Looking for a delicious treat that's perfect for any occasion? Look no further than monkey bread! This sweet, pull-apart pastry has been a staple of American baking for generations, and it's easy to see why. With its buttery, cinnamon-sugar coated chunks of bread, monkey bread is a crowd-pleaser that's sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. And the best part? One serving of this indulgent dessert has just 190 calories!

To make monkey bread, you'll need just a few simple ingredients. But before we get to that, let's take a closer look at the history of this beloved dessert.

In this article, we'll explore the origins of monkey bread, share our favorite recipes and variations, and offer tips for making and serving it at home.

A Brief History of Monkey Bread

Monkey bread is said to have originated in Hungary, where it was known as aranygaluska, or golden dumpling. The pastry was made with sweet yeast dough that was rolled into small balls, coated in butter, and baked in a cake pan. The finished product was then drizzled with a sweet glaze and served as a festive holiday dessert. The recipe for monkey bread as we know it today first appeared in American cookbooks in the 1950s. It quickly became a hit with home bakers thanks to its ease and versatility. Nowadays, you can find monkey bread recipes that include everything from bacon and cheddar to Nutella and cream cheese.

Ingredients You'll Need

To make monkey bread, you'll need:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp cinnamon

Preparation Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups of flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 2 1/4 tsp of active dry yeast. In a separate bowl, stir together 1/2 cup of warm water, 1/2 cup of melted butter, and 2 large eggs. 2. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until a sticky dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for a few minutes, then let it rest for 5 minutes. 3. In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of sugar and 1 tbsp of cinnamon. Divide the dough into small pieces and roll each piece into a ball. Dip each ball in melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place the balls in a greased 9-inch cake pan or bundt pan, cover with plastic wrap, and let them rise for 45-60 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Variations to Try

Looking to mix things up with your monkey bread? Here are a few variations you might want to try:

• Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the cinnamon-sugar mixture
• Try a savory version by adding crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, or minced garlic to the dough
• Swap out the cinnamon-sugar coating for a glaze made with powdered sugar and milk

Serving Suggestions

Monkey bread is best served warm, right out of the oven. But if you have leftovers, you can reheat them in the microwave or oven. Here are a few serving suggestions to make your monkey bread even more delicious:

• Drizzle with caramel sauce or chocolate syrup
• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Top with chopped nuts or fresh fruit

Monkey Bread for Special Occasions

Monkey bread is a fun and festive dessert that's perfect for special occasions like birthdays, holidays, and potlucks. Here are a few tips for serving monkey bread at your next event:

• Make a big batch: Monkey bread is a crowd-pleaser, so don't be afraid to double or triple the recipe if you're feeding a lot of people.
• Dress it up: To make your monkey bread look extra special, try baking it in a decorative cake pan or bundt pan.
• Keep it warm: If you're serving monkey bread at a party, keep it warm in a slow cooker or warming tray so your guests can enjoy it throughout the night.

Monkey Bread and Your Health

Let's face it, monkey bread is not exactly a health food. But that doesn't mean you can't indulge in this sweet treat from time to time. Here are a few tips for enjoying monkey bread without overdoing it:

• Watch your portion size: Stick to one or two small pieces of monkey bread to keep your calorie intake in check.
• Pair it with a healthy option: Try serving your monkey bread with a side of fresh fruit or a salad to balance out the sweetness.
• Keep it as a treat: Reserve monkey bread for special occasions, rather than making it a regular part of your diet.

Making Monkey Bread with Kids

Monkey bread is a great baking project to do with kids. Here are a few tips for making it a fun and educational experience:

• Let them help measure and mix the ingredients
• Show them how to knead and roll the dough
• Encourage them to get creative with the cinnamon-sugar coating
• Teach them about yeast and how it helps the dough rise

Storing and Freezing Monkey Bread

If you have leftover monkey bread, you can store it in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. To freeze monkey bread, place the cooled pastry in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat frozen monkey bread, let it thaw at room temperature, then refresh it in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few commonly asked questions about monkey bread:

• What can I use instead of cinnamon? You can substitute any spice you like, such as nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom.
• Can I make monkey bread ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, let the dough come to room temperature before rolling and baking.
• Can I use store-bought dough? Absolutely! You can start with pre-made biscuit dough or pizza dough to save time.