Pieces of white bread dough are dipped in butter and cinnamon sugar, creating a caramelized surface when the monkey bread bakes. It's a great breakfast and brunch recipe.
Bucket lists.
A new year, a new recipe crossed off the list. The List. If I thought starting a food blog would shorten it, of course, I was wrong by a gazillion light years.
The List is relentless in its urgency, each item more important than the last one, which seemed so urgent at the time.
So, what's on your bucket list as you start the year? You might find what you need today here or just add a few dozen new ones. That's how good the list of recipes is.
The List has two types of recipes, the ones I need to tackle because of a certain technique I want to master and the ones that just need to be made because I've been wanting to forever, and that is a long time, according to the years I've been cooking, like this monkey bread.
I don't think I ever saw a monkey bread pic that I didn't find amazing. Yet here I am, making it for the first time.
This recipe is from Mel, who has an amazing blog. That woman can come up with some of the most incredible recipes. Not to mention the cutest kids.
Little balls of bread are dipped first in butter and then in brown sugar with cinnamon and baked until caramelized.
It's like the best combination ever, for breakfast, snack, movie watching, the perfect sugar/starch craving soother. Or just because you wanted to make something decadent and fun to eat.
You probably have every ingredient in your house. You can use white sugar only, another spice or citrus zest, or a boozy glaze, which I did.
I added rum instead of milk because I really can't help myself. Please, please eat it while it's warm. And then lick your fingers.
My sugar-coated balls of dough look two different colors because they were. I ran out of light brown sugar and had to go with dark brown for the last part.
Mine unmolded pretty nicely, something that is achieved only if done within the first minutes after taking it out of the oven. Still, three pics later, it started to fall apart, which made it even more impossible not to start eating at once.
After all, it was falling apart. Interesting how fast one can pop these bites and not even realize a huge chunk of monkey bread is gone.
One last thing.
About dipping in melted butter and then in sugar. You have two hands, and it's a good decision to use one for each chore.
So, if you don't follow my advice and end up with two hands thickly buttered and sugared, so much that you have to wash them before you realize you've done it again and again, and again, don't come here to complain.
Megan Wood says
This is pretty awesome! I have always wanted to make monkey bread. I am totally making this!
Stacy says
You are so right about every Monkey Bread photo looking delicious, including yours now! I comment you for washing those hands instead of just licking the butter and sugar off. 🙂 Just added this to my own bucket list!
Ally says
Wow.....this looks amazing! I'm def. going to try it 🙂
Candy says
I love making monkey bread, both sweet and savory, and yours look like one I need to add to my bucket list!
Laura Hunter says
Oh my goodness I love monkey bread already but your version looks even better! I just made a cup of tea, wish I could come over to yours and having some of that to go with it. 🙂
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
Paula, oh my goodness, I love this. This monkey bread looks elegant and fabulous!!! I am totally going to try this!!! Eat it while it´s warm and then lick my fingers? Heck yeah. I am seriously making this, Like maybe tomorrow. 🙂
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious says
Isn't monkey bread the best?! I've made my scratch version just last year and I was in love! Seeing your post makes me want to make it again!
Shulie Foodwanderings says
Monkey bread is on my bucket list as well, Paula. I am so happy you checked it off your list and gave us this beautiful creation. It turned out absolutely gorgeous. What a great idea to tackle it with the Sunday Supper club. I always mean to join and miserably fail at deadlines.
Mel says
I love your pictures, Paula!
Nancy @ gottagetbaked says
I TOTALLY know what you mean about The List, Paula. I always add an item that I just HAVE to make and then as soon as I've made it, instead of celebrating the accomplishment I turn immediately to the next recipe that HAS to be made. It's a relentless, unending cycle but as food bloggers, that is our lot in life! I ADORE monkey bread - I mean, what's not to love? Yours looks soooooo incredibly delicious. I wish I were there to help you eat it.
kelly @ kellybakes says
You had me at boozy glaze. Let's be real.
Kris Adair says
We love Monkey Bread and it is so easy to make into a million different flavors. We mostly make sweet but I keep seeing savory versions that are on our bucket list. You make me want to go out and get the ingredients now! Looks amazing!
Torviewtoronto says
delicious pictures of monkey bread looks wonderful
Lyn @LovelyPantry says
This looks beautiful! And delicious too!!! Never made it but something tells me it shall be done!!!
Katy says
You had me at boozy glaze. That looks so good it's almost sinful. Absolutely gorgeous!
Inside a British Mum's Kitchen says
You are so clever!!! this looks simply DELICIOUS!!!
Mary x
Savory Simple says
This looks so good! I can't believe I still have never made monkey bread. This must change.
Guru Uru says
I could eat you monkey bread all day every day 🙂
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Happy new year
Jennie @themessybakerblog says
Your right, I added a few dozen recipes to The List today. This cake has me drooling. Oh my, it looks delicious!
Family Foodie says
It's official... you can make anything look like a masterpiece! Gorgeous, just gorgeous. Happy New Year my friend!