There’s something truly special about waking up to the scent of freshly baked bread, and this Homemade Blueberry Monkey Bread is a delightful way to start any morning. Picture fluffy, spiced dough bites infused with sweet blueberry jam, all coming together in a warm, gooey masterpiece that’s perfect for brunches or cozy family gatherings. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a lazy Sunday morning, and it’s quickly become one of my go-to comfort foods, filling the house with an irresistible aroma that invites everyone to the kitchen.
Using homemade dough instead of store-bought biscuits not only brings an elevated flavor, but it also allows you to control the sweetness and textures to your liking. Each bite is a delightful surprise, bursting with juicy blueberries and the rich tang of cream cheese glaze. Trust me, this isn’t just breakfast; it’s an experience that will make your mornings feel incredibly special and indulgent. So, grab your apron and let’s bring a little magic into the kitchen with this scrumptious treat!
Why is Blueberry Monkey Bread so irresistible?
Homemade dough: The use of homemade dough elevates the flavor, creating a comforting base that’s far superior to store-bought options.
Gooey perfection: Each bite features a warm explosion of blueberries, perfectly complemented by a creamy glaze.
Simplified process: This recipe is easy to follow, making it perfect for busy mornings or special occasions.
Crowd-pleaser: It’s a delightful centerpiece at brunches, ideal for sharing with family and friends.
Make ahead: With tips for prepping in advance, you can enjoy this treat without the rush. So why not surprise your loved ones with a warm, delicious breakfast? For more delicious creations, be sure to check out my elevated breakfast ideas.
Blueberry Monkey Bread Ingredients
• Let’s gather everything you need to make this delightful treat!
For the Dough
- Whole Milk – Adds moisture and richness; heat to 110°F to activate yeast.
- Water – Hydrates dough; use warm (110°F) for yeast activation.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough and helps feed the yeast.
- Butter – Provides fat for moisture and tenderness; melted for the dough.
- Active Dry Yeast – Leavening agent that helps dough rise; use it fresh.
- All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure; ensure proper measuring for accuracy.
- Kosher Salt – Enhances flavor and controls yeast activity.
For the Blueberry Sauce
- Blueberries (fresh or frozen) – Provides a fruity filling; can use either.
- Cornstarch – Thickens blueberry sauce; mix in cold water for activation.
- Lemon Juice – Adds acidity to boost flavor in the blueberry sauce.
For Coating & Topping
- Unsalted Butter – Necessary for richness in the topping.
- Brown Sugar – Sweet coating that caramelizes during baking; provides depth.
- Ground Cinnamon & Cardamom – Flavor enhancers; add warmth and spice.
For the Cream Cheese Glaze
- Cream Cheese – Base for glaze; should be softened for easy mixing.
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and thickens glaze; adjust for desired consistency.
- Whole Milk (for glaze) – Adds a pouring consistency to the glaze.
How to Make Blueberry Monkey Bread
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Prepare Dough: Combine warm milk, water, and sugar in a bowl. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it foam for about 5 minutes, ensuring it’s activated. Stir in melted butter, salt, and flour until a dough forms.
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Knead: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic (about 8-10 minutes). Place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
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Blueberry Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the blueberries, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Simmer over medium heat until thickened (around 5 minutes). Cool the sauce before moving to the next step.
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Shape Bread Bites: After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into small balls, about 1 inch each. Dip each ball in melted butter, then roll in a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom.
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Layer in Bundt Pan: Grease a Bundt pan and start layering the dough bites and a drizzle of blueberry sauce. Alternate layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of remaining blueberries on top.
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Final Rise: Cover the Bundt pan with a cloth and let the assembled bread rise for about 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 350°F.
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Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before inverting onto a plate.
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Glaze: In a mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth and drizzle over the warm bread just before serving.
Optional: Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Blueberry Monkey Bread Variations
Feel free to get creative with this delightful recipe and make it your own!
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Berry Swaps: Substitute fresh raspberries or strawberries instead of blueberries for a vibrant twist.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sugar coating for a surprising heat that complements the sweetness wonderfully.
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Nutty Addition: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the layering for a delightful crunch and additional flavor.
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Citrus Zest: Brighten up your blueberry sauce with the zest of an orange or lemon for a refreshing zing.
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to cater to gluten sensitivities.
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Vegan Delight: Replace dairy with almond milk and use vegan butter to whip up a deliciously fluffy version that everyone can enjoy.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cream cheese glaze for an indulgent twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
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Caramel Drizzle: Top off the warm bread with a homemade caramel sauce for an extra layer of sweet, gooey goodness that no one can resist.
Expert Tips for Blueberry Monkey Bread
- Yeast Freshness: Always check the freshness of your active dry yeast. Old yeast will result in a dense, unrisen dough.
- Proper Rising: Don’t rush the dough rising time. A proper rise is crucial for achieving the soft, fluffy texture in your blueberry monkey bread.
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your milk and water are at 110°F for optimal yeast activation; too hot will kill the yeast, and too cold won’t activate it.
- Gooey Goodness: Serve your monkey bread warm right out of the oven for the best gooey texture; it tends to harden as it cools.
- Layering Technique: Alternate layers wisely to ensure even distribution of blueberries throughout the monkey bread; this creates delightful bursts of flavor in each bite.
Make Ahead Options
These Blueberry Monkey Bread bites are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough and the blueberry sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Simply make the dough as directed, let it rise, and then shape the bread bites. Cover them well (using plastic wrap or a lid means no drying out), and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. The blueberry sauce can also be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just let the dough come to room temperature for 30 minutes before layering it in the Bundt pan and baking, giving you a delicious breakfast treat with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Blueberry Monkey Bread?
Enjoying this delightful breakfast treat is just the beginning; let’s elevate your dining experience with some perfect pairings!
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant medley of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the warm, gooey bread. The juicy bursts of flavor bring a delightful balance to your meal.
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Crispy Bacon: The salty crunch of bacon creates a savory counterpoint to the sweetness of the monkey bread. The combination will surely satisfy all taste buds, making it a hit at brunch.
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Vanilla Yogurt: Creamy yogurt can provide a luscious, tart contrast, perfectly complementing the sweetness of the blueberries. Try drizzling a bit of honey on top for extra flavor!
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Hot Coffee: A steaming cup of coffee enhances breakfast while contrasting the sweetness of the monkey bread. Its comforting aroma will invite everyone to the table.
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Decadent Maple Syrup: Drizzle warm maple syrup over your monkey bread for an added layer of sweetness. This classic pairing infuses the dish with rich flavor, making each bite indulgent.
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Fresh Mint Tea: A soothing cup of mint tea acts as a refreshing palate cleanser. Its herbal notes provide a lovely finish to the hearty, delicious breakfast.
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Creamy Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy, buttery scrambled eggs balance sweetness with savory richness. This duo creates a brunch experience that feels complete and satisfying.
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Lemonade Fizz: A sparkling, citrusy drink can cut through the richness of the bread, refreshing your palate between bites. It’s a fun and playful addition to your meal.
Storage Tips for Blueberry Monkey Bread
Room Temperature: Store leftover monkey bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Enjoy it slightly warm for the best taste.
Fridge: If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just be aware that it may lose some of its gooey texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the monkey bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. This will restore its warm, gooey goodness. Enjoy your homemade Blueberry Monkey Bread!
Blueberry Monkey Bread Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right blueberries?
Absolutely! Fresh blueberries should be plump, firm, and free of any dark spots or wrinkles. If you choose frozen blueberries, look for those that are unsweetened and don’t have ice crystals, indicating they were properly stored.
How should I store leftover blueberry monkey bread?
For best freshness, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to 3 days, but be aware that it may lose some of its gooeyness.
Can I freeze blueberry monkey bread?
Certainly! To freeze, wrap the monkey bread tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes before serving.
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
Very! If your dough isn’t rising, it could be due to inactive yeast. Make sure your yeast is fresh and that your water and milk are at the correct temperature (around 110°F). If the dough has been over-proofed, it may also not rise well the second time.
Can I make this recipe vegan or gluten-free?
Of course! For a vegan version, substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like almond milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cream cheese for the glaze. For gluten-free, use a good gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but be sure to check the rising time and texture.
How long can I keep the blueberry sauce?
You can store homemade blueberry sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Just give it a good stir before using it again, and you’ll be ready to enjoy that fruity burst!
Irresistibly Gooey Blueberry Monkey Bread for Breakfast Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine warm milk, water, and sugar in a bowl. Sprinkle yeast on top and let it foam for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in melted butter, salt, and flour until a dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled (about 1 hour).
- In a small saucepan, combine blueberries, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Simmer until thickened (around 5 minutes). Cool before using.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll into small balls.
- Dip each ball in melted butter, then roll in a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom.
- Grease a Bundt pan and layer the dough balls with drizzled blueberry sauce.
- Cover and let rise for about 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 350°F.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes before inverting onto a plate.
- Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over warm bread just before serving.