Is monkey bread breakfast the perfect way to start your day? Absolutely! Monkey bread, also known as Pull-Apart Bread, has quickly become a favorite among breakfast enthusiasts. Its rich, buttery layers and sweet cinnamon flavor make it a delightful treat to kick off your morning. Let’s delve into why monkey bread is the ultimate breakfast choice and how you can make it at home.
Monkey bread is a type of bread that resembles a bread pudding but is made with dough. It is characterized by its fluffy, buttery texture and the fact that it’s easy to pull apart, hence the name “Pull-Apart Bread.” The bread is typically made with a combination of yeast and baking powder, resulting in a light and airy loaf. It’s then layered with a sweet cinnamon mixture, which is what gives it that irresistible taste.
One of the reasons why monkey bread is such a beloved breakfast option is its versatility. You can customize it with various add-ins, such as nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips. Additionally, monkey bread can be made in different shapes and sizes, from a large loaf to individual rolls. This makes it perfect for both family breakfasts and intimate gatherings with friends.
To make monkey bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– 1 package active dry yeast
– 1 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Additional butter, melted, for greasing the pan
– Additional cinnamon sugar mixture, for topping
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making monkey bread:
1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Add the dissolved yeast and melted butter to the flour mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms.
4. On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out into a 9×13-inch rectangle.
7. Spread a thin layer of melted butter over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
8. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
9. Roll the dough up tightly, starting from the long side, and pinch the edges to seal.
10. Cut the roll into 1-inch slices. Place the slices in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving some space between them.
11. Cover the dish with a damp cloth and let the monkey bread rise for another 30 minutes, or until it’s puffed up.
12. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
13. Bake the monkey bread for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and puffed up.
14. Remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with additional melted butter and cinnamon sugar, if desired.
Now that you know how to make monkey bread, it’s time to enjoy this delightful breakfast treat. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply treating yourself, monkey bread is sure to make your mornings more enjoyable. So, is monkey bread breakfast? Without a doubt, it’s the perfect way to start your day!
