Vegan monkey bread is a fun and irresistible treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. This recipe uses simple ingredients and comes together easily, making it ideal for both seasoned bakers and beginners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan monkey bread is:
- Incredibly soft and fluffy: The dough is made with plant-based milk and vegan butter, resulting in a tender and airy texture.
- Bursting with cinnamon sugar goodness: Each bite is coated in a generous amount of cinnamon sugar, creating a symphony of sweet and comforting flavors.
- Easy to pull apart and share: The individual dough balls make it fun and easy to share with friends and family.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the flavors by adding different spices, nuts, or even a simple glaze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the dough:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 baking blend)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk, warmed to 110-115°F
- 1/4 cup vegan butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the cinnamon sugar coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup vegan butter, melted
Vegan Monkey Bread Ingredients
Let’s Get Baking: Step-by-Step Instructions
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Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warmed plant-based milk, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy.
Pro Tip from Chef Anya: Warmer milk temperatures are crucial for activating yeast. Using a kitchen thermometer ensures optimal results for a light and fluffy dough.
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Combine the wet ingredients: Add the melted vegan butter and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture and stir until well combined.
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Incorporate the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
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Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
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First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Vegan Monkey Bread Dough Rising
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Prepare the cinnamon sugar: In a medium bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon.
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Assemble the monkey bread: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 1-inch pieces. Dip each dough ball into the melted butter and then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Arrange the coated dough balls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Chef Anya’s Insight: For an extra gooey monkey bread, sprinkle a layer of cinnamon sugar between each layer of dough balls.
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Second rise: Cover the baking dish with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise for another 30 minutes.
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Bake to perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the monkey bread for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
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Cool and serve: Let the monkey bread cool slightly in the pan before inverting it onto a serving plate. Serve warm and enjoy!
Freshly Baked Vegan Monkey Bread
Vegan Monkey Bread: Your Questions Answered
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend.
Can I use a different type of sweetener?
Feel free to experiment with other sweeteners like coconut sugar or maple sugar for a different flavor profile. Adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.
How should I store leftover vegan monkey bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would make a delicious addition. Toss them in with the cinnamon sugar mixture before coating the dough balls.
Can I make individual monkey breads?
Yes! Divide the dough into smaller portions and bake in individual ramekins or muffin tins. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
