Blueberry Monkey Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Blueberry Monkey Bread combines the best of both worlds: soft, buttery dough and a tangy blueberry sauce. The dough is pillowy and rich, thanks to the milk, butter, and yeast, while the blueberry sauce adds a burst of freshness and sweetness. When baked, the bread becomes golden and gooey, and the cream cheese glaze drizzled over the top takes it to the next level of indulgence. Perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or just a weekend treat, this monkey bread is sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• ¾ cup (184 g) whole milk, heated to 110°F
• ½ cup water, heated to 110°F
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 3 ¼ cups (406 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

For the Blueberry Sauce:

• 2 cups (296 g) fresh blueberries, divided
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon cold water
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 pinch kosher salt

For Assembly:

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

For the Glaze:

• 4 ounces (½ package) cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• ⅔ cup (83 g) confectioners’ sugar
• 1 tablespoon whole milk (or more as needed for desired consistency)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Make the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the whole milk, water, and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the liquid and stir to combine. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and kosher salt. Add the melted butter and the yeast mixture to the flour. Stir until a dough begins to form.
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little extra flour, one tablespoon at a time.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

2. Make the Blueberry Sauce:

1. Cook the Blueberries: In a small saucepan, combine 1 ½ cups of the blueberries with granulated sugar, cornstarch, cold water, lemon juice, and kosher salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture begins to thicken and the blueberries burst. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Blend the Sauce: Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the remaining ½ cup of fresh blueberries for added texture. Set aside to cool slightly.

3. Assemble the Monkey Bread:

1. Prepare the Coating: In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon, light brown sugar, and kosher salt for the coating. Set aside.
2. Form the Dough Balls: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter.
3. Coat the Dough Balls: Dip each dough ball into the melted butter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, roll the ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating it evenly.
4. Layer the Dough Balls: In a greased bundt pan, layer the dough balls. Pour the blueberry sauce over the dough balls, allowing the sauce to sink in between the layers. Repeat the process until all the dough balls and sauce are used up.
5. Second Rise: Cover the bundt pan with a clean towel and let the dough rise for about 30 minutes.

4. Bake the Monkey Bread:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake: Place the bundt pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and fully cooked through. If necessary, cover the bread loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
3. Cool Slightly: Once baked, allow the monkey bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate.

5. Make the Glaze:

1. Mix the Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, softened butter, confectioners’ sugar, and milk. Whisk until smooth and creamy. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
2. Drizzle the Glaze: Drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the warm monkey bread. The glaze will melt slightly and soak into the warm bread.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes 8-10 servings.
• Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus rising time)
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 2.5 to 3 hours (including rise times)

Variations

• Fruit Filling: Add other fruits like raspberries or strawberries to the blueberry sauce for a mixed berry version.
• Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the layers of dough for extra texture and flavor.
• Vegan Version: Use a non-dairy butter substitute, plant-based milk, and dairy-free cream cheese for the glaze to make this recipe vegan.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the bread in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes for a fresh, warm treat.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen blueberries for the sauce?

Yes, frozen blueberries will work well. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before using them in the sauce to avoid excess liquid.

2. Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. The next day, proceed with assembling and baking as directed.

3. Can I freeze the monkey bread?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked monkey bread. Just cover it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then proceed with the second rise and baking.

4. Can I make the glaze without cream cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese with powdered sugar and a bit of milk to make a simple glaze, or use a lemon glaze for a tangy contrast.

5. How do I know when the monkey bread is done?

The monkey bread is done when it’s golden brown on top and fully set in the center. If you insert a toothpick into the middle, it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.

6. Can I use a different pan for baking?

While a bundt pan is traditional, you can also use a regular round cake pan or a loaf pan, though the baking time may vary.

7. How can I prevent the bread from getting too sticky?

Make sure the dough balls are coated well in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, and be sure to give it enough time to rise to help it form a good texture.

8. Can I add more blueberry sauce?

Yes, if you prefer a more sauce-laden monkey bread, you can double the blueberry sauce ingredients and pour more over the dough balls before and after baking.

9. How do I keep the monkey bread from getting too hard after baking?

To keep the bread soft and gooey, make sure it’s baked just until golden brown, and avoid overbaking. The cream cheese glaze will help keep it moist, too.

10. Can I make the blueberry sauce without cornstarch?

Yes, you can omit the cornstarch if you prefer a thinner sauce, though it will not thicken as much. A little extra simmering can also help thicken the sauce.

Conclusion

Blueberry Monkey Bread is a delightful twist on the traditional monkey bread, with a burst of blueberry flavor in every bite. The soft, cinnamon-coated dough, the sweet blueberry sauce, and the creamy glaze come together to create a dessert that’s as fun to eat as it is to make. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or as a special treat, this blueberry monkey bread is sure to become a new favorite.

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