Monkey Bread
Monkey Bread is a delightful pull-apart bread that combines soft, buttery dough balls coated in a sweet cinnamon mixture. The warm, gooey texture and rich flavors make it a perfect treat for family gatherings or brunches, sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Use a greased 9 x 13-inch pan or Bundt pan.
- Melt margarine; add brown sugar, vanilla pudding, milk, and cinnamon.
- Break up 1 loaf into round balls and place them in the pan.
- Pour the mixture over the dough balls and break the second loaf over this.
- Let it rise for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
- Bake for 30 minutes at 350°; turn out immediately to cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. You can also substitute the vanilla pudding with butterscotch for a different twist. If you want some added texture, mix in chopped nuts or chocolate chips with the dough balls. Remember to grease the pan well to prevent sticking, which can be a common issue with monkey bread.
Serving Suggestions
Monkey bread is delightful served warm, perhaps drizzled with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk. It pairs beautifully with pancakes for a brunch spread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Crustless Vegetable Ham Pie or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it fresh longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Monkey Bread contains roughly 246 calories, with 2g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 14g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make monkey bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the monkey bread and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. In the morning, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure it rises properly.
What should I do if my monkey bread is too dry?
If your monkey bread turns out dry, it might be due to overbaking. To prevent this, keep an eye on it after 25 minutes and do the toothpick test. If you have leftovers, try reheating with a drizzle of butter or syrup to add moisture.
Can I use fresh bread instead of frozen?
While frozen bread is ideal for this recipe, you can use fresh bread if it's slightly stale. Cut it into pieces and allow it to sit out for a while to dry out a bit, which will help it soak up the buttery mixture without becoming too soggy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).