finish that complements the bread.
- 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted): Sifting eliminates lumps, ensuring a smooth glaze consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Opt for pure vanilla extract over imitation for a more authentic flavor experience.
- 2 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency): Use more or less milk in your glaze depending on how thick you like it.
Do This, Not That
- Use warm whole milk between 110°F to 115°F to activate the yeast effectively, rather than cold milk which can hinder rising.
- Choose unsalted butter for both the dough and glaze to control the saltiness, instead of salted butter that could throw off the flavor balance.
- Opt for room temperature egg to help with dough consistency, rather than a cold egg which may impact rising.
With these tips in mind, you’re set to create your monkey bread with confidence!
Step-by-Step Method
Start by combining warm milk, granulated sugar, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let this mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, which means the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
Next, add the melted butter, room temperature egg, and salt to your frothy yeast mixture. Whisk everything together until well combined. The dough will come together nicely as you incorporate these ingredients.
Gradually add the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time. As you mix, you'll notice a soft dough forming. If the dough feels sticky, don't hesitate to sprinkle in a little extra flour until it reaches a manageable consistency.
Now it's time to knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes. You want it to be smooth and elastic; this develops gluten and gives your monkey bread its lovely structure.
After kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until it has doubled in size, which should leave you with a nice, puffy ball of dough.
Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release any air bubbles. Tear off small pieces of dough, roll them into balls about 1 inch in size, and coat each ball thoroughly in the cinnamon sugar mixture before layering them into a greased Bundt pan.
With all the coated dough balls stacked neatly in the pan, cover them again with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This final rise will make your monkey bread light and fluffy when baked.
Now you're ready to bake your creation! Preheat your oven and then follow through with baking until golden brown while preparing the glaze for that sweet finishing touch.
Troubleshooting (If Something Goes Wrong)
If your monkey bread doesn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast; ensure your milk is warm enough to activate it. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour while kneading until you achieve a smooth texture. Remember, mistakes happen, and they can often be easily fixed. Now that you're ready for success, let's explore some serving suggestions.
Variations You’ll Actually Want to Try
For a fun twist on classic monkey bread, consider adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough balls before coating them in cinnamon sugar. You could also substitute some of the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a richer flavor. Feel free to experiment with different spices, like nutmeg or pumpkin spice, if you're in the mood for something seasonal.
These variations can elevate your monkey bread experience without complicating the process. Now let’s take a closer look at how to properly prepare the dough.
Pick Your Flavor Path
- For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon sugar coating.
- To bring a fresh note, mix in some finely chopped orange zest with the glaze for a citrusy kick.
- If you prefer a cheesy flair, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar between the layers of dough balls before baking.
Now that you’ve explored different flavor paths, let's move on to the essential steps for creating classic monkey bread.
FAQ
How long does monkey bread take to bake?
Bake your monkey bread for 25-30 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown.
Can I use a different type of flour for monkey bread?
It's best to stick with all-purpose flour for the best texture and rise in monkey bread.
How should I store leftover monkey bread?
Store any leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
This FAQ section provides essential tips for your classic monkey bread experience, ensuring you'll enjoy it fully.
Classic Monkey Bread
Ingredients
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This activates the yeast, ensuring your dough rises properly.
- Add melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
- Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. You may need to adjust the flour amount slightly depending on humidity.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten, giving the bread its structure.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This will coat the dough balls and give the monkey bread its signature flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Tear off small pieces of dough (about 1 inch in size) and roll them into balls.
- Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. Layer the coated dough balls in a greased Bundt pan, stacking them as you go.
- Once all the dough balls are in the pan, cover with a towel and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach about 190°F (88°C).
- While the bread is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Adjust milk for desired consistency.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate. Drizzle the glaze over the warm monkey bread and serve immediately.
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