Wholesome Monkey Bread
Easy homemade monkey bread recipe with whole grains and reduced sugar—a healthier pull-apart breakfast that tastes indulgent without the guilt.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
- 1 packet instant yeast (2¼ teaspoons)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup whole milk, warm
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup coconut sugar
- 2½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, for coating
- ½ cup coconut sugar, for caramel
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon sea salt, for caramel
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- 1
Combine all-purpose flour, whole wheat pastry flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, and fine sea salt in a large mixing bowl.
- 2
Whisk together the egg, warm milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract in a separate small bowl until well combined.
- 3
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- 4
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding flour as needed to prevent sticking.
- 5
Cover the dough with a damp kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- 6
Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously coat a bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- 7
Mix coconut sugar and ground cinnamon together in a shallow bowl.
- 8
Divide the risen dough into 24 equal pieces, rolling each into a smooth ball approximately 1½ inches in diameter.
- 9
Roll each dough ball in the melted butter, then coat thoroughly in the cinnamon-coconut sugar mixture.
- 10
Arrange the coated balls in the prepared bundt pan, layering them evenly to create an attractive presentation.
- 11
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the bread is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the thickest part comes out mostly clean.
- 12
While the bread bakes, prepare the caramel glaze by combining coconut sugar, heavy cream, maple syrup, and sea salt in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
- 13
Stir the caramel mixture constantly for 3-4 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened, then remove from heat.
- 14
Allow the baked monkey bread to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate while still warm.
- 15
Drizzle the warm caramel glaze generously over the bread and serve immediately while still warm for the best flavor and texture.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| all-purpose flour | 100% whole wheat pastry flour | Whole wheat flour increases fiber content and provides more complex carbohydrates that digest more slowly, helping maintain steady blood sugar levels throughout the morning |
| granulated sugar | coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener | Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index than white sugar, meaning it causes a gentler rise in blood glucose and provides a more sustained energy release without sharp spikes |
| heavy cream | coconut cream or Greek yogurt thinned with milk | Reduces saturated fat and adds protein from yogurt, creating a more heart-healthy caramel sauce while maintaining richness and creaminess |
| whole milk | unsweetened almond milk or oat milk | Plant-based milks reduce lactose and saturated fat while adding fewer calories, making the dough lighter and more suitable for those with dairy sensitivities |
| maple syrup | date paste or brown rice syrup | Date paste adds natural sweetness, fiber, and minerals while brown rice syrup provides a more stable glycemic response compared to pure maple syrup |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 8)
| Calories | 328 |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 28mg |
| Sodium | 168mg |
| Carbohydrates | 48g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 22g |
| Protein | 7g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
