Pull Apart Monkey Bread (From Scratch) Recipe

If you’re craving a warm, cozy treat that practically melts in your mouth, you have to try this Pull Apart Monkey Bread (From Scratch). It’s a luscious combination of gooey, buttery dough balls bathed in cinnamon sugar and a rich brown sugar sauce, creating a sweet, sticky sensation just like the most coveted middle part of a cinnamon roll. Making it from scratch means you get to enjoy every soft, tender bite fresh from your own oven, turning any ordinary morning or dessert time into a celebration of irresistible flavor. This is not just any monkey bread; it’s your soon-to-be favorite homemade delight that invites you to pull apart, share, and savor every moment.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Pull Apart Monkey Bread (From Scratch) lies in its simple, everyday ingredients, each playing a pivotal role in crafting the perfect soft texture, sweet flavor, and golden color. From the warm, aromatic cinnamon sugar coating to the buttery brown sugar sauce, these components combine to make a harmonious bite you won’t forget.

• 5 cups Flour: The base of your dough, providing structure and that tender chew we all love.
• 1 tablespoon Instant yeast: This little powerhouse makes your dough rise beautifully and gives it an airy texture.
• ¼ cups Granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the dough perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 2 Eggs: These enrich the dough, giving it a soft, fluffy crumb.
• 80 g Butter melted and cooled: Adds incredible richness and tenderness to the dough.
• 1 ½ cups Milk room temperature: Provides moisture and a subtle creaminess.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with a lovely aromatic flavor.
• 1 tablespoon Cinnamon: The spice star that brings warm, comforting notes to every bite.
• 1 cup Granulated sugar (for the coating): Coats each dough ball with a sweet crunch.
• 115 g Butter or 1 stick of butter (for coating): Helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds richness.
• 115 g Butter (for brown sugar sauce): The base of the luscious sticky sauce.
• ½ cup Brown sugar light or dark brown sugar: Gives the sauce its deep caramel flavor and irresistible stickiness.

How to Make Pull Apart Monkey Bread (From Scratch)

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

Start by combining the flour, instant yeast, and granulated sugar in your stand mixer bowl, mixing them to ensure everything is evenly distributed. Then add the salt, blending it in gently. Next, pour in the eggs, room-temperature milk, vanilla extract, and cooled melted butter. Mixing on low speed brings the dough together, and crank it up to medium to knead for about 8 minutes, until your dough becomes smooth and silky—a texture that tells you it’s ready for the rise ahead.

Step 2: Letting the Dough Rise

Cover your bowl tightly with plastic wrap and set it aside at room temperature. Patiently let the dough rise for 1 to 2 hours until it’s doubled or even tripled in size. This rise time is the secret that builds those fluffy, cloud-like dough balls perfect for pulling apart. It’s worth the wait!

Step 3: Shaping the Dough Balls

Lightly butter your 12-cup bundt pan to prevent sticking. Then punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough into a ¼-inch thick rectangle, making sure it doesn’t stick beneath. Now, with clean, floured hands, pinch off small pieces and gently roll them into balls. Each one is a bite-sized promise of sweetness and softness.

Step 4: Adding Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Dip each dough ball into melted butter, then roll it generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Layer the coated balls snugly into the prepared bundt pan. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and allow the dough to rest another 20 minutes. This brief rest helps the balls puff up and cling together deliciously.

Step 5: Preparing and Pouring the Brown Sugar Sauce

Whip up the brown sugar sauce by mixing melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and glossy. Pour this heavenly sauce right over the dough balls in the pan, ensuring every piece gets that caramel-coated kiss.

Step 6: Baking Your Monkey Bread

Pop the pan into a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the dough balls puff up and turn a gorgeous golden brown. The aroma alone will have everyone gathered around the kitchen before the timer even dings!

Step 7: The Big Reveal

After removing from the oven, allow your monkey bread to cool for about 5 minutes. Then place a plate on top of the bundt pan and carefully flip it over, tapping gently to release the sticky, glorious bread. Be quick to flip after cooling so that every bit of that luscious sauce stays perfect and sticky on the bread.

How to Serve Pull Apart Monkey Bread (From Scratch)

Garnishes

To elevate your Pull Apart Monkey Bread (From Scratch), consider sprinkling a little powdered sugar on top or drizzling with a simple vanilla or cream cheese glaze for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal. Toasted pecans or chopped walnuts can add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft dough.

Side Dishes

This treat pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, like berries or sliced oranges, to balance the richness. A cup of strong coffee or spiced chai tea can also make breakfast or dessert feel indulgent yet comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving this monkey bread family-style invites everyone to pull apart their own pieces, creating a fun, interactive dining experience. You can also divide the dough into smaller pans to make individual monkey bread servings—perfect for brunch parties or gift-giving. Warm and wrapped in a pretty cloth, it makes a thoughtful homemade gift that spreads joy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them soft. Refrigerating is not recommended as it tends to dry the bread out.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover monkey bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To bring your frozen or leftover Pull Apart Monkey Bread (From Scratch) back to life, warm it in an oven preheated to 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes, or until the bread is heated through and the buttery sauce is cozy and gooey again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the texture tough or chewy.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast, but you’ll need to proof it first in warm milk with a pinch of sugar before adding it to the flour. This extra step wakes the yeast and ensures your dough rises properly.

What if my dough doesn’t rise?

If the dough isn’t rising, check that your yeast isn’t expired and your milk was not too hot, as heat can kill the yeast. Also, make sure your dough is kept in a warm, draft-free place to encourage rising.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the fridge. The next day, shape the dough balls and proceed with the rest of the steps. The slow rise actually enhances the flavor.

Is it necessary to use a bundt pan?

While a bundt pan is ideal for shaping and even baking, you can use a regular round cake pan or deep pie dish as a substitute. Just make sure it has high sides to hold the dough balls and sauce.

How do I prevent the bread from sticking to the pan?

Generously buttering the bundt pan before assembling the dough balls is key to easy release. You can also lightly dust it with flour or even non-stick spray, but butter is best for flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

Gathering friends or family around a warm batch of Pull Apart Monkey Bread (From Scratch) is pure happiness in edible form. The soft dough, buttery sauce, and cinnamon-sugar goodness create a magical experience that’s hard to put down. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion, this recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Give it a try, and get ready to fall in love bite by delicious bite.