Are you craving a warm, gooey, and utterly irresistible dessert but short on time? Then look no further! This monkey bread recipe using frozen bread dough is your answer. It's surprisingly easy, incredibly delicious, and perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth, making it an ideal addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with minimal effort!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound frozen bread dough, thawed (you can use refrigerated dough too!)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Sugar Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. If using nuts and/or dried fruit, add them to the sugar mixture now. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Step 2: Cut and Coat the Dough: Once your bread dough is thawed, gently tear or cut it into roughly 1-inch pieces. Working in batches, toss the dough pieces in the melted butter, making sure they are lightly coated. Then, add the buttered dough pieces to the sugar mixture, gently tossing until they are thoroughly coated.
Step 3: Assemble the Monkey Bread: Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan (or a Bundt pan for a fancier presentation). Arrange the sugared dough pieces in the prepared pan, packing them fairly close together. This is the fun part – don’t worry about making it perfect!
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the monkey bread is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
Step 5: Invert and Serve: Let the monkey bread cool in the pan for a few minutes before carefully inverting it onto a serving plate. This warm, pull-apart treat is best served fresh from the oven.
Tips for Monkey Bread Success:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Give the dough pieces some space so they bake evenly and get that nice golden-brown color.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet monkey bread, reduce the amount of sugar.
- Get creative with add-ins: Experiment with different nuts, dried fruits, or even chocolate chips!
Variations:
- Caramel Monkey Bread: Drizzle melted caramel sauce over the baked monkey bread for an extra decadent treat.
- Apple Cinnamon Monkey Bread: Add 1 cup of diced apples to the sugar mixture for a delicious twist.
- Cream Cheese Glaze: Make a simple cream cheese glaze by whisking together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk. Drizzle over the warm monkey bread.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the specific ingredients and serving size. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator and input your specific ingredients. However, expect this recipe to be relatively high in carbohydrates, sugar, and fat due to the nature of the ingredients. It's a treat best enjoyed in moderation!
This monkey bread recipe is a fantastic example of how delicious and satisfying healthy meals can be without requiring hours in the kitchen. It's a perfect choice for busy weeknights or a fun weekend baking project. The ease of using frozen bread dough makes this a go-to recipe for beginners and experienced bakers alike. Enjoy!