Monkey Bread (Gingerbread)
I love monkey bread, and the warm and happy family-time feeling of gathering around something and tearing it apart. But I want my holiday breakfast to have a hint of sugarplum-y whimsy—enter gingerbread. This is my attempt to marry two delicious dishes into one fantastic breakfast. I hope you like it!
I love monkey bread, and the warm and happy family-time feeling of gathering around something and tearing it apart. But I want my holiday breakfast to have a hint of sugarplum-y whimsy—enter gingerbread. This is my attempt to marry two delicious dishes into one fantastic breakfast. I hope you like it!
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons butter softened
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 stick butter melted
- 1/4 cup molasses
- pinch sugar
- 3 1/4 cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/3 cup warm water (110 degrees)
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour (if needed)
- Carbohydrate 74.8045938869873 g
- Cholesterol 46.0082812532702 mg
- Fat 17.9415548902102 g
- Fiber 1.9567294913313 g
- Protein 5.94085459473621 g
- Saturated Fat 11.0856251050333 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (126g)
- Sodium 419.725969308118 mg
- Sugar 72.847864395656 g
- Trans Fat 1.41225005637001 g
- Calories 479 calories
Step-by-step
- In a small bowl, combine yeast and a pinch of sugar with the warm water. Set aside to sit for 10 minutes, until foamy.
- In a small saucepan, combine 2 tablespoons butter, milk, and molasses and heat until the butter is melted. Set aside to cool briefly.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flour, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg with a whisk or spoon.
- Attach the dough hook and turn the mixer to low speed. Slowly add the molasses mixture and then the yeast mixture. After the dough comes together mix for 7 minutes, or until smooth. The dough will be sticky (it should stick to the bottom of the bowl), but if it seems too wet add up to 1/4 cup additional flour, one tablespoon at a time.
- Turn dough onto lightly floured surface and knead by hand for an additional minute to form a smooth ball. Lightly oil a large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat in oil. Cover with plastic wrap and put it in a warm spot to rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Butter the bundt pan with 2 tablespoons softened butter. Put the melted stick of butter in one small bowl, and the brown sugar in another.
- When the dough has risen, transfer to a lightly floured surface and gently pat into an 8-inch square. Cut dough into 64 pieces and roll the pieces into balls. One at a time, dip the balls in butter, then roll in brown sugar, and place in the bundt pan, making all attempts to distribute the balls evenly.
- Cover the bundt pan with plastic wrap, place in a warm spot, and allow to rise for 1 more hour. (Or you could be a gambler and refrigerate the dough overnight, and then let it come to room temperature in the morning just before baking for breakfast). The balls should be puffy and about an inch below the top of the pan.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake the monkey bread for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool in pan for 5 minutes (but no longer!). Invert onto a cake stand and cool for another 5-10 minutes. Devour!
The Joy of Monkey Bread: A Gingerbread Twist
As a busy working mom, finding time for anything beyond the daily grind can feel like a Herculean task. But there's a certain magic in creating something delicious from scratch, a ritual that connects me to simpler times and nourishes both my body and soul. That's why I love baking, and why this gingerbread monkey bread recipe has become a new favorite in our house. It's the perfect blend of festive flavor and effortless execution—a true win-win in my book.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. No complicated techniques or obscure ingredients are needed, just a handful of pantry staples and a dash of holiday spirit. The warm spices of gingerbread transform the classic monkey bread into a cozy breakfast treat that's perfect for chilly mornings or as a special weekend indulgence. The process is surprisingly straightforward, even for those of us who are short on time. I often prepare the dough the night before and then let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. This way, all I need to do in the morning is pop it in the oven and watch the magic happen.
The aroma that fills the kitchen while this monkey bread is baking is pure enchantment. The warm notes of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves dance in the air, creating an ambiance of warmth and comfort. The result? A golden-brown, irresistible bread studded with caramelized sugar crystals, a sight that alone is enough to make you smile. But it's not just about looks; the taste is equally captivating. Each soft, pillowy ball of dough is bursting with flavor, a delightful combination of gingerbread spice and sweet, buttery goodness. It's a treat that's sure to be a hit with family and friends, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that adds an extra touch of joy to any occasion.
Beyond the practical aspects, the act of making this monkey bread holds a special place in my heart. It’s a moment of calm amidst the chaos of daily life, a chance to unwind and connect with something creative and nurturing. The simple act of kneading the dough, rolling the balls, and arranging them in the pan is strangely therapeutic, a gentle reminder to slow down and appreciate the little things. And then, of course, there’s the sheer pleasure of sharing the finished product—the laughter and happy chatter around the table as everyone enjoys the warm, delicious bread, a small but meaningful connection in the midst of a busy life.
This monkey bread is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s a reminder that even amidst the pressures of modern life, there's still room for simple pleasures, for the joy of creating something beautiful, and for the warmth of sharing it with loved ones. So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let the magic of gingerbread monkey bread fill your kitchen with warmth and delight. You won't regret it.
Pro-tip: If you're pressed for time, prepare the dough the night before, refrigerate it, and then let it come to room temperature in the morning before baking. This makes it a perfect make-ahead breakfast treat for busy week mornings.
Variations: Experiment with different spices! Add a hint of cardamom, allspice, or even a touch of orange zest for a unique flavor twist. You can also change the type of sugar to suit your preferences; light brown sugar or even a mix of brown and white sugar could work well.
No matter how you choose to make it, this gingerbread monkey bread is sure to be a delicious addition to your holiday baking repertoire – or any day of the week that calls for a little extra sweetness and warmth. The comforting aroma alone is worth the effort. Enjoy!
