Introduction
Monkey Bread is a classic sweet treat that has been popular for generations. This decadent, sticky pastry is made by coating small pieces of dough in butter and sugar, baking them together, and then pulling them apart to eat. Monkey Bread is a great dessert for any occasion and is perfect for sharing with friends and family. In this article, we will be sharing a comprehensive guide to making Monkey Bread, including step-by-step instructions, a variety of recipes, and creative twists to help you perfect this delicious treat.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Monkey Bread
Making Monkey Bread is relatively easy, and with our step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to create perfect Monkey Bread every time. Before beginning, gather all necessary ingredients, including flour, sugar, salt, yeast, milk, butter, and eggs.
Step One: Start by preparing the dough. Dissolve yeast in lukewarm milk and let it sit for a few minutes. Add sugar, salt, butter, and eggs to the mixture, and whisk until the ingredients are combined.
Step Two: Slowly add flour to the mixture, stirring as you go, until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it is smooth and elastic.
Step Three: Grease a bundt pan with butter and set it aside. Separate the dough into small balls and set aside.
Step Four: Melt butter in a small saucepan, add sugar and cinnamon to the butter mixture and simmer for a few minutes until the sugar dissolves.
Step Five: Dip each dough ball into the melted butter mixture and place them in the bundt pan, layering them on top of each other.
Step Six: Cover the bundt pan with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest in a warm spot for about an hour or until the dough balls have doubled in size.
Step Seven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the monkey bread for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow the bread to cool for a few minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate.
5 Easy Monkey Bread Recipes for Any Occasion
If you’re looking to mix things up or cater to different tastes, we’ve got you covered. Here are five easy Monkey Bread recipes that are perfect for any occasion:
Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
This recipe combines two classic breakfast treats into one heavenly dessert. Prepare the dough as per our comprehensive guide above, but instead of dipping the dough balls in sugar and cinnamon, you should use cinnamon rolls that have been cut into small pieces. Follow the same instructions as for regular Monkey Bread in our comprehensive guide.
Cheddar and Herb Monkey Bread
This savory twist on Monkey Bread is perfect for a picnic or a dinner party. Prepare the dough as per our comprehensive guide, but instead of dipping the dough balls into a sweet mixture, mix shredded cheddar cheese and fresh herbs like thyme and oregano, and coat the dough balls and butter, salt, and pepper. Follow the same baking instructions as for regular Monkey Bread in our comprehensive guide.
Chocolate Chip Mini Monkey Bread
This recipe is perfect for a sweet tooth. Mix mini chocolate chips into the dough, then follow the preparation instructions in our comprehensive guide, dipping the dough balls into a mixture of melted butter and brown sugar instead of cinnamon sugar.
Strawberry and Cream Cheese Monkey Bread
This fruity and creamy version of Monkey Bread is perfect for brunch. Mix cream cheese and powdered sugar together in a bowl. To the dough balls, add chopped strawberries and a teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture, then dip them into melted butter and sugar. Follow the same baking instructions as for regular Monkey Bread in our comprehensive guide.
Bacon-wrapped Monkey Bread
This is a savory version of Monkey Bread that combines sweet and salty flavors. Before beginning, preheat your oven to 375°F. Cut bacon strips in half and wrap them around each dough ball, then layer them in a greased bundt pan. Follow the same preparation instructions as for regular Monkey Bread in our comprehensive guide, but instead of a sugar and cinnamon mixture, use a mixture of cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions.
The History of Monkey Bread
Monkey Bread has a long history that can be traced back to medieval Europe when people were making sweet bread using dough that had been dipped in butter and sugar. The name of the Monkey Bread may have originated from the way that people pulled apart the bread in small pieces, similar to how monkeys eat. Today, Monkey Bread has taken on many different names, including Hungarian Coffee Cake, Bubble Bread, and Pull-Apart Bread. There are now many different variations of Monkey Bread that exist around the world.
Monkey Bread for When You Don’t Feel Like Baking
If you don’t feel like spending time in the kitchen, this no-bake recipe is perfect for you.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Monkey Bread
This no-bake recipe only requires a small list of ingredients. First, cut a can of refrigerated biscuit dough into small pieces and set it aside. Then, in a saucepan, mix together peanut butter and jelly until it warms up and melts. Finally, pour the mixture over the dough and roll each piece into a ball.
Creative Twists on Classic Monkey Bread
If you want to experiment with new flavors and bread types, try one of these creative twists:
Monkey Bread with Brie and Cranberries
This sweet and savory recipe is perfect for the holiday season. Follow the same preparation instructions as for regular Monkey Bread in our comprehensive guide, but instead of sugar and cinnamon, melt Brie cheese and mix in dried cranberries. Dip the dough balls into the mixture before layering them in the bundt pan.
Monkey Bread with Nutella and Hazelnuts
This chocolatey twist is perfect for breakfast or dessert. Mix Nutella and hazelnuts together in a bowl, then prepare the dough as per our comprehensive guide, but instead of dipping the dough balls into the sugar and cinnamon mixture, dip them into the Nutella and hazelnut mixture. Bake according to our instructions.
Monkey Bread for Brunch
If you’re having a bunch party, this recipe is perfect for you:
Strawberry and Cream Cheese Monkey Bread
This fruity and creamy version of Monkey Bread is perfect for brunch. Mix cream cheese and powdered sugar together in a bowl. To the dough balls, add chopped strawberries and a teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture, then dip each piece into melted butter and sugar. Follow the same baking instructions as for regular Monkey Bread in our comprehensive guide.
Perfecting Monkey Bread
If you want to perfect your monkey bread-making skills, try these advanced tips:
Use Challah Bread
Instead of using regular bread dough, use Challah bread. Challah bread has a higher gluten content, which makes the bread fluffier and lighter.
Leave the Dough to Rise Overnight
If you have the time and patience, let the dough rise in the refrigerator overnight for better results. This will help to enhance the flavor and texture of the Monkey Bread.
Try Different Flavors
Experiment with different mix-ins, glazes, and toppings to create your own custom Monkey Bread.
Go Savory
If you’re not a fan of sweet Monkey Bread, try a savory version. Replace the sugar and cinnamon mixture with cheese, bacon, or herbs.
Conclusion
Monkey Bread is a delicious and versatile sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion. By following our comprehensive guide and recipe suggestions, you’ll be able to create a perfect Monkey Bread in no time at all. From classic flavors to unique twists, there’s a Monkey Bread recipe for everyone, and we hope this guide has inspired you to try something new.
