Can you prep monkey bread ahead of time? Absolutely! Monkey bread, also known as pull-apart bread or sticky bun, is a delightful dessert that can be prepared in advance, making it perfect for gatherings and special occasions. This delectable treat is a mix of rich dough, sweet glaze, and a variety of toppings, all baked together to create a mouthwatering masterpiece. In this article, we will explore the benefits of prepping monkey bread ahead of time and provide you with a simple recipe to help you get started.
Prepping monkey bread ahead of time offers several advantages. Firstly, it saves you time on the day of the event, allowing you to focus on other preparations or simply relax and enjoy the occasion. Secondly, it ensures that your monkey bread is fresh and warm when served, as it can be baked just before guests arrive. Lastly, it allows you to customize the recipe to suit your preferences, whether you want to add nuts, dried fruits, or even chocolate chips.
Here’s a simple recipe to help you prep monkey bread ahead of time:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 packets of active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup of warm milk
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup of dried fruit (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
- In a separate bowl, heat the milk until warm (not hot to the touch). Add the melted butter, beaten egg, and vanilla extract to the warm milk, then stir to combine.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/2 inch. Cut the dough into 1-inch squares.
- In a small bowl, combine the 1 cup of sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon. Toss the dough squares in the mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Place the coated dough squares in the greased baking dish, overlapping them slightly. Sprinkle the chopped nuts and dried fruit on top if desired.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the monkey bread is golden brown and the glaze is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with additional glaze if desired.
By prepping monkey bread ahead of time, you can enjoy a delicious dessert that is sure to impress your guests. So, the next time you’re hosting a party or simply want to treat your family, remember that you can absolutely prep monkey bread ahead of time!
