Are you ready to dive into a delicious fall treat? This Pumpkin Cream Cheese Monkey Bread combines warm, gooey goodness with the cozy flavors of pumpkin and spices. It’s an easy recipe that’s perfect for impressing friends or enjoying a sweet afternoon snack. Join me as I guide you step-by-step through creating this delightful dish that you’ll want to make again and again!
Ingredients
List of Necessary Ingredients
– 2 cans (16 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough
– 1 cup pumpkin puree
– 8 oz cream cheese, cut into small cubes
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
– ½ teaspoon ground ginger
– ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
– Pinch of salt
– Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this pumpkin cream cheese monkey bread. I love using two cans of refrigerated biscuit dough. This saves time and adds fluffiness. The pumpkin puree brings a warm flavor, while the cream cheese adds a rich, creamy center.
Brown sugar gives sweetness, and the spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger—create a cozy autumn scent. Vanilla extract adds depth. Melted butter is a must for coating the dough. If you like, add maple syrup for a sweet touch.
A pinch of salt balances the flavors. Dusting with powdered sugar at the end makes it look fancy. I find this mix makes every bite a delightful treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your bundt pan with cooking spray or butter.
– In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup of pumpkin puree, ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, ½ teaspoon of ginger, and a pinch of salt. Stir until well combined.
– Open the two cans of refrigerated biscuit dough. Roll each piece into a ball, about the size of a golf ball.
Assembling the Monkey Bread
– Take each dough ball and flatten it slightly. Place a small cube of cream cheese, about 1 teaspoon, in the center.
– Carefully fold the dough around the cream cheese and pinch to seal it tightly.
– In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of brown sugar with the remaining cinnamon.
– Dip each stuffed dough ball into ½ cup of melted butter. Then roll it in the brown sugar mixture to coat it well.
Baking Instructions
– Place half of the coated dough balls in the bundt pan. Drizzle half of the pumpkin mixture over them.
– Layer the remaining dough balls on top, followed by the rest of the pumpkin mix.
– Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar on top of the final layer. Pour any leftover melted butter over it.
– Bake in your preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean.
– Let the monkey bread cool for about 10 minutes. Then carefully invert it onto a serving plate. If you like, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Tips for Perfect Monkey Bread
– To ensure even baking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and use a bundt pan. This helps the heat spread evenly.
– When stuffing dough balls, flatten each ball slightly. Place the cream cheese in the center and fold the dough around it. Pinch the edges tightly to seal the filling well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
– Avoid overstuffing the dough. If you add too much filling, the dough may burst during baking.
– Do not forget to seal the dough properly. If it’s not sealed, the cream cheese can leak out while baking.
Enhancing Flavor & Texture
– You can add nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful crunch. Try walnuts or pecans for a nutty twist.
– Experiment with spices like cardamom or allspice to change the flavor profile. A pinch of clove can also add warmth to the taste.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can have fun with flavors! One great choice is chocolate pumpkin cream cheese monkey bread. Just add chocolate chips to the dough balls or mix cocoa powder into the pumpkin filling. The chocolate and pumpkin work well together, making each bite a delight.
Another tasty option is apple cinnamon pumpkin monkey bread. Simply add diced apples to the pumpkin mixture. The sweet apples and warm spices create a cozy flavor that everyone will love.
Dietary Alternatives
Many people have special diets, so here are some ideas. For gluten-free options, you can use gluten-free biscuit dough. It works well and keeps the taste great. You can find this dough in many stores or make it at home.
If you want to make this monkey bread vegan, use a plant-based cream cheese and butter. There are many tasty brands available. This way, everyone can enjoy this treat!
Seasonal Variations
You can change this recipe for the seasons. For holidays, add festive spices like allspice or cloves. You can also top it with a glaze made of powdered sugar and eggnog for a holiday twist.
In summer, try using fresh berries or citrus zest. These flavors can brighten up the dish. The pumpkin cream cheese monkey bread can be a year-round favorite with these small changes!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To keep your pumpkin cream cheese monkey bread fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container to lock in moisture. You can also cover it tightly with plastic wrap. This way, it stays soft and tasty for up to three days.
If you want to save it for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This method keeps the bread from getting freezer burn. It can last in the freezer for about two months.
Reheating Instructions
When it’s time to enjoy your leftover monkey bread, reheating is key. You can use the oven or microwave. If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the bread on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps keep the outside crisp while warming the inside.
If you’re short on time, the microwave works too. Heat a slice for about 20-30 seconds, but don’t overdo it. Microwaving can make it chewy. To refresh the flavors, drizzle a little melted butter on top before reheating. Enjoy your delightful treat warm!
FAQs
What is Monkey Bread?
Monkey bread is a sweet, pull-apart bread. It is made from small pieces of dough rolled in sugar and cinnamon. The bread is baked in a bundt pan, creating a fun and messy treat.
This dish has roots in the United States. It became popular in the 1980s. The name “monkey bread” comes from how you eat it. You pull off pieces with your hands, like a monkey!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this recipe ahead of time. To do this, follow the steps until before baking. Cover the bundt pan with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. You can keep it in the fridge overnight.
When you are ready to bake, take it out and let it sit for about 30 minutes. This helps the dough rise again. Then, bake as directed.
How can I increase or decrease the serving size?
To change the serving size, adjust the number of biscuit cans. For more servings, use three cans instead of two. For fewer servings, just use one can.
If you change the number of dough balls, adjust the baking time too. More dough may need a few extra minutes, while less may bake faster. Always check with a toothpick to see if it’s done.
What can I serve with Pumpkin Cream Cheese Monkey Bread?
You can serve this monkey bread with many tasty things. Here are some great ideas:
– Warm cream cheese glaze
– Maple syrup for drizzling
– Whipped cream for a sweet touch
– Fresh fruit like apples or pears
– A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert twist
This monkey bread is great on its own, but adding these treats can make it even better!
This blog post covers everything you need to make delicious Pumpkin Cream Cheese Monkey Bread. You learned about the essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for success. I shared flavor variations and ways to store your leftovers. Remember, this fun dish is versatile, so don’t hesitate to experiment. Whether for a holiday or a cozy weekend, this monkey bread will impress everyone. Enjoy making it and savor every bite. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
