Caramel Monkey Bread Recipe: Irresistibly Gooey and Homemade

A Heavenly Caramel Monkey Bread Recipe You Can’t Resist

I could (did) stand in front of that pan filled with luscious caramel sauce armed with just a spoon. A regular spoon. This caramel is not playing games.

What Is Caramel Monkey Bread?

Caramel Monkey Bread, also known as monkey puzzle bread, sticky bread, Hungarian coffee cake, golden crown, pinch-me cake, and pluck-it cake, is a soft, sweet, and sticky pastry. Often enjoyed for breakfast in the United States, it is an indulgent treat drenched in rich caramel sauce.

And yes, America, we love you for making this a breakfast option.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Dough

This recipe lets you choose between homemade brioche dough and store-bought canned biscuits. If you’re in a hurry or simply overwhelmed (we’ve all been there), canned dough is a quick solution. However, if you have a little time to spare, we highly recommend making it from scratch.

Why? Because the homemade version rewards you with the irresistible aroma of fresh bread baking in your kitchen. Plus, the process is incredibly simple – no fancy equipment required.

How To Make Caramel Monkey Bread

Ingredients

For the Dough:

1 cup lukewarm water
1 packet instant yeast (about 2 teaspoons)
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup honey or sugar
4 large eggs
3/4 cup melted butter
4 1/2 cups flour (plus extra for dusting)

(Tip: You can substitute with canned biscuit dough, but the homemade version is totally worth it!)

For the Caramel Sauce:

1/2 cup salted butter
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
A pinch of sea salt (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

Mix all the dough ingredients in a large bowl, adding flour last. The mixture will be sticky. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rise for two hours in a warm spot. Then, refrigerate it to make handling easier.

2. Shape the Dough

Once chilled, roll out half the dough on a floured surface. Cut it into small pieces or roll into balls. Wrap the remaining dough in plastic and freeze it for future use.

3. Make the Caramel Sauce

Melt the butter, cream, and brown sugar in a saucepan. Stir continuously and bring to a boil for exactly five minutes. Remove from heat.

4. Assemble the Monkey Bread

In a bundt pan or pie dish, layer the components as follows:

1/4 cup caramel sauce
Dough pieces
Another 1/4 cup caramel sauce
More dough pieces
A final 1/4 cup caramel sauce

Reserve the rest of the caramel sauce for later.

5. Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes or until the top turns golden brown. Carefully invert onto a serving plate and drizzle with the remaining caramel sauce. Enjoy!

The Best Schedule for Fresh Monkey Bread

To enjoy warm, fresh-from-the-oven Caramel Monkey Bread in the morning, follow this schedule:

8 PM – Prepare the dough
10 PM – Refrigerate overnight
8 AM – Make the sauce and bake

Pro Tips for the Best Caramel Monkey Bread

The caramel sauce thickens as it cools. If needed, gently reheat before serving.
Avoid preparing the sauce in advance. It tends to harden when stored.
For the best texture, use room-temperature eggs.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days.

FAQs

How do you keep monkey bread from sticking to the pan?

Grease your pan generously with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Can I use a different type of dough?

Yes! While brioche dough is ideal, you can use frozen bread dough or even crescent roll dough.

Can I make monkey bread ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the dough and caramel sauce in advance, store separately, and bake fresh.

How should I store leftover monkey bread?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Can I freeze monkey bread?

Yes! Wrap it tightly in plastic and freeze for up to three months. Reheat before serving.

Reference Links

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Caramel Monkey Bread Recipe: Irresistibly Gooey and Homemade