Monkey bread

Delicious Monkey Bread Recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 10 servings

Monkey Bread, a dessert loved by many families, is a perfect choice for a weekend brunch or a gathering with friends. This recipe is simple and fun, ideal for cooking together with little ones, who will enjoy the process of forming dough balls. Let's get started!

Ingredients

- 500 g flour
- 340-370 ml warm water
- 13 g fresh yeast (or 4 g dry yeast)
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 ½ tablespoons sugar (or more, to taste)

For greasing

- 150 g butter (melted and then cooled)
- 200 g sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon (or more, depending on preference)

Necessary utensils

- A bundt pan (or a round baking dish)
- A large bowl
- A small bowl
- A spatula or wooden spoon
- A clean towel
- A cooking outfit to avoid mess

Preparation

1. Preheating the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. This will create a perfect environment for the Monkey Bread to rise and brown.

2. Preparing the pan: Grease the bundt pan well with butter, making sure it is evenly coated. This step will help the bread release easily after baking.

3. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. In a small bowl, crumble the yeast with a bit of sugar, then add warm water. Mix until the yeast is completely dissolved.

4. Mixing the ingredients: Pour the liquid mixture over the flour mixture and stir with a spoon until the ingredients combine. Cover the bowl with a lid or a clean towel and leave it in the fridge for 12-24 hours. This step is essential as it allows the dough to ferment, giving it a rich flavor.

5. Shaping the dough: The next day, take the bowl out of the fridge. Turn the dough onto a well-floured work surface. Use floured hands to flatten the dough, then fold it a few times. If you want to make bread, let it rest covered with a towel for about 30 minutes to rise.

6. Preparing the sugar and cinnamon mixture: In a bowl, mix the melted (but cooled) butter with the sugar and cinnamon. This combination will provide a delicious flavor and a caramelized look to the Monkey Bread.

7. Forming the balls: Tear pieces of dough and shape them into balls. Then, dip each ball into the butter and cinnamon mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated.

8. Arranging in the pan: Place the balls in the greased pan, adding them one by one. Don’t hesitate to stack them on top of each other; they will stick together during baking.

9. Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and let it bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the Monkey Bread is golden and risen. You can do the toothpick test to check if it’s baked through.

10. Cooling and serving: Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. Then, turn the Monkey Bread onto a platter. Serve it warm, alongside a cup of tea or coffee. You can decorate it with a drizzle of icing or chopped nuts for an extra flavor boost.

Useful tips

- Yeast: Make sure the yeast is fresh; old yeast can lead to dough that doesn’t rise well. If using dry yeast, you can activate it in warm water before adding it to the dough.

- Water temperature: The water should be warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast. An ideal temperature is about 37-40°C.

- Variations: You can experiment with different flavors by adding vanilla to the butter mixture or even ground nuts for texture. You can also replace cinnamon with cocoa or cardamom if you want a different flavor.

Nutritional benefits

Monkey Bread is a delicacy that, although not considered a healthy food, can be a better choice compared to other industrial desserts. Whole wheat flour can be used for a better fiber intake, and cinnamon has antioxidant properties. However, consumption should be moderate, considering the sugar content.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a richer taste and denser texture.
- What if I don’t have time to let the dough chill in the fridge? You can let the dough rise at room temperature for 2 hours, but the result will be different.
- How can I store Monkey Bread? Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven to restore its fluffy texture.

In conclusion, Monkey Bread is more than just a dessert; it is a cooking experience that brings family and friends together. With each bite, you will enjoy the delicious flavors and the memories created around the table. So, don’t wait any longer, put on your apron and start the culinary adventure!