Frequently Asked Questions
What is Delicious Monkey Bread from Scratch?
It is a homemade pull-apart bread made with fluffy yeast dough balls coated in cinnamon-sugar and topped with a buttery glaze and pecans.
How long does the first rise take?
The dough needs to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
What temperature should the water be for the yeast?
The water should be warm, approximately 110°F (43°C), to properly dissolve and activate the yeast.
How do I know if the yeast is active?
After dissolving the yeast in warm water with sugar, let it sit for 5 minutes; it should become foamy if it is active.
What type of flour is used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for white bread flour to achieve the desired structure and texture.
What is the purpose of powdered milk in the dough?
Powdered milk helps create a softer, more tender crumb and adds a subtle richness to the bread.
How long should I mix the dough with an electric mixer?
Beat the mixture on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes smooth.
How do I prepare the bowl for the first rise?
Oil a large bowl and turn the dough inside it so that all sides of the dough are lightly coated in oil.
What should I use to cover the dough while it rises?
The recipe recommends covering the dough with wax paper during the rising process.
How do I shape the monkey bread?
After the first rise, punch the dough down, divide it into small pieces, and roll each piece into a ball.
What is the coating for the dough balls?
Each dough ball is rolled in a mixture of 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon.
Is there a second rise required?
Yes, after arranging the balls in the pan, cover them and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until doubled in size.
What kind of pan should I use for baking?
The recipe suggests using a greased flat round pan for arranging and baking the dough balls.
What ingredients are in the topping sauce?
The topping sauce is made from melted butter, brown sugar, and a small amount of cinnamon.
How do I prepare the buttery topping sauce?
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat and stir in the sugar and cinnamon until dissolved, taking care not to overheat it.
When do I add the pecans?
Sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts over the rolls after you have spooned the butter sauce over them but before baking.
What is the baking temperature for Monkey Bread?
The bread should be baked in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C).
How long does the Monkey Bread take to bake?
It typically takes 12-15 minutes to bake, or until the bread turns golden brown.
Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Yes, you can substitute chopped walnuts for the pecan halves if you prefer.
How should Monkey Bread be served?
Allow it to cool slightly, then serve it by pulling the individual cinnamon-sugar rolls apart.
What makes this recipe different from shortcut versions?
Unlike versions that use canned biscuits, this recipe is made entirely from scratch for a more authentic, comforting flavor.
Can I serve this for dessert?
Yes, the sweet, gooey nature of the bread makes it perfect for both breakfast and dessert.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe includes 1/2 tablespoon of salt.
What type of oil is used in the dough?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of vegetable oil.
How much yeast is needed?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of yeast.
Is brown sugar used in the dough?
No, white sugar is used in the dough and for rolling, while brown sugar is reserved for the topping sauce.
How do I 'punch down' the dough?
Gently press your fist into the center of the risen dough to deflate it and release air bubbles.
Can I skip the nuts?
Yes, the nuts are optional and can be omitted if you have an allergy or prefer a nut-free bread.
Why is it called pull-apart bread?
It is called pull-apart because the individual dough balls stick together during baking but can be easily pulled away by hand for eating.
How much cinnamon is used in total?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of cinnamon for the rolling mixture and an additional 1/4 teaspoon for the topping sauce.