Monkey Bread from Scratch
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
or as needed
- ¼ cup warm water
- 2 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup milk
warmed
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons white sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup butter
melted
Directions
- 1
Lightly grease a fluted tube pan (such as Bundt®) with vegetable oil.
- 2
Combine warm water, yeast, and 1 teaspoon sugar in a large bowl. Let stand until bubbly and foamy, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Stir in 1 cup flour, warm milk, egg, 3 tablespoons sugar, butter, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix well before adding remaining 2 1/2 cups flour. Mix and knead until dough comes together in a ball. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.
- 4
Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and punch down gently to deflate. Divide dough into small or medium balls.
- 5
Mix brown sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl. Dip each dough ball in melted butter, remove with a fork, and roll in sugar mixture until well coated. Arrange in the prepared pan. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let rise until almost doubled, about 45 minutes.
- 6
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- 7
Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 35 minutes. Invert onto a large plate; cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Monkey Bread from Scratch
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Based on 56 ratings
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About this Recipe
Imagine a warm, sticky, and utterly irresistible treat that pulls apart into individual bites of pure joy. This Monkey Bread from Scratch recipe delivers exactly that, transforming simple ingredients into a show-stopping dessert or brunch centerpiece that will delight everyone.
What sets this monkey bread apart is its dedication to crafting everything from scratch. Starting with a homemade dough ensures a tender, rich base that perfectly soaks up the luscious, buttery brown sugar and cinnamon glaze, creating those iconic gooey, caramelized pockets with every pull. This method elevates the classic treat, providing a depth of flavor and texture that store-bought versions simply can't match.
Prepare for an extraordinary experience with every bite of this homemade monkey bread. You'll encounter soft, yielding pieces of dough, each generously coated in a deeply flavorful, sweet caramel sauce that's rich with brown sugar and a hint of vanilla. The aroma alone, filled with warm cinnamon and melted butter, promises comfort and delight throughout your kitchen. It's a truly indulgent treat that feels special yet approachable, perfect for sharing and creating lasting memories around the table.
While this recipe is perfect as is, you can easily personalize your monkey bread. Consider folding in some chopped pecans or walnuts into the coating for a nutty crunch, or adding a sprinkle of chocolate chips for an extra layer of sweetness. For a slightly different spice profile, a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom could enhance the warm flavors alongside the cinnamon. If you're looking for extra richness, ensure your milk is whole milk.
This gooey monkey bread is a fantastic centerpiece for weekend brunch, a comforting dessert, or a delightful afternoon treat. Serve it warm, letting everyone pull off their own satisfying, sticky pieces, perhaps alongside a cup of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk.