As I pulled a golden-brown loaf of Blueberry Monkey Bread from the oven, the sweet and tangy aroma immediately enveloped my kitchen, transporting me back to family gatherings where laughter and delicious baked goods filled the air. This delightful pull-apart treat is more than just a breakfast option; it doubles as a crowd-pleasing dessert that will make any occasion feel special. With its soft, buttery dough and vibrant blueberry sauce, this recipe offers the perfect blend of comfort and indulgence, ready to be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to whip up, making it ideal for novice and seasoned bakers alike. Curious how this blueberry delight can elevate your next brunch? Let’s uncover the magic!
Why Will You Adore This Monkey Bread?
Irresistible Flavors: The combination of fresh blueberries and sweet cream cheese glaze creates a mouthwatering experience.
Easy Preparation: This recipe requires minimal skills, making it perfect for anyone from beginners to experienced bakers.
Versatile Treat: Whether enjoyed as breakfast, dessert, or a snack, this pull-apart bread fits every occasion beautifully.
Time-Saving Delight: With quick prep and baking times, you’ll have a delicious treat ready in no time, leaving you free to enjoy moments with loved ones.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Its soft, fluffy texture and delectable presentation make this Blueberry Monkey Bread a guaranteed hit at gatherings, reminiscent of heartwarming family moments. For other delicious ideas, check out my recipe for Chai Spice Bread or indulge your sweet tooth with Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies.
Blueberry Monkey Bread Ingredients
For the Dough
- Whole Milk – Adds moisture and richness; substitute with almond milk for a dairy-free option.
- Water – Hydrates the dough; ensure heated to 110°F for best results.
- Granulated Sugar – Provides sweetness and activates yeast; consider coconut sugar for a less refined alternative.
- Unsalted Butter – Enhances flavor and richness; margarine can serve as a dairy-free swap.
- Active Dry Yeast – Leavens the dough; adjust if using instant yeast.
- All-Purpose Flour – Forms the bread’s structure; opt for bread flour for extra chewiness.
- Kosher Salt – Balances sweetness; any salt can suffice, but adjust the quantity accordingly.
For the Blueberry Sauce
- Fresh Blueberries – The star ingredient that bursts with sweetness; frozen blueberries can work without thawing.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the sauce; honey or maple syrup can help if desired.
- Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce; arrowroot powder is an alternative.
- Cold Water – Aids in dissolving cornstarch; no substitutes needed.
- Lemon Juice – Adds a zesty brightness; white vinegar can act as an alternative.
For the Glaze
- Cinnamon – Infuses warm spice flavor; optional but recommended for added depth.
- Cream Cheese – The creamy base for the icing; swap for vegan cream cheese if needed.
- Confectioners’ Sugar – Sweetens and thickens the glaze; powdered erythritol serves as a sugar-free version.
With all these delightful ingredients combined, your Blueberry Monkey Bread is sure to captivate everyone at your next gathering!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Blueberry Monkey Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of warm milk, 1/2 cup of warm water, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then sprinkle in 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. In a stand mixer, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, then add the yeast mixture and knead until smooth, about 6-8 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled, approximately 1 hour.
Step 2: Make the Blueberry Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of fresh blueberries with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Cook until the blueberries burst and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water; then stir this mixture into the blueberries. Continue to cook until thickened, about 2-3 minutes, before stirring in the remaining blueberries and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Set the sauce aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the Monkey Bread
Prepare a bundt pan by greasing it generously with non-stick spray. Cut the risen dough into 36 equal pieces. In a bowl, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, and in another bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Dip each dough piece into the melted butter, then roll it in the sugar mixture. Layer half the dough pieces in the bundt pan, followed by half of the blueberry sauce. Add the remaining dough pieces and top with the rest of the sauce.
Step 4: Second Rise and Bake
Cover the bundt pan with a clean towel and let the assembled Blueberry Monkey Bread rise again until nearly doubled, about 50-60 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) during this time. Bake the monkey bread in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread has risen beautifully. Let it cool slightly before inverting it onto a serving platter.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze
While the blueberry monkey bread is cooling, prepare the glaze by creaming together 4 ounces of softened cream cheese and 2 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar, mixing until well incorporated, then add a splash of milk to achieve your desired consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the warm bread just before serving for that luscious finish.
Step 6: Serve and Indulge
Once the glaze is drizzled, slice into the warm Blueberry Monkey Bread to reveal its gooey, pull-apart goodness. This delightful treat is best enjoyed warm, making it a perfect centerpiece for brunch or dessert gatherings. The sweet aroma and beautiful presentation will have everyone reaching for a piece!
Tips for the Best Blueberry Monkey Bread
Rise Temperature: Ensure the dough rises in a warm, draft-free area for at least one hour, promoting a soft texture in your Blueberry Monkey Bread.
Yeast Magic: If your yeast doesn’t foam after 10 minutes, it may be inactive. Start over for the best results.
Check Doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer; the center should reach 190°F to guarantee your bread is fully cooked and moist.
Pan Adjustments: If using a different bundt pan, adjust baking times accordingly and test with a toothpick to check for doneness.
Storing Leftovers: Cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Refrigerate with glaze for up to 2 days, or freeze unglazed for longer freshness.
What to Serve with Blueberry Monkey Bread
There’s something special about pairing this warm, buttery treat with delightful sides and beverages that will elevate your meal experience.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries offer bright flavor and a refreshing contrast to the sweet monkey bread.
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Greek Yogurt Parfait: Creamy Greek yogurt topped with honey and granola adds a satisfying crunch and a hint of tanginess, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
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Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy, savory eggs complement the sweetness of the Blueberry Monkey Bread, providing a perfect breakfast duo that’s hearty and fulfilling.
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Maple Syrup Drizzle: A light drizzle over your monkey bread brings out the warmth of the flavors while adding a touch of decadent sweetness.
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Warm Cinnamon Apples: Spiced, caramelized apples create a delicious fruit medley, offering comforting flavors that harmonize perfectly with blueberry sweetness.
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Iced Coffee: For a refreshing drink, a glass of iced coffee pairs well, adding a lovely bitterness that cuts through the sweetness of your monkey bread.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: For a dessert option, serve warm slices with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat that feels like a cozy hug.
Blueberry Monkey Bread: Endless Customizations
Feel free to get creative with your Blueberry Monkey Bread by trying out these fun and delicious variations!
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Fruit Swap: Replace blueberries with raspberries or strawberries for a different berry experience. Each fruit offers its unique burst of flavor.
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Cinnamon Sugar Variation: Enhance the sweetness by sprinkling an extra layer of cinnamon sugar between the dough pieces. This elevates the flavor and adds a delightful contrast.
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Nutty Crunch: Mix chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough or sprinkle them on top before baking for a satisfying crunch with every pull-apart piece.
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Spiced Delight: Incorporate ground nutmeg or cardamom into the dough for an aromatic twist. It brings warmth and complexity to the sweet bread, perfect for cozy gatherings.
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Dairy-Free Option: Swap all dairy products for plant-based alternatives, such as almond milk and vegan cream cheese, while still enjoying the delicious flavors of this treat.
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Zesty Lemon Infusion: Add a touch of lemon zest to the dough or blueberry sauce for a bright, refreshing taste that complements the sweetness beautifully.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the dough or drizzle melted chocolate over the finished bread for a decadent touch that chocolate lovers will adore.
And if you find yourself wanting more delightful recipes, consider trying out my Gingerbread Pudding Cake or bake a batch of Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies to mix things up!
Storage Tips for Blueberry Monkey Bread
Room Temperature: Store unglazed Blueberry Monkey Bread at room temperature for up to 2 days, ensuring it’s tightly wrapped to maintain freshness.
Fridge: If glazed, refrigerate your monkey bread in an airtight container for up to 2 days to keep the cream cheese glaze intact.
Freezer: Freeze unglazed Blueberry Monkey Bread for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn, allowing for easy thawing when you’re ready to indulge.
Reheating: To reheat, place slices in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds until warm, or pop in a toaster oven for a few minutes, ensuring that delectable texture returns!
Make Ahead Options
These Blueberry Monkey Bread preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply follow the dough preparation steps, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. The blueberry sauce can also be made up to three days ahead—just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, simply let the dough come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, assemble it with the blueberry sauce, and allow for the second rise. Finally, bake as directed, and enjoy the same delicious pull-apart experience without the last-minute rush!
Blueberry Monkey Bread Recipe FAQs
What kind of blueberries should I use for this recipe?
Using fresh blueberries is best for this Blueberry Monkey Bread as they provide a burst of flavor. However, if you can’t find fresh, frozen blueberries can work without thawing them first. Just remember that they might release a bit more juice, so reduce the amount of granulated sugar slightly in the blueberry sauce.
How should I store Blueberry Monkey Bread after baking?
To store your Blueberry Monkey Bread, cool it completely, then place it in an airtight container. If glazed, refrigerate it for up to 2 days to keep the cream cheese glaze fresh. For unglazed bread, you can wrap it tightly and leave it at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Can I freeze Blueberry Monkey Bread?
Absolutely! To freeze, allow the Blueberry Monkey Bread to cool entirely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or store it in a freezer-safe container. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and warm it up in the oven or microwave.
What should I do if my dough isn’t rising properly?
If your dough isn’t rising, it could be due to inactive yeast. Check its freshness by dissolving the yeast in warm water and sugar; if it doesn’t foam within 10 minutes, it’s time to get a new packet. Also, ensure your rising area is warm (ideally around 75-80°F) and draft-free. If it still struggles to rise, give it a little more time—every kitchen is a tad different!
Is this Blueberry Monkey Bread suitable for people with allergies?
This recipe can be adapted for various dietary needs! For dairy-free options, use almond milk and vegan cream cheese. If you have nut allergies, stick to regular milk and butter. Be cautious with granulated sugar substitutes, as some might contain allergens. Always check labels to ensure the safety for those with allergies in your household.
Blueberry Monkey Bread: A Sweet Start to Your Day
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, warm water, granulated sugar, and melted unsalted butter. Stir until sugar dissolves, sprinkle in active dry yeast, let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a stand mixer, combine all-purpose flour and kosher salt, then add yeast mixture and knead until smooth, about 6-8 minutes. Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in warm spot until doubled, approx. 1 hour.
- In a saucepan, combine fresh blueberries and granulated sugar over medium heat. Cook until blueberries burst and release juices, about 5-7 minutes.
- Mix cornstarch with cold water in a bowl, stir into blueberries, and cook until thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in remaining blueberries and lemon juice, set aside to cool.
- Grease bundt pan. Cut risen dough into 36 pieces. Melt unsalted butter in a bowl; in another bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Dip dough pieces in butter, roll in sugar mix. Layer half in the bundt pan, add half of blueberry sauce. Top with remaining dough and sauce.
- Cover with towel and let rise until nearly doubled, about 50-60 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown. Cool slightly before inverting onto serving platter.
- Prepare glaze by creaming cream cheese and softened unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add confectioners' sugar until well incorporated; add milk to desired consistency. Drizzle over warm bread just before serving.
- Slice into warm Blueberry Monkey Bread to reveal its gooey goodness, best enjoyed warm.
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