This dairy-free monkey bread is a delightful pull-apart treat that is perfect for breakfast or dessert. Made with simple ingredients, it offers a sweet, gooey experience without any dairy.
The recipe is easy to follow and can be customized with various toppings and spices to suit your taste.
Creating the Perfect Monkey Bread
Monkey bread is a delightful treat that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering. This pull-apart bread is not only visually appealing but also incredibly satisfying to eat. The golden-brown exterior, coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture, tempts anyone nearby.
To achieve that perfect texture, the dough must be soft and fluffy. This is accomplished through a simple process of mixing, kneading, and allowing the dough to rise. The result is a tender bread that pulls apart easily, making it a fun and interactive dessert for family and friends.
Ingredients for Success
The ingredients used in this monkey bread are straightforward and accessible. All-purpose flour serves as the base, while granulated and brown sugars add sweetness. Active dry yeast is essential for that delightful rise, creating the fluffy texture that is characteristic of this dish.
For a dairy-free option, unsweetened almond milk and coconut oil are used, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this treat without compromising on flavor. The addition of vanilla extract enhances the overall taste, making each bite a little more special.
Preparation Steps
Preparing the dough is a straightforward process. Begin by mixing the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another. Combining these two mixtures forms a dough that is then kneaded until smooth. This step is crucial, as it develops the gluten, which gives the bread its structure.
After kneading, the dough needs time to rise. Placing it in a warm area allows it to double in size, which is key to achieving that light and airy texture. Once risen, the dough is punched down and divided into small pieces, ready to be shaped and coated.
Coating and Assembling
The magic happens when the dough balls are coated in melted dairy-free butter and rolled in a cinnamon-sugar mixture. This step not only adds flavor but also creates a beautiful crust when baked. Layering these coated balls in a bundt pan ensures that each piece is surrounded by that sweet coating.
Before baking, any remaining melted butter is poured over the top, adding richness and helping the bread achieve a golden finish. The anticipation builds as the bundt pan goes into the oven, filling the kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
Baking to Perfection
Baking the monkey bread at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes results in a beautifully golden-brown exterior. The key is to keep an eye on it, ensuring it doesn’t over-bake. Once done, allowing it to cool for a few minutes makes it easier to invert onto a serving plate.
The final presentation is stunning, with the bread glistening and ready to be pulled apart. It’s the perfect centerpiece for any table, inviting everyone to dig in and enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
Monkey bread is versatile and can be enjoyed at any time of day. Serve it warm for breakfast, as a delightful snack, or as a dessert. Pairing it with fresh fruit adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness, enhancing the overall experience.
For an extra touch, consider offering a small bowl of cinnamon sugar on the side for those who want to indulge even more. This treat is sure to become a favorite, bringing smiles and satisfaction to all who partake.
Easy Dairy-Free Monkey Bread
This monkey bread features soft, fluffy dough balls coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture and baked until golden brown. The recipe takes about 1 hour from start to finish and serves 8 people.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk or other dairy-free milk
- 1/4 cup coconut oil melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup dairy-free butter or margarine melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, yeast, salt, and baking powder. In a separate bowl, mix almond milk, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Coating: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Shape the Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into small pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then dip in melted dairy-free butter and coat in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Assemble the Monkey Bread: Layer the coated dough balls in a greased bundt pan. Pour any remaining melted butter over the top.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for a few minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 8 pieces
- Calories: 230kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 36g