Cinnamon Monkey Bread: Soft, Sweet, and Perfectly Irresistible

Monkey bread is the ultimate tear-away treat, where small balls of tender dough are coated in butter, cinnamon, and sugar, creating a caramelized, sticky delight when baked. This egg-free version is soft and moist, with each bite bursting with the warm flavor of cinnamon. Perfect for sharing, this easy-to-make bread comes together quickly and delivers a sweet, indulgent experience in every bite. The golden brown crust hides an irresistibly moist interior, and it’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime snack. Whether you’re serving it as a weekend treat or at holiday gatherings, this monkey bread is sure to please!

Why you’ll love this recipe:

You’ll love this recipe because it combines the fun of crumbly bread with the classic comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar. The dough is light and fluffy, without the use of eggs, and each bite is coated in a delicious, buttery cinnamon sugar crust. This is a perfect recipe to make with kids or for anyone who enjoys interactive, shareable desserts. This recipe is easy to follow, with basic ingredients and minimal effort, but the result is an impressive, crowd-pleasing dish that’s hard to resist. Plus, you can customize it with a simple frosting for extra sweetness!

Perfect opportunity:

This Cinnamon Monkey Bread is perfect for casual family gatherings, holiday breakfasts, or weekend brunches. Its pull-apart nature makes it ideal for sharing with loved ones, whether you’re gathered around the table or serving it as a centerpiece at a party. It’s also a great addition to any dessert table, providing a fun, interactive treat that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Serve it fresh out of the oven for the best experience, when the bread is still warm and gooey, making every bite a melt-in-your-mouth delight.

Decorating tips:

For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle the monkey bread with a light glaze made with powdered sugar and milk or cream once it’s removed from the oven and cooled slightly. You can also make it more indulgent by adding a cream cheese frosting, similar to that on cinnamon rolls, for a rich, creamy finish. For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts over the dough before baking. For a festive presentation, lightly dust the bread with powdered sugar just before serving, which gives it a snowy appearance.

Ingredients for the dough:

• 420 g all-purpose flour
• 250 g whole milk (at room temperature or slightly warm)
• 5 g dry yeast (or 15 g fresh yeast)
• 45 g sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 75 g butter (softened)

For the cinnamon coating:

• 200 g sugar
• 100 g melted butter (cooled)
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Method:

1. Prepare the dough: In a small bowl, combine slightly warm milk, 2 teaspoons sugar (of the total) and yeast. Stir and cover with a cloth, let sit until mixture becomes foamy and yeast is activated.
2. Mix the dough: On a clean work surface, mound the flour and make a well in the center. Add the remaining sugar, softened butter, and salt around the edges of the flour. When the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the center of the flour well. Gradually incorporate the ingredients, kneading the dough for about 15 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.
3. Prepare the cinnamon coating: While the dough is rising, melt the butter and let it cool slightly. In a separate bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon for the coating.
4. Form the dough balls: Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to remove the air. Divide the dough into small, irregular balls. Roll each ball in the melted butter, then in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating them thoroughly.
5. Assemble the monkey bread: Place the coated dough balls in a greased 24-26cm round pan or a 23x12x10cm loaf pan, pressing them down lightly as you layer them. Cover the pan and let the dough rise again for 20-25 minutes.
6. Cook: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the monkey bread for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the top is crispy.
7. Let cool and serve: Let the bread cool slightly before serving. If desired, drizzle with a light glaze for added sweetness.

Appreciate!