Maple Pumpkin Monkey Bread Recipe

Monkey bread is already a beloved indulgence, but when you add the flavors of pumpkin and maple, it becomes the ultimate fall treat. This Maple Pumpkin Monkey Bread is a pull-apart delight, filled with warm spices, pumpkin puree, and a gooey maple syrup glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at your table. Let’s dive into the details and make this delicious treat step by step.

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What is Maple Pumpkin Monkey Bread?

Maple Pumpkin Monkey Bread is a variation of the traditional monkey bread, a sticky, sweet pull-apart bread made from pieces of dough coated in sugar and cinnamon. In this version, we add pumpkin puree and warm spices to the dough, giving it a rich, autumnal flavor. The whole thing is then smothered in a luscious maple glaze, making it sweet, sticky, and utterly irresistible. It’s perfect for sharing at a family gathering or enjoying as a special weekend breakfast.

Ingredients List for Maple Pumpkin Monkey Bread

Here’s everything you need to create this delicious Maple Pumpkin Monkey Bread:

For the Dough:

• 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The base for the dough.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough.
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors.
• ½ cup warm milk (about 110°F/45°C): Activates the yeast and adds moisture.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness to the dough.
• ½ cup pumpkin puree: Adds moisture, flavor, and a beautiful orange color.
• 1 large egg: Binds the dough together.

For the Pumpkin Spice Sugar Coating:

• ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough pieces.
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice.
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Enhances the pumpkin flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a touch of spiciness.
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves: Adds depth of flavor.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Helps the sugar mixture stick to the dough and adds richness.

For the Maple Syrup Glaze:

• ½ cup pure maple syrup: Provides a rich, sweet glaze with authentic maple flavor.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps create a sticky glaze.
• ½ cup brown sugar: Sweetens the glaze and adds a slight caramel flavor.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the glaze.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is versatile, and you can easily make adjustments based on your preferences or dietary needs:

1. Flour: For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it’s designed for yeast breads.
2. Sugar: Substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute for a lower-sugar option. You can also use dark brown sugar for a richer flavor.
3. Pumpkin Puree: If pumpkin isn’t available, you can substitute it with sweet potato puree or butternut squash puree. Both will provide a similar texture and flavor.
4. Maple Syrup: If you don’t have pure maple syrup, you can use maple-flavored syrup, but the flavor won’t be as rich or authentic.
5. Spices: Adjust the spice mix to your taste. You can add a pinch of cardamom or allspice for an extra flavor twist.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Maple Pumpkin Monkey Bread:

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk (about 110°F/45°C). Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
• Add the pumpkin puree, melted butter, egg, and the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients.
• Mix until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
• Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Pumpkin Spice Sugar Coating:

• In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
• In another bowl, melt the butter.

3. Shape the Dough:

• Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface.
• Divide the dough into small, 1-inch balls (you should get about 40-50 balls).
• Roll each dough ball in the melted butter, then in the pumpkin spice sugar mixture.

4. Layer the Dough:

• Grease a Bundt pan or a large baking dish.
• Layer the coated dough balls in the pan, evenly distributing them.
• If desired, sprinkle any remaining pumpkin spice sugar mixture over the top.

5. Prepare the Maple Syrup Glaze:

• In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup, melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
• Pour the glaze evenly over the dough balls in the pan.

6. Bake:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for another 20-30 minutes.
• Remove the plastic wrap and bake the monkey bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cool and Serve:

• Let the monkey bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate.
• Serve warm, pulling apart the pieces of bread and enjoying the gooey, sticky goodness.

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

To ensure your Maple Pumpkin Monkey Bread turns out perfectly, follow these detailed steps:

1. Kneading the Dough: Kneading the dough is crucial for developing the gluten, which gives the bread its structure. The dough should be smooth and elastic after kneading.
2. Coating the Dough Balls: Make sure each dough ball is well-coated in the butter and sugar mixture. This helps create the sweet, sticky layers that monkey bread is known for.
3. Layering in the Pan: When layering the dough balls in the Bundt pan, don’t pack them too tightly. Allowing some space between the balls will help them rise and bake evenly.
4. Baking Time: Be careful not to overbake the monkey bread. The top should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is straightforward, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:

1. Not Letting the Dough Rise Enough: Proper rising is key to achieving the soft, fluffy texture of monkey bread. Make sure to let the dough rise until it has doubled in size.
2. Overpacking the Pan: If you pack the dough balls too tightly in the pan, they won’t rise properly, and the bread could end up dense.
3. Underbaking: Make sure the monkey bread is fully baked before removing it from the oven. An underbaked center can result in a doughy texture.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Maple Pumpkin Monkey Bread is a show-stopping treat that deserves to be presented beautifully:

1. Serve Warm: This bread is best served warm, when the maple glaze is still sticky and the bread is soft and gooey.
2. Garnish: For an extra touch, drizzle more maple syrup over the top before serving, or sprinkle with powdered sugar.
3. Family Style: Serve the monkey bread in the center of the table and let everyone pull apart pieces to enjoy.

How to Serve Maple Pumpkin Monkey Bread

This bread is perfect for any occasion and can be served in a variety of ways:

1. Breakfast or Brunch: Serve it as a special breakfast or brunch treat alongside coffee, tea, or hot apple cider.
2. Dessert: Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
3. Holiday Gathering: Maple Pumpkin Monkey Bread is a crowd-pleaser at holiday gatherings. Serve it as part of a dessert spread, and watch it disappear quickly.

Presentation Ideas for Maple Pumpkin Monkey Bread

Here are a few creative ways to present your Maple Pumpkin Monkey Bread:

1. Bundt Pan Beauty: Serve the monkey bread directly from the Bundt pan for a rustic look, or invert it onto a decorative plate.
2. Layered Serving Dish: If you made the monkey bread in a baking dish, serve it in the dish with a spoon for easy scooping.
3. Garnished Plate: Serve the monkey bread on a large plate or platter, garnished with cinnamon sticks, small pumpkins, or a drizzle of extra glaze.

Maple Pumpkin Monkey Bread Recipe Tips

For the best results every

time you make this recipe, keep these tips in mind:

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your ingredients, especially the butter and milk, are at room temperature. This ensures they incorporate smoothly into the dough.
2. Use Fresh Yeast: Check the expiration date on your yeast. Fresh yeast is crucial for a good rise.
3. Glaze Generously: Don’t skimp on the maple glaze—it’s what makes this monkey bread sticky, sweet, and absolutely delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this monkey bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the monkey bread the night before and refrigerate it after the second rise. In the morning, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.

2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it, and warm individual portions in the microwave before serving.

3. Can I freeze monkey bread?
Yes, you can freeze the baked monkey bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven before serving.

4. Can I use canned biscuit dough instead of making the dough from scratch?
Yes, you can use canned biscuit dough for a quicker version. Cut each biscuit into quarters, coat with the pumpkin spice sugar, and follow the remaining steps as written.

5. What if I don’t have a Bundt pan?
If you don’t have a Bundt pan, you can use a large loaf pan or a 9x13-inch baking dish. The baking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on it.

Conclusion

Maple Pumpkin Monkey Bread is the ultimate fall indulgence, combining the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices with the sticky sweetness of maple syrup. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this pull-apart bread is sure to be a hit. The recipe is easy to follow and flexible enough to suit your preferences, making it a perfect addition to your fall baking lineup. So gather your ingredients and start baking—you’ll be enjoying a piece of warm, gooey monkey bread in no time!

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