This Healthier Monkey Bread is a fun twist on the classic treat! It’s made with whole wheat dough and sweetened with honey, making it a more nutritious choice for your family.
Pulling apart warm, gooey pieces is the best part! I love serving it for brunch or as a delightful dessert. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it disappears from the table! 🍞✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Wheat Flour: This is the star of the show, offering fiber and nutrients. If you’re out or need a gluten-free option, almond flour works well, but the texture will be different.
Greek Yogurt: This adds moisture and protein. Regular yogurt can be used instead, but for a dairy-free version, try unsweetened coconut yogurt.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Both are natural sweeteners. If you’re looking for lower sugar, you can use agave syrup or simply reduce the amount used.
Coconut Oil: This adds richness. If you prefer, you can swap it with unsalted butter or even applesauce to cut down on fat.
Cinnamon and Nuts: Essential for flavor! You can switch cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice, and if nuts aren’t your thing, feel free to leave them out, or substitute with sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
How Do I Make Sure My Dough is Perfectly Mixed?
Mixing the dough correctly is vital for fluffy monkey bread. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with dry ingredients: whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together to combine well.
- In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients until smooth. This helps the yogurt and eggs to blend into the dough evenly.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients quickly. Use a spatula to fold gently. Stop mixing once no dry flour is visible; overmixing makes the dough tough.
Getting this step right leads to soft, tender bites in your delicious monkey bread!
Healthier Monkey Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ¾ cup Greek yogurt (plain, non-fat or low-fat)
- ⅓ cup milk (any kind, preferably low-fat or plant-based)
- 2 eggs
- ⅓ cup honey or pure maple syrup
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp coconut oil or unsalted butter (melted, divided)
For the Coating:
- ¼ cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 35-45 minutes for baking. Including cooling time, you should plan for about 1 hour total to enjoy your delicious, healthier monkey bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, take a bundt or tube pan and grease it lightly with some coconut oil or butter to prevent sticking later.
2. Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt until combined. In another bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, milk, eggs, honey, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of melted coconut oil or butter. Once it’s all blended, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold the mixture together. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until no dry flour remains!
3. Prepare Coating Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar (or coconut sugar) and ground cinnamon. This will add a delicious sweetness to your monkey bread!
4. Form Dough Balls:
Using a large spoon or your hands, pinch off small pieces of the dough and roll them into bite-sized balls. They don’t have to be perfect; just make sure they’re about the same size for even cooking.
5. Coat Balls:
Take each dough ball and dip it in the remaining melted coconut oil or butter. After that, roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. This is where the magic happens; you want them all nice and sweet!
6. Assemble in Pan:
Now, layer the coated dough balls into your prepared bundt pan. If you’re using chopped nuts, sprinkle them between the layers of dough balls for extra crunch and flavor!
7. Add Extra Butter Sauce:
For that extra richness, drizzle any remaining melted coconut oil or butter combined with a little more honey over the top of the dough balls in the pan.
8. Bake:
Place the bundt pan in the oven and bake for 35-45 minutes or until the monkey bread is golden brown. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, allow the monkey bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully invert it onto a plate. Now, you’re ready to pull apart warm pieces of this delicious healthier monkey bread and enjoy!
This delightful dish is not just a treat; it also packs in whole grains and protein for a satisfying snack or breakfast option! 🥳🍞
Can I Use All-Purpose Flour Instead of Whole Wheat Flour?
While whole wheat flour is recommended for added nutrition, you can use all-purpose flour if preferred. Just note that the texture will be softer and less dense. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly as all-purpose flour absorbs moisture differently.
What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use regular plain yogurt or even a dairy-free option like unsweetened coconut yogurt. For a lower-calorie choice, try applesauce; just keep in mind it may alter the flavor slightly.
How Do I Store Leftover Monkey Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven for a few minutes before serving.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! To make it vegan, substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based milk along with non-dairy yogurt. Maple syrup is already a great vegan sweetener!
