This Healthier Monkey Bread is a fun and tasty treat that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert! It uses whole wheat dough, sweet cinnamon, and a touch of honey, making it a more nutritious choice.
I love pulling apart the dough balls and savoring the warm, gooey goodness. It’s a sweet hug for your taste buds—plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some whole grains!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Wheat Flour: This flour adds fiber and a nutty flavor. If you want it lighter, you could use half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour, or even try oat flour for a gluten-free option.
Active Dry Yeast: This is essential for rising the dough. If you have instant yeast, you can use it directly without proofing it in warm milk. Just mix it with the dry ingredients instead.
Honey or Maple Syrup: These natural sweeteners add a touch of sweetness. You can substitute with agave syrup or a sugar alternative if you prefer. Just keep in mind that it might change the flavor a bit!
Coconut Oil: I like using melted coconut oil for a light coconut flavor, but you can swap it with unsalted butter or any other vegetable oil if that’s what you have on hand.
Coconut Sugar: It’s less refined than white sugar and has a caramel-like taste. You can use brown sugar instead, but I find coconut sugar adds a unique touch.
How Do I Ensure the Dough Rises Perfectly?
Rising is a crucial step in making fluffy monkey bread. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use warm, not hot, liquid to activate the yeast (around 110°F / 43°C).
- Let the yeast sit in the warm liquid until it’s foamy—this means it’s alive!
- Choose a warm spot for the dough to rise. Turning on the oven for a minute, then turning it off can create the ideal environment.
- Cover the dough to keep it warm and prevent it from drying out.
The dough should double in size; if it doesn’t, your yeast might be expired or the temperature was too cool. Don’t rush the process—give it time!
Enjoy creating this healthier monkey bread! It’s a delightful treat the whole family will love.
Healthier Monkey Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ½ cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 3 tbsp coconut oil or unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Topping:
- ⅓ cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), optional
- 2 tbsp melted coconut oil or butter
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and about 1 hour and 30 minutes for rising and baking combined. The time spent waiting for the dough to rise is well worth it for the delightful fluffiness you’ll achieve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, mix the warm milk with the honey or maple syrup. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step wakes up the yeast and ensures your dough will rise beautifully!
2. Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, salt, and cinnamon. Pour in the foamy yeast mixture, the egg, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Stir everything until a sticky dough forms. Don’t worry if it seems a little messy at this point!
3. Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead it by hand for about 6-8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough sticks too much, sprinkle a little more flour as needed to help with the stickiness.
4. First Rise:
Lightly grease a large bowl with coconut oil or butter and place the dough inside. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This rising makes the dough fluffy and light!
5. Prepare Dough Balls:
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Now, roll the dough into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches each.
6. Coat Dough Balls:
In a large bowl, mix the coconut sugar and ground cinnamon together. Brush each dough ball lightly with melted coconut oil or butter, then roll the balls in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they’re fully coated. If you like, add some chopped nuts to the dough balls for extra crunch.
7. Assemble in Bundt Pan:
Grease a bundt pan with coconut oil or butter and start placing the coated dough balls snugly in layers. If you’re using chopped nuts, sprinkle them in between the layers for added flavor.
8. Second Rise:
After you’ve assembled the dough balls in the pan, cover them again and let rise for another 30-40 minutes, until they puff up nicely.
9. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the monkey bread for 30-35 minutes until it’s golden brown and cooked through. You’ll want to make sure it’s baked well to avoid any gooey dough in the middle.
10. Make the Drizzle:
While the bread is baking, heat honey or maple syrup with the melted butter in a small saucepan. Stir until it’s warm and combined nicely. This will be drizzled on top of the monkey bread for a sweet finish!
11. Cool and Serve:
Let the monkey bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Carefully invert the bundt pan onto a serving plate, so the fluffy bread comes out. Drizzle the warm honey-butter syrup over the top and enjoy every bite of this healthier twist on a classic favorite!
Happy baking!
Can I Use All-Purpose Flour Instead of Whole Wheat Flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour if you prefer a lighter texture. However, the whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, making it a healthier choice!
What Should I Do If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, double-check that your yeast is fresh and that the milk was warm—not too hot. If the environment is too cool, try placing the dough in a warmer spot or turn on an oven just to warm it, then turn it off and place the dough inside.
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough balls and place them in the bundt pan the night before. Cover and refrigerate overnight, then let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. This allows them to rise properly!
How Do I Store Leftover Monkey Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also reheat individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy them warm again!
