Monkey Bread
Monkey bread, also known as pull-apart bread, is a delightful treat that never fails to impress. With its sweet, gooey goodness, this dish is perfect for gatherings, brunches, or a cozy family breakfast. Each piece pulls apart easily, coated in cinnamon sugar and buttery goodness, making it a fun and interactive dish to share. Let’s dive into the recipe and create this delightful centerpiece for your next meal!
Ingredients
– 3 cans of refrigerated biscuit dough
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– Optional: chopped nuts or chocolate chips
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 piece) contains approximately 250 calories, 12g fat, 36g carbohydrates, and 2g protein. This is based on a standard serving size.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a bundt pan generously with butter.
- In a bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon together.
- Open the biscuit cans and cut each biscuit into quarters.
- Roll each piece in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated.
- Layer the coated biscuit pieces in the bundt pan.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter and stir in the brown sugar until dissolved.
- Pour the butter mixture evenly over the biscuit pieces in the pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes before inverting onto a plate to serve.
Alternative Ingredients
If desired, you can substitute the biscuit dough with homemade dough or even use gluten-free biscuits. For a twist, try adding different spices like nutmeg or cardamom to the sugar mixture.
Serving and Pairings
Monkey bread pairs wonderfully with a drizzle of icing, a side of fresh fruit, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s also delightful when served with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can be reheated in the oven or microwave; however, it’s best enjoyed fresh. Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture.
Cooking Mistakes
- Don’t skip greasing the bundt pan to prevent sticking.
- Ensure the dough pieces are evenly coated for consistent flavor.
- Watch the baking time closely to avoid overbaking.
- Let it cool briefly before inverting to prevent tearing.
- Use room temperature ingredients for better dough consistency.
Helpful Tips
- Experiment with different fillings like chocolate or fruit.
- For a richer flavor, use brown butter instead of regular butter.
- Consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top for contrast.
- Use a toothpick to check for doneness in the center.
FAQs
What is monkey bread?
Monkey bread is a sweet, pull-apart bread made from pieces of dough rolled in cinnamon sugar. It’s baked in a bundt pan and served warm, often with a drizzle of icing.
Can I make monkey bread in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and coating ahead of time. Assemble the bread in the bundt pan, cover it, and refrigerate overnight, then bake it in the morning for a fresh treat.
Is monkey bread suitable for freezing?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftover monkey bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.
Can I use different flavors in monkey bread?
Absolutely! You can add various flavors and fillings, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or even fruit, to customize your monkey bread.
Why is it called monkey bread?
The name “monkey bread” comes from the way people eat it—pulling apart pieces with their fingers, similar to how monkeys eat. It’s a fun and interactive dish perfect for sharing!
Conclusion
Monkey bread is a delightful combination of sweetness, warmth, and fun. Its pull-apart nature makes it a favorite for gatherings and family breakfasts alike. With endless variations and easy preparation, it’s a dish that brings joy to the table.
Monkey Bread
Ingredients
- 3 cans of refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- Optional: chopped nuts or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a bundt pan generously with butter.
- In a bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon together.
- Open the biscuit cans and cut each biscuit into quarters.
- Roll each piece in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated.
- Layer the coated biscuit pieces in the bundt pan.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter and stir in the brown sugar until dissolved.
- Pour the butter mixture evenly over the biscuit pieces in the pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes before inverting onto a plate to serve.
