There’s something about the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread that instantly makes a house feel like home. How about taking that feeling and making it even better? Enter sourdough monkey bread – a delightful twist on the classic pull-apart bread, offering a perfect balance of tangy sourdough flavor and sweet, cinnamon goodness. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself to a cozy breakfast or impress guests at your next family gathering, this recipe will have everyone coming back for more. It’s easy to make, incredibly versatile, and, most importantly, absolutely irresistible. So, are you ready to dive into the world of homemade sourdough monkey bread? Let’s get started!

Key Benefits of Sourdough Monkey Bread

Sourdough monkey bread is not only a treat for your taste buds, but it also offers several key benefits that make it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re baking it for a cozy breakfast or serving it at a holiday gathering, here’s why this recipe will quickly become a favorite:

Prepared entirely from scratch, fresh, and full of flavor: nothing compares to the deliciousness of homemade bread. Using a sourdough starter ensures your monkey bread has a rich, tangy flavor that’s impossible to replicate with store-bought dough. The combination of sourdough and cinnamon creates a comforting, aromatic bread that fills your home with a warm, inviting scent.

Soft, pillowy texture: One of the best things about sourdough monkey bread is its melt-in-your-mouth texture. The dough, thanks to the natural fermentation of the sourdough starter, is incredibly soft and light. Each pull-apart piece is perfectly tender and satisfying, creating a deliciously irresistible experience with every bite.

Quick to assemble, but impressive to serve: While making sourdough bread can seem like a daunting task, this monkey bread is surprisingly easy to prepare. The dough comes together quickly, and you don’t need any special equipment. In less than an hour, you can have a golden, gooey loaf ready to share. A delicious treat that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe!

Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a casual weekend brunch, a holiday breakfast, or an after-dinner dessert, sourdough monkey bread fits seamlessly into any meal. Its versatility makes it ideal for both casual and special events, offering a sweet, satisfying option that can be enjoyed any time of day.

Customizable to your taste: One of the greatest benefits of this recipe is how adaptable it is. Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or even a drizzle of vanilla glaze on top. You can tweak the ingredients to suit your preferences, making each batch uniquely yours.

With these benefits in mind, it’s clear that sourdough monkey bread is more than just a delicious treat—it’s a wonderful addition to your baking repertoire. Let’s get started, and enjoy the process as much as the result!

Ingredients for Sourdough Monkey Bread

To create this mouthwatering sourdough monkey bread, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that work together to create the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and cinnamon-spiced flavors. Here’s everything you’ll need to get started:

For the Dough:

1 cup sourdough starter (active and bubbly)

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – This is the base of the dough, creating the soft texture that’s essential for a perfect monkey bread.

¼ cup granulated sugar – A little sweetness to balance the tang of the sourdough starter.

1 teaspoon salt – A pinch to elevate the overall flavor.

2 teaspoons baking powder – This helps the dough rise and gives it a light, fluffy texture.

1 large egg – Helps bind the dough together and adds richness.

¼ cup warm water – To help activate the yeast in the sourdough starter, making it rise beautifully.

For the Coating:

1 cup brown sugar – This is where the sweetness really comes through. This also results in a deliciously caramelized crust.

2 tablespoons ground cinnamon – The main attraction! This gives the bread that warm, spiced flavor that’s irresistible.

½ cup unsalted butter – Melted, to coat the dough pieces and add richness and moisture to the final result.

Optional Add-ins:

1 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts, pecans) – If you like a little crunch with your pull-apart bread, feel free to add some nuts. They provide a satisfying texture along with a nutty depth of flavor.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla elevates the sweetness and adds an extra layer of flavor.

Pro Tip: Be sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly before you begin. This will ensure the dough rises properly and has that delightful tangy flavor we love in sourdough recipes. If you’re new to sourdough, make sure to give your starter some time to grow before using it!

With these ingredients ready, you’re all set to make this irresistible sourdough monkey bread. It’s simple, straightforward, and sure to impress!

Instructions for Making Sourdough Monkey Bread

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and bring this sourdough monkey bread to life! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a warm, gooey, cinnamon-sweet bread that’s perfect for any occasion.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine your sourdough starter, flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Blend everything thoroughly to achieve a uniform mixture.

Add the wet ingredients: Crack the egg into the bowl and pour in the warm water. Stir until the dough begins to form. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky—don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth right away!

Knead the dough: Place the dough on a floured work surface and knead for about 5–7 minutes, or until it becomes soft and stretchy. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour on your hands or the work surface, but keep it light—sticky dough is a good sign!

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Cover the dough: Place the dough back into the bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Leave it to rise in a warm spot for roughly 1 hour, until it has doubled. If you’re in a rush, you can place the bowl in a slightly warmed oven with the door cracked open to speed up the process.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

As the dough rises, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. The smell of this combination is enough to get you excited to bake!

Melt the butter: Gently heat the unsalted butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Once it’s melted, let it cool slightly.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Punch down the dough: After the dough has risen, gently press it down to release trapped air. After that, move the dough to a floured surface and form it into a log.

Cut into small pieces: Use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to cut the dough into small, bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch in diameter. This is where the fun begins, as you’ll be rolling these little pieces into sweet, buttery goodness!

A close-up of hands cutting dough into small, even pieces on a floured wooden countertop. The dough is shaped into a log, and each piece is neatly sliced into rectangular chunks, ready for the next steps in the recipe.

Step 5: Coat the Dough Balls

Dip in butter: Take each dough ball and dip it into the melted butter, ensuring it’s fully coated.

Roll in cinnamon-sugar: After buttering, roll the dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until it’s well coated. Place the coated dough balls on a clean surface or a tray as you work through them.

A close-up image of hands rolling dough into small balls. The dough ball is smooth and perfectly round, with a floured countertop in the background and a glass bowl of dough in the distance, indicating the dough preparation process.

Step 6: Assemble the Monkey Bread

Grease your pan: Generously coat a bundt pan (or a similar pan) with butter or non-stick spray to ensure the bread releases easily after baking.

Layer the dough: Start layering your cinnamon-coated dough balls in the pan, stacking them evenly. If you’re using nuts or chocolate chips, sprinkle them between layers for an extra burst of flavor.

Finish with butter: Once all the dough balls are in the pan, drizzle any remaining melted butter over the top. This will help create that golden, crispy finish that makes this bread so irresistible.

Step 7: Bake the Monkey Bread

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you’re assembling the bread.

Bake: Place your pan in the oven and bake for approximately 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped. The edges should be crispy, and the cinnamon-sugar mixture will be bubbling beautifully around the dough.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let it rest: Once the bread is done, take it out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5-10 minutes. This makes it simpler to invert.

Flip and serve: After the cooling time, carefully invert the bundt pan onto a large plate or serving platter. The bread should slide out effortlessly, revealing a gorgeous golden-brown monkey bread.

Pull apart and enjoy! Serve the bread warm, and let your guests pull apart the gooey, cinnamon-sweet pieces. It’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee.

Pro Tip: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle a simple vanilla glaze over the top once the bread has cooled slightly. The sweetness of the glaze complements the cinnamon beautifully!

And there you have it—your homemade sourdough monkey bread is ready to be enjoyed! It’s simple, delicious, and sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy every warm, gooey bite!

Pro Tips and Variations for Sourdough Monkey Bread

Creating the perfect sourdough monkey bread is all about paying attention to the details. Here are some helpful pro tips and fun variations that will help you get the best results every time, and keep your guests coming back for more!

Pro Tips for a Perfect Bake

Allow the dough to rise properly: One of the key elements in getting that light, fluffy texture is ensuring the dough has enough time to rise. Let it rest for about 1 hour, or until it’s doubled in size. If your kitchen is cool, place the dough in a slightly warm oven (around 80°F/27°C) to speed up the rising process.

Don’t over-flour the dough: When kneading, be sure not to add too much flour. The dough should feel slightly sticky to the touch—this helps it stay light and airy. If it’s too dry, it won’t rise as well and could become dense.

Grease the pan well: For easy release, make sure to generously grease your bundt pan with butter or non-stick spray. A well-greased pan ensures that your monkey bread slides out perfectly, with all the gooey goodness intact.

Check the doneness with a toothpick: Once your monkey bread has baked for about 30 minutes, check the center by inserting a toothpick. When the toothpick emerges clean or with minimal crumbs, the bread is fully baked. The top should be golden brown and slightly crisp.

Flavor Variations to Try

Add a nutty crunch: Sprinkle in some chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds between the layers for a satisfying crunch. Nuts add texture and richness that pair perfectly with the sweet cinnamon coating.

Make it chocolatey: For a dessert twist, mix in some chocolate chips with the dough or between the layers. The chocolate will melt into pockets of sweetness, making every bite even more indulgent.

Fruity goodness: Add raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dried apples for a delightful fruity contrast to the cinnamon. The sweetness of the dried fruit complements the tangy sourdough beautifully.

Spicy variations: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg, cloves, or even a pinch of ginger in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. These spices can add warmth and depth to the flavor, making it perfect for fall or winter gatherings.

Citrus twist: Add some orange zest or lemon zest to the cinnamon-sugar mix for a fresh, bright flavor that cuts through the sweetness and enhances the overall aroma of the bread.

Make-Ahead Tips

Overnight dough prep: You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it overnight. After mixing the dough, cover it tightly and let it rise in the fridge overnight. The next morning, just let the dough come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Freeze the dough balls: When pressed for time, freeze the cinnamon-sugar-coated dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise before baking. This makes it easier to have fresh monkey bread without all the prep work!

Glaze Ideas for Extra Sweetness

Vanilla glaze: If you like a bit of extra sweetness, drizzle a simple vanilla glaze over the top of the monkey bread after baking.

Whisk together powdered sugar, a little milk, and vanilla extract for a simple and delicious glaze.

Cream cheese frosting: For a richer option, a tangy cream cheese frosting would be a delightful contrast to the sweet cinnamon. It’s especially good if you’re serving this as a dessert!

With these pro tips and flavor variations, you can customize your sourdough monkey bread to suit your taste and impress your guests. Whether you stick to the classic or experiment with fun add-ins, this recipe is sure to become a crowd favorite! Happy baking!

Serving Suggestions for Sourdough Monkey Bread

Sourdough monkey bread isn’t just a treat—it’s a versatile masterpiece that can be enjoyed in so many ways! Whether it’s a cozy breakfast, a sweet afternoon snack, or a dessert for your next dinner party, this bread is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Check out these creative and fun ways to enjoy it:

1. A Perfect Breakfast or Brunch Companion

Warm and comforting: There’s nothing like a freshly baked loaf of sourdough monkey bread to start your day. Serve it alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a relaxing breakfast or brunch experience.

Pair with fresh fruit: Balance the sweetness of the bread with a side of fresh fruit like berries, citrus slices, or even apple wedges. The tangy fruit complements the cinnamon-sugar flavor, creating a delightful contrast.

2. Serve as a Sweet Dessert

A satisfying after-dinner treat: Sourdough monkey bread makes a fantastic dessert that’s just the right amount of sweet without being overwhelming. Its soft, gooey texture and cinnamon goodness make it a delicious option to enjoy after any meal.

Add a sweet drizzle: For an extra indulgent twist, top your bread with a vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting. The sweet drizzle adds richness and an extra layer of flavor.

Serve alongside ice cream: Pair warm monkey bread with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a luxurious treat. The combination of warm bread and cold ice cream is heavenly!

3. Perfect for Special Occasions and Gatherings

Brunch parties and holidays: This pull-apart bread is perfect for gatherings like brunches, holiday breakfasts, or family celebrations. Its shareable nature makes it an interactive and fun dish that everyone can enjoy together.

Serve alongside savory dishes: Pair it with savory items like scrambled eggs, bacon, or a light salad. The sweet bread complements these savory flavors beautifully, creating a well-rounded meal.

4. Enjoy as a Snack Anytime

Midday pick-me-up: Whether you’re looking for an afternoon snack or a quick bite between meals, sourdough monkey bread is perfect. Enjoy it alongside your favorite beverage, be it coffee, hot chocolate, or a cool iced tea.

Packed for lunch: Cut it into individual pieces and pack them into lunchboxes for an afternoon treat. This is a great way to share the love of monkey bread with family and friends during the workday or school lunch.

5. Creative Serving Ideas

Individual servings: For an elegant twist, serve the bread in smaller portions. You can even bake individual servings of monkey bread in muffin tins or small ramekins for a more personalized touch. A dusting of powdered sugar can make each portion feel special.

Dip it: Set up a fun dip station with options like chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or even yogurt. Let guests dip pieces of the monkey bread for a fun, interactive experience.

With these serving suggestions, sourdough monkey bread becomes much more than just a recipe—it’s a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in countless ways. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack, this bread will always be a hit. Have fun experimenting with different pairings, and enjoy every warm, cinnamon-sweet bite!

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Sourdough Monkey Bread

There’s something undeniably magical about sourdough monkey bread—its soft, pull-apart texture, the warm cinnamon sweetness, and that irresistible golden crust. Whether you’re baking it for a cozy breakfast, a fun brunch, or as a decadent dessert, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

By making this bread from scratch, you’re not only creating a treat that’s far superior to store-bought versions, but you’re also bringing the comforting, tangy flavors of sourdough to the table in a new and exciting way. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to customize—add chocolate, nuts, or fruit to make it uniquely yours.

Here’s why this sourdough monkey bread is a must-try:

Satisfying and comforting: With each bite, you’ll experience the perfect balance of sweetness and tang, making it a treat that everyone will crave again and again.

Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a quiet morning at home or a gathering with loved ones, this bread brings people together and elevates any meal.

Simple and versatile: You don’t need to be a baking expert to nail this recipe! Plus, it’s customizable to suit your tastes, and the ingredients are easy to find.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to roll up your sleeves and enjoy the delicious, sweet aroma of sourdough monkey bread baking in your kitchen. The pull-apart goodness is just a few simple steps away—and the smiles it brings are well worth the effort.

Happy baking, and enjoy every gooey, cinnamon-sweet bite!

A close-up image of freshly baked sourdough monkey bread, golden-brown and caramelized, with visible cinnamon sugar coating on the dough balls. The bread is arranged in a bundt shape on a plate, showing its pull-apart texture.

Sourdough Monkey Bread You’ll Crave Again and Again

Indulge in irresistible sourdough monkey bread with this easy recipe. Soft, sweet, and perfect for breakfast or dessert, your new favorite treat!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 40

Total Time 1

Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 10 servings

Calories 250 kcal