Pumpkin Monkey bread Recipe

Prepare for a real treat: this Pumpkin Monkey bread combines pillowy-soft dough with cozy pumpkin spice, finished with an absolutely irresistible pumpkin butterscotch sauce. Every bite strikes a balance of warmth, gooeyness, and decadent fall flavor. Whether you’re sharing it for brunch or treating yourself to a midnight snack, Pumpkin Monkey bread turns everyday moments into a celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Pumpkin Monkey bread is its down-to-earth ingredient list. Each component has a starring role, building the bread’s swoon-worthy texture and depth of flavor while bringing those iconic autumn aromas to your kitchen.

• Whole milk (180g): Provides a rich, tender crumb and helps activate the yeast for a super fluffy dough.
• Instant yeast or active dry yeast (2 tsp): The key to a light, airy rise—choose what’s already in your pantry!
• Granulated sugar (50g + 200g): Sweetens both the dough and the cinnamon-sugar coating, making each bite comforting and caramelized.
• All-purpose flour (500g): The foundation of your dough—be sure to add more for dusting as needed.
• Pumpkin puree (170g for dough + 115g for sauce): Infuses subtle pumpkin flavor and an inviting orange hue.
• Large egg (1): Adds richness and helps bind the dough beautifully.
• Pumpkin spice (2 tsp): Brings classic autumn flair—think cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
• Salt (¾ + ¼ tsp): Essential for flavor balance and enhancing the pumpkin and butterscotch notes.
• Butter (55g softened for dough, 45g melted for coating, 113g for sauce): Creates richness throughout—don’t skimp!
• Ground cinnamon (1 Tbsp): Bold, sweet-spicy warmth for coating every bite.
• Soft brown sugar (100g): Forms a caramel-like, melt-in-your-mouth pumpkin butterscotch sauce.
• Heavy cream (60g): Lends silkiness to the sauce for that gooey finish Pumpkin Monkey bread is known for.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Rounds out the sweetness with bakery-shop aroma.

How to Make Pumpkin Monkey bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Dough

Start by gently warming your milk until it’s just cozy to the touch—think baby-bottle warm, not piping hot. Pour it into your stand mixer, sprinkle on the yeast and a bit of sugar, and watch for that tell-tale cloud of yeast activity (especially if you’re using active dry yeast). This short wait rewards you with a soft, bouncy foundation for your Pumpkin Monkey bread.

Step 2: Mix and Knead

Add the flour, salt, pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, and egg right into the bowl. Using your dough hook attachment, bring everything together until a shaggy dough forms. Add the softened butter and let the mixer work its magic for about 10–12 minutes. If you’re kneading by hand, expect a little workout—but it’s worth it for the pillowy result! Your dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.

Step 3: First Rise

Shape your kneaded dough into a smooth ball, pop it into a greased bowl, and cover it up. Let it rise in a warm spot until it’s doubled in size—this usually takes about an hour or so, but patience makes perfection here. If you want to prep ahead, the dough can chill in the fridge overnight and will still puff up beautifully.

Step 4: Shape the Dough Balls

Once your dough is light and puffy, turn it onto a floured surface and cut it into about 40 small pieces. Roll each one into a cute little ball. It may sound tedious, but it’s honestly quite therapeutic and these bite-sized pieces are what make Pumpkin Monkey bread so much fun to eat.

Step 5: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

Now for the fun part! Dip your dough balls in melted butter, then roll them in a cinnamon-sugar blend for a crunchy, sweet crust. (If you’re after a shortcut, shake everything up in a lidded container to coat.) Layer the coated dough balls into a generously greased 10-inch bundt pan.

Step 6: Second Rise

Drape your pan with a damp tea towel and let the dough rise until the balls look puffy and fill the pan. This short rest ensures each piece bakes up soft and airy, the classic hallmark of great Pumpkin Monkey bread.

Step 7: Make the Pumpkin Butterscotch Sauce

While your dough rises, melt brown sugar, butter, pumpkin puree, heavy cream, and salt in a saucepan. Bring it to a gentle boil, whisking constantly until it’s glossy and fragrant. Off the heat, stir in the vanilla. Drizzle this luscious sauce over the risen dough, letting it slowly seep into every nook and cranny.

Step 8: Bake

Slide your bundt pan into a preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. Watch for a deep golden top—tent with foil if it’s browning too quickly. A little sauce overflow is normal (just pop a tray underneath). Your kitchen will smell like a cinnamon-pumpkin wonderland!

Step 9: Cool and Invert

Let the bread cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes, then carefully flip it onto a serving platter. The anticipation is real! As the sauce runs down the sides and pools underneath, you’ll know you’re moments away from Pumpkin Monkey bread bliss.

How to Serve Pumpkin Monkey bread

Garnishes

Pumpkin Monkey bread honestly looks gorgeous straight from the pan, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or an extra drizzle of butterscotch sauce makes it even more indulgent. For a sophisticated touch, sprinkle with a few toasted pecans or walnuts—delightful crunch in every bite!

Side Dishes

This warm, sticky bread pairs beautifully with something cool and creamy. Try serving it alongside vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a spoonful of tangy Greek yogurt. Fresh apple slices or crisp pears on the side add a lovely contrast and keep things feeling fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests by plating Pumpkin Monkey bread in individual ramekins for a personalized dessert (just adjust baking time as needed). Hosting brunch? Pile the gooey pieces high on a cake stand and let folks help themselves. Or, for a cozy autumn afternoon snack, break off chunks and serve them, family-style, right in the center of the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Pumpkin Monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The bread stays soft and sticky, though the exterior will lose a bit of its crispiness over time. For longer storing, pop it into the fridge, where it should keep fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezing

Pumpkin Monkey bread freezes surprisingly well! Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil before freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results. Freezing small portions makes it easy to enjoy a little treat whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

To recapture all that gooey magic, reheat Pumpkin Monkey bread in a microwave for 20–30 seconds per serving. For a crisper finish, warm it briefly in a low oven (about 300°F / 150°C) until soft and fragrant. Just be sure not to overheat—nobody likes dried-out carbs!

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

Stick with plain pumpkin puree for this recipe. Canned pumpkin pie filling has added sugar and spices, which will throw off the flavor and moisture balance of your Pumpkin Monkey bread.

What if I don’t have a bundt pan?

No bundt pan? No problem! Use a deep round cake pan or a loaf pan. If needed, adjust the baking time slightly and keep a close watch for doneness.

Can I prepare Pumpkin Monkey bread in advance?

Absolutely! Assemble the coated dough balls in your pan, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let the dough sit at room temperature until puffed before baking as usual.

Which type of yeast should I use?

Either instant or active dry yeast works here. If using active dry, be sure to let it bloom in the warmed milk and sugar first. Instant yeast can be mixed right in—super convenient!

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes! Swap all-purpose flour for a trusted 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour. Check your yeast and other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free and monitor the dough’s texture as it might need a touch more liquid.

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin Monkey bread is a total crowd-pleaser that combines nostalgia, warmth, and irresistible gooeyness. Whether you’re hosting a fall brunch or just want to treat yourself, this recipe is sure to brighten your table and bring people together—give it a try, and let’s make some sweet autumn memories!

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