How do you make monkey bread from scratch? Monkey bread, also known as pull-apart bread, is a delightful and easy-to-make breakfast or dessert that can be enjoyed by the entire family. This bread is a delightful mix of fluffy dough and sweet, gooey cinnamon sugar, all baked into a warm, inviting loaf. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making monkey bread from scratch, ensuring that you achieve a delicious and irresistible outcome every time.
Before you begin, gather all the necessary ingredients. You will need flour, sugar, yeast, milk, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a mix-in such as nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips. These ingredients are essential for creating the perfect monkey bread experience.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and yeast. Gradually add the warm milk and melted butter, stirring until the mixture is smooth. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon sugar mixture by combining sugar and cinnamon in a separate bowl.
Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/2 inch. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Roll the dough up tightly, like a jelly roll, and pinch the ends to seal. Cut the roll into 1-inch pieces and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, standing them on their ends.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if it wasn’t already. Bake the monkey bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread is puffed and golden. Remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. In the meantime, melt the butter and pour it over the warm bread. Sprinkle with additional cinnamon sugar if desired.
Monkey bread is best enjoyed warm, so serve it immediately. This delightful bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert. You can customize it by adding your favorite mix-ins, such as nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips. Whether you’re making monkey bread for a special occasion or a casual family gathering, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy everyone’s taste buds.
Now that you know how to make monkey bread from scratch, go ahead and experiment with different variations and flavors. Enjoy the process of creating this delicious bread and share it with your loved ones. Happy baking!
