Sweet, gooey, pull apart Sourdough Monkey Bread is about to become your newest obsession. This addictive dessert is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any gathering! With its delightful texture and rich flavor, this treat will impress your family and friends. Plus, it’s a fun dish to share and enjoy together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: The steps are straightforward, making it suitable for bakers of all levels.
- Versatile: Great for breakfast, dessert, or a snack; you can enjoy it anytime!
- Flavorful: The combination of cinnamon and brown sugar creates a mouthwatering taste.
- Fun to Eat: This pull-apart bread is interactive and perfect for sharing.
- Sourdough Starter Magic: Using sourdough gives a unique tang that enhances the overall flavor.
Tools and Preparation
To create the best Sourdough Monkey Bread, having the right tools is essential. These tools will help ensure a smooth baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Kitchen scale
- Rolling pin
- Baking pan
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl allows for thorough mixing of ingredients without spills.
- Kitchen scale: Weighing ingredients ensures accuracy for consistent results every time.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 200 g filtered water
- 85 g sourdough starter, active and bubbly
- 70 g cane sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 8 g sea salt
- 430 g bread flour
- 8 tbs unsalted butter, room temperature (113g)
For the Coating
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbs whole milk
How to Make Sourdough Monkey Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by combining the filtered water and sourdough starter in a mixing bowl. Add in the cane sugar followed by the egg. Mix well until fully combined.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
Next, gradually mix in the sea salt and bread flour into the wet mixture. Once incorporated, knead until a smooth dough forms.
Step 3: Incorporate Butter
Let’s add the unsalted butter! Knead in softened butter until fully absorbed into the dough.
Step 4: Rise Time
Cover your dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place. This may take several hours due to sourdough’s long rise time.
Step 5: Shape and Coat
Once risen, punch down the dough. Divide it into small pieces and roll each piece into balls. In a separate bowl, mix together brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Roll each ball in this mixture before placing them in the baking pan.
Step 6: Final Rise
Allow your shaped dough balls to rise again until they fill up the pan.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake your monkey bread for about 35 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 8: Glaze
While still warm, whisk together powdered sugar and milk to create a glaze. Drizzle over your baked monkey bread before serving!
How to Serve Sourdough Monkey Bread
Sourdough Monkey Bread is not only delicious but also versatile in how it can be served. Whether it’s for breakfast, dessert, or a fun snack, there are many ways to enjoy this delightful treat.
For Breakfast
- With Fresh Fruit: Serve your monkey bread with seasonal fruits like berries, bananas, or apples for a fresh touch.
- Drizzled with Honey: A light drizzle of honey adds a natural sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon flavors.
As a Dessert
- With Ice Cream: Top warm monkey bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Dusted with Powdered Sugar: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar enhances its sweetness and makes it look appealing.
For Snacking
- With Nut Butter: Spread almond or peanut butter on pieces of monkey bread for a satisfying protein boost.
- Paired with Coffee: Enjoying this treat alongside a cup of coffee creates the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
How to Perfect Sourdough Monkey Bread
Perfecting your Sourdough Monkey Bread can elevate your baking game. Here are some helpful tips to ensure success.
- Use Active Starter: Ensure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active for the best rise and flavor.
- Knead Properly: Knead the dough until it’s smooth; this develops gluten for better structure.
- Let It Rise: Allow adequate rising time; this enhances flavor and texture.
- Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure it’s at the right temperature before baking.
- Cool Before Serving: Let the monkey bread cool slightly before serving; it helps to set the structure.
Best Side Dishes for Sourdough Monkey Bread
Sourdough Monkey Bread can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance the overall meal experience. Here are some excellent options.
- Fresh Salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette balances the sweetness of the monkey bread.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a nutritious side that pairs well.
- Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs make for a hearty breakfast when served alongside this sweet treat.
- Bacon Strips: Crispy bacon adds a savory contrast to the sweet flavors of monkey bread.
- Smoothie Bowl: A refreshing smoothie bowl offers health benefits while being visually appealing.
- Cheese Platter: Include a selection of cheeses for an elegant addition that offers savory bites.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Sourdough Monkey Bread can be a delightful experience, but avoiding common mistakes is crucial for the best results.
- Ignoring the rise time: Sourdough requires longer rise times due to its natural fermentation process. Plan ahead and give your dough ample time to rise.
- Using inactive starter: Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly before using it. An inactive starter will not provide the right leavening.
- Over-measuring flour: Accurate measurements are essential. Use a kitchen scale for precision, as too much flour can lead to dense bread.
- Skipping the butter: Butter adds richness and flavor. Don’t skip this important ingredient, or your monkey bread will lack that gooey texture.
- Not preheating the oven: Preheat your oven properly before baking. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect golden color.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container. This keeps the bread fresh longer.
- Consume within 3 days for optimal taste.
Freezing Sourdough Monkey Bread
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to eat.
Reheating Sourdough Monkey Bread
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat slices in short intervals (20 seconds) for a soft texture.
- Stovetop: Heat on low with a lid for a few minutes, ensuring it doesn’t dry out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Sourdough Monkey Bread that might help clarify any uncertainties.
What is Sourdough Monkey Bread?
Sourdough Monkey Bread is a sweet pull-apart bread made with sourdough starter, resulting in a unique flavor and texture that’s irresistibly delicious.
How do I know if my sourdough starter is active?
Your sourdough starter should double in size within 4-6 hours after feeding and have lots of bubbles on the surface. A strong aroma indicates it’s ready to use.
Can I customize Sourdough Monkey Bread?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to personalize your monkey bread according to your taste preferences.
How should I serve Sourdough Monkey Bread?
Serve warm, drizzled with icing or with a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness that everyone will love.
Final Thoughts
Sourdough Monkey Bread is a sweet treat that brings joy and comfort to any table. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various flavors and toppings, making it perfect for breakfast or dessert. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; once you do, it may become your new favorite!
Sourdough Monkey Bread
Sourdough Monkey Bread is a delightful twist on the classic pull-apart bread, combining the unique tang of sourdough with the sweetness of cinnamon and brown sugar. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this gooey treat is not only easy to make but also fun to share with family and friends. Its fluffy texture and rich flavors will leave everyone craving more. Whether enjoyed warm with a drizzle of glaze or paired with fresh fruit, Sourdough Monkey Bread is sure to become your new favorite indulgence.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 200 g filtered water
- 85 g active sourdough starter
- 70 g cane sugar
- 1 large egg
- 8 g sea salt
- 430 g bread flour
- 113 g unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (for coating)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1 tbsp whole milk (for glaze)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine filtered water and sourdough starter. Add cane sugar and egg; mix well.
- Gradually incorporate sea salt and bread flour into the mixture until a smooth dough forms. Knead in softened butter.
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for several hours until doubled in size.
- Punch down the risen dough, divide it into small pieces, and roll each into balls. Toss in a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon before placing them in a baking pan.
- Allow the shaped dough balls to rise again until they fill the pan.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 35 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and milk; drizzle over warm monkey bread before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
