This fun monkey bread is a tasty way to use up sourdough discard! Dough balls are rolled in cinnamon and sugar, then baked together to create a pull-apart treat that everyone loves.
I love how easy it is to prepare. Just mix, roll, and bake—then watch everyone reach for those delicious, soft pieces. It’s such a crowd-pleaser!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Discard: This gives the monkey bread its unique flavor. Use any unfed sourdough discard you have on hand. If you don’t have sourdough, you can use plain yogurt or buttermilk at about the same measurement for a similar tang.
All-Purpose Flour: A versatile choice for this recipe. You can substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose for a nuttier flavor and more fiber, but the texture will be denser.
Yeast: Instant yeast works best here for quicker rising. You can substitute it with active dry yeast, but remember to activate it in warm water first according to package instructions.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating: The classic combination! If you want to mix it up, consider adding nutmeg or pumpkin spice for an interesting twist. You can also use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a richer flavor.
Caramel Sauce: The heavenly topping! For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil instead of butter and maple syrup in place of honey or corn syrup.
How Do I Achieve the Best Rise for My Dough?
The rise of your dough is crucial for fluffy monkey bread. Here’s how to nail it:
- Make sure your sourdough discard is at room temperature before mixing. This encourages better fermentation.
- Warm milk should feel warm to your touch, not hot. Yeast loves warmth but can die in high heat!
- When letting the dough rise, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap to maintain moisture and heat.
- Place the bowl in a warm spot, like near the oven or on a sunny windowsill, to speed up the rising process.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have beautifully risen dough ready for the next delicious step!
Sourdough Discard Monkey Bread Cinnamon Pull Apart
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed, room temperature)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (plus extra for coating)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Caramel Sauce:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup honey or corn syrup
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful monkey bread takes about 2-2.5 hours in total. Expect around 15 minutes for preparation, 1-2 hours for the initial rise, and an additional 30-45 minutes for the second rise before baking. You’ll then bake it for 30-35 minutes and allow a little cooling time—worth every minute for this sticky treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the sourdough discard, warm milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir it all together until it’s well blended. You want a nice smooth mixture!
2. Create the Dough:
Now, add in the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt to your wet ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. It might look a bit messy, but don’t worry!
3. Knead It Out:
On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes. You want it to become smooth and elastic. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as you go.
4. Let It Rise:
Place your kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rise for 1-2 hours in a warm spot until it has doubled in size. This is where the magic happens!
5. Prepare for Baking:
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease your bundt or round cake pan with butter. This will help it slide out nicely after baking!
6. Mix the Cinnamon Sugar:
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the delicious coating that makes this bread so special.
7. Shape the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air. Tear off small pieces (about 1-1.5 inches) and roll each piece into a ball.
8. Coat the Dough Balls:
Roll each dough ball in melted butter, then coat it thoroughly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Get it nice and covered!
9. Layer in the Pan:
Arrange the coated dough balls evenly in your prepared pan, layering them as needed. Don’t stress about perfection; it’ll all come together beautifully!
10. Second Rise:
Cover the pan again and let the dough balls rise for another 30-45 minutes until they puff up nicely.
11. Make the Caramel Sauce:
While the dough is rising, make your caramel sauce by melting butter, brown sugar, and honey (or corn syrup) in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a boil, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for about 2 minutes while stirring occasionally. Take it off the heat and stir in vanilla and a pinch of salt to taste.
12. Pour the Caramel:
Once the dough has puffed up, pour half of the caramel sauce over the risen dough balls in the pan. This will soak down while baking for an extra sticky finish!
13. Bake:
Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the monkey bread is golden brown and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
14. Add More Caramel:
As soon as you remove the bread from the oven, pour the remaining caramel sauce over the top. Let it soak in and become even more luscious.
15. Cool & Serve:
Allow the monkey bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, gently invert it onto a serving plate. Voilà!
16. Enjoy!
Serve the warm, pull-apart pieces of your gooey sourdough discard monkey bread drizzled with that luscious caramel. Get ready for everyone to dig in!
Enjoy your gooey, sweet sourdough discard monkey bread with luscious caramel drizzle!
Can I Use Active Dry Yeast Instead of Instant Yeast?
Yes, you can! Just remember to activate active dry yeast by dissolving it in warm water (about 110°F/43°C) for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy before adding it to the other ingredients.
How Do I Store Leftover Monkey Bread?
Allow it to cool completely, then store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the milk with a non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk), the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative, and use maple syrup instead of honey in the caramel sauce.
What Should I Serve with My Monkey Bread?
This sweet treat is delicious on its own, but you could serve it with fresh fruit, a side of yogurt, or even a drizzle of extra caramel sauce for dipping!
