Savoring the essence of autumn, we’ve crafted a scrumptious pull-apart monkey bread that’s sure to leave everyone craving another indulgent bite. The bread is crafted with the warmth of pumpkin, complemented by a blend of comforting spices including cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Topped with a heavenly cinnamon-infused cream cheese frosting that’s simply irresistible, this bread is a culinary masterpiece. A warm and inviting treat that’s simple to prepare and perfect for sharing: tender pumpkin-infused monkey bread, ideal for potlucks or intimate gatherings around the dinner table. Indulge in effortless fall baking with this stress-free recipe.
Why Our Recipe
- Pumpkin’s rich flavor profile, quintessential to autumn, resonates loudly. It just tastes like autumn!
- This cinnamon-infused cream cheese frosting elevates the overall taste experience to unparalleled heights of delectability.
- A fuss-free dough that’s incredibly tender, inviting you to shape it into a warm, crusty loaf.
While many monkey bread recipes rely on store-bought dough, our team prefers crafting our own to unlock a richer flavor and satisfying texture. Don’t let fear hold you back – we’ve broken down the process into easy-to-follow steps, ensuring a seamless experience that yields a truly scrumptious outcome. Why not involve your kids in the baking process? This recipe is perfect for them to lend a hand and learn some new skills. Involving family and friends in the process of forming dough balls and immersing them in a rich buttery coating creates a delightful communal experience that’s sure to bring smiles all around.
Ingredient Notes
- We suggest opting for instant dry yeast for its expediency, yet active dry yeast is a suitable alternative should your requirements dictate. Active dry yeast must be activated by proofing in warm water, whereas instant dry yeast does not require this step.
- To create a successful bread dough, it is crucial to employ warm water that fosters yeast growth, yet caution should be exercised to avoid temperatures that are excessively high. While our general guideline suggests that the mixture should have a temperature similar to that of warm bathwater, ideally between 98°F and 104°F (36°C and 40°C), we acknowledge that this may not be feasible or practical in every situation.
- The same warmth as the water. To achieve optimal outcomes, warm the milk to a temperature range of 100-110°F.
- You’ll typically be able to locate cans of pumpkin puree at your nearby grocery store, with a good chance of finding them even during non-peak seasons. Most supermarkets consistently maintain a steady supply of canned goods throughout the year, typically stocking them in the baking section.
- Whether using light or dark brown sugar, both options produce distinct results; opting for dark brown sugar yields a richer, more pronounced molasses flavour.
- The warmth of these spices is essential in imparting a distinct autumnal flair to this bread.
- Softened and melted butter play distinct roles throughout this dish. To guarantee a seamless blending experience, kindly take the time to thoroughly soften the butter used in both the dough and frosting recipes.
- Softened cream cheese is essential for a silky and smooth frosting. When temperatures drop too low, the mixture struggles to combine smoothly, resulting in an uneven, lumpy frosting. Allow the product to sit at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes prior to utilization.
Making the Dough by Hand
Don’t have a stand mixer? No problem! Making bread dough from scratch by hand is an achievable and enjoyable endeavour that offers a tactile connection to the culinary process. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, using a robust wooden spoon to thoroughly incorporate each element. As the dough begins to resist stirring, it’s a signal to take the next step and engage with it manually.
Flour a clean work surface lightly, subsequently rolling out the dough and initiating the kneading process. Gently fold the dough in two, then press it firmly into a flat plane before rotating it to initiate a smooth, continuous motion that is repeated for approximately eight to ten minutes. As you begin kneading, the dough may initially feel slightly sticky; however, with continued manipulation, it should transform into a silky, elastic substance. To achieve a supple, pliable dough that rebounds with a gentle press yet refuses to cling to your skin, you’re seeking the perfect balance of consistency. Get that sought-after, irresistibly fluffy texture in this mouthwatering monkey bread by following these simple tips.
Bundt Pan vs Loaf Pans
When baking with a, you’ll achieve the iconic, easy-to-serve monkey bread form, boasting an attractive, circular display. For this recipe, a 10-12 cup bundt pan is an ideal choice, ensuring that the dough balls cook uniformly and with consistent results.
Don’t have a bundt pan? This recipe doubles beautifully, making it ideal for sharing with friends and family or freezing one batch for a quick reheating later. Split the dough equally between the two pans, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for a duration of 25 to 30 minutes. Verify that the freshly baked loaves have reached their optimal colouration, a rich golden hue, accompanied by an internal temperature of precisely 190 degrees Fahrenheit. With these versatile loaf pans, you’ll achieve the same tender, pull-apart texture without needing a specialty pan. What’s more, baking two loaves allows you to enjoy one now and reserve the other for future indulgence.
Frosting Variations
This cinnamon cream cheese frosting is a decadent delight, boasting a rich, velvety texture and an irresistible flavor profile. Yet, the versatility of this recipe lies in its ability to be effortlessly modified for a unique twist. For an added depth of autumnal flavour, consider incorporating one to two tablespoons of pumpkin puree into the frosting, or subtly infusing it with a hint of cinnamon.
Looking for something lighter? Here’s a sweet and straightforward way to elevate your baked goods: a simple powdered sugar glaze is an excellent choice. Combine one cup of powdered sugar with two tablespoons of milk or heavy cream, whisking until the mixture is silky-smooth, then drizzle it generously over the still-warm bread. If you’re a fan of an extra boost of warmth, feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon on top for the perfect finishing touch.
Storage Instructions
Stored in an airtight container, leftovers will remain fresh for up to five days. Because of its rich and creamy texture, the cream cheese frosting is best kept refrigerated.
Wrapped leftover portions tightly in plastic wrap, securing them with an additional layer of crimped aluminum foil to preserve freshness and prevent moisture from seeping in. Wrapped bread can be stored in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to five days; alternatively, it can also be frozen in a resealable freezer bag for up to three months. To achieve optimal outcomes, consider individually freezing the frosting in an airtight, freezer-safe vessel. Allow the bread to thaw naturally at room temperature or place it in the refrigerator overnight for a slow and even thawing process.
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