This monkey bread recipe utilizes frozen bread dough for a quick and convenient treat. The result is a soft, pull-apart bread coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
With minimal preparation and baking time, this recipe is ideal for busy days or gatherings. You can customize it with nuts or chocolate chips for added flavor.
What is Monkey Bread?
Monkey bread is a delightful treat that brings a sense of nostalgia and comfort to any gathering. This pull-apart bread is known for its soft, fluffy texture and sweet, cinnamon-sugar coating.
Traditionally served warm, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The fun of tearing off pieces makes it a favorite among both kids and adults alike.
Using frozen bread dough simplifies the process, allowing anyone to whip up this delicious dish with minimal effort.
Ingredients for a Cozy Treat
To create this warm delight, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. The star of the show is frozen bread dough, which serves as the foundation for the fluffy pieces.
Granulated sugar and ground cinnamon combine to create that signature sweet coating, while melted butter adds richness and moisture.
For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, chopped nuts can be included, enhancing both flavor and texture.
Preparation Steps Made Simple
Preparing monkey bread is straightforward and quick. Start by thawing the frozen bread dough, which usually takes place overnight in the refrigerator.
Once the dough is ready, cut it into small pieces and roll each piece in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon. This step is where the magic begins, as the dough transforms into sweet morsels.
Layer the coated pieces in a greased bundt pan, adding nuts or brown sugar between layers for extra flavor.
Baking to Perfection
After layering, pour melted butter over the top to ensure every piece is infused with flavor. Cover the pan and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size.
This rising period is crucial for achieving that light, fluffy texture. Once risen, bake the monkey bread until it turns a beautiful golden brown.
The aroma that fills the kitchen during baking is simply irresistible!
Serving Suggestions
Once baked, allow the monkey bread to cool slightly before inverting it onto a serving plate. The sight of the golden, glistening bread is sure to impress.
Serve it warm, perhaps with a cup of coffee or tea, for a delightful pairing.
For an added touch, consider drizzling a bit of icing or serving it with a side of cream cheese frosting for those who enjoy a sweeter treat.
Customizing Your Monkey Bread
One of the best aspects of monkey bread is its versatility. While the classic cinnamon-sugar combination is beloved, feel free to experiment with flavors.
Incorporating chocolate chips, dried fruits, or different nuts can create a unique twist on this classic recipe.
Whether you stick to the traditional method or venture into new flavor territories, monkey bread is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Quick Monkey Bread Recipe
This monkey bread features pieces of frozen bread dough rolled in cinnamon sugar and baked until golden brown. The recipe takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish and serves 8 people.
Ingredients
- 2 loaves of frozen bread dough, thawed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Thaw the frozen bread dough according to package instructions, usually overnight in the refrigerator.
- Mix Sugar and Cinnamon: In a bowl, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Cut and Roll Dough: Once thawed, cut the dough into small pieces (about 1 inch). Roll each piece in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated.
- Layer in Pan: In a greased bundt pan, layer the coated dough pieces, adding chopped nuts and brown sugar between layers if desired.
- Add Butter: Pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the dough in the pan.
- Let Rise: Cover the pan with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 30-45 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 and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the monkey bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate. Serve warm.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 42g