Why This Recipe Is the Perfect Addition to Your Next Brunch

If you’re searching for a show-stopping brunch recipe that will impress your guests, look no further – this vegan monkey bread is it. Each sticky, gooey, bite-sized dough ball is an absolute delight that will have everyone reaching for more!

• Cozy Flavor: The combination of sweet cinnamon, a sticky caramelized glaze, and incredibly soft dough creates the ultimate cozy breakfast treat, perfect for those chilly mornings or festive gatherings.
• Perfect for Sharing: This pull-apart bread is not only delicious but also incredibly fun to share with friends and family. Kids especially love it! Plus, it’s much easier to serve than regular bread – no slicing required! Simply let everyone pull off their own piece.
• Simple Ingredients: You won’t find any fancy or hard-to-find ingredients in this recipe. In fact, you probably already have everything you need in your kitchen pantry. This makes it a convenient and accessible recipe for bakers of all levels.

Notes on Ingredients

Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients you’ll need for this fantastic vegan monkey bread recipe. Remember to scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for the precise ingredient quantities and detailed recipe instructions.

For the Dough:

• Instant Yeast: This is crucial for getting that light and airy texture. If you’re unsure about your yeast’s viability, be sure to test it first! Learn more about using yeast in vegan baking: Is Yeast Vegan?
• Vegan Milk: Opt for an unsweetened and unflavored vegan milk, such as almond, soy, or oat milk. This will ensure it doesn’t interfere with the overall flavor profile of the bread.
• All-Purpose Flour: This forms the structure of the dough. For a gluten-free version, see notes in tips and variations.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
• Vegan Unsalted Butter: This adds richness and tenderness to the dough. You can use your favorite store-bought brand or even try making your own Homemade Vegan Butter.
• Sea Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and balances the sweetness.

To Assemble:

• Vegan Butter: You’ll need some softened vegan butter to grease the pan and prevent the monkey bread from sticking. The rest will be melted and used to coat the dough balls and create the caramel sauce.
• Sugar: A combination of granulated sugar and light brown sugar is essential for creating the signature sweet and sticky coating. The brown sugar adds a wonderful depth of flavor and helps with caramelization.
• Ground Cinnamon: This provides that warm, comforting spice that is synonymous with monkey bread. Feel free to adjust the amount to your personal preference.

For the Glaze:

• Powdered Sugar: This forms the base of the glaze. If you don’t have any on hand, don’t worry! It’s easy to make Homemade Powdered Sugar.
• Vegan Milk: Use just enough to create a smooth and pourable glaze. Start with the smaller amount and add more as needed until you reach the desired consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a touch of warmth and enhances the overall flavor of the glaze. For an extra special touch, consider using vanilla bean paste, which will add beautiful little flecks of vanilla bean to your glaze.

How to Make Vegan Monkey Bread: Step-by-Step Instructions

Don’t be intimidated by the idea of making monkey bread! This recipe is surprisingly simple and straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide, complete with helpful photos, to show you exactly how it’s done.

• Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, whisk together the warm vegan milk and instant yeast. Let it rest for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
• Make the Dough: Add the granulated sugar, melted vegan butter, and sea salt to the yeast mixture. Stir well to combine. Gradually add in the all-purpose flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook to knead the dough.

• First Rise: Transfer the kneaded dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the dough has doubled in bulk. The rising time may vary depending on the temperature of your kitchen.
• Cut and Shape: Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Roll the dough out into a large rectangle, about 1 inch thick. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into approximately 50 equal-sized pieces. Shape each piece into a small ball.

• Coat the Dough: In a shallow bowl, melt half a cup of the vegan butter. In another bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Dip each dough ball into the melted butter, allowing any excess to drip off, and then roll it generously in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
• Second Rise: Generously grease a bundt pan with the softened vegan butter. Arrange the coated dough balls evenly in the prepared pan, creating layers. Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the monkey bread rise again in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes, or until the dough balls look puffy and have nearly doubled in size.

• Make the Syrup: While the dough is undergoing its second rise, prepare the brown sugar syrup. In a small saucepan, melt the remaining half cup of vegan butter with the light brown sugar over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
• Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough has risen and the oven is preheated, carefully pour the hot brown sugar syrup evenly over the dough balls in the bundt pan, ensuring that all the dough is coated. Bake the monkey bread for 30-35 minutes, or until it’s deep golden brown and bubbling around the edges.

• Cool and Invert: Remove the baked monkey bread from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes. This allows the syrup to slightly thicken and helps the bread release from the pan. Carefully invert the monkey bread onto a serving plate while it’s still warm.
• Glaze: While the monkey bread is cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vegan milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Let the monkey bread cool slightly, then drizzle the glaze generously over the top before serving. Enjoy immediately!

Tips and Variations for the Best Vegan Monkey Bread

• Don’t Use Hot Vegan Milk: It’s essential that the vegan milk you use to activate the yeast is warm, not hot. If the milk is too hot, it can kill the yeast and prevent the dough from rising properly. It’s always better to err on the side of cooler milk, as cooler milk will simply slow down the yeast activity, while hot milk can be detrimental.
• Watch the Dough, Not the Clock: When it comes to rising, it’s important to pay attention to the dough itself, rather than relying solely on a timer. Factors like room temperature can affect the rising time, so it’s crucial to monitor the dough’s progress. The dough should approximately double in size.
• Add Some Nuts: For added texture and flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts between the layers of dough balls as you’re assembling the monkey bread.
• Gluten-Free Option: To make this vegan monkey bread gluten-free, use a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Keep in mind that gluten-free dough may behave differently than traditional dough, so you may need to adjust the rising time or add a bit more liquid.

Serving Suggestions for Your Vegan Monkey Bread

While I could easily devour an entire monkey bread on my own, it’s best enjoyed alongside other delicious dishes! If I’m making it for a holiday brunch or party, I love to serve it with my Overnight Breakfast Strata Recipe or Biscuits and Gravy Casserole, along with a side of crispy Hash Browns. These pairings create a balanced and satisfying brunch spread that will impress your guests.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers of Your Vegan Monkey Bread

• Store: Leftovers can be stored covered at room temperature for 1 day, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To prevent it from drying out, store it in an airtight container.
• Freeze for Later: For longer storage, wrap the monkey bread tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw the monkey bread in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: To reheat individual portions, warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. For larger portions, reheat them in a 300°F (150°C) oven until warmed through. You can also wrap the monkey bread in foil to prevent it from drying out during reheating.

More Delicious Vegan Bread Recipes to Try

• The Best Gluten-Free Sandwich Bread
• Easy and Flavorful Garlic and Rosemary Focaccia Bread
• Savory and Delicious Olive Bread
• Soft and Fluffy Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls