This Healthier Monkey Bread is a sweet treat that feels like a warm hug! Made with whole wheat dough, it’s packed with flavor but has less guilt. Yum!
Honestly, it’s like the fun cousin of the bread family. Pull apart those gooey pieces for an easy snack or dessert. I might even have it for breakfast—shh, it’ll be our secret! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Wheat Flour: This is the backbone of healthier Monkey Bread, adding fiber and nutrition. If you prefer a lighter texture, you can mix half whole wheat with half all-purpose flour.
Active Dry Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh! If you’re out, you can use instant yeast without the activating step. Just mix it directly with the flour. Instant yeast is often more forgiving.
Warm Milk: Using dairy-free milk is a great substitute! Almond, soy, or oat milk works well. Just ensure it’s not too hot to avoid killing the yeast.
Unsweetened Applesauce: This keeps the moisture while reducing sugar. You can swap it with mashed banana for a different flavor, or use yogurt for some tanginess.
Coconut Sugar: This is a less refined option. You can easily use brown sugar instead, but for a more health-conscious version, coconut sugar is the way to go.
How Do I Properly Knead Dough for Monkey Bread?
Kneading the dough is crucial for developing the gluten, which gives your Monkey Bread a nice structure. Here’s how to do it easily:
- Start by mixing your ingredients until they come together. Transfer to a floured surface.
- Push the dough away from you with the heel of your hand. Fold it back over itself and give it a quarter turn, repeating this for about 8-10 minutes.
- You want the dough to be smooth and elastic, so if it sticks, sprinkle a bit more flour as needed.
Trust me, it’s worth the effort—well-kneaded dough leads to a fluffier Monkey Bread! Keep a watchful eye, and don’t skip this important step for the best results.
How to Make Healthier Monkey Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp coconut oil or melted butter, divided
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar (less refined)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Healthier Monkey Bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 1 hour for the dough to rise, and an additional 30-35 minutes to bake. All in all, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 50 minutes before you can dig in—most of which is hands-off time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means your yeast is ready to go!
2. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, salt, and ground cinnamon. Then, add the yeast mixture, applesauce, and honey. Mix everything together until it forms a dough, and then knead it on a floured surface until it’s smooth and elastic. You may need to add a little more flour if it’s too sticky.
3. Let the Dough Rise:
Put the kneaded dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a towel. Place it in a warm spot and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This step is crucial for a fluffy texture!
4. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan or a 9-inch cake pan so that the Monkey Bread can come out easily once it’s baked.
5. Combine Cinnamon Sugar:
In a small bowl, mix the coconut sugar with 1/2 tsp of cinnamon. This is what will give your Monkey Bread that lovely sweetness and spice!
6. Shape the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide it into about 24 small pieces. Roll each piece into a ball.
7. Coat the Dough Balls:
Dip each dough ball into 2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil or butter, then roll it in your cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
8. Assemble in the Pan:
Layer the coated dough balls in the prepared pan, adding optional chopped nuts between the layers for extra crunch.
9. Final Touches:
Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of melted coconut oil or butter over the top of the assembled dough. This helps with that delicious gooey texture!
10. Bake the Monkey Bread:
Bake your Monkey Bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown. If it starts to brown too much, cover loosely with foil.
11. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let it cool for about 10 minutes in the pan. Then, invert the pan onto a plate to remove the Monkey Bread. It’s best served warm, so dig in while it’s still deliciously gooey!
Enjoy your Healthier Monkey Bread! It’s sweet, comforting, and made with wholesome ingredients—perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour for This Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend! Just make sure it includes xanthan gum or another binding agent to mimic the elasticity of gluten.
How Do I Store Leftover Monkey Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for about a week. To reheat, pop it in the microwave for a few seconds or cover it with foil and warm it in the oven.
Can I Make This Monkey Bread Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and shape it the night before. Just store it in the fridge overnight. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure it rises properly.
What Other Add-ins Can I Include?
You can get creative! Try adding chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even a sprinkle of shredded coconut for different flavors and textures. Just make sure not to add too much so it doesn’t interfere with the dough’s structure!
