Simple Sourdough Discard Pull-Apart Monkey Bread Recipe

Sourdough monkey bread is an easy-to-make treat perfect for sharing!

This simple sourdough monkey bread is one of my husband’s favorite recipes – and he doesn’t even know it’s sourdough! It’s a great way to use up your sourdough discard (or active starter) – something I always seem to have too much of on my hands.  It’s basically just a variation of my sourdough biscuit dough, which I use for so many different things. The end result is a delicious sourdough monkey bread that isn’t dry, but very buttery, moist & sweet. It makes a delicious treat for your family or a gathering and is so lovely when enjoyed with a cup of coffee. 

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sourdough monkey pull-apart bread offers a unique tangy taste just like other sourdough recipes.  This adds depth and complexity to the traditional sweet treat.
• It’s a fun and interactive baking project that is perfect for involving the kids, they’ll love rolling the dough, cutting little pieces, shaking them in the cinnamon sugar mixture, and watching their creation bake in the oven.
• Since this sourdough monkey bread recipe is one of my sourdough discard recipes, it’s super quick. You don’t need to wait for the dough to rise or ferment – the baking powder does the leavening. 

Come spend a fourth trimester day with me and see what projects we’ve been up to at the homestead during my postpartum rest.

What You’ll Need

INGREDIENTS

MONKEY BREAD DOUGH

• 4 cups all purpose flour
• 4 t baking powder
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 t sea salt
• 1 t cinnamon
• 1 cup unsalted butter 
• 1 cup starter (active sourdough starter or discard)
• 1 cup milk
• 1 t vanilla
• 2 eggs

BROWN BUTTER POUR OVER

• 1 cup butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar

CINNAMON SUGAR COATING

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 T cinnamon

TOOLS

• Large mixing bowl
• Rolling Pin
• Bench Scraper or Pizza Wheel
• Ziplock Bag
• Bundt cake pan
• Small Pot for Brown Butter Pour Over

Step-By-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350F

Make the Monkey Bread Dough

Add 4 cups of the flour, salt, sugar, cinnamon, and baking powder to a large bowl and whisk to combine.

Next add cold, grated/cubed butter and cut into the flour mixture with a fork.

Add the eggs, sourdough starter, vanilla extract, and milk to the bowl and stir with a spoon until you have a shaggy dough.  Do not knead or overmix the dough.  Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and fold the dough a few times to work all the flour in.  You should still see small chunks of butter in the dough, but the flour should be evenly mixed in.

Roll the dough out into an 18″x18″ square so it’s about 1/4” thick.  Use a pizza cutter, sharp knife or a bench scraper to cut 1″x1″ pieces.

Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

Add the sugar and cinnamon to a large plastic bag and shake to combine.  Toss the little dough balls in the cinnamon sugar mixture in 3-4 batches and then place them in a greased bundt pan.

Make the Brown Butter Pour Over Mixture

Add the butter to a small saucepan on medium heat. Allow butter to melt, then add the brown sugar and let the mixture come to a boil. Then remove the melted butter mixture from heat and pour over the cinnamon sugar-coated biscuit dough in the bundt pan.  

Place in a warm oven and bake at 350F for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Carefully turn out onto a large plate.

FAQ

Can I use active dry yeast instead of sourdough starter?

This recipe doesn’t require any yeast, the baking powder does all of the leavening. If you want to leave out the starter, just add 1/3 cup of milk and 1/3 cup of flour to the ingredients.

Can I prepare sourdough monkey bread ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Then assemble the monkey bread and bake the next morning

How do I prevent my monkey bread from sticking to the pan?

Grease the bottom of the pan as well as the sides generously with butter or oil before adding the dough pieces. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal.

What if I don’t have a bundt pan?

You can use a regular cake pan or even a muffin tin to bake individual monkey bread portions. Adjust baking time accordingly.

Can I make sourdough monkey bread gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free sourdough starter and gluten-free flour blend to make the dough. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

How do I add flavor variations to my sourdough monkey bread?

Experiment with different spices, herbs, cheeses, or fillings like chocolate chips or nuts. Incorporate them into the dough or sprinkle them between layers for added flavor.

Tips

1. Consistent Dough Balls: When cutting the dough into balls/pieces, aim for uniformity in size to ensure even baking. You don’t need a kitchen scale or anything super precise, just keep them as close as possible in size.
2. Coating Variations: Experiment with different coatings for the dough balls, such as cinnamon sugar, savory herbs, or grated cheese.
3. Layering Technique: Layering is an important part of the sourdough monkey bread making process. Layer the coated dough balls evenly in the pan to ensure even baking throughout the monkey bread.
4. Let It Rest: Allow the assembled monkey bread to rest for 20-30 minutes before baking. This gives the dough time to relax and can improve the final texture.
5. Check for Doneness: Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, indicating that the bread is fully baked.
6. Cooling Time: Let the monkey bread cool in the pan for a little bit (about 10 minutes) before inverting it onto a serving plate. This allows the caramelized coating to set slightly, making it easier to remove from the pan.

Storage

You can store sourdough monkey bread at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container. If you need to store it longer, you can refrigerate or freeze it. Here’s how:

1. Room Temperature Storage: Allow the monkey bread to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Keep it at room temperature, and it should stay fresh for up to 2 days.
2. Freezing: If you want to store the monkey bread for longer, refrigerate or freeze it. Allow the monkey bread to cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen monkey bread, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat it on low heat in the oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave until warmed through.

More Recipes Like This

How to Make A Sourdough Starter from Scratch {Easy Guide} 

Sourdough Artisan Bread Made Simple: Beginner’s Guide

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