Pumpkin Monkey Bread Recipe

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If you love cozy fall flavors and irresistible pull-apart breads, you’re absolutely going to adore this Pumpkin Monkey Bread. This delightful treat blends soft, pillowy dough infused with warm spices and luscious pumpkin puree, all coated in a caramelized glaze that practically melts in your mouth. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime snack, Pumpkin Monkey Bread delivers that cozy comfort with each sticky, sweet bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating Pumpkin Monkey Bread is both straightforward and rewarding thanks to a short list of essential ingredients that bring warmth, sweetness, and that perfect tender texture to life. Every element plays a special role, from the creamy pumpkin puree to the aromatic spices that make this bread uniquely seasonal.

• Active dry yeast: This is your bread’s magical leavening agent that gives it a fluffy rise and perfect texture.
• Organic Valley® Whole Milk: Warmed to 110 F, it activates the yeast and adds richness to the dough.
• Granulated sugar: Used in two parts—half in the dough for sweetness and some for the yeast to wake up.
• Organic Valley® Unsalted Butter: Softened and part melted, it brings richness and moistness to the dough and helps with caramelization on the outside.
• Canned pumpkin puree: The star ingredient, adding moisture, a vibrant color, and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation of your dough, measured carefully to achieve the perfect soft yet structured pull-apart bread.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves: These warming spices are precisely blended to bring out the cozy fall feeling in every bite.
• Brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes that give Pumpkin Monkey Bread its signature gooey, sticky sweetness.

How to Make Pumpkin Monkey Bread

Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Prepare the Dough

Start by dissolving your active dry yeast in warm milk (110 F is perfect) along with a little sugar to wake those yeast cells up. As it sits for 10 minutes, the mixture will get frothy, signaling it’s good to go. Then, mix in the pumpkin puree, sugars, and spices to form the tender dough, gradually adding flour until you get a smooth, slightly moist texture. The softened butter folds in last, building softness and flavor into the dough.

Step 2: First Rise of the Dough

Place the dough in a buttered bowl and turn it around so every bit is lightly coated. Cover it up and let it rise comfortably in a warm, draft-free spot for about 45 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it doubles in size and becomes beautifully puffy.

Step 3: Prepare the Spiced Sugar Coating

While the dough rests, combine the sugars with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for the signature spiced sugar mix. The aroma alone will make your kitchen feel like autumn is knocking at the door.

Step 4: Shape Dough into Balls and Coat

Once risen, punch down the dough gently and cut it into golf ball-sized pieces. Each little dough ball then gets dipped first into melted butter to retain moisture and help the spiced sugar stick, and then into your aromatic sugar blend for that sweet, spicy crust.

Step 5: Arrange in Bundt Pan and Final Rise

Build your Monkey Bread by layering the coated dough balls in a buttered Bundt pan or ring-shaped mold, stacking them nicely so you get a perfect pull-apart effect. Drizzle any leftover melted butter and sprinkle some more spiced sugar on top before covering again for another hour-long rise, allowing everything to become pillow-soft and ready to bake.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Pop the pan into a 350 F oven and bake for about 35 minutes until the bread is puffed and has taken on a gorgeous golden brown hue. Let it cool for 5 minutes in the pan before carefully inverting onto a serving plate so everyone can marvel at the glossy, sticky layers.

How to Serve Pumpkin Monkey Bread

Garnishes

A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of cream cheese glaze takes Pumpkin Monkey Bread to the next level. Fresh whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans adds delightful texture and sophistication to this already indulgent treat.

Side Dishes

This pull-apart bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced coffee or chai tea. For a heartier brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a creamy pumpkin soup to keep the seasonal flavors flowing.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual portions nestled in small ramekins for a fun twist, or bring Pumpkin Monkey Bread to the table on a large wooden board with bowls of cinnamon butter and maple syrup for dipping. It’s an interactive experience that’s as fun to share as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps the bread maintain its softness and the sugars stay delightfully sticky.

Freezing

You can freeze baked Pumpkin Monkey Bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw overnight at room temperature for easy enjoyment later on.

Reheating

To revive the fresh-baked feel, warm individual portions in the microwave for about 15 seconds or pop the whole loaf in a preheated 300 F oven for 10-15 minutes, tented with foil to prevent too much browning.

FAQs

Can I substitute canned pumpkin puree with fresh pumpkin?

Yes! You can roast and mash fresh pumpkin, but be sure to cook it until very soft and drain excess moisture to match the texture of canned pumpkin puree for the best results in the dough.

Will the dough be sticky to work with?

The dough should be soft and moist but not overly sticky. If it sticks excessively, dust your hands and work surface lightly with flour, but be careful not to add too much or the bread may dry out.

Can I make the dough without butter?

While butter adds essential richness and moisture, you can substitute with a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil in equal amounts, though the flavor and tenderness might be slightly different.

What is the best pan to use for this bread?

A Bundt pan or any ring-shaped cake mold works best. The hole in the center allows the heat to circulate evenly, ensuring the bread bakes uniformly and gets that classic Monkey Bread shape.

Is Pumpkin Monkey Bread suitable for freezing before baking?

Yes, you can assemble the dough balls in the pan, cover tightly, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw the bread overnight in the fridge, let it rise to double again at room temperature, then bake as usual.

Final Thoughts

Making Pumpkin Monkey Bread is one of those kitchen adventures that feels as good as it tastes. It’s warm, comforting, filled with nostalgic flavors, and simple enough to share with friends and family any time you crave a little autumn magic. Give it a try—you’ll find it quickly becomes a beloved seasonal tradition.

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