There’s a certain warmth that fills the air when you start baking, a comforting embrace that whispers promises of sweet indulgence. The aroma of fresh blueberries mingling with cinnamon and the buttery richness of warm, pillowy dough is irresistible—perfect for cozy Sunday mornings or any day when you need a little uplift.
You might call it a culinary miracle, but I like to think of my Easy Blueberry Monkey Bread as a sweet escape, a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Concealed within its round, soft exterior lies a treasure of blueberry jam and juicy berries that burst with flavor. The satisfaction of pulling apart its sticky pieces at breakfast—or dessert— will have everyone smiling at your table.
So if you’re tired of fast meals that don’t fulfill those cravings for homemade goodness, this recipe is your ticket to bliss. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a little time, you can create something that’s sure to wow your family and friends. Let’s dive in and make some memories!
Why choose Easy Blueberry Monkey Bread?
Irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen, mixing hints of cinnamon and fresh blueberries. Fun to make and even more enjoyable to eat, this recipe offers a delightful hands-on experience for everyone at the table. Easy to customize with your favorite jams or fruits. Perfect for gatherings—watch as it disappears in moments at brunch or holiday parties. With minimal prep time, this delicious treat is a fantastic way to satisfy your cravings for homemade food without the hassle.
Easy Blueberry Monkey Bread Ingredients
Discover the simple ingredients that make this indulgent treat a delightful surprise!
For the Dough
- Warm milk – Helps activate the yeast, giving your bread that fluffy texture.
- Active dry yeast – Essential for rising and creating a light, airy dough.
- Honey or brown sugar – Adds a hint of sweetness to the dough and helps with browning.
- Salted butter – Provides richness and flavor; always use it at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Large eggs – Contributes to the dough’s structure and moisture.
- All-purpose flour – The base of your dough; adjust the amount if needed for consistency.
- Kosher salt – Enhances flavor while balancing sweetness.
For the Filling
- Brown sugar – Caramelizes during baking, creating a lovely crust.
- Cinnamon – Adds warmth and a cozy flavor profile to the monkey bread.
- Melted salted butter – Keeps the dough moist and helps the cinnamon-sugar adhere.
- Blueberry jam – Provides a sweet and fruity surprise with each pull-apart piece.
- Fresh or frozen blueberries – Bursts of juicy goodness add freshness and flavor to every bite.
For the Icing
- Salted butter – For a rich, buttery flavor in your icing.
- Cream cheese – Creates a creamy and tangy balance to the sweetness of the icing.
- Powdered sugar – Sweetens the icing to perfection and gives it a smooth texture.
- Vanilla extract – Adds depth and aroma to your icing.
With these ingredients in hand, you’re one step closer to making an unforgettable Easy Blueberry Monkey Bread!
How to Make Easy Blueberry Monkey Bread
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Mix the Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the warm milk, yeast, and honey or brown sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbly on top. Add butter, eggs, flour, and salt, then knead until a smooth ball forms, about 4 minutes.
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Let it Rise: Cover the bowl and place it at room temperature for 1 hour or until the dough doubles in size, creating a lovely light texture.
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Prep the Bundt Pan: Butter your bundt pan generously. In a shallow bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Pour melted butter into another bowl. Sprinkle the bottom of the bundt pan with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon sugar and 1/4 cup of blueberries.
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Shape the Dough: Punch the risen dough down and divide it in half, then into 28 pieces. Dip half of the dough pieces in melted butter, roll them in cinnamon sugar, and arrange them in the bundt pan. Spoon over half of the blueberry jam and another 1/4 cup of blueberries. Repeat with remaining dough, jam, and blueberries. Drizzle any leftover butter and cinnamon sugar on top. Cover and let rest for 15-20 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 40-50 minutes. If it starts to brown too quickly, cover with foil. Once baked, let it cool for 5 minutes, then run a knife around the edge to loosen before inverting onto a plate.
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Make the Icing: For the icing, add butter to a pot over medium heat. Allow it to brown lightly for 2-3 minutes, then whisk in the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until creamy. Drizzle the icing over warm rolls or serve it on the side for dipping. Enjoy and savor each bite!
Optional: Sprinkle some extra fresh blueberries on top for a burst of color!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Easy Blueberry Monkey Bread
Room Temperature: Keep any leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days for optimal freshness and taste.
Fridge: For longer storage, place the Easy Blueberry Monkey Bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat individual pieces in the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying.
Freezer: Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Reheating: To refresh, heat pieces in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm in the oven for a delightful treat that tastes freshly baked!
What to Serve with Blueberry Cinnamon Bunt Rolls?
Enhance your breakfast or brunch experience with these delightful pairings that will complement the sweetness and warmth of your rolls.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of berries, melons, and citrus brightens the table and balances the sweetness of the rolls.
- Crispy Bacon: The salty, savory crunch of bacon contrasts beautifully with the soft, sweet rolls, adding a satisfying texture to your meal.
- Creamy Yogurt Parfait: Layer your favorite yogurt with granola and fruit for a refreshing and wholesome side that adds a creamy element.
- Maple Syrup Drizzle: Elevate each bite with the rich essence of pure maple syrup, perfectly enhancing the cinnamon and blueberry flavors.
- Herbal Tea or Coffee: A warm cup of chamomile tea or freshly brewed coffee offers a delightful contrast to the sweet rolls, perfect for leisurely mornings.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: For a decadent dessert option, serve warm rolls topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, melting into each sticky piece.
- Syrupy Lemonade: A refreshing glass of lemonade, with its sweet-tart flavor, offers an uplifting contrast to the rich, buttery buns.
- Powdered Sugar Dusting: A simple but sophisticated touch, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant finish to your rolls, making them feel extra special.
- Nutty Granola: Serve a bowl of crunchy granola on the side, providing a delightful crunch that pairs nicely with the soft, fluffy rolls.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses, like brie or goat cheese, creates a perfect balance between savory and sweet, enhancing your gathering experience.
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Blueberry Monkey Bread rolls are a lifesaver for busy home cooks looking to simplify meal prep! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; just follow the first two steps of mixing and letting it rise. After that, shape the dough and store it in the bundt pan, covered tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. To maintain quality, make sure it’s sealed well to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to bake, simply let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while preheating your oven, then follow the baking instructions as usual. You’ll have warm, gooey rolls that are just as delicious, making your mornings that much easier!
Easy Blueberry Monkey Bread Variations
Feel free to customize your monkey bread to suit your taste and dietary needs with these fun variations!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring you get a soft and delicious texture. Just keep an eye on the dough consistency as you mix!
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Vegetarian: Swap out the eggs for a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) for a plant-based twist. This will keep it fluffy and moist.
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Berry Blast: Use mixed berries instead of just blueberries for an explosion of fruity flavors, like raspberries and strawberries. They’ll add a vibrant touch and delightful tartness to each bite!
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Caramel Swirl: Instead of blueberry jam, drizzle in some caramel sauce between the layers for a luscious, sweet treat that’s simply irresistible.
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Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon-sugar mix for a subtle kick that complements the sweetness beautifully. It’s a thrilling twist that might surprise your guests!
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Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle in chopped pecans or walnuts between the layers for an extra crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the soft dough—just the right touch of texture!
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Vegan Icing: For a non-dairy alternative, replace the cream cheese with blended silken tofu and use maple syrup instead of powdered sugar for a deliciously creamy vegan icing.
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Seasonal Spices: During the holidays, swap out the cinnamon for pumpkin spice to capture the cozy flavors of fall. The warm aroma will wrap around your kitchen like a comforting hug!
Expert Tips for Easy Blueberry Monkey Bread
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Perfect Dough: Ensure your milk is warm but not hot; this activates the yeast without killing it, resulting in a fluffy dough.
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Resting Time: Allow the dough to rise until doubled, as this enhances texture. Don’t rush this step—patience is key!
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Cinnamon Sugar Balance: Be generous with cinnamon sugar when coating the dough pieces; it prevents them from sticking and adds delightful sweetness.
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Bundt Pan Care: Generously butter your bundt pan before adding the dough; this makes it easier to release the rolls after baking and ensures that every piece comes out intact.
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Icing Consistency: Adjust the icing thickness by adding more powdered sugar or a splash of milk until you achieve your desired drizzle.
These helpful tricks will ensure your Easy Blueberry Monkey Bread turns out delicious every time!
Easy Blueberry Monkey Bread Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe blueberries?
Absolutely! Look for blueberries that are firm and plump with a deep blue color, possibly with a slight whitish bloom. Avoid any that have dark spots or are overly soft, as this indicates they may be overripe or spoiled.
What’s the best way to store leftover Easy Blueberry Monkey Bread?
For optimal freshness, keep any leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you wish to store it longer, place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just reheat individual pieces in the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying.
Can I freeze the Easy Blueberry Monkey Bread?
Very! Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, place the wrapped portions in the fridge overnight, then warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes for that freshly-baked taste.
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
Don’t worry; it happens to the best of us! Ensure that your yeast is fresh and active by checking the expiration date. If your dough doesn’t rise after 1 hour, try a warmer spot in your kitchen, or leave it a bit longer. It should double in size and become fluffy.
Are there any allergy considerations I should know?
Absolutely! This recipe contains common allergens like gluten (in flour), dairy (in butter and cream cheese), and eggs. If you’re cooking for someone with allergies, consider using gluten-free flour or dairy alternatives. Always double-check the labels of prepared ingredients like jam to ensure they’re allergy-friendly.
Can I substitute different fruits or jams in this recipe?
The more the merrier with customization! Feel free to replace blueberries with raspberries, strawberries, or even a mix of your favorites. You can also use different jams such as strawberry or raspberry for a new twist. Just keep the fruit’s sweetness in mind, as it may affect the overall flavor balance.
Irresistibly Easy Blueberry Monkey Bread Recipe Awaits You
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm milk, yeast, and honey or brown sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Add butter, eggs, flour, and salt, then knead until a smooth ball forms, about 4 minutes.
- Cover the bowl and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Butter the bundt pan and mix together brown sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
- Pour melted butter into another bowl. Sprinkle the bottom of the bundt pan with cinnamon sugar and blueberries.
- Divide the dough into 28 pieces. Dip half in melted butter, roll in cinnamon sugar, and layer in the bundt pan.
- Add half of the blueberry jam and another 1/4 cup of blueberries. Repeat with remaining ingredients and let rest for 15-20 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake for 40-50 minutes, covering with foil if browning too quickly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then invert onto a plate.
- For the icing, add butter to a pot over medium heat, whisk in cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until creamy.
- Drizzle the icing over warm rolls or serve on the side.