Monkey bread is a beloved treat that evokes feelings of warmth, nostalgia, and pure indulgence. This pull-apart bread is perfect for gatherings, breakfast, or the occasional sweet snack. What makes this recipe truly special is the creamy addition of cream cheese, which elevates traditional monkey bread into a gooey, decadent experience. In this article, we’ll guide you through making monkey bread with cream cheese, step by step, while sharing tips, tricks, and some delectable variations.
What is Monkey Bread?
Monkey bread, also known as pull-apart bread or bubble bread, is a sweet, sticky pastry that consists of small pieces of dough rolled in cinnamon sugar and baked together in a bundt pan. The name “monkey bread” comes from the way eaters pull apart the pieces of dough with their fingers, much like how monkeys might pick at food.
This dish typically combines simple ingredients, making it an accessible treat for bakers of all skill levels. The addition of cream cheese adds a delightful twist to the traditional recipe, making it rich, creamy, and utterly delicious.
Ingredients for Monkey Bread with Cream Cheese
To create your very own monkey bread with cream cheese, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cans of refrigerated biscuit dough (8 biscuits each)
- 8 oz cream cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Monkey Bread with Cream Cheese
Now, let’s dive into the process of creating this mouthwatering monkey bread. Follow these simple steps to perfect this delightful delicacy.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Before you begin mixing your ingredients, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). A properly preheated oven ensures that your monkey bread bakes evenly and provides that perfect golden-brown exterior.
Step 2: Prepare the Biscuit Dough
Open the cans of refrigerated biscuit dough. Separate each biscuit and cut them into quarters (you can use a pizza cutter for convenience). In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
Step 3: Coating the Biscuit Pieces
Take each quarter of biscuit dough and roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. This step not only adds flavor but also gives a beautiful brown crust to your monkey bread.
Step 4: Incorporating Cream Cheese
As you coat the biscuit pieces, take the cream cheese cubes and place a piece inside each dough quarter. This delightful surprise will melt into a creamy filling as the monkey bread bakes. Gently close the biscuit around the cream cheese, ensuring it’s sealed.
Step 5: Layering in the Bundt Pan
Spray a bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Begin layering the coated biscuit pieces in the pan, adding any chopped nuts or pecans if desired. This gives added texture and flavor.
Step 6: Creating the Sticky Cinnamon Coating
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Once combined, drizzle this mixture evenly over the layers of biscuit dough in the bundt pan. This will create a golden sticky glaze as the monkey bread bakes.
Step 7: Baking the Monkey Bread
Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 to 35 minutes. You want the bread to be golden brown and cooked through. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
Step 8: Cooling and Serving
After baking, remove the monkey bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Carefully invert the bundt pan onto a serving platter. The bread should slide out easily, showcasing its beautiful shape. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Monkey Bread
To ensure your monkey bread turns out perfectly, consider the following tips:
Use Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh biscuit dough and cream cheese will significantly impact the taste and texture of your monkey bread. Always check the expiration dates on your ingredients.
Customize Your Flavors
Feel free to experiment with different variations. You can add chocolate chips, fruits, or even flavored extracts to create a unique twist tailored to your taste.
Delicious Variations of Monkey Bread with Cream Cheese
While the classic cream cheese monkey bread is a hit on its own, you can spice things up with various flavor profiles. Below are some delightful variations to consider:
Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Monkey Bread
Add a handful of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to each dough quarter along with the cream cheese. This variation offers a rich blend of chocolate and creaminess.
Apple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Monkey Bread
Incorporate diced apples and a touch of nutmeg into the biscuit dough before layering. Insist on using sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp for a deliciously sweet addition.
Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Monkey Bread
For a seasonal twist, stir in canned pumpkin, pumpkin spice, and a little bit of maple syrup to the melted butter mixture. This variation brings the flavors of fall straight to your table.
Storing and Reheating Monkey Bread
Monkey bread is best enjoyed fresh, but it can easily be stored for later enjoyment. Here’s how:
Storing Monkey Bread
Allow any leftover monkey bread to cool completely before tightly covering it with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Reheating Monkey Bread
To reheat your monkey bread, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and place the bread in a baking dish. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from becoming too brown. Heat for about 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual pieces for about 10-15 seconds.
Conclusion
Making monkey bread with cream cheese is a fun, interactive, and rewarding process. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or indulging in a sweet treat on a cozy morning, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of buttery, cinnamon-dusted dough with melty cream cheese creates an indulgent experience that will occupy a special place in your recipe collection.
So gather your ingredients, invite your family into the kitchen, and enjoy the delightful experience of pulling apart this heavenly cream cheese monkey bread. It truly is a delightful treat that captures the essence of home cooking and brings people together in delicious ways. Happy baking!
What is monkey bread?
Monkey bread is a sweet, soft, and sticky pastry made from pieces of dough that are rolled into balls, coated in cinnamon sugar, and baked together in a bundt pan. It gets its name from the fun way that people pull apart the pieces of bread while eating, resembling how monkeys might eat. Monkey bread can be served as a dessert or a breakfast treat, making it versatile for different occasions.
The texture of monkey bread is fluffy and tender, often enhanced with additional fillings such as nuts, chocolate chips, or in this case, cream cheese. The gooeyness of the baked dough combined with flavors from spices and sugars creates an indulgent experience that is hard to resist, perfect for sharing at gatherings.
What ingredients do I need to make monkey bread with cream cheese?
To make monkey bread with cream cheese, you will need a few key ingredients. These include refrigerated biscuit dough, cream cheese, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. You can also opt to add additional ingredients like nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
The cream cheese filling adds a delightful richness to the monkey bread, enhancing its decadence. When combined with the cinnamon sugar coating and buttery glaze, the cream cheese creates a luscious surprise in the middle of each piece of pulled-apart dough, resulting in a truly delectable treat.
How do I prepare the dough for monkey bread?
Preparing the dough for monkey bread is a fun and simple process. Start by preheating your oven and greasing a bundt pan. Next, open the refrigerated biscuit dough and separate the biscuits. Cut each biscuit into quarters to create smaller pieces that are easier to roll and coat.
Once you have the dough pieces ready, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Dip each quartered biscuit into the melted butter and then into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated. As you layer the dough pieces into the bundt pan, intersperse spoonfuls of cream cheese for that delicious filling. This layering technique will ensure that the cream cheese is evenly distributed throughout the bread.
How long does it take to bake monkey bread?
The baking time for monkey bread typically ranges from 30 to 40 minutes, depending on your oven’s temperature and the specific recipe you are using. It is essential to keep an eye on the bread as it bakes. You want it to be golden brown on the top and cooked through without being doughy in the center.
To check for doneness, you can insert a toothpick into the thickest part of the monkey bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, your monkey bread is ready. You might want to let it cool for a few minutes before inverting it onto a plate, allowing the decadent glaze to drip down the sides.
Can I make monkey bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare monkey bread ahead of time, making it a great option for busy mornings or special occasions. You can assemble the monkey bread as directed, and then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can then be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before putting it in the oven to ensure even baking.
Alternatively, you could also bake the monkey bread ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat individual pieces in the microwave or a warm oven before serving for the best results, keeping that freshly baked feel and flavor intact in every bite.
How do I store leftover monkey bread?
Leftover monkey bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep it fresh for a longer period, you can refrigerate it, though this might alter its initially fluffy texture. Make sure to reheat any refrigerated pieces in the oven or microwave to restore some of the original softness before enjoying them again.
For extended storage, monkey bread can also be frozen. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag, ensuring to remove as much air as possible. Frozen monkey bread can be kept for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as needed.
What can I serve with monkey bread?
Monkey bread is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments. A drizzle of warm caramel sauce or chocolate sauce can elevate the experience and add an extra layer of indulgence. Additionally, a light dusting of powdered sugar on top enhances both the presentation and the taste.
If you’re serving monkey bread for breakfast or brunch, consider pairing it with fresh fruit or a refreshing fruit salad. A dollop of whipped cream or a side of maple syrup can also make for a delicious addition, allowing everyone to customize their experience and enjoy the decadent treat in their style.
Can I customize the monkey bread recipe?
Absolutely! One of the best things about monkey bread is its versatility. You can customize the recipe to suit your tastes or to use ingredients you have on hand. For example, you can add nuts like pecans or walnuts to the sugar mixture for a delightful crunch, or include chocolate chips for a sweeter version.
Similarly, you can experiment with different spices or flavored extracts, like vanilla or almond, to add unique flavors. If you’re looking for a healthier twist, consider using whole wheat biscuit dough and reducing the sugar a little. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create a personalized monkey bread that reflects your taste preferences.