Monkey bread, a delightful treat, is a pull-apart bread with a sweet, sticky coating. This article will guide you through making monkey bread at home and give you tips for serving it. Learn about its history and answer some frequently asked questions. This fun-to-eat dessert is sure to please.
What is Monkey Bread?
Monkey bread is a soft, sweet bread, great for sharing. It is formed from small pieces of dough. These pieces are coated in butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Then, they’re baked together in a pan. This creates a sticky, delicious bread that pulls apart. It’s a favorite for breakfasts or brunch. Monkey bread is sometimes called “sticky bread” or “bubble bread.” It’s a perfect treat for any occasion.
The History of Monkey Bread
The exact origin of monkey bread is not clear. However, it became very popular in the United States in the 1950s. Recipes for it started appearing in cookbooks. The name “monkey bread” possibly comes from how you eat it. People often pick apart the pieces of the bread with their hands, like monkeys. Monkey bread is a fun and casual dish. This adds to its charm and appeal.
Making Your Own Monkey Bread
Making monkey bread is a fun process. It’s also easier than you might think. Here’s a guide to get you started.
Monkey Bread Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
| All-purpose flour | 5 cups (625g) |
| sugar | 1/4 cup (50g) |
| Instant-dry yeast | 2 teaspoons (6g) |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Whole milk | 1/3 cups (320ml) |
| Unsalted butter, melted | 1/3 cup (70g) |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| For the coating | Details |
| Butter | 1/4 cup (60g) |
| White sugar | 3/4 cup (150g) |
| Cinnamon | 1 tablespoon |
| For the caramel sauce: | Details |
| Sugar | 1 cup (200g) |
| Water | 1/4 cup (60ml) |
| Butter, cold | 1/3 cup (70g) |
| Heavy cream | 1/2 cup (120ml) |
How to Prepare Monkey Bread: Step by Step
Make the dough:
- into a bowl of a stand mixer place flour, sugar, yeast and salt. Mix. 2. Make a well in the center and add milk, eggs, and melted butter. Using the hook attachment, knead the on medium speed until soft and smooth dough forms, about 4-5 minutes. 3. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour. 4.
Make the coating:
- in a bowl mix sugar and cinnamon Set aside.
Make caramel sauce:
- in a sauce pan combine sugar and water, heat
- over medium heat until sugar dissolved and turns thick brown, amber-colored liquid (do not stir). Be careful not to burn. Once sugar is completely melted and reached a deep amber color, remove the saucepan from heat.
- Immediately pour heavy cream (Be careful, as the caramel will bubble up) and whisk until all the cream has been incorporated and you have a smooth sauce. Add butter, stir until melted. 6. Shape the dough: Punch the dough down to release air, transfer to a lightly floured surface and divide the dough into small pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then roll each ball in sugar cinnamon mixture.
Directions
- 7. Grease a Bundt cake pan and pour 2-3 tablespoons of the caramel sauce to the bottom of the pan. Arrange 1/3 of the balls in the pan, pour 2-3 tablespoons of the caramel sauce, arrange another 1/3 of the dough balls, pour another 2-3 tablespoons of the caramel sauce, arrange he last third and pour another 2-3 tablespoon of the caramel sauce on top. Cover and let rise for 20 minutes, or until doubled in size. 8. Preheat oven to 350F (180C). 9. Bake for 30 minutes, until golden brown on top. 10. Cool for 5 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate or cake stand. Release from the pan and drizzle as much caramel sauce as you like on top of the cake and serve warm.
Prep Time, Kcal and Servings
| Information | Details |
| Prep Time | 45 minutes |
| Cook Time | 35 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 20 minutes |
| Servings | 10-12 |
| Calories (kcal) | 350 per serving |
Serving Monkey Bread
Monkey bread is a great treat for any time. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. Here are some serving tips.
Ideas for Serving Monkey Bread
- Serve it warm: Warm monkey bread is the most enjoyable. The sugar coating will be melted and gooey.
- Pair with coffee: A cup of coffee or tea compliments the sweetness of the bread.
- Add a glaze: If you want more sweetness, add a simple glaze on top. For example, mix powdered sugar with a little milk.
- Serve with ice cream: For a dessert twist, serve monkey bread with vanilla ice cream.
Making it Special
- Add nuts: Sprinkling chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts adds flavor.
- Use different spices: Try adding nutmeg or cardamom. It gives a warm and different flavor.
- Add chocolate chips: Chocolate chips make it even more indulgent. Simply add them to the dough before coating.
- Make mini monkey bread: Use muffin tins for individual servings.
Monkey Bread Variations and Adaptations
Monkey bread is a versatile recipe. You can change it to suit your taste. Here are some ideas.
Flavor Variations for Bread
- Caramel Bread: Use caramel instead of plain sugar. This creates a rich flavor.
- Apple Cinnamon Bread: Add diced apples and more cinnamon. This is great for the fall season.
- Savory Monkey Bread: Instead of sweet coatings, use savory ingredients. Try cheese, garlic, and herbs. This makes a flavorful appetizer.
Making Monkey Bread Healthier
- Reduce sugar: You can reduce the amount of sugar used. You can also try a natural sweetener.
- Use whole grain flour: This adds fiber to your bread.
- Include fruits: Add fruits, like berries or bananas. They are a natural source of sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bread
Here are some common questions about bread.
Why is it called bread?
The name “monkey bread” comes from the way it is eaten. People pull apart and eat the pieces with their fingers, like a monkey would. This fun, casual way of eating has given it this unique name. bread is truly meant to be shared.
What can I use instead of a bundt pan for bread?
If you don’t have a bundt pan, you can use a tube pan. You can also use a loaf pan or even a casserole dish. The cooking time might change slightly. Ensure it is cooked through.
When should I eat monkey bread?
bread is great any time of day! It’s perfect for breakfast or brunch. Additionally, it can also be enjoyed as a dessert. Therefore, it is very versatile. You can make it for any gathering.
Which first lady served bread during Christmas at the White House?
First Lady Barbara Bush served bread during Christmas at the White House. It was a much-loved part of their holiday tradition.
bread, a favorite among many, is a delicious and versatile dish. It’s fun to make and even more fun to share. With its sweet, sticky flavor, it’s perfect for any occasion. Therefore, try making bread yourself!
Discover more recipes: