Maple Pumpkin Monkey Bread Recipe

Monkey bread is already a beloved indulgence, with its pull-apart pieces of sweet, gooey dough. But when you add pumpkin puree and warm spices, and coat it with a rich maple glaze, you get the ultimate fall treat: Maple Pumpkin Monkey Bread. This recipe combines the flavors of pumpkin pie with the sticky sweetness of monkey bread, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering or just want a delicious way to celebrate the season, this Maple Pumpkin Monkey Bread is sure to be a hit.

this Recipe

What is Maple Pumpkin Monkey Bread?

Maple Pumpkin Monkey Bread is a pull-apart bread made by coating balls of dough in a pumpkin-spiced sugar mixture, stacking them in a bundt pan, and baking until golden and gooey. After baking, the monkey bread is drizzled with a rich maple glaze, adding sweetness and a touch of fall flavor. The result is a sticky, sweet treat with warm pumpkin spices, perfect for sharing.

Ingredients List for Maple Pumpkin Monkey Bread

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Maple Pumpkin Monkey Bread:

For the Dough (Optional, if making from scratch):

• ½ cup warm milk (110°F): Helps activate the yeast.
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and sweetens the dough.
• 3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure for the dough.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough.
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth to the dough.
• ½ cup pumpkin puree: Adds moisture and pumpkin flavor.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness to the dough.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together.

For the Pumpkin-Spiced Sugar Coating:

• ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the coating.
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture and caramel-like flavor.
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice.
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Provides an earthy, warm flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a hint of zesty spice.
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves: Complements the other spices with a deep, rich flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice (optional): Adds extra warmth.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Helps the sugar mixture stick to the dough balls.

For the Maple Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze.
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup: Adds sweetness and a rich maple flavor.
• 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream: Thins the glaze to the desired consistency.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the glaze.
• Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness.

Substitutions and Variations

Maple Pumpkin Monkey Bread is versatile and can be adapted to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some ideas:

• Dough Alternatives: To save time, you can use store-bought biscuit dough or pre-made pizza dough instead of making the dough from scratch.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free butter and milk alternatives like almond or oat milk.
• Sweeteners: You can use coconut sugar or maple sugar in place of granulated and brown sugar for a different flavor profile.
• Add-Ins: Stir in some chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins into the dough balls for added texture and flavor.
• Glaze Variations: Add a bit of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the glaze for extra warmth.

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

Follow these steps to create your own Maple Pumpkin Monkey Bread:

1. Prepare the Dough (Skip if Using Store-Bought Dough):

• In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir to dissolve the yeast and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
• In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, melted butter, and egg.
• Add the yeast mixture and pumpkin mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Pumpkin-Spiced Sugar Coating:

• In a medium bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice.
• In a separate bowl, melt the butter.

3. Assemble the Monkey Bread:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan or tube pan with butter or non-stick spray.
• Punch down the risen dough and divide it into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter (about the size of a walnut).
• Dip each dough ball into the melted butter, then roll it in the pumpkin-spiced sugar mixture to coat.
• Layer the coated dough balls in the prepared bundt pan, stacking them evenly.

4. Bake the Monkey Bread:

• Once all the dough balls are in the pan, pour any remaining melted butter and sugar mixture over the top.
• Bake the monkey bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
• Let the bread cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate.

5. Make the Maple Glaze:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk or cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
• If the glaze is too thick, add more milk or cream, 1 teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

6. Glaze the Monkey Bread:

• Drizzle the maple glaze over the warm monkey bread. Serve immediately, pulling apart the bread with your fingers.

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

Here’s a more detailed guide to ensure your Maple Pumpkin Monkey Bread turns out perfectly:

• Dough Preparation: If making the dough from scratch, ensure that the milk is warm but not too hot to avoid killing the yeast. Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic for the best texture.
• Coating the Dough Balls: Be generous with the pumpkin-spiced sugar coating. This is what gives the monkey bread its sweet, spiced flavor and sticky texture.
• Layering the Dough Balls: When stacking the dough balls in the bundt pan, try to distribute them evenly so the bread bakes uniformly.
• Baking Time: Keep an eye on the monkey bread as it bakes. It should be golden brown and fully cooked through. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is straightforward, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

• Overcrowding the Pan: Don’t overfill the bundt pan with dough balls. They need space to rise and bake evenly. If you have too much dough, consider making a mini monkey bread in a smaller pan.
• Overbaking: Overbaking can result in dry monkey bread. Bake just until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Under-mixing the Dough: If making dough from scratch, ensure that the ingredients are well-mixed and the dough is kneaded properly to avoid dense or unevenly cooked bread.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation can make your Maple Pumpkin Monkey Bread even more inviting. Here are some tips:

• Serve Warm: Monkey bread is best served warm, right out of the oven, so it’s soft and gooey.
• Garnish: Add some chopped pecans or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the glaze for extra flavor and a beautiful presentation.
• Pair with a Beverage: Serve with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or cider for the ultimate fall treat.

How to Serve Maple Pumpkin Monkey Bread

This monkey bread is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• As a Breakfast Treat: Serve the monkey bread as part of a cozy fall breakfast or brunch, alongside scrambled eggs or yogurt.
• For Dessert: This bread also makes a great dessert, especially when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
• At a Gathering: Maple Pumpkin Monkey Bread is perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or family get-togethers. It’s easy to share and always a crowd-pleaser.

Presentation Ideas for Maple Pumpkin Monkey Bread

If you want to make your Maple Pumpkin Monkey Bread even more special, try these presentation ideas:

• Bundt Pan Display: Serve the monkey bread directly from the bundt pan for a rustic look, or invert it onto a cake stand for an elegant presentation.
• Individual Servings: For a more sophisticated presentation, divide the dough balls among mini bundt pans or muffin tins for individual monkey bread servings.
• Garnished Platter: Place the monkey bread on a large serving platter and garnish with fresh herbs, like rosemary or thyme, for a festive touch.

Maple Pumpkin Monkey Bread Recipe Tips

To ensure your Maple Pumpkin Monkey Bread is a success every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Prep Ahead: You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. The next morning, assemble and bake the monkey bread as directed.
• Let It Rest: After baking, let the monkey bread rest in the pan for a few minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. This helps ensure that it holds its shape.
• Store Properly: Leftover monkey bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Maple Pumpkin Monkey Bread ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dough and coat the dough balls in advance, then refrigerate them in the bundt pan overnight. The next day, let the dough come to room temperature before baking.

Q: Can I freeze Maple Pumpkin Monkey Bread?
A: Absolutely. You can freeze the baked monkey bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it in the oven before serving.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze the monkey bread.

Q: Can I use canned biscuit dough instead of homemade dough?
A: Yes, canned biscuit dough is a convenient shortcut that works well in this recipe. Simply cut the dough into pieces and proceed with the recipe as directed.

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

Conclusion

Maple Pumpkin Monkey Bread is a delicious, cozy treat that captures the flavors of fall in every bite. With its soft, spiced dough balls, sticky pumpkin-spiced coating, and rich maple glaze, it’s sure to become a favorite for any autumn occasion. Whether you’re making it for breakfast, dessert, or a special gathering, this monkey bread is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget to customize it with your favorite spices, add-ins, and toppings to make it your own. Enjoy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!

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