Can you make monkey bread the day before? Absolutely! Monkey bread, also known as pull-apart bread or sticky bun, is a delightful dessert that can be made ahead of time. This delectable treat is made by rolling pieces of dough in a mixture of butter, sugar, and cinnamon, then baking them until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, yet soft and chewy on the inside. The best part? You can prepare it the day before, making it a perfect option for last-minute gatherings or busy weekdays.
Monkey bread is a crowd-pleaser that is sure to impress your family and friends. The process of making it the day before can save you time and stress, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your day. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to prepare monkey bread the day before, ensuring that you have a delicious dessert ready to serve when the time comes.
First, gather all the necessary ingredients:
– 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
– 1/2 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
– 1 large egg, at room temperature
– 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup butter, melted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Next, prepare the dough:
1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, melted butter, and buttermilk. Stir in the yeast mixture until well combined.
3. Add the egg to the mixture and beat until smooth.
4. Gradually add the flour, salt, and cinnamon to the bowl, mixing until a soft dough forms.
5. On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Once the dough has risen, follow these steps to prepare the monkey bread:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9-inch Bundt pan with butter or cooking spray.
3. Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough out into a 12×12-inch rectangle.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon.
5. Brush the melted butter mixture over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
6. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered dough.
7. Starting from one long side, roll the dough up tightly, like a jelly roll.
8. Cut the dough into 1-inch slices and place them in the greased Bundt pan, standing them up on their ends.
9. Cover the pan with a damp cloth and let the monkey bread rise for about 30 minutes, or until it is puffed up and nearly touching the top of the pan.
10. Bake the monkey bread for 30 to 35 minutes, or until it is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Remove the monkey bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
12. Invert the monkey bread onto a serving plate and let it cool completely before serving.
Now you can enjoy your delicious monkey bread the day after making it. Store it in an airtight container and reheat it in the microwave for a few seconds to restore its soft, chewy texture.
Making monkey bread the day before is a convenient and stress-free way to ensure that you have a delicious dessert ready to serve. With its easy-to-follow recipe and simple preparation, you can impress your guests with this delightful treat, whether it’s for a special occasion or a casual gathering. Happy baking!
