Blueberry Monkey Bread Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you’ll absolutely adore this Blueberry Monkey Bread Recipe — it’s like a warm hug on a plate. I love how the tender, fluffy dough perfectly envelops pockets of luscious blueberry sauce, all baked into one irresistible pull-apart treat. It’s a special kind of comfort food that works brilliantly for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or any time you want to impress without the fuss.

What I find fantastic about this recipe is how it transforms simple ingredients into something show-stopping and shareable. The gooey glaze on top perfectly balances the sweet and tangy blueberries, making every bite a delicious surprise. Trust me, once you try this Blueberry Monkey Bread Recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for it time and time again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Blueberry Monkey Bread Recipe are straightforward, but each one plays an important role to build layers of flavor and perfect texture. Buying fresh blueberries and using warm liquids for the yeast activation will really help guarantee your success.

• Whole Milk: Warmed to 110°F for perfect yeast activation, helping the dough rise beautifully.
• Water: Also warmed to 110°F, it blends with milk to create the ideal environment for yeast.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and feeds the yeast.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted butter enriches the dough and creates tender bites.
• Active Dry Yeast: The magic ingredient that makes your dough fluffy and airy.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for the dough, opt for fresh flour for best results.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
• Fresh Blueberries: Divided between sauce and fresh additions, they bring natural sweetness and texture.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the blueberry sauce, so it doesn’t get runny during baking.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens and balances the sweetness of the blueberry sauce.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds deep, caramel notes in the sugar coating.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm spice to contrast the fresh blueberry flavor.
• Cream Cheese: Softened, it forms the rich base of the glaze.
• Confectioners’ Sugar: Sweetens and smooths the glaze.

Variations

I love making this Blueberry Monkey Bread Recipe my own by tweaking the fillings and toppings. It’s incredibly versatile, so I encourage you to experiment — it’s fun to switch things up depending on the season or your mood!

• Lemon Zest Variation: Adding a bit of lemon zest to the sugar coating brightens the flavor beautifully; my family feels it makes the bread extra fresh.
• Mixed Berries: Replace half the blueberries with raspberries or blackberries for a colorful twist. It adds complexity and a slightly tart edge I adore.
• Vegan Option: I once swapped the butter and milk for coconut oil and almond milk, and it came out deliciously moist and dairy-free.
• Glaze Swaps: Try a vanilla glaze instead of cream cheese for a lighter finish — great for those who prefer less richness.

How to Make Blueberry Monkey Bread Recipe

Step 1: Activate Your Yeast with Warm Milk and Water

Begin by warming your milk and water to about 110°F — not too hot or you’ll kill those precious yeast cells! Stir the sugar and melted butter into this warm mixture until the sugar mostly dissolves. Then sprinkle in your yeast and let it rest for 5-10 minutes until it foams up; this tells you the yeast is alive and ready to go. I once impatiently skipped this step and ended up with dense bread — trust me, do not rush it.

Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough

Using your stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine flour and kosher salt first. Then gradually add the yeast mixture on low speed until just combined. Crank your mixer speed up to high and knead for about 6-8 minutes until the dough feels smooth and elastic. I like to give it the “windowpane test” — gently stretching a small ball of dough until it becomes thin and translucent without tearing. If your dough tears easily, knead a little longer.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Transfer your dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and place it in a warm spot to rise for about an hour, until it doubles in size. I typically put mine in the turned-off oven with just the oven light on — it’s the perfect cozy spot. This rise is crucial for fluffy monkey bread, so don’t rush it.

Step 4: Make the Blueberry Sauce

While the dough rises, start your blueberry sauce. Combine 1 cup of blueberries and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. As the berries warm, they’ll start popping, which is the best sound! Whisk together cornstarch and cold water until smooth, then stir it into the blueberries to thicken quickly. Off the heat, stir in fresh lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and the remaining blueberries. Set this aside; the warm sauce will add wonderful moisture and bursts of flavor to your bread.

Step 5: Shape and Assemble the Monkey Bread

Grease a 12-cup bundt pan with non-stick spray, then divide your dough into 36 equal pieces — about an inch each. I find using a kitchen scale really helps keep the pieces uniform, which means even baking. Dip each dough piece in melted butter, then roll it in a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Layer 12 pieces in the pan, spoon half the blueberry sauce over them, then repeat for the next two layers. It’s like building a delicious blueberry-dusted tower of joy!

Step 6: Final Rise and Bake

Cover the bundt pan and let the dough balls rise for another 50-60 minutes until nearly doubled in size — they should almost touch the rim of the pan. This step ensures those delightful layers pull apart easily. Preheat your oven to 350°F, then bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, watching for a deep golden brown crust. A quick temp check inside the dough should read at least 190°F. Let it cool for five minutes before running a knife around the edges and inverting it onto a pretty platter.

Step 7: Make and Drizzle the Glaze

Whip softened cream cheese and butter together until silky smooth, then mix in confectioners’ sugar and whole milk, adding extra milk a bit at a time until the glaze pours easily. Drizzle this luscious topping generously over your warm monkey bread to finish it off with that irresistible creaminess I can’t get enough of.

How to Serve Blueberry Monkey Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a few fresh blueberries and a light dusting of powdered sugar over the glazed top for a pretty finish. Sometimes, a little fresh mint adds a wonderful pop of color and a subtle freshness that balances the sweetness.

Side Dishes

This monkey bread pairs perfectly with a simple bowl of Greek yogurt or a dollop of whipped cream on the side — it gives a creamy contrast that’s just dreamy. For a fuller brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve baked this in mini bundt pans for individual servings — it’s such a delightful surprise that feels extra fancy! You can also serve pieces in a pretty basket lined with a colorful tea towel for a cozy picnic vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. It’s still wonderful, though the glaze softens slightly — I actually enjoy it that way since it soaks in all the flavors even more.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this Blueberry Monkey Bread Recipe, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, freezing for up to a month. I’ve found that freezing the entire unglazed bread works best, then adding the glaze fresh after thawing for that just-made taste.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop a slice or the whole loaf into a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. If it’s a bit dry, a light brush of melted butter before reheating brings back the soft texture. Drizzle more glaze if you like, and you’ll have a treat that tastes like it came right out of the oven.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Blueberry Monkey Bread Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because of how effortlessly it turns simple ingredients into a joyful, shareable experience. Every time I make it, the smell fills the house with warmth and the table becomes a gathering spot for smiles and happy faces. I’m genuinely excited for you to try this — I promise you’ll love pulling apart these fluffy, blueberry-packed bites with friends and family as much as I do.

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