Monkey Bread Recipe

All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, providing structure and texture.

Sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough and the coating.

Active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise and become fluffy.

Warm water: Activates the yeast and helps form the dough.

Vegan butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dough and the coating.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dough.

Cinnamon: Provides a warm, spicy flavor to the coating.

When kneading the dough, ensure you use the heel of your hand to push the dough away from you, then fold it back over itself and give it a quarter turn. This technique helps develop the gluten structure, resulting in a smooth and elastic dough. Additionally, if the dough feels too sticky, lightly dust your hands and the work surface with flour to make the process easier without incorporating too much extra flour.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, making the bread healthier.

• sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a slight caramel flavor.

• active dry yeast - Substitute with instant yeast: Instant yeast can be mixed directly with dry ingredients and doesn't require proofing, making the process quicker.

• warm water - Substitute with warm almond milk: Almond milk adds a subtle nutty flavor and makes the dough slightly richer.

• vegan butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a great plant-based fat that adds a slight coconut flavor and works well in baking.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a more complex flavor and contains trace minerals.

• sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a rich, complex sweetness and a hint of maple flavor.

• cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice adds a warm, complex flavor with hints of nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.

• vegan butter - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil is a healthy fat with a mild flavor that works well in baking.

• Allow the monkey bread to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dessert soggy.
• For short-term storage, place the monkey bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• If you prefer to keep it longer, refrigerate the monkey bread in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to a week.
• To freeze, first ensure the monkey bread is completely cool. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the monkey bread at room temperature or in the refrigerator overnight.
• For a warm treat, reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. Alternatively, you can reheat the entire monkey bread in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• If you notice the monkey bread drying out, a quick brush of melted vegan butter before reheating can help restore some of its original moisture and flavor.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover monkey bread in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes to let the monkey bread regain its crispy exterior.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a portion of the monkey bread on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 30-45 seconds.
  4. Check the temperature and heat in additional 15-second intervals if needed.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the monkey bread on a piece of aluminum foil or a small baking tray.
  3. Heat for about 10 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn't overcook.
  4. For a crispier texture, you can leave it in for an additional 2-3 minutes.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.
  2. Add a small amount of vegan butter to the skillet.
  3. Once the vegan butter has melted, add the monkey bread pieces.
  4. Cover the skillet with a lid to create steam and heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally to ensure even heating.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast, and later to mix the dough ingredients together.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the flour, sugar, and water.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the yeast, salt, and cinnamon.

• Wooden spoon: Handy for mixing the dough until it forms.

• Stand mixer: Optional, but can be used with a dough hook attachment to mix and knead the dough.

• Clean surface: Needed for kneading the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.

• Greased bowl: Used to let the dough rise without sticking.

• Plastic wrap or kitchen towel: To cover the bowl while the dough rises.

• Bundt pan: The specific pan used to bake the monkey bread.

• Small bowl: For mixing the cinnamon and sugar coating.

• Microwave-safe bowl: For melting the vegan butter.

• Oven: Preheated to 350°F (175°C) for baking the monkey bread.

• Cooling rack: To let the monkey bread cool slightly before inverting.

• Plate: For inverting the monkey bread onto once it has cooled.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Measure and set out all ingredients before starting. This streamlines the process.

Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can knead the dough more efficiently than by hand.

Preheat the oven early: Turn on the oven while the dough is rising to save time.

Divide and conquer: Have a helper dip the dough balls in butter and cinnamon-sugar while you shape them.

Use a dough cutter: A dough cutter can quickly divide the dough into small pieces.