Sometimes you just need something warm and sugary to share with your family. This soft, gooey vegan monkey bread is the ultimate treat for a slow morning. It fills your kitchen with the cozy scent of cinnamon and caramelized sugar. You will love how every bite pulls apart perfectly for everyone to enjoy.
This recipe is a wonderful way to bring everyone to the table. It feels special but uses simple pantry staples you likely already have. Whether it is a holiday or a lazy Sunday, this bread is always a hit. Your family will never guess that it is entirely plant-based.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This vegan monkey bread is perfect for holiday mornings when you want something impressive. It is surprisingly easy to make, even if you are new to baking with yeast. The dough is soft, the glaze is rich, and the texture is wonderfully fluffy. You can even prep most of it before your guests arrive.
The combination of melted vegan butter and brown sugar creates a deep caramel flavor. It coats every single piece of dough so there are no dry spots. It is a crowd-pleasing dessert or breakfast that feels like a warm hug. You will find yourself making this every winter season.
Simple Method
Making this bread is a fun, hands-on process that kids love to help with. You will start by making a simple yeast dough and letting it rise. Once it is fluffy, you just roll small pieces into balls and coat them. No fancy equipment is needed to get great results here.
Even if you have never worked with dough, you can do this. The steps are straightforward and very forgiving for beginners. The most important part is giving the dough enough time to grow. Your patience will be rewarded with the softest pull-apart bread imaginable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these items are already in your cupboard, making this a budget-friendly treat.
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm unsweetened soy milk (110°F)
- 1/3 cup melted vegan butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup vegan butter, melted (for coating)
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp unsweetened soy milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step
- Combine warm soy milk, granulated sugar, and yeast in a bowl; let stand for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Whisk in 1/3 cup melted vegan butter and salt. Gradually incorporate flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and allow to rise in a warm environment for 60 minutes or until doubled in volume.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Place 1/2 cup melted butter in a separate bowl.
- Deflate dough and divide into approximately 42 small spheres.
- Dip each sphere into the melted butter and then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until coated.
- Arrange spheres in layers within a greased 10-inch Bundt pan. Cover and let rise for 45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving platter.
- Whisk powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons soy milk, and vanilla extract; drizzle over the warm bread before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this vegan monkey bread while it is still warm and tender. It is best enjoyed fresh from the oven when the caramel is gooey. Place the platter in the center of the table and let everyone dig in. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
For a complete brunch, serve it alongside fresh fruit or savory tofu scramble. The contrast of sweet and salty makes for a balanced morning meal. Set the table, pour some juice, and enjoy this cozy moment with your loved ones.
Keep It Fresh
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to two days. For longer storage, you can keep the bread in the fridge for four days. Reheat individual pieces in the microwave for 15 seconds to restore the softness.
You can also freeze the baked bread for up to one month. Wrap it tightly in foil and place it in a freezer bag. When you are ready to eat, thaw it at room temperature. Warm it in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes for the best texture.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t skip the yeast blooming step to ensure your dough rises properly.
- Avoid using milk that is too hot, as it can kill the yeast.
- Substitute soy milk with almond or oat milk if you prefer a different flavor.
- Make the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge.
- For a holiday twist, add a teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the sugar.
- Elevate the texture by adding 1/2 cup of chopped pecans between the layers.
- Grease your Bundt pan very well to prevent the sugar from sticking.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-friendly version.
- Swap the vanilla extract for maple syrup for a deeper, woody sweetness.
- Add fresh orange zest to the sugar mixture for a bright, seasonal flavor.
- Toss in some vegan chocolate chips between the dough spheres for extra decadence.
Common Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it do its first rise overnight. Simply keep it in the refrigerator in a covered bowl. This makes your morning much easier and less rushed.
What if I don’t have a Bundt pan?
You can use two loaf pans or a 9×13 baking dish instead. The baking time might be slightly shorter, so keep a close eye on it. It will still taste just as delicious and gooey.
Will kids enjoy this recipe?
Absolutely, kids love the fun pull-apart nature of this bread. They can even help roll the dough balls in the cinnamon sugar. It is a great way to get them involved in the kitchen.
I hope this sweet treat brings a little extra warmth to your winter mornings. It is the perfect way to slow down and enjoy time with your family. Happy baking!
— Alex
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all -purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp sal t
- 1 cup warm unsweetened soy milk (110°F)
- 1/3 cup melted vegan butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup vegan butter, melted (for coating)
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp unsweetened soy milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine warm soy milk, granulated sugar, and yeast in a bowl; let stand for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Whisk in 1/3 cup melted vegan butter and salt. Gradually incorporate flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and allow to rise in a warm environment for 60 minutes or until doubled in volume.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Place 1/2 cup melted butter in a separate bowl.
- Deflate dough and divide into approximately 42 small spheres.
- Dip each sphere into the melted butter and then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until coated.
- Arrange spheres in layers within a greased 10-inch Bundt pan. Cover and let rise for 45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving platter.
- Whisk powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons soy milk, and vanilla extract; drizzle over the warm bread before serving.
