Recipe: Monkey Bread
Ingredients:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 large eggs
For Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Directions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- In a saucepan, heat milk, butter, and water until warm (120°F to 130°F).
- Add the warm milk mixture to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Add eggs and 1 cup of flour. Beat on high for 2 minutes.
- Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough and divide into small pieces.
- In a shallow bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon for coating.
- Dip each dough piece in melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Place coated dough pieces in a greased bundt pan.
- Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.
Kitchen Equipment Needed:
- Mixing bowls
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Saucepan
- Bundt pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
How to Store Leftovers:
If you somehow have any leftovers (which is highly unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze leftover Monkey Bread for up to 1 month. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave for a few seconds or warm it in the oven until heated through.
Food and Drink Pairings:
Monkey Bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of milk. For a brunch spread, serve it alongside fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced meal. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, drizzle warm caramel sauce over each piece for an extra layer of decadence.
FAQ
Q: Can I make Monkey Bread ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise in the refrigerator overnight, then assemble and bake it in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast.
Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? A: Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. However, you may need to adjust the rise times slightly as instant yeast typically works faster.
Q: Can I make Monkey Bread without a bundt pan? A: While a bundt pan creates the classic shape of Monkey Bread, you can certainly use a regular cake pan or even a muffin tin for individual servings.
Conclusion:
Indulge your senses and treat yourself to the irresistible allure of homemade Monkey Bread. Whether you’re savoring it fresh out of the oven or enjoying it as a leftover indulgence, each bite promises a moment of sweet bliss. Share this recipe with friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more mouthwatering creations. Happy baking!