This Healthier Monkey Bread is a fun and tasty treat that kids and adults alike will love! Made with whole wheat dough and a sprinkle of cinnamon, it’s both delicious and a bit healthier.
You can’t help but pull apart those gooey, fluffy pieces. It’s like a big hug in dessert form! I love serving it warm with a drizzle of honey for some extra sweetness—it’s such a hit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Wheat Flour: Using whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients. If you prefer a lighter texture, you can mix it with all-purpose flour (1:1 ratio) or use gluten-free flour if needed.
Coconut Sugar: This is a less processed sugar that adds a nice caramel flavor. If you don’t have it, brown sugar works just as well. For a lower-calorie option, try stevia or erythritol.
Plain Greek Yogurt: It provides moisture and helps bind the dough. You can substitute it with regular yogurt or even a dairy-free option like almond yogurt if you’re lactose intolerant.
Unsweetened Applesauce: This adds moisture while replacing some of the fat. If you’re out of applesauce, mashed banana can work similarly!
How Do I Make Sure the Monkey Bread is Fluffy and Well-Cooked?
Fluffy monkey bread is all about the dough and baking time. To ensure yours is perfect:
- Mix the dough until just combined; over-mixing can make it tough.
- When coating the dough, make sure each piece is fully covered in the sugar mixture for that sweet, crunchy exterior.
- Keep an eye on the baking time. Ovens vary, and a toothpick should come out clean when inserted in the center to know it’s done.
- Let the bread cool for 10 minutes before turning it out to avoid it breaking apart.
Following these tips will help you achieve delicious, fluffy monkey bread that is sure to impress!
Healthier Monkey Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt (for moisture and tang)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (to replace some fat)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Coating:
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or butter
For Drizzle (optional):
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or honey
For Topping (optional):
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as peanuts or walnuts)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. After baking, let it cool for about 10 minutes. So, you’ll spend about 1 hour total before enjoying your delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, grease a bundt pan or a tube pan well with oil or nonstick spray, so the monkey bread comes out easily.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, salt, coconut sugar (or brown sugar), and ground cinnamon until everything is well combined.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, mix the plain Greek yogurt, unsweetened applesauce, large egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. This mixture will add moisture and lovely flavor to your dough.
4. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently stir everything together until just combined; don’t overmix—this will help keep your bread fluffy!
5. Make the Coating:
In a small bowl, mix together the coconut sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted coconut oil (or butter) for the coating. This will give that sweet, crunchy layer to your monkey bread.
6. Coat the Dough Pieces:
Pinch off small pieces of dough, about 1 inch each, and roll each piece in the sugar-cinnamon-oil mixture until they’re well coated. Make them nice and sweet!
7. Layer in the Pan:
Place the coated dough pieces evenly in the greased bundt pan, layering them as you go. It’s perfectly okay if they touch each other!
8. Bake:
Once you’ve layered all the dough pieces in the pan, bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool and Turn Out:
After baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn it out onto a serving plate. This helps it set for easier serving!
10. Drizzle and Serve:
If you like, you can drizzle it with maple syrup or honey and sprinkle chopped nuts on top for extra flavor and crunch. Serve warm and pull apart the sweet, cinnamon-coated pieces!
Enjoy your lovely and healthier take on classic monkey bread, made with wholesome ingredients and natural sweeteners! It’s a delightful treat for any occasion.
Can I Substitute the Whole Wheat Flour?
Absolutely! If you prefer a lighter texture, you can use a mix of whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour (1:1 ratio). For a gluten-free option, try a gluten-free baking mix, but keep in mind that this may alter the texture slightly.
How Can I Store Leftover Monkey Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn!
What’s a Good Substitute for Greek Yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, regular yogurt works just fine. You can also use a dairy-free yogurt alternative, like almond or soy yogurt, to keep it suitable for those with dairy allergies.
How Do I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make this monkey bread vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) and use a dairy-free yogurt alternative. You can also use maple syrup instead of honey for the drizzle.
