Dessert

Monkey Bread (Elvis Favorite)

This is the kind of recipe that turns your kitchen into a bakery and makes your neighbors suddenly very friendly.

Picture pulling apart warm, cinnamon-sugar coated dough balls that practically melt in your mouth while a sweet glaze drips down your fingers.

Elvis knew what he was doing when he made this his go-to comfort food – it’s impossible to eat just one piece.

The smell alone will have people wandering into your kitchen asking “What’s that amazing aroma?” like they’re following a cartoon scent trail.

Fair warning: making this will establish you as the person everyone calls when they need something impressive for brunch or dessert.

Get ready to become dangerously popular because this monkey bread is about to become your signature move.

Ingredients

For greasing the bundt pan

3 tablespoons unsalted butter – softened

Dough

1 cup warm milk
1 /3 cup warm water
1 /4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons butter – melted
2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast – or active yeast (see note)
3 1/3 cups all purpose flour – may need more or less depending on your altitude
1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Cinnamon Coating

1 1/2 cups brown sugar – light or dark brown sugar
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 /2 cup unsalted butter – melted

Glaze

2 cups powdered sugar
1 /4 cup milk
Splash vanilla extract

Instructions

Prep the Bundt Pan

1 Grease a large 12-cup bundt pan with softened butter, using about 3 tablespoons. Make sure to get into all the grooves and crevices of the pan – this prevents sticking and ensures easy removal later.

Make the Dough

2 In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the warm milk, water, sugar, melted butter, and yeast. Mix to combine and let the mixture sit for 5 minutes (or 10 minutes if using active yeast). The mixture should become slightly foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to work.
3 Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until the ingredients come together, then increase speed to medium and mix for 6-8 minutes. The finished dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl, feel tacky but not sticky, and appear shiny and smooth.
4 Transfer the dough to a large, lightly oiled bowl. Turn the dough over once so the top is lightly coated with oil – this prevents a skin from forming during rising. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Prepare the Cinnamon Coating

5 While the dough rises, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon in a medium bowl, stirring until evenly distributed. Place the melted butter in a separate small bowl. Having these ready makes the assembly process much smoother.

Assembly Process

6 Remove the risen dough from the bowl and pat it into an 8-inch square on a lightly floured surface. Using a bench scraper or sharp knife, cut the square into 64 pieces – this creates the perfect bite-sized portions that make monkey bread so fun to eat.
7 Roll each piece into a smooth ball between your palms. Working one ball at a time, roll it first in the melted butter, then in the cinnamon sugar mixture until completely coated.
8 Place each coated ball into the prepared bundt pan, layering and staggering them to fill gaps as you go. This creates the pull-apart texture that makes monkey bread special.
9 Once all dough balls are coated and placed in the bundt pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap and let rise for 45-60 minutes, or until puffy. The dough should rise to within 1 inch of the top of the pan.

Baking and Finishing

10 Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and deep golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 190°F (88°C).
11 Cool in the pan for exactly 5 minutes – no longer! This brief cooling prevents the bread from falling apart while still allowing easy removal from the pan.
12 Turn the monkey bread out onto a serving platter and let cool for 10 minutes before glazing.
13 To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a large liquid measuring cup until smooth. Pour over the warm monkey bread, allowing it to drip down the sides.

Recommended Equipment and Kitchen Tools

Essential Tools (for best results):

Stand mixer with dough hook – Creates the perfect dough texture and saves your arms from all that kneading
12-cup bundt pan – The classic shape that makes monkey bread so impressive and ensures even baking
Kitchen scale – For the most accurate flour measurements, especially important for yeast breads
Bench scraper – Makes cutting the dough into 64 even pieces much easier and cleaner

Helpful Upgrades:

Instant-read thermometer – Takes the guesswork out of checking dough temperature and doneness
Large mixing bowls – Stainless steel or glass bowls work best for rising dough
Silicone spatula – Perfect for scraping down mixer bowls and folding ingredients
Liquid measuring cups – Essential for accurate milk measurements and easy glaze mixing

Nice-to-Have Options:

Parchment paper – Line your work surface for easy cleanup during assembly
Pastry brush – Helps ensure even butter coating on the bundt pan
Storage containers – Airtight containers keep leftover monkey bread fresh for days

Remember, these tools make the process easier and more enjoyable, but don’t let missing equipment stop you from making this incredible monkey bread!

Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications

Gluten-Free Adaptation:

Replace all-purpose flour with 3 1/2 cups gluten-free flour blend (one containing xanthan gum)
Add 1 teaspoon xanthan gum if your flour blend doesn’t include it
Expect a slightly denser texture but equally delicious flavor
May need an additional 10-15 minutes rising time

Dairy-Free Modifications:

Replace milk with unsweetened almond milk or oat milk in equal amounts
Substitute butter with vegan butter or coconut oil (solid, not melted)
Use dairy-free milk in the glaze as well
Flavor remains rich and satisfying with these swaps

Flavor Variations:

Apple Cinnamon: Add 1 cup diced apples to the cinnamon sugar mixture
Orange Cranberry: Add orange zest to dough and dried cranberries between layers
Chocolate Chip: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips between the coated dough balls
Maple Pecan: Replace brown sugar with maple sugar and add chopped pecans
Pumpkin Spice: Add pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon mixture and pumpkin puree to the dough

Make-Ahead Options:

Assemble completely, cover, and refrigerate overnight before the final rise
Freeze assembled unbaked monkey bread for up to 3 months
Bake frozen monkey bread adding 15-20 minutes to baking time

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Key Nutritional Highlights:
Each serving of this monkey bread contains approximately 485 calories, with the majority coming from carbohydrates and healthy fats. The recipe provides 8 grams of protein per serving from the milk, butter, and flour, making it more substantial than many sweet treats. The brown sugar contributes essential minerals like molasses-derived iron and potassium.

Health Benefits of Main Ingredients:
The whole milk provides high-quality protein, calcium for bone health, and vitamin D for immune function. Cinnamon offers powerful antioxidants and has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels, making this indulgent treat slightly more blood-sugar friendly. The yeast contributes B vitamins, particularly folate and niacin, which support energy metabolism. All-purpose flour is often enriched with iron and B vitamins, contributing to daily nutritional needs.

Dietary Considerations:
This recipe contains gluten, dairy, and eggs (if using active yeast that may contain egg products). It’s suitable for vegetarian diets but not vegan or gluten-free without modifications. Each serving provides about 75 grams of carbohydrates, so portion control is important for those monitoring carb intake. The recipe serves 8 generously, making it perfect for sharing at gatherings.

Smart Swaps and Ingredient Substitutions

Common Substitutions:

All-purpose flour → Bread flour (use same amount for chewier texture) or whole wheat pastry flour (use 3 cups for lighter whole grain option)
Brown sugar → Coconut sugar (1:1 ratio) or white sugar + 2 tablespoons molasses
Whole milk → Buttermilk (adds tangy flavor) or heavy cream diluted with water for richer taste
Instant yeast → Active dry yeast (same amount, but proof in warm liquid first)

Budget-Friendly Swaps:

Unsalted butter → Salted butter (reduce salt in recipe by half)
Vanilla extract → Vanilla-flavored milk or almond extract (use half the amount)
Powdered sugar → Granulated sugar blended until fine in food processor

Pantry Emergency Substitutions:

Warm milk → Powdered milk reconstituted with warm water
Brown sugar → White sugar + 1 tablespoon maple syrup per cup
Cinnamon → Pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice for different flavor profiles

Pro Tips for Substitutions:

Store coconut sugar in airtight containers to prevent clumping
When using salted butter, taste the dough before adding full amount of salt
Bread flour creates chewier texture – perfect if you prefer more substantial monkey bread

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

Sugar Substitutions:

Replace 1/4 cup granulated sugar in dough with 2 tablespoons erythritol or stevia blend
Substitute 1 1/2 cups brown sugar with 3/4 cup sugar-free brown sugar substitute
Use sugar-free powdered sweetener for glaze instead of regular powdered sugar
Total carb reduction: approximately 45-50 grams per recipe

Flour & Carb Modifications:

Replace 1 cup all-purpose flour with almond flour (use 2 1/3 cups total flour mixture)
Add 2 tablespoons psyllium husk powder to improve texture with flour substitution
Consider using coconut flour for 1/2 cup of the total flour amount
Realistic carb reduction: 20-25 grams per serving

Portion & Timing Tips:

Serve smaller portions (1/10 of recipe instead of 1/8) with protein-rich sides
Pair with Greek yogurt or nuts to slow sugar absorption
Estimated carbs per modified serving: 35-40 grams instead of 75 grams
Best enjoyed as morning treat when metabolism is most active

Blood Sugar Management:

Add 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed to dough for extra fiber
Serve with cinnamon tea to enhance blood sugar benefits

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Beverage Pairings:
This rich, cinnamon-spiced monkey bread pairs beautifully with strong coffee or espresso – the bitter notes balance the sweetness perfectly. For wine lovers, try a late-harvest Riesling or Moscato that complements the cinnamon and brown sugar flavors. Chai tea or spiced apple cider echo the warm spices, while cold milk provides a classic, comforting combination that never goes out of style.

Side Dish Recommendations:
Serve alongside fresh berries or sliced oranges to cut through the richness with bright acidity. Greek yogurt with honey provides protein and probiotics that balance the indulgent bread. For brunch gatherings, pair with scrambled eggs or turkey sausage to create a more substantial meal. Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream transforms this into an elegant dessert option.

Complete Meal Ideas:
Build a memorable brunch around this monkey bread by starting with fresh fruit salad and coffee cake muffins as lighter options. Add bacon or breakfast sausage for heartier appetites, and finish with mimosas or bloody marys for adult gatherings. For dessert service, precede with a light salad and grilled chicken to balance the meal before this sweet finale.

Occasion Suggestions:
Perfect for holiday mornings, birthday breakfasts, and weekend family gatherings. The impressive presentation makes it ideal for potluck brunches and office celebrations. Consider it for Mother’s Day breakfast in bed or Christmas morning when you want something special but not too complicated.

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

Professional Techniques:
Use the windowpane test to check dough development – stretch a small piece until thin enough to see light through. If it tears easily, knead longer. Room temperature ingredients mix more easily and create better texture, so take eggs and dairy out 30 minutes before baking. When cutting dough into pieces, use a bench scraper rather than a knife to avoid dragging and tearing the dough.

Common Mistake Prevention:
Over-rising is the biggest culprit in monkey bread failures – don’t let it rise more than 1 inch from the pan top or it may collapse during baking. Under-mixing the dough creates dense, heavy bread, while over-mixing makes it tough. The dough should be tacky but not sticky – add flour gradually if needed. Cooling too long in the pan makes removal nearly impossible.

Storage and Make-Ahead:
Store covered at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. For longer storage, flash freeze completely cooled monkey bread, then wrap in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm the whole loaf in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-12 minutes.

Scaling and Presentation:
This recipe doubles easily for large crowds – use two bundt pans rather than one large pan for even baking. For elegant presentation, dust with powdered sugar just before serving or drizzle with caramel sauce instead of glaze. Individual mini bundt pans create perfect personal portions for special occasions.

This monkey bread isn’t just a recipe – it’s your ticket to becoming the person everyone hopes will show up to brunch with something homemade. The combination of pillowy yeast dough, warm cinnamon spice, and that irresistible pull-apart texture creates pure comfort food magic that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because Tuesday needs something special, this Elvis-approved treat delivers every single time.