This Healthier Monkey Bread is a fun twist on the classic! Made with whole-wheat dough and lightly sweetened, it’s a tasty treat that won’t weigh you down.
Who can resist tearing off warm, gooey pieces? I love dipping mine in a bit of yogurt instead of frosting for a yummy bonus! It’s a hit for breakfast or dessert! 🐒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This ingredient is crucial for the rise and fluffy texture. If you have instant yeast, you can use that instead—just mix it with the flour instead of activating it in warm milk.
Milk: Warm milk helps activate the yeast. You can substitute with almond milk or any non-dairy option if you prefer. Just make sure it’s warm, not hot!
Greek Yogurt: This adds moisture and a slight tang. For a dairy-free option, use coconut yogurt, or you can skip it entirely if you don’t have any on hand.
Whole Wheat Flour: I love whole wheat for its nutty flavor and added nutrients. However, you could use all-purpose flour instead for a lighter texture, though it won’t be as healthy.
Coconut Oil: This gives a lovely flavor, but you can swap it for melted butter or even vegetable oil if needed.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Fluffy Monkey Bread?
The key to fluffy monkey bread lies in the dough preparation. Here’s what helps:
- Be patient: Let the dough rise properly both times. The longer it rises, the airier it will be.
- Knead well: Kneading for 6-8 minutes helps activate the gluten, giving the bread structure and softness.
- Don’t rush the baking: A golden-brown color is usually a sign that it’s cooked through. If it’s too pale, give it a few more minutes.
Once baked, adding the glaze while it’s hot allows the sweet syrup to soak in for a delightful finish. Enjoy the warm, gooey goodness!
How to Make Healthier Monkey Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (around 110°F/43°C)
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt (for moisture and slight tang)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp coconut oil or light olive oil (melted), plus extra for greasing
- 3 tbsp coconut sugar or brown sugar (for coating)
- 2 tbsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (for glaze)
- 1 tbsp almond butter or natural peanut butter (optional glaze addition)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Healthier Monkey Bread recipe will take about:
- 15 minutes to prepare the dough
- 1.5 hours for the first rise
- 30 minutes for the second rise
- 25-30 minutes to bake
Total time: approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, but most of that is just waiting for the dough to rise.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a mixing bowl, add the warm milk, honey, and yeast. Allow this mixture to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it gets frothy. This means the yeast is active!
2. Mix in Other Ingredients:
Next, add the Greek yogurt, egg, melted coconut oil, and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk together until everything is well combined and smooth.
3. Form the Dough:
Slowly mix in the whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour. Stir until it forms a soft ball of dough. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 6-8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little bit more flour.
4. Let It Rise:
Transfer the kneaded dough to a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Prepare Coating Mixture:
While the dough is rising, mix the coconut sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. This will be used to coat the dough pieces.
6. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a bundt pan or a round baking dish and grease it with oil.
7. Shape the Monkey Bread:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and break it into small pieces (about 1 to 1.5 inches each). Roll each piece in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place the coated dough pieces evenly into the greased pan, layering in nuts between the pieces if you like.
8. Second Rise:
Cover the pan again and let the dough rise for another 20-30 minutes. You want it to puff up a bit more during this time.
9. Bake the Bread:
Put the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the monkey bread is golden brown and fully cooked through.
10. Make the Glaze:
While the monkey bread is baking, prepare the glaze. Gently warm the maple syrup and almond butter together in a small saucepan until they blend smoothly.
11. Drizzle the Glaze:
Once the monkey bread is out of the oven, drizzle the warm glaze over the top immediately, letting it soak in for extra sweetness!
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Allow the bread to cool for a few minutes before turning it out onto a serving plate. Pull apart the delicious pieces and enjoy warm! Perfect on its own or with a little yogurt on the side.
This recipe offers a lighter take on classic monkey bread while keeping all the delightful flavors and textures. Enjoy your healthy treat!
Can I Use Instant Yeast Instead of Active Dry Yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast! Just mix it directly into the flour instead of activating it in warm milk. You won’t need to let it sit—just combine it with the dry ingredients and continue with the recipe.
What If I Don’t Have Whole Wheat Flour?
If whole wheat flour isn’t available, you can use all-purpose flour entirely in this recipe. Just keep in mind that the texture will be a bit lighter, and it may not have the same nutty flavor as when using whole wheat.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then shape it and refrigerate it. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature and allow it to rise again for about 30 minutes before baking.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate it for a longer shelf life. Just warm it in the oven or microwave before enjoying it again!