Monkey Bread, a sticky, sweet, and tender treat, originated in America during the 1950s. Its delightful pull-apart nature and warm cinnamon-sugar flavors make it a favorite at breakfast tables and holiday gatherings.
Stand mixer with dough hook (or large mixing bowl for hand kneading)
Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl for melting butter
Instant-read thermometer
Plastic wrap
Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
Dough
3 ¼cupsall-purpose flour405g, plus extra for dusting
2teaspoonsinstant yeasthigh quality like SAF
¼cupgranulated sugar50g
1teaspoonsalt
1cupwarm milk240ml, lukewarm, about 100°F / 38°C
2tablespoonsunsalted butter28g, melted
Coating
1cupgranulated sugar200g
2teaspoonsground cinnamon
½cupunsalted butter113g, melted
Glaze
½cuppowdered sugar60g
1-2tablespoonsmilkas needed for desired consistency
nonstick cooking spray or additional butterfor greasing the bowl and Bundt pan
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Add the warm milk and melted butter, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and springs back when poked. If the dough is too sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours, until doubled in size.
nonstick cooking spray or additional butter
In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until evenly combined. Melt the butter in a separate bowl and set both aside.
1 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/2 cup unsalted butter
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and form it into 1-inch balls. Dip each ball into the melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Arrange the coated dough balls in a well-greased 10-cup Bundt pan, staggering them so the second layer sits in the gaps of the first — this helps them bake together into an even pull-apart ring. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 20–30 minutes until the balls look puffy and have expanded to nearly fill the pan.
nonstick cooking spray or additional butter
While the dough balls are on their second rise, preheat the oven to 350°F / 175°C (180°C fan-forced). Remove the plastic wrap and bake for 30–35 minutes until the top is deep golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the centre reads 190–200°F (88–93°C).
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth and pourable. Add the milk 1 teaspoon at a time — you want it thick enough to cling but thin enough to drizzle.
1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1-2 tablespoons milk
Let the monkey bread cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then place a serving plate over the top and carefully invert. Lift the pan away, drizzle the glaze over the warm bread, and serve immediately — it's best enjoyed warm and fresh from the oven.
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Notes
Storage: Cover tightly and store at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap portions in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20–30 seconds, or warm the whole loaf in a 300°F / 150°C oven for 10 minutes.Freezer-friendly: Freeze the fully baked bread (unglazed) wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven before adding glaze.Make-ahead: Assemble the coated dough balls in the greased Bundt pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 14 hours. Pull out 45 minutes before baking to let it come to room temperature and finish rising.Substitution: Swap up to half the all-purpose flour for bread flour for an even chewier, more structured pull-apart texture.Pro tip: Cut dough balls to a consistent 1-inch size so they bake evenly — larger balls in the centre will still be doughy when the smaller outer ones are done.