This fun Sourdough Discard Monkey Bread is a tasty treat that you can pull apart easily. It’s packed with warm cinnamon and buttery goodness, making it perfect for sharing!
You won’t believe how simple it is to make with sourdough discard. I love enjoying it fresh from the oven—just be careful, it’s hard to stop at one piece! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Discard: Unfed sourdough discard is perfect here. If you don’t have any, you can substitute with plain yogurt or buttermilk for a similar tang and texture.
All-Purpose Flour: Standard all-purpose flour works great, but you can mix in whole wheat flour for added nutrition. Just use 2 parts all-purpose and 1 part whole wheat.
Granulated Sugar: While I love using regular granulated sugar, brown sugar adds a delightful richness and moisture. You can use either for the dough or cinnamon coating!
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is a must, but if you like a bit of spice, try adding nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice to the mix for extra flavor.
Icing: For a dairy-free option, use non-dairy milk like almond milk in the icing. It still turns out delicious and creamy!
How Do You Properly Knead Dough?
Kneading dough is essential for developing gluten, which gives your bread its structure and chewiness. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a floured surface. If your dough is sticky, sprinkle a little flour on top.
- Use the heels of your palms to push the dough away from you, then fold it back over itself.
- Rotate the dough a quarter turn each time you fold it. This ensures even kneading.
- Knead for about 7-10 minutes until the dough feels smooth and elastic. It should bounce back when you poke it!
Don’t rush this part – it’s key to getting that nice rise in your monkey bread!
What’s the Best Way to Layer Dough Balls?
Layering the dough balls evenly is crucial for a good pull-apart texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by dipping each dough ball in melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar to coat thoroughly.
- Place the coated balls in the prepared bundt pan. Try to alternate between placing them upright and laying down for even layering.
- Don’t worry about perfect spacing – they will expand while rising and baking, so they’ll stick together nicely!
Just remember to cover the pan to let them rise before baking. This will create that lovely, fluffy monkey bread look!
Sourdough Discard Monkey Bread Cinnamon Pull Apart
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup (240g) sourdough discard (unfed)
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp (one packet) active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Icing:
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk or cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Time Needed:
This delightful monkey bread recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus about 2 hours for rising time. The baking will take around 30-35 minutes. In total, you’ll need about 2 hours and 55 minutes to make this delicious treat from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sourdough discard, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means the yeast is active and ready to work!
2. Mix the Dough:
Add the melted butter, egg, salt, and 2 cups of the flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until everything is combined well. Gradually add the remaining flour, half a cup at a time, until the dough pulls away from the sides and is soft but not sticky.
3. Knead the Dough:
Flour a clean surface and knead the dough for about 7-10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. Once it’s ready, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
4. Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan or a similar ring-shaped pan so the bread can slide out easily once baked.
5. Shape the Dough Balls:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air. Divide the dough into small pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches in size. Roll each piece between your hands to form a ball.
6. Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
In a separate bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Dip each dough ball into the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated.
7. Layer the Dough Balls:
Place the coated dough balls evenly in the greased bundt pan, layering them as you go. Don’t worry about making them perfect; they’ll rise and fill the gaps while baking!
8. Final Rise:
Cover the bundt pan with a cloth and let it rise for an additional 30-45 minutes until the dough balls are puffy.
9. Bake:
Bake the monkey bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until it is golden brown and cooked through. You can check doneness with a skewer—if it comes out clean, it’s ready!
10. Make the Icing:
While the monkey bread is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
11. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the monkey bread cool in the pan for about 5-10 minutes. After cooling, carefully invert it onto a serving plate. Drizzle the icing generously over the warm monkey bread.
12. Enjoy!
Now you can serve and pull apart those gooey, warm cinnamon-coated bites. Enjoy every delicious piece of your Sourdough Discard Monkey Bread Cinnamon Pull Apart!
Can I Use Active Sourdough Starter Instead of Discard?
Yes, you can use active sourdough starter instead of discard. Just make sure to adjust the quantity of flour and liquid slightly, as active starter may contain more moisture.
How Should I Store Leftover Monkey Bread?
Store any leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it but be sure to reheat it gently in the microwave or oven before serving for the best texture.
Can I Freeze Monkey Bread?
Absolutely! You can freeze monkey bread after baking. Once it has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What Can I Substitute for Granulated Sugar?
If you’re looking for alternatives to granulated sugar, you can use brown sugar for more depth of flavor, or coconut sugar for a lower-glycemic option. Adjust the amounts as needed based on the sweetness you prefer!