This Sourdough Discard Monkey Bread is a fun and tasty treat! With soft, pillowy dough and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, it’s perfect for sharing. Who could resist pulling apart gooey bites?
Making this is like playing with your food—always a win! I love enjoying it fresh from the oven with my morning coffee. It’s a yummy way to use up that sourdough discard, too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter Discard: This recipe shines with unfed sourdough discard. It adds flavor and helps the dough rise. If you don’t have sourdough, you can use another leavening agent like 1 cup of plain yogurt or a small amount of baking powder.
All-Purpose Flour: Regular all-purpose flour is perfect for this recipe, but if you are looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture!
Instant Yeast: Instant yeast works best for a quick rise. If you only have active dry yeast, you can use that too; just be sure to activate it first in warm milk before adding. I prefer instant yeast for its convenience.
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended for the dough and coating. If you’re dairy-free, you can swap it out for coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. It will still taste delicious!
How Do I Get the Dough to Rise Perfectly?
Getting that perfect rise is crucial for fluffy monkey bread! Here’s how to ensure it rises well:
- Use warm milk (110°F) to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Let the dough rest in a warm, draft-free area. A slightly warm oven (off) or a warm spot in your kitchen works wonders.
- Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap to keep moisture inside, helping it grow.
- Don’t rush the rising process; let it double in size for a lighter texture.
What’s the Best Way to Shape the Dough Balls?
Shaping the dough balls is fun and straightforward! Follow these tips:
- After punching down the dough, pinch off small pieces (1 to 1.5 inches). If they’re too big, they won’t cook evenly.
- Roll them gently in your palms to form smooth balls. This creates an even texture and helps with rising.
- Be sure to coat each ball well in the melted butter before rolling in cinnamon sugar for maximum flavor!
With these tips, you’ll have a successful batch of Sourdough Discard Monkey Bread ready to be enjoyed! Happy baking!
Sourdough Discard Monkey Bread Cinnamon Pull Apart
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup sourdough starter discard (unfed)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp instant yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for coating dough balls)
For the Caramel Sauce:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes of prep time, with an additional 1-2 hours for the dough to rise and 30-35 minutes for baking. After that, be ready to feast on this delicious pull-apart bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. In another bowl, whisk together the unfed sourdough starter discard, warm milk, melted butter, and the egg until smooth. Then, pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
2. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes by hand, or 5 minutes using a stand mixer with a dough hook, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap and allow it to rise in a warm spot until doubled in size. This could take 1 to 2 hours, depending on the temperature of your kitchen.
4. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a bundt pan with butter to prevent sticking.
5. Make the Cinnamon Sugar:
In a shallow bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. In another bowl, keep the melted butter ready for dipping the dough balls.
6. Shape the Dough Balls:
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Pinch off small pieces of dough (about 1 to 1.5 inches in size) and roll each piece into a ball. This is where the fun begins!
7. Coat the Dough Balls:
Dip each dough ball first into the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. Arrange the coated balls into the prepared bundt pan, layering them until all the dough is used up.
8. Bake the Monkey Bread:
Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the monkey bread is golden brown and cooked through.
9. Make the Caramel Sauce:
While the bread is baking, prepare the caramel sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir well and bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
10. Cool and Invert:
Once baked, remove the monkey bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, place a serving plate over the bundt pan and carefully invert it to release the bread.
11. Add the Caramel Sauce:
While the monkey bread is still warm, pour the luscious caramel sauce generously over the top, allowing it to drizzle down the sides.
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the monkey bread immediately. Pull apart pieces to enjoy the warm, cinnamon-sugary bits drizzled with caramel sauce. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful snack!
Enjoy your delicious Sourdough Discard Monkey Bread Cinnamon Pull Apart—it’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Active Dry Yeast Instead of Instant Yeast?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to activate the active dry yeast in warm milk for about 5-10 minutes before mixing it with the other ingredients. This helps ensure it rises properly.
What Should I Do If My Dough Isn’t Rising?
If your dough isn’t rising, it could be due to the yeast being old or the environment being too cold. Make sure your yeast is fresh and try placing the dough in a warmer area, like an oven with the light on.
How Can I Store Leftover Monkey Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it for longer, you can also refrigerate it for up to a week. Reheat individual pieces in the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying again!
Can I Omit the Caramel Sauce?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can skip the caramel sauce or serve the monkey bread with a dusting of powdered sugar instead for a simple, sweet touch.