Monkey Bread - freshly baked bread

Monkey Bread

Sweet Breads & Brioche

Sticky, caramel-coated balls of dough baked together and turned upside down for a spectacular gooey dessert bread.

Prep Time

20 min

Proof Time

1h

Bake Time

35 min

Servings

10

Calories

340

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2¼ tsp instant yeast
  • ¾ cup warm milk
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 large egg

Instructions

  1. 1

    Mix

    Combine flour, yeast, sugar, salt, warm milk, and egg.

  2. 2

    Add Butter

    Incorporate softened butter gradually until dough is smooth and elastic.

  3. 3

    Rise

    Cover and rise 60–90 minutes (or refrigerate overnight).

  4. 4

    Shape

    Shape as directed and place in a greased pan.

  5. 5

    Second Rise

    Cover and rise 30–45 minutes until puffy.

  6. 6

    Bake

    Brush with egg wash. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until deep golden brown.

Baker's Notes

Cold dough is much easier to handle when making enriched breads. Refrigerate brioche and babka doughs for at least 2 hours before shaping.

Baker Thomas Moreau

About This Recipe

Monkey bread is the kind of show-stopping treat that turns ordinary mornings into celebrations. Those individual dough balls, tossed in butter and sugar before baking, puff up into a golden, caramel-glued nest that pulls apart with an almost theatrical gooeyness. The result is a sticky, sweet bread that's equal parts comfort food and party centrepiece.

Canadian home cooks have embraced this American classic for good reason — it's forgiving enough for beginners, endlessly customizable, and always wins over a crowd. Whether you're feeding a family breakfast or bringing a dessert to a potluck, monkey bread delivers maximum wow with minimal fuss.

Tips for the Best Monkey Bread

Chill the enriched dough before shaping — cold dough is far easier to roll into neat balls. And don't skimp on the caramel coating; a generous layer of melted butter and brown sugar between every ball is what gives monkey bread its signature sticky pull.

What to Serve With It

Serve warm straight from the oven for maximum gooeyness. A dollop of vanilla ice cream or lightly sweetened whipped cream on top elevates it beautifully. Pair with strong black coffee or a cup of Earl Grey for a relaxed weekend brunch spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat gently in a 325°F oven for 10 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 20 seconds. The bread is also excellent frozen — wrap tightly and thaw overnight before warming.

Nutrition Facts

340

cal

8g

Protein

9g

Fat

29g

Carbs

4g

Fiber

350mg

Sodium

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes monkey bread different from regular sweet bread?+

Instead of forming one loaf, monkey bread is built from dozens of small dough balls baked together in a Bundt or tube pan. After baking, you flip the pan and the balls separate easily, revealing their sticky, caramel-glued interiors.

Can I make the dough the night before?+

Absolutely. After mixing and kneading, cover the dough and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes before shaping. This slow rise develops richer flavour and makes the dough even easier to handle.

How do I get the caramel coating right?+

Melt ½ cup butter with ¾ cup brown sugar and a pinch of cinnamon. Toss each rolled ball generously in the mixture before placing it in the pan. You want every surface coated — that's what creates the signature sticky pull.

What fillings work well inside the dough balls?+

A small spoonful of Nutella, raspberry jam, or cream cheese filling tucked into each ball adds a lovely surprise. Chopped pecans or walnuts mixed into the sugar coating add crunch and depth.

How do I know when it's done baking?+

The top should be deep golden brown and the edges pulling slightly away from the pan. A toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. If it browns too fast, tent loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.

Tips & Tricks

  • Cold dough is much easier to handle — refrigerate enriched doughs before shaping.
  • Egg wash gives the best golden, glossy finish on enriched breads.
  • Rich breads make the best French toast and bread pudding.

Reviews (5)

Sarah M.★★★★★

So glad I found this recipe. The instructions are clear and the result is consistently great. I've made it four times already and it's perfect every time.

David C.★★★★★

Bakery-quality bread at home. I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out amazing. The proofing tips really helped.

Lisa P.★★★★★

Made this for a dinner party and everyone wanted the recipe. The bread was the star of the table — warm, crusty, and absolutely delicious.

Robert B.★★★★★

Five stars! The crust was perfectly crispy and the crumb was soft and airy. I'll never buy store-bought bread again.

Jennifer K.★★★★★

This is now our go-to bread recipe. The house smelled incredible while it was baking. My kids couldn't wait to tear into a warm slice.