Monkey Bread Delight Recipe

Irresistible Monkey Bread Delight Recipe: Gooey Homemade Joy

Monkey bread revolutionizes ordinary ingredients into a sticky, pull-apart sensation that sparks joy at any gathering.

Sweet aromas will fill your kitchen as layers of soft, buttery dough intertwine with caramelized sugar and cinnamon.

Rich textures merge in this crowd-pleasing treat that promises pure comfort and indulgence.

Clusters of golden-brown goodness create an irresistible centerpiece guaranteed to make mouths water.

Home bakers adore this nostalgic dessert that brings people together through shared deliciousness.

Weekend brunches and family breakfasts become magical moments when this irresistible creation arrives at the table.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of warmth, sweetness, and pure culinary happiness.

Favorite Things About Monkey Bread Delight

  • Indulge in Sweet Simplicity: This monkey bread recipe transforms basic ingredients into a decadent, pull-apart dessert that feels like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen.
  • Master Easy Baking Magic: Requiring minimal technical skills, the recipe guides home bakers through straightforward steps, making impressive results accessible even for novice cooks.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Treat: Perfect for weekend brunches, potlucks, or family gatherings, this sticky-sweet bread creates instant smiles and encourages communal sharing with its irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating.
  • Customize Your Delight: Adaptable recipe allows playful variations like adding nuts, chocolate chips, or experimenting with different glazes, making each batch a unique culinary adventure.

Ingredients to Make Monkey Bread Delight

Pan Preparation:
  • Unsalted Butter: Soft and ready to create a non-stick surface for easy bread removal, choose high-quality butter for best flavor.
Dough Ingredients:
  • Warm Milk, Warm Water: Essential liquid base for activating yeast and creating soft dough texture, use room temperature ingredients.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps yeast activation, standard white sugar works perfectly.
  • Melted Butter: Adds rich flavor and moisture to the dough, unsalted preferred for better control of salt content.
  • Instant Yeast: Critical for bread rising, ensures light and fluffy texture.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Primary structural ingredient for dough, adjust quantity based on humidity and altitude.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast activity.
Coating Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Creates delicious caramelized cinnamon layer, dark or light brown sugar both work well.
  • Unsalted Butter: Helps cinnamon mixture stick to dough pieces, adds rich flavor and moisture.
Glaze Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract: Combines to create sweet, smooth drizzling topping, use pure vanilla for best taste.

Baking Instructions for Monkey Bread Delight

Step 1: Prepare Bundt Pan

Grease a large 12-cup bundt pan thoroughly with softened butter, ensuring complete coverage of the interior surface.

Step 2: Create Yeast Mixture

In a stand mixer bowl, combine:
  • Warm milk
  • Water
  • Granulated sugar
  • Melted butter
  • Active dry yeast

Mix ingredients until well blended and let sit for 5 minutes to activate the yeast.

Step 3: Develop Dough

Add to the yeast mixture:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Salt

Begin mixing on low speed until ingredients combine. Increase to medium speed and knead for 6-8 minutes. The dough should become smooth, shiny, and pull away from the sides of the bowl.

Step 4: First Dough Rise

Transfer dough to a lightly oiled large bowl. Rotate dough to coat with oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.

Step 5: Prepare Coating Station

Set up two separate bowls:
  • First bowl: Mix brown sugar and ground cinnamon
  • Second bowl: Melt butter

Step 6: Shape Dough Balls

Roll dough into an 8-inch square. Cut into 64 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a small ball.

Step 7: Coat Dough Balls

Dip each dough ball:
  • First into melted butter
  • Then roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture

Ensure complete coverage for each ball.

Step 8: Arrange in Bundt Pan

Layer coated dough balls in the prepared bundt pan, staggering them to create an interesting texture.

Step 9: Second Dough Rise

Cover pan with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm location for 45-60 minutes until balls become puffy and expanded.

Step 10: Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove plastic wrap and bake for 30-35 minutes until bread turns deep golden brown and looks bubbly.

Step 11: Cool and Release

Allow bread to cool in pan for 5 minutes. Carefully turn out onto a serving platter. Let cool an additional 10 minutes.

Step 12: Create Glaze

In a liquid measuring cup, whisk together:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Stir until smooth and fully combined.

Step 13: Drizzle and Serve

Pour glaze over slightly cooled monkey bread. Serve warm and enjoy the gooey, sweet treat!

Tips for Making Monkey Bread Delight Extra Gooey

  • Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure warm milk and water temperature is between 110-115°F to properly activate yeast without killing it.
  • Knead with Confidence: Develop gluten by kneading dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, which creates a tender, pillowy texture.
  • Create Uniform Balls: Use a kitchen scale to weigh dough pieces, guaranteeing consistent size and even baking throughout the monkey bread.
  • Prevent Overflow: Leave enough space between dough balls for rising, typically filling bundt pan about 2/3 full to avoid potential spillage during baking.
  • Glaze Like a Pro: Allow monkey bread to cool slightly before adding glaze, preventing it from becoming too thin or sliding off the surface.

How to Store and Heat Leftover Monkey Bread Delight

  • Refrigerate: Wrap the monkey bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
  • Reheat in Oven: Warm individual portions at 300°F for 5-7 minutes, covering loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  • Freeze: Slice monkey bread into portions, place in freezer-safe bags, and store for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions for Monkey Bread Delight

  • Brew the Perfect Coffee Companion: Pair this sweet monkey bread with a rich, medium-roast Colombian coffee. The caramel notes and smooth flavor perfectly complement the cinnamon sugar coating, creating a breakfast match made in heaven.
  • Enhance with Creamy Dairy Delight: Serve alongside cold, whole milk or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The creamy, cool texture balances the warm, gooey bread and adds a luxurious touch to each bite.
  • Create a Fruity Breakfast Sidekick: Add a fresh mixed berry compote or sliced strawberries on the side. The tart, bright fruit cuts through the bread's sweetness and provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, buttery texture.
  • Elevate with Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the glaze. These crunchy nuts add depth, provide extra protein, and introduce a delightful textural element to the soft, pull-apart bread.

Tasty Twists on Monkey Bread Delight

  • Nutty Crunch Adventure: Enhance the cinnamon coating by mixing in chopped pecans or walnuts, creating a delightful textural contrast and rich, earthy flavor profile.
  • Chocolate Swirl Sensation: Incorporate cocoa powder into the cinnamon sugar mixture or add chocolate chips between dough layers for a decadent, indulgent treat.
  • Berry Bliss Edition: Sprinkle dried cranberries or blueberries between dough balls before baking, introducing a tangy burst of fruity goodness that complements the sweet cinnamon coating.
  • Savory Herb Remix: Transform the recipe by replacing cinnamon sugar with a savory blend of herbs like rosemary, thyme, and grated parmesan cheese, turning the bread into a delectable appetizer or side dish.
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Monkey Bread Delight Recipe

Monkey Bread Delight Recipe


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4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Gooey monkey bread delights taste buds with layers of cinnamon-sugar-coated dough nestled in a buttery caramel sauce. This indulgent treat promises a warm, pull-apart experience that brings pure comfort to your table.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 ⅓ cups (420 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) warm water
  • 1 ½ cups (330 g) brown sugar
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar

Dough Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (7 g) instant yeast
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Flavor and Coating Ingredients:

  • 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) milk
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • Splash of vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Generously coat the interior of a 12-cup bundt pan with softened butter, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
  2. Activate yeast by combining warm milk, water, sugar, melted butter, and yeast in a stand mixer. Allow the mixture to rest and become foamy for 5 minutes.
  3. Gradually incorporate flour and salt into the yeast mixture. Knead the dough on low speed until it forms a cohesive mass, then increase to medium speed and continue mixing until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
  4. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, gently rotating to ensure complete coverage. Drape with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm area until the volume doubles, approximately 1 hour.
  5. Create the cinnamon coating by mixing brown sugar and ground cinnamon in one bowl, and melting butter in a separate container.
  6. Transform the risen dough into an 8-inch square, then divide into 64 uniform pieces. Roll each piece into a perfect sphere.
  7. Dip each dough ball first into melted butter, then thoroughly coat with the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
  8. Artfully arrange the coated dough balls in the prepared bundt pan, creating layered and staggered patterns for visual appeal.
  9. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise again, becoming puffy and expanded, for 45-60 minutes.
  10. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Uncover the bundt pan and bake until the bread achieves a deep golden-brown color and appears bubbling and caramelized, approximately 30-35 minutes.
  11. Remove from the oven and let the bread rest in the pan for 5 minutes. Carefully invert onto a serving platter, allowing the bread to cool for an additional 10 minutes.
  12. Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a liquid measuring cup until smooth and glossy.
  13. Drizzle the prepared glaze generously over the slightly cooled monkey bread, allowing it to cascade down the ridges and crevices.

Notes

  • Soft, pillowy dough coated in buttery cinnamon sugar creates a mouthwatering experience that’ll have everyone crowding the kitchen.
  • Perfect for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or when you’re craving something sweet and comforting without complicated techniques.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 32 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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