Monkey bread is a delightful, pull-apart pastry that’s both fun to eat and utterly delicious. Traditionally made with buttery dough and sticky cinnamon sugar, this treat is a favorite at brunches and holiday gatherings.
But what if you follow a vegan lifestyle or want a plant-based twist? Good news!
This vegan monkey bread recipe is just as gooey, sweet, and irresistible without any animal products. Using simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll create a warm, tender, and aromatic bread that everyone will love.
Perfect for sharing or savoring on your own, this monkey bread is an excellent way to enjoy a classic treat with a compassionate twist.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or a newbie, this recipe will guide you through making soft, fluffy dough pieces coated in a luscious cinnamon-sugar glaze and baked to golden perfection. Plus, it’s free from eggs, dairy, and refined sugars (if you choose), making it a wholesome option for everyone at your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan monkey bread recipe ticks all the boxes for comfort food lovers and health-conscious bakers alike. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Easy to make: No complicated techniques or fancy tools needed, just simple mixing and baking.
- Vegan and allergy-friendly: No eggs, butter, or dairy, making it perfect for vegans and those with allergies.
- Customizable flavors: Add nuts, dried fruits, or even chocolate for your personal touch.
- Perfect for sharing: Pull-apart design makes it fun to serve family and friends.
- Great for any occasion: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even a sweet snack.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (can substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free flour)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat, etc.)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup organic cane sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 tbsp coconut oil, melted (plus extra for greasing)
- ¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Optional: ½ cup raisins or vegan chocolate chips
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk and spatula
- Bundt pan or round cake pan (about 9 inches)
- Pastry brush (optional, for coconut oil)
- Cooling rack
- Oven
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your bundt pan generously with melted coconut oil to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, combine the plant-based milk, apple cider vinegar, cane sugar, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil. Whisk until well blended. This mixture will act as your vegan buttermilk.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix with a spatula until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep your bread light and fluffy.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead lightly just a couple of times to bring it together. Roll into a ball.
- Divide the dough into small bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- In a medium bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together. Melt 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a small bowl.
- Dip each dough piece into the melted coconut oil, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. If using, press a few nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips into some pieces before coating.
- Layer the coated dough pieces into the greased bundt pan, packing them slightly but not too tightly to allow rising.
- Once all dough balls are arranged, drizzle any remaining melted coconut oil over the top and sprinkle leftover cinnamon sugar if desired.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate.
- Pull apart the sticky, sweet pieces and enjoy! Serve warm for the best gooey experience.
Tips & Variations
“For an extra indulgent monkey bread, drizzle warmed vegan caramel or chocolate sauce on top just before serving.”
- Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free baking flour blend and add 1 tsp xanthan gum to help with texture.
- Add fruit: Toss in dried cranberries, chopped dates, or raisins for bursts of chewy sweetness.
- Nutty twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans between layers for crunch.
- Spice it up: Add ground nutmeg or cardamom along with cinnamon for warm complexity.
- Overnight prep: Assemble the dough balls in the pan, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh the next morning.
- Storage: Monkey bread is best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount Per Serving (1/8 of bread) |
---|---|
Calories | 280 kcal |
Fat | 9 g |
Saturated Fat | 6 g |
Carbohydrates | 45 g |
Sugar | 22 g |
Fiber | 1.5 g |
Protein | 3 g |
Sodium | 230 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan monkey bread is delicious on its own, but here are some ways to elevate your serving experience:
- Serve warm with a side of vegan whipped cream or coconut yogurt for a luscious treat.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or your favorite plant-based milk latte for a perfect brunch combo.
- Drizzle with homemade vegan bechamel sauce infused with cinnamon and maple syrup for a unique twist.
- Complement with fresh fruit salad or a smoothie bowl for a balanced and colorful breakfast.
- For holiday gatherings, sprinkle with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh mint leaves for an elegant presentation.
Conclusion
This vegan monkey bread recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a classic treat with a compassionate and health-conscious spin. The combination of soft, fluffy dough coated in sticky cinnamon sugar creates an irresistible dessert or brunch centerpiece that’s sure to impress.
Its simplicity and versatility make it perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros, and the ability to customize with nuts, fruits, and spices means you can tailor it to your taste.
Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or treating yourself, this monkey bread brings warmth, joy, and sweetness to any occasion. For more delicious vegan recipes, be sure to check out Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious, Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves, and Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals.
Happy baking and enjoy your sweet vegan monkey bread!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Monkey Bread
Description: A sweet, pull-apart bread made with fluffy vegan dough and coated in cinnamon sugar. Perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT35M
Total Time: PT55M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm almond milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup vegan butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional glaze)
- 2 tablespoons water (optional glaze)
Instructions
- In a bowl, dissolve yeast in warm almond milk and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Mix in sugar, salt, vanilla, and gradually add flour until a dough forms.
- Knead dough for 5-7 minutes and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Divide dough into small balls and dip each in melted vegan butter.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl and roll dough balls in the mixture.
- Place coated dough balls in a greased bundt pan, layering evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Let cool for 10 minutes, then invert onto a plate.
- Optional: Mix powdered sugar and water for glaze and drizzle over monkey bread.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g | Carbs: 50g
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