Monkey Bread

Name: Monkey Bread
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup warm milk; 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast; 1/4 cup sugar; 1 egg; 1/4 cup melted butter, plus 1/2 cup for coating; 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp salt; 1 cup brown sugar mixed with 2 tbsp cinnamon, for coating

12 servings30 min prep35 min cookMedium

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The Story Behind It

The Tale of Monkey Bread

Story updated September 18, 2026

Monkey bread's origin is unclear, but its popularity in America grew in the mid-20th century, with pull-apart, cinnamon-sugar-coated bread balls becoming a popular brunch and holiday dish. The quirky name's origin is debated, possibly referencing how it's eaten by hand, "monkey-style."

Ingredients

Scale:· 12 servings

1 cup warm milk
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup melted butter, plus 1/2 cup for coating
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 cup brown sugar mixed with 2 tbsp cinnamon, for coating

Instructions

1Stir yeast and sugar into warm milk; let sit until foamy.
2Whisk in egg and 1/4 cup melted butter.
3Stir in flour and salt, knead 8 minutes, and let rise 1 hour.
4Divide dough into small balls, dip in melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar.
5Layer balls in a greased bundt pan and let rise 30 minutes.
6Bake at 350°F for 32-35 minutes, then invert onto a plate while warm.

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