Simple & Sweet Blueberry Monkey Bread Recipe for Family Fun

Crafting a delightful blueberry monkey bread transforms ordinary mornings into sweet, memorable moments.

Clusters of soft, pillowy dough dance with bursts of juicy blueberries and cinnamon sugar.

Sticky, pull-apart magic awaits you in this playful breakfast treat.

Unexpected flavor combinations make this recipe stand out from classic versions.

Warm, gooey chunks invite lazy weekend gatherings around the kitchen table.

Each bite promises a delectable adventure that sparks joy and conversation.

Come savor this irresistible morning indulgence that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

What Goes In Blueberry Monkey Bread

• Flour: The fundamental structure and body of the monkey bread, providing a soft and tender foundation.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps activate the yeast for proper rising.
• Brown Sugar: Contributes a rich, caramel-like depth of flavor and moisture to the dough.
• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for creating a light, airy texture and helping the dough rise.

• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Cinnamon: Provides a warm, aromatic spice that complements the blueberries and sweet dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, sweet undertone to the bread's flavor.

• Eggs: Help bind the ingredients and provide richness to the dough.
• Butter, Softened: Creates a tender crumb and adds a luxurious flavor to the monkey bread.
• Milk, Warm: Activates the yeast and helps create a soft, pillowy texture.

• Blueberries, Fresh: Adds bursts of juicy, fruity flavor throughout the bread.
• Butter, Melted: Used for coating the dough pieces and creating a golden exterior.
• Lemon Zest: Brings a bright, citrusy note that complements the blueberries.

• Powdered Sugar: Provides a sweet, delicate dusting that adds visual appeal and extra sweetness.

How To Make Blueberry Monkey Bread Easily

Step 1: Awaken the Yeast

Sprinkle yeast into warm milk and let it bloom until it becomes frothy and fragrant. The mixture will transform with tiny bubbles and a distinctive yeasty aroma, signaling it’s ready for action.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl. Whisk these ingredients together until they create a uniform, light and airy blend.

Step 3: Create Dough Magic

• Eggs
• Softened butter
• Vanilla extract
• Activated yeast mixture

Make a small well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the wet components and knead until a smooth, elastic dough emerges. Work the mixture with your hands, feeling it transform from sticky to silky.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Cover the dough and place in a warm spot. Allow it to expand and grow for about an hour, watching it double in size and become wonderfully puffy.

Step 5: Fold in Blueberries

Gently incorporate fresh blueberries into the risen dough. Use a light touch to distribute them evenly without crushing the delicate fruits.

Step 6: Prepare Coating

Melt butter and mix with fresh lemon zest, creating a fragrant and tangy coating that will add brightness to the bread.

Step 7: Shape the Monkey Bread

Tear the dough into uneven chunks. Roll each piece in the lemon-butter mixture, creating a rustic and uneven exterior.

Step 8: Layer in Bundt Pan

Grease a bundt pan. Arrange the butter-coated dough pieces, scattering blueberries between layers for surprising bursts of flavor.

Step 9: Final Proof

Let the assembled monkey bread rest at room temperature for 30 minutes, allowing it to puff up one more time.

Step 10: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the interior is completely cooked through.

Step 11: Cool and Release

Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Carefully invert onto a serving plate, watching the beautiful creation emerge.

Step 12: Add Finishing Touch

Dust generously with powdered sugar, creating a delicate, sweet blanket that complements the tangy blueberries and bright lemon notes.

Tips For Baking Blueberry Monkey Bread

• Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F to wake up yeast without killing it, creating a frothy base for soft, fluffy bread.
• Knead with Care: Use gentle, consistent motions when mixing dough to develop gluten without overworking, resulting in a tender monkey bread texture.
• Prevent Blueberry Bleeding: Toss fresh blueberries in a light dusting of flour before adding to the dough to minimize color bleeding and maintain fruit integrity.
• Maximize Rising Potential: Place dough in a draft-free, warm spot like a turned-off oven with a pan of hot water to create an ideal proofing environment.
• Serve Fresh and Warm: Enjoy monkey bread within a few hours of baking for the most delightful taste and texture, with blueberries at their peak juiciness.

Fun Flavors For Blueberry Monkey Bread

• Gluten-Free Blueberry Monkey Bread: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend flour, ensuring the same soft texture while accommodating wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Berry Swirl Bread: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based butter, and swap dairy milk for almond or oat milk to create a completely plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Berry Monkey Bread: Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener, adding stevia, and incorporating fresh berries for natural sweetness without excess calories.
• Citrus-Infused Berry Bread: Enhance the recipe by adding orange zest alongside lemon zest, creating a more complex citrus undertone that complements the blueberries.

What Pairs Nicely With Blueberry Monkey Bread

• Pair with Citrus-Infused Mimosa: Bright, zesty orange juice and champagne perfectly complement the blueberry and lemon zest notes in the monkey bread, creating a refreshing morning flavor harmony.
• Create Lavender Earl Grey Tea Companion: Delicate floral and bergamot undertones in the tea beautifully balance the sweet, buttery richness of the monkey bread, offering a sophisticated breakfast pairing.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Cold Brew: Smooth, slightly sweet cold brew coffee provides a robust counterpoint to the light, fruity monkey bread, enhancing the overall morning indulgence experience.
• Serve with Honey Almond Yogurt: Creamy, nutty yogurt drizzled with local honey adds a protein-rich, tangy element that cuts through the bread's sweetness and provides a balanced breakfast sensation.

How To Store Blueberry Monkey Bread Well

• Store covered in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.
• Slice monkey bread into portions, place in freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. Keeps well for 2-3 months. Wrap each section individually to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm in microwave for 15-20 seconds per serving. Alternatively, reheat in oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes, wrapped in foil to maintain softness.
• Transfer from freezer to refrigerator overnight. Warm in oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes, unwrapped, to restore original texture and bring back delicious flavors.

Questions On Blueberry Monkey Bread

• Why is warm milk important for activating yeast?

Warm milk (around 110°F) helps yeast become active and enables proper fermentation, ensuring the dough rises correctly and develops a rich, complex flavor.

• What happens if the dough doesn't rise properly?

An improperly risen dough will result in dense, heavy bread with less volume and a less tender texture, compromising the overall quality of the monkey bread.

• How do I know when the dough is properly kneaded?

The dough is correctly kneaded when it becomes smooth, elastic, and springs back when gently pressed, indicating developed gluten and proper protein alignment.

• Can I substitute blueberries with another fruit?

Yes, you can use raspberries, strawberries, or chopped peaches as alternatives, though each fruit will slightly alter the moisture content and overall flavor profile of the monkey bread.

Why Blueberry Monkey Bread Is So Loved

• Burst with Blueberry Bliss: Packed with juicy, vibrant blueberries that deliver incredible flavor and natural sweetness in every single bite.
• Transform Ordinary Baking: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional monkey bread with its fruity, zesty charm.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: An impressive dessert that works brilliantly for brunches, potlucks, family gatherings, and weekend breakfast celebrations where people love sharing delicious treats.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows simple variations like adding different fruits, experimenting with spices, or adjusting sweetness levels to match personal preferences.

Blueberry Monkey Bread Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 55-2 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Delightful Blueberry Monkey Bread weaves sweet magic into classic breakfast comfort, delivering pure morning indulgence. Warm, pull-apart pastry studded with juicy blueberries will make you crave another delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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main ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups fresh blueberries
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar

leavening and moisture:

• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter

finishing and coating:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp lemon zest

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm milk, allowing it to become frothy and aromatic, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon to create a uniform dry mixture.
3. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and incorporate eggs, softened butter, vanilla extract, and the activated yeast mixture, kneading until a smooth, elastic dough forms.
4. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm environment for approximately 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume, creating a pillowy texture.
5. Gently fold fresh blueberries into the risen dough, ensuring even distribution without crushing the delicate fruits.
6. Grease a bundt pan and prepare the coating by mixing melted butter with lemon zest.
7. Tear the dough into small, irregular chunks and roll each piece in the lemon-butter mixture, creating a rustic, uneven coating.
8. Arrange the butter-coated dough pieces in the bundt pan, interspersing blueberries throughout the layers for bursts of fruity flavor.
9. Allow the assembled monkey bread to proof for an additional 30 minutes at room temperature.
10. Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top turns golden brown and the interior becomes thoroughly cooked.
11. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.
12. Dust with powdered sugar, creating a delicate, sweet finish that complements the blueberry-studded bread.

Notes

• Yeast Activation Matters: Ensure milk is warm (not hot) between 100-110°F to prevent killing the yeast, creating the perfect frothy environment for rising.
• Gentle Blueberry Handling: Fold blueberries delicately to avoid breaking, maintaining their juicy integrity and preventing color bleeding into the dough.
• Temperature Control: Let dough rise in draft-free, warm spots like near a preheated oven or inside a turned-off oven with light on for consistent proofing.
• Dietary Adaptations: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend, use dairy-free milk alternatives, and replace butter with coconut oil for allergen-friendly versions.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 295
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 67 mg