Monkey Bread
on Dec 19, 2024
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Today I’m sharing a simple and sweet recipe with you! My Monkey Bread is so easy to put together and is such a fun and delicious treat! It’s name comes from the fact that you can pull off bite-sized pieces of the loaf with your hands. It’s perfect to share with others and it’s super versatile, so there are lots of variations you can make, but today I’m sharing my tried and true recipe! I hope you try it and love it!
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION / MACROS
Makes: 12 servings
Serving size: 65g (about 4 pieces)
Calories: 219
Macros: 4P / 35 .3C / 7 .7F (1 fiber)
Search the food database in the MyFitnessPal or MacrosFirst apps by looking up Stay Fit Mom Monkey Bread to add it to your food diary.
INGREDIENTS
- Rhodes rolls (or 18 Costco size)
- Lightly-packed brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Butter
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
Recipe Tip
Place monkey bread in your preheated oven (200 degrees then shut off) to quick rise bread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- It’s Fun and Easy to Make – The “monkey” part comes from the fun of tearing off bite-sized pieces with your hands. It’s a playful and interactive treat, making it a hit at family gatherings, brunches, or parties.
- It’s Perfect for Sharing – Since it’s a pull-apart dessert, monkey bread is ideal for sharing with friends and family. No need for plates or utensils—just tear off a piece and enjoy!
- Crowd Pleasing -It’s almost impossible to go wrong with monkey bread. The combination of soft, cinnamon-sugar-coated dough and sticky caramel glaze is irresistible to most people, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Affordable -The ingredients are inexpensive which makes it a great choice for budget-friendly baking that still feels indulgent and special.
- Fun for All Ages -Whether you’re baking for kids or adults, monkey bread is a hit. Kids love the hands-on aspect, while adults appreciate the warm, cinnamon-filled goodness.
Flavor Variations
- Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread: Stick to the classic but use cinnamon roll dough (like Pillsbury’s or homemade dough) instead of biscuit dough. Add a drizzle of cream cheese glaze for extra richness.
- Apple Cinnamon Monkey Bread: Mix in diced apples and a little extra cinnamon. You can sauté the apples in butter and sugar before adding them to the dough pieces for a soft, caramelized effect.
- Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread: Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice to the dough for a fall twist. You can also add a bit of maple syrup to the glaze.
- Chocolate Monkey Bread: Incorporate mini chocolate chips or chunks of chocolate bars between the dough pieces. You could also try a Nutella swirl for an extra indulgent version.
- Peanut Butter Monkey Bread: Drizzle peanut butter over the dough pieces before baking, and mix it into the glaze for a peanut butter-chocolate combo.
- S’mores Monkey Bread: Add mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and crushed graham crackers to the dough, then drizzle with a marshmallow-flavored glaze.
- Berry Monkey Bread: Use fresh or frozen berries (like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries) to add a fruity element to the dough. You can add some zest, like lemon or orange, to brighten the flavor.
- Coconut Monkey Bread: Mix in shredded coconut into the dough or sprinkle it over the top for a tropical twist.
Add-ins and Toppings
- Nuts: Add pecans, walnuts, or almonds into the dough for added crunch. Toasting them slightly beforehand can bring out even more flavor.
- Caramel Drizzle: Instead of using a traditional glaze, make a homemade caramel sauce to pour over the monkey bread, or mix some into the dough for extra gooeyness.
- Maple Glaze: Swap the regular glaze for a maple syrup-based glaze, perfect for a more breakfast-y vibe.
- Coconut Flakes: Add shredded unsweetened coconut into the dough and on top for a tropical touch.
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SUPPLIES USED
Bundt Pan – I love using my bundt pan for this recipe! It looks so pretty when it’s done!!
Healthier Versions
- Whole Wheat Monkey Bread: Swap regular biscuit dough for whole wheat biscuit dough or make your own dough with whole wheat flour for a healthier base.
- Dairy-Free Monkey Bread: Use a dairy-free butter and milk substitute (such as coconut milk or almond milk) to make the bread dairy-free. You can also use non-dairy alternatives for the glaze.
- Low-Sugar Monkey Bread: Reduce the sugar in the cinnamon-sugar coating or glaze, and substitute with Stevia or another sugar substitute. You can also use fruit, like mashed bananas or applesauce, for sweetness.
- Vegan Monkey Bread: To make a vegan version, substitute the butter and eggs with plant-based alternatives. You can use a plant-based biscuit dough and a vegan-friendly glaze.
Holiday or Themed Variations
- Christmas Monkey Bread: Add cranberries and orange zest to the dough for a festive touch. You can also decorate with colored icing or a dusting of powdered sugar to resemble snow.
- Halloween Monkey Bread: Make a spooky version by adding chocolate chips and orange frosting. You could also form it into the shape of a pumpkin or another Halloween-inspired design.
- Valentine’s Day Monkey Bread: Use red velvet cake mix or incorporate chocolate chips and a pink glaze for a romantic, sweet version.
- Easter Monkey Bread: Add a touch of lemon zest and serve with whipped cream or pastel-colored icing.
How To Store
1. Room Temperature (Short-Term Storage)
- If you plan to eat the monkey bread within 1-2 days, you can store it at room temperature.
- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
- Alternatively, you can place the bread in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
- Keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
2. Refrigeration (Longer-Term Storage)
- For up to a week, you can store monkey bread in the refrigerator. The cold will help preserve the freshness and prevent it from spoiling.
- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, or store it in an airtight container.
- If it has a sugary glaze or caramel, refrigerating it may cause the glaze to harden slightly, but you can always warm it up to restore its gooeyness.
3. Freezing (For Extended Storage)
- Freezing is a great option if you want to store monkey bread for a longer period (up to 3 months).
- Allow the monkey bread to cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container.
- If you’re freezing individual portions, you can wrap them separately to make reheating easier.
- To thaw, let the bread sit at room temperature for several hours or overnight in the fridge. You can also reheat it in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F) to warm it through and restore its soft, gooey texture.
4. Reheating
- To reheat (whether refrigerated or frozen), place it in a preheated oven at around 300°F for about 10-15 minutes. This will warm it up without drying it out.
- If frozen, let it thaw at room temperature before reheating.
- For a quicker option, you can also reheat it in the microwave in short bursts (30 seconds at a time) to warm individual pieces.
5. Tips
- If the monkey bread has a glaze or sticky syrup, be cautious when wrapping it. Use parchment paper under the wrap to prevent sticking, or store it upside down to keep the sticky side from sticking to the wrap.
- For an extra touch, you can drizzle some fresh glaze or icing on top after reheating to bring back that fresh, just-baked flavor.
By following these tips, you can keep your monkey bread tasting just as good as the day you made it!
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Monkey Bread
A sweet, sticky treat made from bite-sized pieces of dough coated in cinnamon sugar, baked together in a bundt pan to create a pull-apart, caramelized treat.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 28 frozen Rhodes rolls, or 18 Costco size
- 1 cup lightly-packed brown sugar, 105g
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 8 tablespoons butter, 112g
- 30 grams powdered sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Put frozen Rhodes rolls on a greased pan and let them defrost about 1 hour.
- Melt the butter in a small bowl.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl.
- Once rolls are defrosted, slice each roll in half, or quarters if using the large Costco size.
- Dip roll pieces in melted butter and shake off excess butter.
- Gently roll in the brown sugar mix, coating
- Drop into the bundt cake pan. Repeat with all pieces, filling the bundt cake pan. Pour any remaining butter and brown sugar on top.
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a towel and let rise in a warm area, until rolls rise and begin to pop out over the top of the pan. This takes about 1 hour in a warm kitchen, but up to 2 hours if your kitchen is a little colder.
- Once they rise, put them in the oven at 350 degrees and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top pieces are golden brown.
- Let cool on a cooling rack for at least 20 minutes. Flip bundt cake pan over onto a plate or cake dish. It should come out easily with a little tapping and shaking.
- Mix the powdered sugar and milk to make the icing, and drizzle icing onto the monkey bread.
Notes
- Place monkey bread in your preheated oven (200 degrees then shut off) to quick rise bread.
- Search the MyFitnessPal or MacrosFirst app food databases for Stay Fit Mom Monkey Bread to log it in your food diary.
Nutrition
Serving: 64g, Calories: 219kcal, Carbohydrates: 35.3g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 7.7g, Fiber: 1g
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