This bread machine monkey bread is a fun and delicious treat, perfect for breakfast or dessert. Made with soft, sweet dough and coated in cinnamon sugar, it’s easy to prepare and bake in your bread machine.
The recipe is simple, requiring minimal hands-on time. You can customize it with your favorite add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
What is Monkey Bread?
Monkey bread is a delightful treat that combines the joy of sweet, fluffy dough with the warmth of cinnamon and sugar. Traditionally served as a breakfast item or dessert, this dish is characterized by its pull-apart style, making it perfect for sharing.
The unique bundt shape not only adds to its visual appeal but also ensures that each piece is coated in that irresistible cinnamon sugar. The combination of textures—from the soft interior to the crispy exterior—creates a satisfying experience with every bite.
Ingredients for Success
To create a mouthwatering monkey bread, a few key ingredients are essential. The base includes warm milk, sugar, and butter, which contribute to the dough’s softness and flavor. Bread flour is preferred for its higher protein content, resulting in a chewy texture.
The magic happens when the dough is rolled in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. This step is crucial, as it coats each piece with sweetness and warmth. A drizzle of glaze made from powdered sugar and milk adds the finishing touch, making the bread even more irresistible.
Preparation Made Easy
Using a bread machine simplifies the process of making monkey bread. The machine handles the mixing and kneading, allowing you to focus on shaping and coating the dough. After the dough cycle is complete, it’s just a matter of dividing the dough into bite-sized pieces.
Coating each piece in melted butter and rolling it in cinnamon sugar is a fun step that kids and adults alike can enjoy. Once assembled in the bundt pan, a final rise allows the dough to puff up, ensuring a fluffy texture when baked.
Baking to Perfection
Preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) is vital for achieving that golden-brown crust. Baking for 30-35 minutes will yield a beautifully risen monkey bread that fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma.
After baking, allow the bread to cool slightly before inverting it onto a serving plate. This step is crucial to maintain the integrity of the bundt shape and ensure that the glaze drips beautifully over the top.
Serving Suggestions
Monkey bread is best enjoyed warm, making it a perfect centerpiece for brunch or a cozy family dessert. Serve it with a side of fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
For a fun twist, consider adding nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for added flavor and texture. The versatility of monkey bread allows for endless customization, ensuring that it can cater to various tastes and preferences.
Storing and Reheating
If you happen to have leftovers, storing monkey bread is simple. Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, it can be frozen and reheated in the oven.
To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and warm it in a preheated oven. This method helps retain moisture and ensures that the bread remains soft and delicious. Enjoying monkey bread the next day can be just as delightful as the first!
Easy Bread Machine Monkey Bread
This monkey bread features bite-sized pieces of dough rolled in cinnamon sugar, baked until golden brown, and drizzled with a sweet glaze. The recipe takes about 2 hours from start to finish and serves 8 people.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 3 1/4 cups bread flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for coating)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In your bread machine, add warm milk, sugar, melted butter, and egg. Then add bread flour, salt, and yeast on top. Select the dough cycle and start the machine.
- Make Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup granulated sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Shape the Dough: Once the dough cycle is complete, remove the dough from the machine and punch it down. Divide the dough into small pieces (about 1 inch each).
- Coat the Dough: Dip each piece in melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Place the coated pieces in a greased bundt pan, stacking them as you go.
- Final Rise: Cover the bundt pan with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the monkey bread for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the warm monkey bread before serving.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories: 250kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 38g