In the quiet alchemy of the kitchen, the irresistible allure of Blueberry Monkey Bread beckons. This enchanting creation, a symphony of warm, pillowy dough cradling luscious blueberries, not only dazzles the senses but also warms the soul. As the sweet fragrance wafts through the air, one can’t help but feel a deep connection to the simple joy of home baking.
Why make this recipe?
Blueberry Monkey Bread serves not only as a delightful treat but also as a conversation starter, a centerpiece for gatherings, and a cherished shared experience. Each piece unfolds a delightful combination of buttery sweetness and fruity pop, inviting everyone to partake in its soft, warm embrace. This recipe offers nourishment for heart and spirit alike, bridging generations with flavors and stories.
How to make Blueberry Monkey Bread
To create your own masterpiece, begin with the following ingredients, each one a vital note in this harmonious chorus of taste and texture:
- 1/2 cup warm milk (105-115 degrees F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- In a large bowl, gently combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Allow the mixture to stand for about five minutes, until it blooms into a frothy crown, signaling the yeast’s lively awakening.
- Add the melted butter, remaining sugar, beaten egg, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir lovingly to combine, creating a harmonious mixture that evokes comfort.
- Gradually incorporate flour, mixing until a shaggy dough takes shape, each fold and twist bringing structure to your creation.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface, working it like a work of art, until it becomes smooth and elastic—a tactile delight.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it lovingly, and let it rise in warmth until it doubles in size, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
- In the meantime, blend together 1 cup of sugar and cinnamon in a bowl, setting aside this fragrant mixture that will soon envelop your dough.
- Once risen, punch down the dough, releasing the air that has infused it with life, and roll it to a 1/2-inch thickness. Cut it into 1-inch pieces, each one a morsel of potential.
- Dip the dough pieces into the melted butter, then toss them in the sugar-cinnamon blend, ensuring each piece is cloaked in sweetness.
- Layer these coated delights in a greased bundt pan, sprinkling blueberries throughout, their vibrant hue bringing life and freshness to your creation.
- Cover once more and allow this masterpiece to rise for an additional 30 minutes, filling your home with anticipation.
- Preheat your oven to a warm 350 degrees F (175 C) and place the bundt pan inside, baking for 40-45 minutes until golden brown. The aroma alone will transport you to a world of bliss.
- When baked to perfection, let the bread cool for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a platter, revealing its enticing form adorned with the jewels of blueberries.
- For the finishing touch, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or cream, and a hint of vanilla until smooth, then drizzle this sublime glaze over your warm monkey bread as it beckons for indulgence.
How to serve Blueberry Monkey Bread
Present the Blueberry Monkey Bread on a spacious platter, allowing guests to tug and pull at the warm, fluffy pieces. Accompanied by steaming cups of coffee or tea, it beckons a shared experience, where laughter and connection accompany each bite.
How to store Blueberry Monkey Bread
If, by a stroke of luck, there are leftover delights, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Alternatively, longer-lasting enjoyment can be achieved by refrigerating for up to a week; simply warm them gently in the oven for a few moments before indulging.
Tips to make Blueberry Monkey Bread
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding lemon zest to the dough or the glaze, creating a delightful contrast with the blueberries.
- Ensure that the blueberries are fresh and plump, embodying the essence of summer in each bite. Frozen blueberries can also be used, but be sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture.
Variations
Embrace the spirit of creativity by incorporating different fruits such as raspberries or diced peaches, perhaps even adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts between the layers for added texture and taste.
FAQs
-
Can I use frozen blueberries for this recipe?
Yes, frozen blueberries can be used. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture. -
What can I replace the egg with for an eggless version?
You may substitute the egg with a mixture of 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or 1/4 cup of yogurt for a similar binding effect while preserving the moisture. -
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Prepare the dough and shape it, then refrigerate it overnight in the bundt pan before baking. This will allow for a quick morning treat.
In the gentle craft of baking, we find a soothing rhythm akin to life itself—a dance of ingredients, an embrace of patience, and the heartwarming realization that sometimes, the best things come to those who wait.
Blueberry Monkey Bread
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, gently combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Allow the mixture to stand for about five minutes, until it blooms into a frothy crown.
- Add the melted butter, remaining sugar, beaten egg, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Gradually incorporate flour until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in warmth until it doubles in size, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Blend together 1 cup of sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Once risen, punch down the dough, roll it to a 1/2-inch thickness, and cut into 1-inch pieces.
- Dip the dough pieces in melted butter, then toss in the sugar-cinnamon blend.
- Layer the coated pieces in a greased bundt pan, sprinkling blueberries throughout.
- Cover and allow to rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 C) and bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before inverting onto a platter.
- Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla until smooth, then drizzle over the warm monkey bread.