This Sourdough Discard Monkey Bread is a fun, sweet treat made from dough that’s flaky and buttery. It’s perfect for a cozy breakfast or a yummy snack!
The best part? You can use that sourdough discard you might have lying around! I love pulling apart the soft pieces and dipping them in melted butter—messy but oh so delightful! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Discard: This is the star ingredient! If you don’t have sourdough discard, you can use a store-bought bread starter, or try using a mixture of flour and water to create a quick substitute. However, the unique tang of sourdough discard is hard to replace.
Milk: Warm milk helps in activating the yeast. If you’re dairy-free, almond milk or oat milk work well. Just make sure they’re also warmed slightly to help the yeast thrive.
Active Dry Yeast: This recipe uses active dry yeast to help the dough rise. You can swap it for instant yeast, but you won’t need to proof it—just add it directly to the dry ingredients!
All-Purpose Flour: You can use whole wheat flour for a heartier flavor. If gluten is a concern, gluten-free all-purpose flour is a good alternative, though the texture might vary a bit.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is essential for flavor. If you want to mix it up, add nutmeg or cardamom for a different aromatic twist. I love adding a pinch of nutmeg for added warmth!
How Do I Get the Dough to Rise Properly?
Getting the dough to rise can be a bit tricky at times. The key is warmth and patience. Yeast loves a cozy environment, so here’s how to create the best rising conditions:
- Before starting, warm your oven slightly (around 100°F) and turn it off; this creates a perfect place for the dough to rise.
- Cover your dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
- You want the dough to double in size, which typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, but keep an eye on it—if your kitchen is cooler, it might take longer.
- Don’t rush this step! A good rise leads to fluffy monkey bread that’s light and airy.
How to Make Sourdough Discard Monkey Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough and Dough Preparation:
- 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed)
- 1 cup warm milk (around 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (or cream)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious monkey bread will take about 15 minutes of hands-on prep time, plus around 2 hours total for rising and baking. You’ll spend a few minutes making the dough, then allowing it to rise and bake. The result is a sweet and sticky treat that’s perfect for sharing!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
Start by combining the warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Stir gently and then let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it becomes foamy on top.
2. Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, mix the sourdough discard and melted butter together. Once combined, add the foamy yeast mixture and stir until mixed.
3. Add Flour and Salt:
Gradually add the flour and salt into the mixture. Stir until a soft, tacky dough forms. You might need a little less or slightly more flour, depending on the humidity in your kitchen.
4. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If you prefer, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 5-7 minutes instead.
5. Let It Rise:
Put the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size. This should take about 1 to 1 ½ hours.
6. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar:
While the dough rises, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon together in a shallow bowl. This will be the yummy coating for your monkey bread.
7. Shape the Dough:
Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide it into small pieces, about 1 ½ to 2 inches each.
8. Coat the Dough Pieces:
Dip each piece of dough into the melted butter first, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mix until well coated. This is where the magic happens!
9. Assemble in the Bundt Pan:
Grease a Bundt pan generously with butter, then layer the coated dough pieces inside. If you like, add some chopped walnuts between the layers for an extra crunch.
10. Second Rise:
Cover the Bundt pan and let the assembled monkey bread rise again for about 30 to 45 minutes. You want it to look puffy and ready to bake.
11. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once ready, bake the monkey bread for approximately 30 to 40 minutes until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
12. Make the Glaze:
While the monkey bread is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Set it aside for later.
13. Cool and Invert:
After baking, allow the monkey bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a serving plate; this is the moment of truth!
14. Drizzle the Glaze:
Finally, generously drizzle the vanilla glaze over the warm monkey bread. Serve it immediately and get ready to enjoy the sticky, sweet goodness together with friends or family!
Enjoy this irresistible treat made using your sourdough discard!
Can I Use Cold Sourdough Discard?
It’s best to use room temperature sourdough discard for optimal mixing. If your discard is cold from the fridge, let it sit out for about 30 minutes to warm up before using it.
What Can I Substitute for Sourdough Discard?
If you don’t have sourdough discard, you can use a basic bread starter or create a mixture of all-purpose flour and water to mimic the texture. However, the flavor won’t be as rich as with true sourdough!
How Do I Store Leftover Monkey Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week, though you might want to reheat it slightly in the oven for best results.
Can I Add Other Flavorings?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even different spices like nutmeg or ginger to customize the flavor profile of your monkey bread!