Gluten Free Vegan Monkey Bread

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Monkey bread is the ultimate pull-apart treat—a gooey, sweet, and oh-so-satisfying indulgence. Traditionally made with dough balls coated in sugar and cinnamon, it’s baked to perfection and served hot, allowing you to tear off chunks of sticky, caramelized goodness. But what if you’re gluten-free, vegan, or both? Not to worry! This gluten-free, vegan monkey bread recipe is just as delicious and easy to make as the classic version. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or looking for a fun dessert, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the best things about monkey bread is how easy and fun it is to make. The gluten-free and vegan twist still brings all the flavors and textures you love, but without any animal products or gluten. Each dough ball is coated in cinnamon sugar and baked with a sweet, buttery sauce that bubbles into a sticky caramel coating. It’s perfect for sharing, and because it’s pull-apart bread, it’s interactive and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the dough:

• 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum included)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp coconut sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk (or other non-dairy milk)
• ¼ cup melted coconut oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the coating:

• ½ cup coconut sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

For the caramel sauce:

• ½ cup coconut oil (or vegan butter)
• ½ cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
• 2 tbsp almond milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan or a deep cake pan with oil or non-stick spray.
2. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, baking powder, salt, coconut sugar, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, mix together the almond milk, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Slowly incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
3. Form Dough Balls: Take about 1 tablespoon of dough at a time and roll it into small balls. You should have around 40–50 balls by the end.
4. Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, mix the coconut sugar and cinnamon. Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture, making sure they are well-coated.
5. Layer the Dough: Arrange the coated dough balls in the greased bundt pan in layers. The dough balls don’t have to be perfectly arranged—just layer them casually to leave some air gaps for the caramel sauce to seep through.
6. Make the Caramel Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the coconut oil or vegan butter with the brown sugar and almond milk. Stir continuously until everything is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Pour this caramel sauce evenly over the dough balls in the bundt pan.
7. Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the monkey bread is golden brown and cooked through. The caramel sauce should be bubbling up through the dough balls. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before turning it upside down onto a serving plate.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Tear into the monkey bread while it’s warm, sticky, and sweet! It’s best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Vegan Monkey Bread

1. Choose the Right Gluten-Free Flour: Using a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum is important for texture and structure. If your blend doesn’t have it, you can add ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum to the recipe.
2. Don’t Overmix the Dough: Stir until the ingredients are just combined. Overworking gluten-free dough can make it dense and tough.
3. Vegan Butter or Coconut Oil: You can choose between coconut oil and vegan butter for the sauce, depending on your preference. Coconut oil gives a slight coconut flavor, while vegan butter gives a more traditional buttery taste.
4. Optional Toppings: If you want to add more flavor, you can drizzle a vegan cream cheese glaze over the monkey bread before serving. You can also sprinkle chopped nuts or shredded coconut for a crunchy texture.

Common Questions About Gluten-Free Vegan Monkey Bread

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough balls and layer them in the pan, then cover and refrigerate them overnight. When you’re ready to bake, just let the dough come to room temperature, add the caramel sauce, and bake as usual.

2. Can I freeze monkey bread?

Absolutely. Once baked and cooled, you can freeze monkey bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in an airtight container. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it in the oven before serving.

3. Can I use a different sweetener?

Yes, you can use maple syrup or agave in place of coconut sugar if you prefer a different sweetener. Just note that this may slightly affect the texture and flavor of the dough and caramel sauce.

4. Is there a nut-free version?

This recipe calls for almond milk, but you can easily swap it out for a nut-free milk alternative, like oat milk or soy milk, if needed.

5. Can I make this recipe in a regular cake pan instead of a bundt pan?

Yes, if you don’t have a bundt pan, you can use any deep baking dish or cake pan. The bread won’t have the same circular shape, but the texture and taste will still be perfect.

Conclusion

This gluten-free vegan monkey bread is the ultimate indulgent dessert or breakfast treat that everyone will love, regardless of dietary restrictions. It’s sticky, sweet, and utterly irresistible. Perfect for holiday gatherings, brunch, or any occasion that calls for a little fun in the kitchen. Give it a try and watch as everyone pulls apart this delightful creation!

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