Are you craving a warm, gooey, and utterly irresistible dessert but short on time? Then look no further! This monkey bread recipe, made with frozen bread dough, is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. It’s incredibly easy, requires minimal prep time, and yields a crowd-pleasing treat that’s sure to be a hit with everyone. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade goodness without the fuss! This easy recipe is perfect for quick dinner ideas or a simple yet delicious dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 package (16.3 ounces) refrigerated or frozen bread dough, thawed
- 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 chocolate chips (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 step ensures your monkey bread doesn't stick.
Prepare the dough: Once your bread dough is thawed, cut it into 1-inch pieces. If using frozen dough, ensure it's completely thawed before proceeding for optimal results.
Make the sweet coating: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined. This is the delicious coating that will make your monkey bread so irresistible.
Coat the dough: Add the bread dough pieces to the sugar mixture, tossing gently until each piece is evenly coated. If adding nuts or chocolate chips, add them now and toss to combine.
Assemble the monkey bread: Arrange the coated dough pieces in your prepared baking pan, tucking them snugly together. Don't worry about making it perfect; a rustic look is charming!
Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the monkey bread is golden brown and the center is cooked through. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time 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. Serve warm and enjoy! This homemade cooking creation is best enjoyed fresh from the oven.
Tips for the Best Monkey Bread:
- Don't overbake: Overbaking can result in dry monkey bread. Start checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark.
- Use quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the taste! Using good quality butter and sugars will enhance the flavor significantly.
- Get creative with add-ins: Feel free to experiment with different add-ins, such as raisins, cranberries, different types of nuts, or even sprinkles!
Variations:
- Caramel Monkey Bread: Drizzle melted caramel sauce over the baked monkey bread for an extra decadent treat.
- Apple Cinnamon Monkey Bread: Add diced apples and a sprinkle of nutmeg to the dough mixture for a warm, autumnal twist.
- Cream Cheese Glaze: Make a simple cream cheese glaze by mixing softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and a splash of milk or vanilla extract. Drizzle over the cooled monkey bread.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size. For a more precise calculation, consider using an online nutritional calculator and inputting your specific ingredient quantities.
This easy and delicious monkey bread recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, whether you're looking for healthy meals, quick dinner ideas, or a simply delicious dessert. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade cooking. Enjoy!