Home and Gardening Ideas At home and Gardening ideas we believe inspiring readers about homesteading, self sufficiency
The Best Monkey Bread Recipe
There’s something magical about monkey bread. It’s the perfect blend of gooey caramel sweetness, soft dough, and a touch of cinnamon spice that makes every bite absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, as a snack, or even a midnight treat (no judgment here!), monkey bread has a way of bringing smiles and sticky fingers to the table. And guess what? It’s not nearly as intimidating to make as you might think!
In this post, I’ll walk you through the best monkey bread recipe ever. It’s simple, fun, and perfect for sharing with your loved ones. Plus, I’ve included tips, tricks, and answers to common questions so you can confidently bake your own masterpiece.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Gooey: Each piece is coated in a luscious caramel sauce that’s sweet and glossy.
- Fun to Eat: Kids (and adults) love pulling apart the soft dough balls.
- Versatile: Great for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or anytime you want a sweet treat.
- Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your pantry or fridge.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough:
- 4 oz whole milk
- 2 tbsp + 2 tsp unsalted butter
- 1 ¼ tsp yeast
- 1 room temperature egg
- 2 ¼ cups flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup sugar
For the Spice Mixture:
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 ½ tbsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Monkey Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Heat whole milk and butter to 110°F. Be careful not to overheat, as it can kill the yeast.
- Sprinkle the yeast into the warm milk and set it aside to activate.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then combine it with flour, sugar, salt, and the milk-butter-yeast mixture.
- Mix until the dough is soft and smooth, clinging only to itself. Add a little extra flour if it’s too sticky but don’t overdo it.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise until it doubles in size (about 1-2 hours).
Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce
- Combine butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt in a pot.
- Heat gently, stirring until everything melts together into a smooth caramel sauce.
Step 3: Mix the Spice Coating
- In a bowl, mix sugar, cinnamon, and cloves for the spice mixture.
Step 4: Assemble the Monkey Bread
- Lightly flour a surface and pinch off small pieces of dough.
- Roll each piece into a ball, then dip it in melted butter and toss it in the spice mixture.
- Layer the dough balls in a greased bundt pan, alternating with drizzles of caramel sauce.
- Continue layering until the pan is filled.
Step 5: Bake
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let it rest for about 30-60 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake for 14-17 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, then carefully invert the monkey bread onto a serving plate.
Tips for Monkey Bread Success
- Warm Ingredients: Using room temperature egg and warm milk helps the dough rise better.
- Don’t Over-Flour: Keep the dough soft and slightly tacky for the best texture.
- Bundt Pan Love: Grease your bundt pan generously to prevent sticking.
- Caramel Layering: Drizzle caramel sauce between layers for gooey perfection.
- Serve Fresh: Monkey bread is best enjoyed warm from the oven when it’s extra gooey and soft.
Common Questions About Monkey Bread
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the monkey bread the night before and refrigerate it. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
What if I don’t have a bundt pan?
No bundt pan? No problem! You can use a loaf pan or a round cake pan instead. Just ensure it’s well-greased.
Can I use premade dough?
Absolutely! While homemade dough is the star of this recipe, store-bought biscuit or pizza dough works in a pinch.
How do I store leftovers?
If you miraculously have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to make it gooey again.
Final Thoughts
Monkey bread isn’t just a recipe—it’s an experience. From the fun of rolling dough balls to the ooey-gooey joy of pulling apart each sweet piece, it’s a treat that brings people together. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to bake a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds (and thirds!).
