Monkey Bread is the ultimate pull-apart treat, where small, tender dough balls are coated in butter, cinnamon, and sugar, creating a caramelized, sticky delight once baked. This version, made without eggs, is soft and fluffy, with each bite bursting with the warm flavor of cinnamon. Perfect for sharing, this easy-to-make bread comes together quickly and delivers an indulgent, sweet experience with every pull. The golden-brown crust hides an irresistibly soft interior, and it’s great for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime snack. Whether you serve it as a weekend treat or during holiday gatherings, this monkey bread is sure to please!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
You’ll love this recipe because it combines the fun of pull-apart bread with the classic comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar. The dough is light and airy, without the use of eggs, and each bite is coated in a delicious buttery cinnamon sugar crust. It’s a perfect recipe to make with kids or for anyone who loves interactive, shareable desserts. This recipe is easy to follow, with basic ingredients and minimal effort, yet the result is an impressive, crowd-pleasing dish that’s hard to resist. Plus, you can customize it with a simple glaze for added sweetness!
Perfect Occasion:
This Cinnamon Monkey Bread is perfect for casual family gatherings, holiday breakfasts, or weekend brunches. Its pull-apart nature makes it ideal for sharing with loved ones, whether you’re gathered around the table or serving it as a centerpiece at a party. It’s also an excellent addition to any dessert table, providing a fun, interactive treat that both kids and adults will enjoy. Serve it fresh from the oven for the best experience, when the bread is still warm and gooey, making every bite a melt-in-your-mouth delight.
Decoration Tips:
For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle the monkey bread with a light glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or cream once it’s out of the oven and slightly cooled. You can also make it more indulgent by adding a cream cheese frosting, similar to cinnamon rolls, for a rich and creamy finish. To add some texture, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts over the dough before baking. For a festive presentation, dust the bread lightly with powdered sugar just before serving, giving it a snow-kissed look.
Ingredients for the Dough:
- 420g All-Purpose Flour
- 250g Whole Milk (room temperature or slightly warm)
- 5g Dry Yeast (or 15g Fresh Yeast)
- 45g Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 75g Butter (softened)
For the Cinnamon Coating:
- 200g Sugar
- 100g Melted Butter (cooled)
- 2 tablespoons Ground Cinnamon
Method:
- Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, combine the slightly warm milk, 2 teaspoons of sugar (from the total), and the yeast. Stir and cover with a cloth, letting it rest until the mixture becomes foamy and the yeast activates.
- Mix the Dough: On a clean work surface, make a mound with the flour and create a well in the center. Add the rest of the sugar, softened butter, and salt around the edges of the flour. When the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the center of the flour well. Gradually incorporate the ingredients, kneading the dough for about 15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Coating: While the dough is rising, melt the butter and set it aside to cool slightly. In a separate bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon for the coating.
- Form the Dough Balls: Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into small, irregular balls. Roll each ball in the melted butter, then in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating them thoroughly.
- Assemble the Monkey Bread: Place the coated dough balls into a greased 24-26 cm round pan or a 23x12x10 cm loaf pan, pressing them down slightly as you layer them. Cover the pan and let the dough rise again for 20-25 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the monkey bread for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the tops are crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool slightly before serving. If desired, drizzle with a light glaze or frosting for extra sweetness.
Enjoy!