Are you craving a warm, gooey, and utterly irresistible treat that’s surprisingly simple to make? Then look no further! This monkey bread recipe using frozen dough is the perfect solution for a quick and delicious dessert or even a fun weekend breakfast. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for potlucks, brunches, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth. Forget complicated baking; this recipe is all about ease and deliciousness. Get ready to enjoy the magic of homemade monkey bread!
Ingredients:
- 1 (1 pound) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan generously with butter or cooking spray. This ensures easy removal of the golden-brown monkey bread later.
Prepare the sugar mixture: In a medium bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix thoroughly to create a fragrant and sweet coating. If using nuts, add them to the sugar mixture now.
Assemble the monkey bread: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into triangles. Dip each triangle into the sugar mixture, ensuring it's fully coated.
Layer the dough: Arrange the coated dough triangles in the prepared baking pan. You can create a somewhat organized pattern, or simply toss them in – the slightly chaotic look is part of monkey bread's charm!
Pour the melted butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the dough in the pan. This will add richness and ensure a wonderfully moist texture.
Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the monkey bread is golden brown and the dough is cooked through. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking, to prevent burning.
Cool and serve: Let the monkey bread cool in the pan for a few minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Monkey Bread:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: While you want the dough pieces to be close together, don’t pack them in too tightly. This will prevent them from baking evenly.
- Use quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the taste. Opt for good quality butter and sugars for optimal flavor.
- 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 (like cranberries or raisins), or even chocolate chips for a personalized twist.
Variations:
- Caramel Monkey Bread: Add a layer of caramel sauce over the dough before baking for an extra decadent treat.
- Apple Cinnamon Monkey Bread: Incorporate diced apples and a touch of extra cinnamon into the dough for a delicious twist on a classic.
- Chocolate Chip Monkey Bread: Add chocolate chips to the sugar mixture for a chocolatey delight.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g
- Protein: Approximately 5-7g
This easy monkey bread recipe is a guaranteed winner. It's perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a comforting dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy the delicious simplicity of this homemade treat!