Published:
Jul 16th 2022
by 
Last updated: Dec 20th 2024
Monkey Bread's history is a little unclear. The name "Monkey Bread" describes balls of yeast dough dipped in butter and baked into a loaf. Additionally, Monkey Bread was served as a dessert rather than a breakfast item. This dessert is said to have originated in the 1880s after Hungarians brought their recipe to the US. Another version of the story also credits Middle Easterners with developing monkey bread. Regardless of the origin, Monkey Bread became a hit sensation in Southern California in the 1940s.
Transform your breakfast or dessert experience with this Air Fryer Monkey Bread Recipe, a gluten-free twist on a classic treat. This recipe features bite-sized dough balls infused with orange zest, coated in a fragrant cinnamon-sugar mix, and topped with a luscious caramel sauce. Whether you're hosting a brunch or craving a comforting dessert, this easy-to-make Monkey Bread is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
- Quick & Easy: Made in under an hour with the help of an air fryer.
- Bursting with Flavor: Features citrusy notes from orange zest paired with warm spices.
- Perfect for Sharing: A pull-apart treat that’s fun for family gatherings or parties.
- Diet-Friendly: Gluten-free, ensuring everyone can enjoy.
- Roll Evenly: Shape dough balls consistently for even cooking.
- Prevent Dryness: Cover the Monkey Bread with foil if it starts browning too quickly in the air fryer.
- Caramel Perfection: Stir the caramel sauce continuously to avoid burning and achieve a smooth consistency.
- Serve warm with a drizzle of additional caramel or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Pair with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
- Enjoy with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
- Replace almond milk with regular milk or oat milk for a different flavor.
- Swap cranberries with raisins, chopped dates, or dried cherries.
- Add chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for extra crunch.
- Experiment with flavored syrups (e.g., maple or honey) in the caramel sauce.
- Short-Term Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Long-Term Storage: Freeze individual portions wrapped in foil for up to 1 month. Reheat in the air fryer for 5 minutes at 300°F.
For the Dough:
- Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the dough.
- Orange Zest: Adds a refreshing citrus aroma.
- Baking Powder: Helps the dough rise without yeast.
- Granulated White Sugar: Sweetens the dough.
- Butter, Almond Milk, Orange Juice, and Greek Yogurt: Create a moist and flavorful dough.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
- Dried Cranberries: Add a chewy, fruity contrast.
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture:
- Granulated White Sugar, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Cloves: Provide a warm, spiced coating.
For the Caramel Sauce:
- Butter, Brown Sugar, Maple Syrup, Heavy Cream, Orange Zest: Combine to create a rich, glossy caramel topping.
How do I make monkey bread from scratch?
Making monkey bread from scratch is easy. First, make your dough, shape it into balls, and dredge it in cinnamon sugar. Next, add the dough to a bundt pan coated with non-stick cooking spray, then make the caramel, pour it over the monkey bread, and bake until it is golden brown.
How do you make dough for monkey bread?
To make monkey bread dough, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and orange zest, then add butter, almond milk, orange juice, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract and mix until a dough forms.
Do you need a bundt pan for monkey bread?
Although monkey bread, especially store-bought varieties, is baked in bundt pans, you can cook monkey bread in any pan. For example, you can cook monkey bread in a bread or loaf pan, cookie sheet, muffin pans, or ramekins. You can even cook the monkey bread in a tube pan.
Why is my monkey bread not rising?
Your monkey bread may not rise for several reasons. If you are using a yeast dough, it may be under-proofed. The room may also be too cold, or you may have used dead yeast. In contrast, if you are using a non-yeast dough, the baking powder may not be active. Additionally, the monkey bread may not rise because you used a different flour. Therefore, make sure you use a gluten-free all-purpose to make this monkey bread.
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake the Monkey Bread in a conventional oven at 350°F for 30-35 minutes.
What can I use instead of a bundt pan?
You can use a loaf pan, ramekins, or muffin tins for individual servings.
How can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free yogurt, plant-based butter, and a non-dairy milk alternative like oat or soy milk.
How to Make Air Fryer Monkey Bread
Begin by preparing the cinnamon-sugar mixture and the dough. Combine gluten-free flour, orange zest, baking powder, and sugar in a bowl, then mix in butter, almond milk, orange juice, Greek yogurt, and vanilla to form a dough. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Layer half the dough balls in a greased bundt pan, sprinkle with cranberries, and repeat with the remaining dough. Prepare the caramel sauce by heating butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, heavy cream, and orange zest in a pot until thick and bubbly. Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the dough.
Preheat the air fryer to 325°F and cook the Monkey Bread for 25-30 minutes, covering with foil if browning too quickly. Allow the Monkey Bread to rest for 5 minutes in the pan before inverting onto a serving dish. Let cool for 30 minutes before serving.
Time & Serves
Ingredients
Non-Stick Cooking Spray
2 cups Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour
1 tablespoon Orange Zest
1 tablespoon Baking Powder
1/2 cup Granulated White Sugar
6 tablespoons Butter, cold, cut into small pieces
1/3 cup Almond Milk
2 teaspoons Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
1/3 cup Plain Greek Yogurt
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1/3 cup Dried Cranberries
1/4 cup Granulated White Sugar
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon Cardamom
1/8 teaspoon Cloves
6 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
2/3 cups Brown Sugar
2 tablespoons Maple Syrup
3 tablespoons Heavy Cream
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon Orange Zest
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