When it comes to comfort food, nothing quite hits the spot like monkey bread. It’s gooey, sweet, and perfect for sharing—or devouring solo with reckless abandon. This delightful treat pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee in the morning or serves as an impressive dessert after dinner.
Imagine gathering with friends, each pull apart revealing buttery, cinnamon-sugar-coated dough that practically melts in your mouth. Add a cream cheese glaze, and you'll have everyone at the table asking for seconds and thirds.
Monkey bread is an iconic dessert you might associate with family gatherings or Sunday brunches. The name itself invites curiosity. Why monkey bread? It’s all about the way you eat it. You tear pieces off—just like monkeys do—making you feel a little playful.
But what if we could take this beloved recipe up a notch? With a cream cheese glaze, we transform an already delightful dish into an extraordinary feast for your taste buds. Whether you’re an expert in the kitchen or a novice trying to impress, this recipe is for you.
Ready to dive into this tasty adventure? Let’s explore monkey bread with a cream cheese glaze that will make your mouth water.
Monkey bread originated in the United States and gained popularity as a delightful, sticky pull-apart bread, often made with canned biscuits, cinnamon sugar, and butter. This version takes a classic comfort food and adds an irresistible cream cheese glaze, elevating it from simple to sensational. The glaze, rich and creamy, complements the warm, sweet, and gooey nature of the monkey bread, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.
The beauty of this monkey bread recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. By blending fluffy dough with warm spices and a luscious cream cheese glaze, you create a treat that appeals to all ages. The yeast-leavened dough rises beautifully, giving you that cloud-like texture. The coating of cinnamon sugar adds warmth and depth, while the cream cheese drizzle introduces a tanginess that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Moreover, this recipe is designed for adaptability. You can swap out ingredients, throw in your favorite spices, or even sneak in some fruit if you’re feeling adventurous. I’ve tested this recipe numerous times, ensuring you get consistent results every time.
Here’s a quick list of what you'll need. Don’t worry; these ingredients are easy to find.
Here’s a brief introduction to the process. In the following detailed steps, we'll guide you through everything you need to know. It’s a straightforward process with mouthwatering results. You’ll start by making the dough and letting it rise, then form the buttery, cinnamon-sugar-coated balls, and finish by drizzling the delightful cream cheese glaze over the warm monkey bread.
Begin by heating your water until warm, but not hot. Too hot and you’ll kill the yeast, which we definitely don't want. Sprinkle the yeast over the warm water in a small bowl and let it sit for about five minutes until it becomes frothy. This is your yeast activation process. The frothiness indicates that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free flour blend, salt, and vanilla extract. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and mix with warm milk, then add this mixture along with your activated yeast to the flour. Stir until the dough begins to come together. If it’s too dry, sprinkle in a bit more warm water; if it’s too sticky, add a touch more flour. Knead it lightly until it forms a smooth dough, approximately five minutes.
Lightly grease a bowl and place the dough in it. Cover with a damp cloth and set it in a warm area. Let it rise for about an hour until it has doubled in size. This is the exciting part; it’s like watching magic happen!
While the dough is rising, you can mix the ground cinnamon and brown sugar in a separate bowl. This is where the sweetness starts to come alive. In another bowl, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small pieces—about the size of a golf ball. Roll each piece in your hands, dip it in melted butter, and then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place these coated dough balls in a well-greased bundt pan. Keep layering until you’ve used all the dough. It doesn’t have to be perfect; little gaps will fill as it bakes.
Cover the bundt pan with a damp cloth and let it sit again for about 30 minutes. This step allows the dough to rise a second time, which contributes to its fluffiness when baked.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the monkey bread for 30-35 minutes or until it's golden brown and cooked through. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
While your monkey bread is baking, it’s time to make the glaze. In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, butter, and vanilla extract. Whip together until smooth. Adjust the milk quantity depending on how thick you want your glaze to be.
Once the monkey bread has cooled for about 10 minutes, invert it onto a serving plate. Drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the warm monkey bread, letting it drip into the crevices. Now, it’s ready to serve!
If, by some miracle, you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate them for longer-lasting freshness. Reheat any chilled monkey bread in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through.
Serving Size: About 1 piece (1/12 of the recipe)
Note: Nutrition values may marginally vary based on ingredient brands and preparations.
Monkey bread with cream cheese glaze is more than just a recipe; it's an experience—one that warms your heart and invites friends and family to gather. By understanding each step and taking the time to appreciate the process, you’ll create something that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also creates cherished memories. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and prepare for a treat that will become a staple in your home. Your taste buds will thank you!
Monkey bread is an iconic dessert you might associate with family gatherings or Sunday brunches. The name itself invites curiosity. Why monkey bread? It’s all about the way you eat it. You tear pieces off—just like monkeys do—making you feel a little playful.
But what if we could take this beloved recipe up a notch? With a cream cheese glaze, we transform an already delightful dish into an extraordinary feast for your taste buds. Whether you’re an expert in the kitchen or a novice trying to impress, this recipe is for you.
Ready to dive into this tasty adventure? Let’s explore monkey bread with a cream cheese glaze that will make your mouth water.
Servings 12
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Serve warm: Monkey bread is best served fresh out of the oven, so plan to eat it right away for the ultimate experience.
Susan Roberts is a California-based registered dietitian and the creator of Sweet Mama’s Kitchen, where she shares simple, comforting, and nutritious home-cooked recipes. As a busy mom, she focuses on easy, wholesome meals that bring joy to the table without sacrificing flavor. Susan’s passion lies in helping others create delicious, family-friendly dishes with love and confidence.