Grandma Coco’s Monkey Bread

There is something magical about the aroma of warm, buttery bread filling the kitchen. It reminds me of cozy family gatherings, where we would eagerly wait for Grandma’s famous monkey bread to come out of the oven. Each bite was soft, rich with butter, and irresistibly delicious. Now, I want to share a beginner-friendly version of this classic pull-apart monkey bread so you can bring the same joy to your home.

This Grandma Coco’s Monkey Bread is perfect for those new to baking because it requires simple ingredients, minimal effort, and guarantees a soft, golden-brown treat every time. Plus, it’s a fun and interactive dish—ideal for family cooking sessions or holiday mornings. Let’s get started.

Why This Recipe is Special

Monkey bread is unique because it combines the best of bread baking with the fun of pull-apart rolls. Instead of a traditional loaf, it’s made by stacking small dough circles, each coated in warm butter, creating a tender, buttery texture that’s both soft and flaky.

What makes this version ideal for beginners:

• No complicated techniques – No kneading expertise is needed. The dough is forgiving and easy to work with.
• Minimal ingredients – Uses pantry staples like flour, yeast, and butter.
• Hands-on fun – Shaping and stacking the dough makes it an engaging baking project.
• Customizable flavors – Add cinnamon sugar, garlic butter, or cheese to switch things up.

Ingredients and Preparation

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in creating the perfect monkey bread.

• Warm water – Activates the yeast, ensuring a good rise.
• Dry yeast – The key to soft, airy bread.
• Sugar – Adds a hint of sweetness and helps the yeast activate.
• Salt – Balances flavors and strengthens the dough.
• Eggs – Enrich the dough, making it soft and tender.
• Oil – Keeps the bread moist and prevents dryness.
• Flour – Provides structure and elasticity to the dough.
• Butter – Adds a rich, buttery flavor and enhances the soft texture.

Ingredient Substitutions:

• If you’re out of yeast, try a baking powder-based dough (though the texture will differ).
• Use honey instead of sugar for a more natural sweetness.
• Replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
• Whole wheat flour can be used, but the bread will be denser.

Step-by-Step Instructions ( Grandma Coco’s Monkey Bread)

Step 1: Prepare the yeast mixture by pouring warm water into a mixing bowl and sprinkling the yeast over it. Add sugar and salt, then let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes foamy.

Step 2: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and mix them with the oil. Pour this mixture into the yeast mixture and stir until combined.

Step 3: Gradually add flour to the mixture. Start with three cups, mix until incorporated, then add another 3.5 cups. The last half cup can be reserved for kneading if needed.

Step 4: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until it doubles in size.

Step 5: Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a floured surface. Divide it into two equal portions for two bundt pans.

Step 6: Roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use a round cutter (or a glass) to cut the dough into circles.

Step 7: Melt butter in each bundt pan, either on the stovetop or by briefly placing the pans in the preheated oven.

Step 8: Dip each dough circle in the melted butter and stack them in the bundt pan. Repeat until all dough is used.

Step 9: Cover and let the dough rise again until it puffs up. This second rise is important for a soft texture.

Step 10: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for about 20 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and fully cooked in the center.

Step 11: Let the monkey bread cool for a few minutes before flipping it onto a serving plate.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• Troubleshooting dough rise: If your dough isn’t rising well, place it in a slightly warmed oven (turned off) to create a warm environment.
• Preventing over-baking: If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil during the last 5 minutes.
• How to tell it’s done: Tap the top—if it sounds hollow, it’s ready.
• Easy clean-up tip: Grease your hands lightly with oil when handling the dough to prevent sticking.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic version: Serve warm with extra melted butter or honey.
• Sweet twist: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the dough before baking for a dessert-style monkey bread.
• Savory option: Add garlic powder, parmesan, and herbs to the melted butter for a garlic pull-apart bread.
• Leftover storage: Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat briefly in the oven or microwave.

Conclusion

This easyGrandma Coco’s Monkey Bread is a fantastic way to start your bread-making journey. It’s fun to make, incredibly satisfying to eat, and perfect for any occasion. Try it out, and let me know in the comments how your monkey bread turned out. Happy baking!

FAQ About Easy Pull-Apart Monkey Bread

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