Sourdough Monkey Bread

Sweet, gooey, pull apart Sourdough Monkey Bread is about to become your newest obsession. This addictive dessert is not only easy to make but also fun to eat, making it perfect for family gatherings, brunches, or just a cozy night in. The unique flavor from the sourdough starter sets it apart, giving you a delightful twist on traditional monkey bread. Prepare to impress your guests with this treat that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, this recipe is simple enough for bakers of all levels.
• Fun to Share: Perfect for parties or gatherings, everyone loves pulling apart their own piece!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and brown sugar creates a mouthwatering taste that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Dessert: Enjoy it as a breakfast treat or a delightful dessert after dinner.
• Sourdough Starter Magic: Using sourdough starter adds depth and richness to the dough that elevates this recipe.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Sourdough Monkey Bread, gather the essential tools. These tools will ensure you have a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Baking pan (bundt or round)
• Plastic wrap
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl ensures you can easily combine ingredients without spills.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success; they help achieve the right dough consistency.
• Baking pan: A non-stick baking pan allows for easy release of your monkey bread after baking.
• Cooling rack: This tool helps cool the bread evenly, preventing sogginess.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 200 g filtered water
• 85 g sourdough starter, active and bubbly
• 70 g cane sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 8 g sea salt
• 430 g bread flour

For Coating and Topping

• 8 tbs unsalted butter, room temperature (113g)
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tbs whole milk

How to Make Sourdough Monkey Bread

Step 1: Mix the Dough

Combine the filtered water and active sourdough starter in a mixing bowl. Add cane sugar and stir until dissolved. Whisk in the egg until well incorporated. Gradually add sea salt and bread flour while mixing until a dough forms.

Step 2: Strengthen the Dough

Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Bulk Fermentation

Place the dough in an oiled bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it rise at room temperature until doubled in size, usually about 4–6 hours depending on your starter’s activity.

Step 4: Shape and Coat the Dough

Once risen, punch down the dough gently. Divide it into small pieces. Roll each piece into a ball. Melt unsalted butter in one bowl and mix brown sugar with cinnamon in another. Dip each dough ball into butter then coat with sugar mixture.

Step 5: Second Rise

Arrange coated dough balls in your baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap again and let them rise for another hour until puffed.

Step 6: Bake and Frost

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown. Allow cooling slightly before transferring to a cooling rack. For frosting, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth; drizzle over warm monkey bread.

Enjoy your delicious Sourdough Monkey Bread! It’s sure to be a hit at any occasion!

How to Serve Sourdough Monkey Bread

Sourdough Monkey Bread is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying it solo, there are plenty of creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

Serve Warm with Dipping Sauces

• Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the bread for a decadent touch.
• Caramel Sauce: A rich caramel sauce adds a sweet and buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with the bread.

Pair with Fresh Fruits

• Berries: Serve alongside fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a refreshing contrast.
• Bananas: Sliced bananas add a creamy texture and natural sweetness that complements the bread well.

Accompany with Whipped Cream

• Homemade Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream can be dolloped on top for extra indulgence.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Try adding vanilla or cinnamon to your whipped cream for an exciting twist.

How to Perfect Sourdough Monkey Bread

To achieve the best results with your Sourdough Monkey Bread, consider these helpful tips. They can make a big difference in texture and flavor.

• Bold Starter: Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly before using it. This will help the dough rise properly.
• Bold Rise Times: Be patient during rise times. Longer fermentation enhances flavor and texture.
• Bold Butter Coating: Generously coat each dough piece in butter before baking. This creates a rich, golden crust.
• Bold Temperature Control: Bake at a consistent temperature. An oven thermometer can help ensure even baking throughout.
• Bold Resting Periods: Allow the monkey bread to cool slightly before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to pull apart.

Best Side Dishes for Sourdough Monkey Bread

Sourdough Monkey Bread pairs beautifully with various side dishes that complement its sweetness and texture. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the richness of the bread.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a healthy side that contrasts nicely with the sweet bread.
3. Savory Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda for an interesting savory element alongside your sweet treat.
4. Nuts and Seeds Mix: A crunchy nut mix brings texture diversity, making it an excellent snack option next to monkey bread.
5. Herbed Salad: A light salad with herbs provides a refreshing bite that cuts through the sweetness of the dessert.
6. Smoothie Bowl: Serve a vibrant smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds for an energizing accompaniment that also looks beautiful on the table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Sourdough Monkey Bread can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that could affect your results. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Ignoring the Rise Time: Sourdough requires longer rise times due to its fermentation process. Plan ahead to ensure your dough has enough time to rise properly.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure all your ingredients, especially the egg and butter, are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can hinder dough development.
• Skipping the Dough Strengthening: Not strengthening the dough can result in a dense bread. Strengthen by folding the dough during the bulk fermentation phase for better texture.
• Not Using Active Starter: Ensure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active before mixing it into the dough. An inactive starter will lead to poor rise and flavor.
• Overloading on Cinnamon Sugar: While cinnamon sugar adds flavor, too much can make the bread overly sweet and sticky. Stick to recommended amounts for balance.
• Neglecting Proper Coating: It’s essential to coat each piece of dough well in butter and sugar mixture. This ensures even flavor distribution and that every bite is delicious.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap.
• Keeps well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Sourdough Monkey Bread

• Wrap tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor.

Reheating Sourdough Monkey Bread

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place a piece on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15-30 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as it may dry out.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, covered, for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Sourdough Monkey Bread.

What is Sourdough Monkey Bread?

Sourdough Monkey Bread is a sweet, pull-apart bread made using sourdough starter, coated in cinnamon sugar and baked until golden brown.

Can I use whole wheat flour in Sourdough Monkey Bread?

Yes, you can substitute part of the bread flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition, but it may change the texture slightly.

How do I know if my sourdough starter is active?

Your sourdough starter should be bubbly and have doubled in size within 4-6 hours after feeding. A floating test (a small spoonful should float in water) is also effective.

Can I customize my Sourdough Monkey Bread?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips to enhance flavor and texture according to your preference.

How long does it take to make Sourdough Monkey Bread?

While preparation takes only about an hour, including rise times, you’ll want to allow around 4-6 hours from start to finish due to sourdough fermentation.

Why is my Sourdough Monkey Bread dense?

A dense result may stem from an inactive starter or insufficient fermentation time. Ensure your starter is bubbly and give your dough enough time to rise properly.

Final Thoughts

Sourdough Monkey Bread is not just a treat; it’s an experience! Its sweet, gooey nature makes it perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Feel free to customize with your favorite add-ins like nuts or chocolate for added delight. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!