Ultimate Homemade Monkey Bread from Scratch

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Made entirely from scratch, ensuring fresh, soft, and flavorful dough.

• The cinnamon-sugar coating creates a perfect sweet, spiced crust on each bite.

• The homemade caramel sauce adds a luscious richness that keeps this monkey bread irresistibly sticky and delicious.

• Easy to assemble and perfect for sharing, making it ideal for family mornings or special occasions.

• Can be prepared ahead and baked fresh, giving you flexibility for busy mornings.

Ingredients

Dough
2 tablespoon butter, melted
1 cup milk, warmed to 110°F
½ cup water, warmed to 110°F
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 ¼ teaspoon instant or dry active yeast
3 ¼ cups flour
1 teaspoon salt

Coating
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Caramel Sauce
½ cup butter (1 stick)
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the pan: Spray a bundt pan with cooking spray or coat thoroughly with softened butter.

2. Make the dough: In a large measuring cup, combine warm milk, warm water, melted butter, yeast, and sugar.

3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, mix together flour and salt.

4. Turn the mixer on low and slowly add wet ingredients. Knead for 6-7 minutes until a smooth, shiny dough forms. Add flour 1-2 tablespoon at a time if dough is too sticky.

5. Spray a large bowl with cooking spray, place dough inside, turn to coat, and cover with sprayed plastic wrap. Let rise until doubled, about 1-2 hours (or speed up by placing in a turned-off oven preheated to 200°F).

6. Prepare caramel sauce: Melt butter with brown and granulated sugars over low heat, stirring until sugars dissolve. Avoid boiling. Pour ¼ of caramel sauce into the bottom of the bundt pan.

7. Assemble the monkey bread: Mix cinnamon and sugar in a medium bowl or container with a lid.

8. Once dough has doubled, flour a surface and press dough into a 12x12 inch square. Cut into 64 pieces.

9. Toss dough pieces in cinnamon-sugar mixture (shake in a lidded container or roll individually).

10. Layer half of coated dough chunks in bundt pan, pour half of caramel sauce over. Repeat with remaining dough and caramel.

11. Let rise again for 1-2 hours until 1-2 inches from the top of the pan or use the warm oven speed method.

12. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until cooked through and caramel is bubbly. Cool 5 minutes, invert onto a plate, and serve warm.

To bake later: Cover bundt pan with a large plate and refrigerate overnight. Let rise 30-45 minutes at room temperature before baking as above.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rising Time: 2 hours (plus a second rise after assembly)
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 3 hours (including rising)

Variations

• Add chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) between layers for extra crunch.

• Mix in raisins or chocolate chips with the cinnamon sugar for a sweet surprise.

• Use maple syrup instead of caramel sauce for a different flavor twist.

• Swap brown sugar in the caramel for coconut sugar for a deeper, richer taste.

• For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend designed for yeast doughs.

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

• For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month.

• To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

What type of yeast should I use for monkey bread?

Instant yeast or active dry yeast both work well. If using active dry yeast, dissolve it in the warm milk and water first before mixing with dry ingredients.

Can I make the dough without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 10-12 minutes until smooth and elastic.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size and look puffy. Pressing gently with a finger should leave an indentation that slowly fills back in.

Can I prepare monkey bread the night before?

Yes, after assembling in the bundt pan, cover and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature and rise for 30-45 minutes before baking.

What if my dough is too sticky to handle?

Add flour 1 tablespoon at a time during kneading until the dough is sticky but manageable and not overly wet.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, substitute dairy milk with a plant-based milk and use vegan butter. Use a vegan-friendly sugar and ensure yeast is vegan.

How should I serve monkey bread?

Serve warm, either plain or with butter, cream cheese, or a drizzle of extra caramel or glaze.

What causes caramel sauce to get crunchy?

If caramel boils or is cooked too long, the sugar may crystallize, causing a crunchy texture. Cook gently on low heat to avoid this.

Can I add other spices to the cinnamon sugar?

Absolutely! Nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin pie spice blend can add warm, complex flavors.

How do I store leftover monkey bread?

Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat gently before serving.

Conclusion

This Ultimate Homemade Monkey Bread from Scratch is a deliciously soft, sweet, and sticky treat that brings comfort and joy to any breakfast table. With its homemade dough, cinnamon-sugar coating, and rich caramel sauce, it’s a classic that’s both fun to make and satisfying to eat. Whether for a special occasion or weekend brunch, this recipe delivers a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will love.