This Sourdough Discard Monkey Bread is a fun treat that’s soft, sweet, and a little gooey. With layers of cinnamon and sugar, it’s hard to resist pulling apart a piece!
Making this bread feels like a mini adventure! I love how you can use sourdough discard, making it a great way to avoid waste. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a warm, cozy snack? 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Discard: This recipe uses sourdough discard, which helps reduce waste. If you don’t have any, you can substitute with plain yogurt or buttermilk to keep a similar moisture level in the dough.
Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly here. However, you can mix in whole wheat flour for a more hearty texture or use gluten-free flour blends for a gluten-free version.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon is essential for that warm flavor, but if you need a change, feel free to try cardamom or pumpkin pie spice instead.
Brown Sugar: While brown sugar adds richness, you can also use coconut sugar or even granulated sugar if that’s what you have on hand.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred, but if you’re out, margarine or even coconut oil can work too. Just keep in mind the flavor will change a bit!
How Do I Knead Dough Properly?
Kneading is a crucial step in achieving a soft and fluffy bread. This helps develop gluten, giving the bread its structure. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Flour your work surface to prevent sticking. Use enough flour to coat your hands as well.
- Place your dough on the floured surface and push it down with the palm of your hand.
- Fold the dough over itself, then rotate it a quarter turn. Repeat this process.
- Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough feels smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour in small amounts.
- Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 6-7 minutes on medium speed. This is less messy and saves time!
With these tips in mind, you’ll be all set to make a delicious Sourdough Discard Monkey Bread! Enjoy every fluffy, gooey bite! 🌟
Sourdough Discard Monkey Bread Cinnamon Pull Apart
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup sourdough discard (100% hydration, unfed)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1 egg, room temperature
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
For the Caramel Sauce:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- ¾ cup dark corn syrup or maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious monkey bread takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours in total. This includes about 15 minutes of prep time, 2 rises, and 35-40 minutes of baking. The waiting is so worth it for this sweet treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. In another bowl, mix the sourdough discard, warm milk, melted butter, and egg until well combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until you get a sticky dough. Don’t worry if it’s a bit messy at first!
2. Knead the Dough:
Dust a clean surface with flour and turn out the dough. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook on medium speed for about 6-7 minutes.
3. First Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size—this should take about 1.5 to 2 hours.
4. Prepare the Coating:
While your dough is rising, mix the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using) in a shallow bowl. Next, prepare the caramel sauce: in a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the brown sugar and corn syrup. Stir constantly until the mixture bubbles, then simmer for about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Let this cool slightly.
5. Shape Dough Balls:
After the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Pinch off small pieces to create about 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in your hands, then coat it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to ensure they are well covered.
6. Assemble the Monkey Bread:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you grease a bundt pan or tube pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray. Pour a few tablespoons of the cooled caramel sauce into the bottom of the pan, then arrange the coated dough balls evenly on top.
7. Add More Caramel:
Pour the remaining caramel sauce over the dough balls evenly, making sure they are all nicely coated.
8. Second Rise:
Cover the bundt pan with a towel and let the dough rise again for about 30-45 minutes until puffy.
9. Bake:
Once risen, bake your monkey bread in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent it with foil.
10. Cool and Invert:
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Carefully run a knife around the edges to loosen it, then invert onto a serving plate. Enjoy the gooey caramel drizzling down the sides!
11. Serve Warm:
Dig in and enjoy this soft, sticky cinnamon pull-apart bread while it’s still warm! Store any leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for 5 days; just reheat before serving for that fresh taste.
With each bite, you’ll appreciate the delightful combination of flavors and textures in this Sourdough Discard Monkey Bread. Perfect for breakfast or dessert; it’s bound to be a hit!
Can I Use Store-Bought Sourdough Starter Instead of Discard?
Yes, you can use store-bought sourdough starter! Just make sure it’s unfed (not recently fed) for the best results. If it’s too thick, you might need to adjust the liquid in the dough accordingly.
What If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it could be that your yeast is inactive. Make sure the yeast is fresh and check that you’re proofing the dough in a warm, draft-free environment. If necessary, you can place it in a slightly warm oven (turned off) to encourage rising.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and shape the balls up to a day in advance. Just cover the assembled but unbaked monkey bread tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Allow it to come to room temperature and rise for about 30-45 minutes before baking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Just reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving to bring back that fresh, warm goodness!