Yes, you can make monkey bread the night before! Monkey bread is a deliciously sweet and gooey treat that is perfect for breakfast or dessert. While it is traditionally made fresh and served warm, making it ahead of time can be a convenient option for those with busy schedules or for those who want to prep ahead for a special occasion. By preparing the dough and assembling the bread the night before, you can save time and still enjoy the mouthwatering flavors of this delightful treat. Let’s explore how you can make monkey bread the night before and still have it turn out fresh and delicious!
Preparing the Dough
The first step in making monkey bread the night before is to prepare the dough. Follow these steps:
- Start by proofing the yeast. Dissolve the yeast in warm water, along with a pinch of sugar, and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the proofed yeast mixture, flour, sugar, salt, melted butter, and milk. Mix until the dough comes together.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. The dough will continue to rise slowly in the cold temperature, resulting in a light and fluffy texture.
By prepping the dough the night before, you can skip the initial rise time in the morning and move straight to assembling and baking the monkey bread.
Assembling the Monkey Bread
Once the dough has risen overnight, you are ready to assemble the monkey bread. Here’s how:
- Remove the dough from the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to warm up slightly.
- Prepare the preferred coating mixture for the monkey bread. This can be a combination of cinnamon, sugar, and melted butter, or you can explore different flavors by incorporating nuts, chocolate, or other toppings.
- Divide the dough into small pieces, roughly the size of golf balls.
- Roll each dough piece in the coating mixture until fully coated.
- Place the coated dough balls in a greased bundt pan or baking dish, layering them evenly.
- Once all the dough balls are in the pan, cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour to allow the dough to rise a little more.
Now that you have assembled the monkey bread, it’s time to bake it to perfection!
Baking the Monkey Bread
When it’s time to bake the monkey bread, follow these steps:
- Preheat the oven to the temperature specified in your recipe, usually around 350°F (175°C).
- Place the pan with the assembled monkey bread in the preheated oven and bake for the recommended time, typically around 25 to 30 minutes. The bread should be golden brown and cooked through.
- Once baked, remove the monkey bread from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Invert the pan onto a serving plate to release the sticky, caramelized goodness of the monkey bread.
Storing and Serving the Monkey Bread
After making monkey bread the night before, you may wonder how to properly store and serve it. Here are some guidelines:
| Storing | Serving |
|---|---|
| Store leftover monkey bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap to maintain its freshness. It can be stored at room temperature for 1 to 2 days. | To serve, you can enjoy the monkey bread warm or at room temperature. Optionally, you can reheat individual pieces in the microwave for a few seconds to regain the ooey-gooey texture. |
With these steps, you can easily make monkey bread the night before and wake up to a scrumptious treat in the morning. It’s a wonderful option for breakfast or dessert that will surely delight your taste buds!