Old-Fashioned Monkey Bread Recipe: A Classic Treat

Monkey bread, also known as pull-apart bread, is a classic American dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. It is a deliciously sweet and gooey treat that is perfect for any occasion.

What is Monkey Bread?

Monkey bread is a type of sweet pastry that is made by baking small balls of dough in a bundt pan, which are then covered in a mixture of sugar, cinnamon, and butter. As it bakes, the butter and sugar mixture caramelizes, creating a sticky and gooey texture that is perfect for pulling apart and sharing with friends and family.

Origins of Monkey Bread

The exact origins of monkey bread are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the 1940s or 1950s. Some sources claim that it was invented by a housewife who wanted to make a sweet treat for her children, while others suggest that it was a popular recipe in the Pillsbury Bake-Off contest in the 1960s.

Regardless of its origins, monkey bread has become a classic American dessert that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s often served during holidays and special occasions, but can be enjoyed any time of year as a special treat.

Old-Fashioned Monkey Bread Recipe

While there are many variations of monkey bread, the old-fashioned monkey bread recipe is the most traditional and has been passed down through families for years. This recipe is easy to make and requires only a few ingredients that can be found in any kitchen.

Monkey Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 cup of milk
• 1/4 cup of unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup of water
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the milk, 1/4 cup butter, and water until warm (about 120°F to 130°F). Add the liquid mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
3. Add the eggs and the remaining 1/2 cup of flour to the mixture and knead until a smooth dough forms. Cover the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon.
6. Cut the dough into small pieces, about the size of a golf ball. Dip each piece into the melted butter and then roll in the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture. Place the coated dough pieces into the prepared bundt pan.
7. If using pecans, sprinkle them on top of the dough pieces.
8. Cover the pan with a clean towel and let the dough rise for 30 minutes.
9. Bake the monkey bread for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before turning it out onto a serving plate.
10. Serve the monkey bread warm and enjoy!