Maple Pumpkin Monkey Bread Recipe

Monkey bread is a fun, pull-apart bread that's perfect for sharing, and when you combine it with the flavors of maple and pumpkin, you get a truly irresistible fall treat. This maple pumpkin monkey bread is soft, gooey, and bursting with warm spices, making it an ideal choice for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The pumpkin adds moisture and a subtle earthy flavor, while the maple syrup brings a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon-sugar coating. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just want to treat your family, this recipe is sure to impress. Read on to discover how to make this delicious monkey bread from scratch, with tips, variations, and serving suggestions to ensure your dish is a hit.

What Is Maple Pumpkin Monkey Bread?

Maple pumpkin monkey bread is a decadent, pull-apart bread made by rolling small balls of pumpkin-spiced dough in cinnamon sugar, layering them in a bundt pan, and then drizzling with a sticky maple syrup and butter mixture before baking. The result is a sweet, sticky, and incredibly flavorful bread that’s perfect for sharing. When you pull apart each piece, you get a delicious bite of soft, spiced dough with a caramelized coating, all infused with the flavors of pumpkin and maple.

Ingredients List for Maple Pumpkin Monkey Bread

To create this mouthwatering monkey bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• ¼ cup warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
• ½ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ½ cup warm milk (about 110°F/45°C)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)

For the Maple Syrup Mixture:

• ½ cup pure maple syrup
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)

Substitutions and Variations

This maple pumpkin monkey bread is already packed with flavor, but here are a few ways you can customize it to your liking:

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for yeast breads.
• Dairy-Free: Replace the milk with almond or oat milk, and use a plant-based butter alternative.
• Spices: Adjust the spice blend to your taste. For extra warmth, try adding a pinch of cardamom or allspice.
• Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts between the layers of dough balls for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
• Sweeteners: Swap out some or all of the sugar for coconut sugar or maple sugar for a more natural sweetener.
• Toppings: Drizzle the finished monkey bread with a maple glaze made from powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a splash of milk, or top with a cream cheese frosting.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making this maple pumpkin monkey bread requires a few steps, but the results are more than worth the effort. Follow these instructions to create a delicious, pull-apart treat.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture is frothy.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, warm milk, melted butter, sugar, and salt until well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
4. Form the Dough: Add the activated yeast mixture to the pumpkin mixture. Gradually add the flour mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
5. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
6. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

1. Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a shallow dish, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Melt Butter: Melt the butter in a separate bowl.

Step 3: Assemble the Monkey Bread

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Shape the Dough Balls: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into small pieces, rolling each piece into a ball about 1 inch in diameter.
3. Coat the Dough Balls: Dip each dough ball into the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly.
4. Layer in the Bundt Pan: Place the coated dough balls in the prepared bundt pan, layering them evenly. Sprinkle chopped nuts between layers if using.

Step 4: Add the Maple Syrup Mixture

1. Make the Syrup Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter and maple syrup.
2. Pour Over Dough: Once all the dough balls are in the pan, pour the maple syrup mixture evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake the Monkey Bread

1. Bake: Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
2. Cool Slightly: Remove the monkey bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
3. Invert the Bread: Carefully invert the monkey bread onto a serving plate. It should come out easily, with all the gooey maple syrup drizzling down over the top.

How to Cook Maple Pumpkin Monkey Bread: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick guide to help you make this monkey bread perfectly:

1. Yeast Activation: Make sure your water is warm, not hot, when activating the yeast. Water that’s too hot can kill the yeast, preventing the dough from rising.
2. Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but not too wet. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until you can handle it easily.
3. Layering: When layering the dough balls, try to distribute them evenly to ensure the monkey bread bakes uniformly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping the Rise: Be patient and let the dough rise fully. This step is crucial for achieving a light, fluffy texture in the monkey bread.
2. Overbaking: Watch the monkey bread closely as it bakes. Overbaking can cause the bread to become dry. It’s done when it’s golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Not Greasing the Pan Enough: Make sure to thoroughly grease your bundt pan to prevent the monkey bread from sticking when you invert it.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Maple pumpkin monkey bread is best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. Here’s how to serve and present it:

1. Serve Warm: Serve the monkey bread while it’s still warm and gooey, letting everyone pull apart pieces at the table.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle the top with powdered sugar or drizzle with extra maple syrup or a glaze for a beautiful finish.
3. Pair with Drinks: This monkey bread pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee, spiced tea, or a pumpkin spice latte.

How to Serve Maple Pumpkin Monkey Bread

This monkey bread is a versatile treat that can be served in various settings:

1. Brunch Centerpiece: Place the monkey bread in the center of your brunch table and let everyone pull apart pieces as they eat.
2. Dessert: Serve this monkey bread as a dessert, paired with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
3. Holiday Treat: This bread is perfect for holiday gatherings, whether it’s a Thanksgiving breakfast or a Christmas morning treat.

Presentation Ideas for Maple Pumpkin Monkey Bread

Make your maple pumpkin monkey bread stand out with these presentation ideas:

1. Festive Platter: Place the monkey bread on a large, decorative platter and garnish with mini pumpkins, cinnamon sticks, or autumn leaves for a festive look.
2. Bundt Pan Display: Serve the bread directly from the bundt pan for a rustic presentation, allowing guests to pull apart pieces right from the pan.
3. Individual Portions: Serve pre-pulled portions in small bowls or plates, drizzled with extra syrup or glaze for a more refined presentation.

Maple Pumpkin Monkey Bread Recipe Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and other refrigerated ingredients are at room temperature before you start. This helps the dough come together more easily.
• Rising Time: Be patient with the rising time. The dough should double in size during the first rise for the best texture.
• Storage: Store any leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. The next morning, let it come to room temperature before proceeding with the recipe.

Q: Can I freeze monkey bread? A: Yes, you can freeze baked monkey bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

Q: Can I use store-bought dough? A: Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought biscuit dough or frozen bread dough. Just thaw the dough if necessary and proceed with the recipe.

Q: What if I don’t have a bundt pan? A: If you don’t have a bundt pan, you can use a 9x13-inch baking dish or two loaf pans. The baking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on it as it bakes.

Q: Can I make this monkey bread gluten-free? A: Yes, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for yeast breads. Just make sure the blend includes xanthan gum for the best texture.

Conclusion

Maple pumpkin monkey bread is a delightful combination of soft, spiced dough and sweet, sticky maple syrup. This pull-apart treat is perfect for any fall occasion, whether you’re serving it as a brunch centerpiece, a holiday dessert, or just as a cozy snack at home. With easy-to-follow instructions, plenty of tips for customization, and versatile serving ideas, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the sweet, comforting flavors of this delicious maple pumpkin monkey bread. Happy baking!

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