Healthy Whole Wheat Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread
Indulge in this delightful twist on traditional monkey bread that's both satisfying and nourishing. With a rich blend of whole wheat flour, warm cinnamon, and the option to add crunchy pecans, this Healthy Whole Wheat Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread is perfect for breakfast or as a standout dish at a potluck. Despite being lighter on ingredients, it maintains the sweet, gooey goodness that monkey bread lovers crave. A beloved family favorite, this recipe offers 32 delectable chunks that are perfect for sharing during gatherings, ensuring you bring smiles all around. Enjoy this treat in moderation, and feel free to customize the fillings to suit your taste.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
rice milk or other milk
1 cup (Use warm.)
sugar
1 cup (Divide for use.)
sugar
1/3 cup (For coating.)
butter
1/2 cup (Melt and divide.)
margarine
1/4 cup (Melt and divide.)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (Add to dough.)
active dry yeast
1 (1/4 ounce) package (Activate in warm water.)
lukewarm water
1/4 cup (110 to 115°F.)
eggs
3 (4 if desired) (Beaten well.)
whole wheat flour
3 cups (For dough.)
white flour
1 cup (For dough.)
ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons (For coating and dough.)
ground pecans
1 cup (Optional for topping.)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm water and a pinch of sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2
In a saucepan, melt the margarine with 1/3 cup of sugar and rice milk, stirring until combined. Allow this mixture to cool to lukewarm.
3
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs until well combined. Once the margarine mixture has cooled, add it to the beaten eggs.
4
Carefully mix in the frothy yeast mixture to the egg mixture. Combine until smooth.
5
Gradually add in 2 cups of whole wheat flour and beat on low speed for about 2 minutes. The mixture will be somewhat sticky.
6
Gradually add in the remaining flour and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Beat the dough for another 2 minutes until well combined.
7
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
8
Once risen, punch down the dough to remove excess air. In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 1/3 cup margarine and mix with 1 cup of sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon.
9
Pinch off small pieces of dough (about 1-2 inches in size) and roll them into balls. Dip each dough ball in the melted margarine mixture and place them gently into a greased bundt pan. If you’re using a different kind of pan, the process remains the same—a bundt pan just allows more crust formation.
10
Stack the balls loosely in the pan and sprinkle the optional ground pecans on top. Pour any leftover butter mixture over the rolled dough balls.
11
Cover the pan and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
12
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the monkey bread for 30 minutes, or 18 minutes in a convection oven, until golden brown.
13
Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. Serve warm and enjoy the delicious, gooey goodness!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Healthy Whole Wheat Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread?
It is a delightful, nourishing twist on traditional monkey bread made with whole wheat flour, warm cinnamon, and optional pecans.
How many pieces does this recipe yield?
This recipe offers approximately 32 delectable chunks that are perfect for sharing.
What temperature should the oven be for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long does the bread take to bake in a standard oven?
It takes 30 minutes to bake in a standard oven until golden brown.
How long should I bake it in a convection oven?
In a convection oven, the bread only needs about 18 minutes to bake.
What kind of flour is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 3 cups of whole wheat flour and 1 cup of white flour.
How do I activate the yeast?
Combine lukewarm water (110-115°F) with a pinch of sugar, sprinkle the yeast over it, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Can I use different types of milk?
Yes, you can use rice milk or any other milk of your choice, as long as it is warm.
How many eggs are required?
The recipe calls for 3 eggs, but you can use 4 if desired.
How long should the first rise take?
The dough should rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
How long is the second rise?
After placing the dough balls in the pan, cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
What should I do if the dough is sticky?
The dough will naturally be somewhat sticky after adding the first 2 cups of flour; continue beating as directed.
Why is a bundt pan recommended?
A bundt pan is recommended because it allows more crust formation on the pull-apart pieces.
Can I use a different type of pan?
Yes, the process remains the same regardless of the pan type, though the crust formation may vary.
What is the coating for the dough balls made of?
The coating is made from 1/3 cup melted margarine, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon.
Are there any optional ingredients?
Yes, 1 cup of ground pecans can be added as an optional topping.
What should I do with the leftover butter mixture?
Pour any leftover butter mixture directly over the rolled dough balls in the pan before the second rise.
How do I handle the dough after the first rise?
Punch down the dough to remove excess air, then pinch off pieces to roll into balls.
How big should the dough balls be?
The dough balls should be approximately 1 to 2 inches in size.
Is this bread suitable for breakfast?
Yes, it is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or as a dessert.
When should I invert the bread onto a plate?
Let the bread cool for a few minutes after baking before inverting it onto a serving plate.
Does the recipe contain both butter and margarine?
Yes, it uses 1/2 cup of butter and 1/4 cup of margarine, both melted and divided.
What is the total amount of cinnamon used?
The recipe uses a total of 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon, divided between the dough and the coating.
Can the fillings be customized?
Yes, you can customize the fillings to suit your personal taste.
How much sugar is required in total?
The recipe requires 1 cup of sugar (divided) and an additional 1/3 cup of sugar for the coating.
What is the best way to serve this bread?
It is best served warm to enjoy its delicious, gooey goodness.
What temperature should the water be for the yeast?
The water should be lukewarm, specifically between 110 and 115°F.
How long should you beat the dough after adding all the flour?
Beat the dough for about 2 minutes once the remaining flour and cinnamon are added.
What is the first step in the mixing process?
The first step is melting margarine with sugar and rice milk, then allowing it to cool to lukewarm.
Should the dough balls be packed tightly in the pan?
No, the dough balls should be stacked loosely in the pan.