If you have a soft spot for warm, pull-apart treats packed with bursts of fresh fruit, then this Blueberry Monkey Bread Recipe is going to be your new obsession. This delightful twist on classic monkey bread combines tender dough pieces coated in cinnamon sugar with juicy blueberries tucked between each bite, creating a moist, sweet, and slightly tangy breakfast or dessert that’s perfect for sharing. Imagine the aroma of cinnamon mingling with fresh blueberries wafting through your kitchen—the kind of cozy vibe that invites everyone to gather around eagerly reaching for a piece. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a special occasion, this Blueberry Monkey Bread will quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe box.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are surprisingly simple, yet each plays a crucial role in building the irresistible layers of flavor and texture in this Blueberry Monkey Bread Recipe. From the soft yeast dough base to the cinnamon-sugar coating and fresh blueberries that add a fresh pop, every element works harmoniously to make this recipe truly unforgettable.
- Warm milk (1/2 cup): Activates the yeast and hydrates the dough for a tender crumb.
- Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): Helps the dough rise and achieve that soft, fluffy texture.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup + 1 cup for coating): Sweetens the dough and creates the irresistible cinnamon sugar crust.
- Unsalted butter (3/4 cup total, melted): Adds richness to the dough and moisture to the cinnamon coating.
- Large egg (1, lightly beaten): Binds the dough while adding moisture and structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 1/2 teaspoons): Infuses warmth and depth of flavor throughout the bread and glaze.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavors.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups, plus extra for dusting): The foundation of the dough, providing structure.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Pairs beautifully with sugar to coat the dough pieces with a classic warm spice.
- Fresh blueberries (2 cups): Bursting with juicy sweetness that contrasts perfectly with the cinnamon sugar coating.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup, optional for glaze): Creates a sweet, smooth glaze that adds a lovely finishing touch.
- Milk or cream (2-3 tablespoons, optional): Thins the glaze to just the right consistency.
How to Make Blueberry Monkey Bread Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by mixing warm milk, yeast, and a spoonful of sugar in a large bowl. Allow it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy—this is a key sign that your yeast is alive and ready to create the fluffy texture that makes monkey bread so dreamy.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Once the yeast is activated, stir in melted butter, the rest of the sugar, egg, vanilla, and salt. This combination ensures the dough will stay moist, flavorful, and tender once baked.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually introduce the flour, adding it one cup at a time. This helps you control the dough’s consistency so it becomes soft but not sticky, creating the perfect base to surround those juicy blueberries.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Turn your dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 to 7 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. If you prefer, your stand mixer with a dough hook can take care of this step, saving your hands while ensuring thorough kneading.
Step 5: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in an oiled bowl and cover it. Find a warm spot and let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, allowing it to double in size. This rise develops the dough’s airy texture that’s vital for that melt-in-your-mouth feeling.
Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating and Butter
In separate shallow bowls, mix together sugar with cinnamon and melt the remaining butter. These simple ingredients turn dough pieces into golden, crunchy bites that are the trademark of any good monkey bread.
Step 7: Shape and Cut the Dough
After the first rise, gently deflate the dough and roll it out to a half-inch thickness. Cut it into one-inch pieces, which will make taking apart the bread an easy and fun affair at the table.
Step 8: Coat the Dough Pieces and Layer with Blueberries
Dip each dough piece in melted butter, then toss it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place them snugly in a greased bundt pan, layering blueberries evenly throughout. This layering ensures every bite delivers bursts of fresh fruit alongside cinnamon-swirled dough.
Step 9: Second Rise
Cover the pan and let your monkey bread rise again for 30 minutes. This step is essential for that fluffy, pull-apart texture that will have everyone eagerly grabbing pieces straight from the pan.
Step 10: Bake Your Blueberry Monkey Bread Recipe
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the bread is golden brown and cooked through. If the top begins to brown too fast, loosely tent it with foil to protect the surface while the center finishes baking.
Step 11: Cool and Glaze
Allow the bread to cool for about 10 minutes before flipping it onto a plate. For an extra touch of sweetness, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, then drizzle the glaze over the warm monkey bread to make it irresistibly glossy and delectable.
How to Serve Blueberry Monkey Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh blueberries scattered on top after glazing enhance both the appearance and freshness of this treat, while a sprinkle of powdered sugar can add a delicate sweetness that makes each piece look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This monkey bread pairs wonderfully with a side of Greek yogurt or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the sweetness and give additional creaminess. A fresh fruit salad is another vibrant pairing that complements the juicy blueberries beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your serving experience by presenting individual pieces on small dessert plates with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. Alternatively, serve it in mini bundt pans at gatherings for charming individual portions that keep the fun interactive and mess-free.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Blueberry Monkey Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps preserve its softness and flavor without drying out the delicate dough and blueberries.
Freezing
If you’d like to save some for later, wrap the baked monkey bread tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Warm leftover monkey bread in a preheated 350-degree oven for about 10-15 minutes until it’s gently heated through. You can also microwave slices for 15-20 seconds, but oven reheating better preserves its texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries in this Blueberry Monkey Bread Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the dough to prevent excess moisture, which can affect the rise and texture of the bread.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the milk and butter for your favorite plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter. The dough will still rise and taste delicious with these substitutions.
How do I know when the monkey bread is done baking?
The top should turn a beautiful golden brown, and the center should feel set when gently pressed. You can also insert a skewer into the middle; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Can I add other fruits or nuts?
Definitely! Blueberries work wonderfully, but you could also try raspberries, chopped apples, or even chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
What’s the best way to serve leftover Monkey Bread?
Leftovers reheated with a lightly warmed glaze or a drizzle of honey make a fantastic breakfast treat. Pairing it with yogurt or fresh fruit refreshes the flavors and makes a balanced meal.
Final Thoughts
Making this Blueberry Monkey Bread Recipe is such a joyful experience from start to finish—whether kneading the dough, watching it rise, or enjoying that very first pull-apart bite filled with cinnamon and juicy blueberries. It’s the kind of recipe that turns mornings into celebrations or desserts into moments of shared happiness. I truly can’t recommend giving this one a try enough; it promises to win hearts at your table and become a treasured favorite for many breakfasts and brunches to come.
Print
Blueberry Monkey Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in this irresistible Blueberry Monkey Bread, a fun and easy-to-make pull-apart bread bursting with fresh blueberries and coated in a cinnamon-sugar butter mixture. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, this recipe combines fluffy yeast dough with a sweet, buttery coating and an optional vanilla glaze for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1/2 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
For the Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
For the Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy to ensure the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter, remaining sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine all wet ingredients evenly.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing continuously until a shaggy dough forms that holds together but is not overly stiff.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for ease.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat all sides. Cover with plastic wrap or a towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix together the sugar and ground cinnamon. Set this aside for coating the dough pieces later.
- Melt the Butter: Melt the remaining 1/2 cup unsalted butter and pour it into a separate bowl for dipping the dough pieces.
- Punch Down the Dough: Gently deflate the risen dough to release trapped air, preparing it for shaping.
- Shape the Dough: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to approximately 1/2-inch thickness, creating an even layer suitable for cutting.
- Cut into Pieces: Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to cut the rolled dough into small, roughly 1-inch pieces for easy portioning.
- Coat and Arrange: Dip each dough piece into the melted butter, then coat well with the cinnamon sugar. Arrange the coated pieces in a well-greased bundt pan, distributing fresh blueberries evenly among the dough pieces as you layer them.
- Second Rise: Cover the bundt pan with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and allow the dough to rise again for 30 minutes in a warm spot until slightly puffed.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking.
- Bake: Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the monkey bread turns golden brown and is cooked through. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.
- Cool: Remove from oven and let the monkey bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate to maintain its shape.
- Whisk Glaze Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons of milk or cream, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and free of lumps for a perfect drizzle consistency.
- Drizzle Glaze: Drizzle the optional glaze evenly over the warm monkey bread before serving for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm (105-115°F) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Fresh blueberries can be substituted with frozen ones, but thaw and drain excess liquid to avoid sogginess.
- If the dough sticks while kneading, lightly dust your hands and surface with flour but avoid adding too much to keep the bread soft.
- Cover the bread with foil during baking if the top browns too fast to prevent burning.
- The glaze is optional but adds a lovely vanilla sweetness that enhances flavor and presentation.
