Gluten Free Monkey Bread

Monkey bread is a classic pull-apart dessert known for its gooey sweetness and cinnamon flavor. Traditionally made with regular flour, it’s a delightfully sticky dish perfect for sharing. But what if you’re gluten-free? Luckily, you can still enjoy this treat with a gluten-free version that’s just as satisfying, with a few adjustments to make the dough soft, chewy, and perfect for the gluten-sensitive crowd.

Why Make Gluten Free Monkey Bread?

For those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, enjoying traditional baked goods can be a challenge. Gluten-free baking often comes with its own set of hurdles, like achieving the right texture and flavor. Thankfully, with the right ingredients and techniques, making gluten-free monkey bread is not only possible but also delicious.

Monkey bread is typically made by rolling dough into small balls, coating them in cinnamon sugar, and then baking them with a buttery sauce. While the concept is simple, gluten-free dough can behave differently from regular dough. That’s why a few ingredient tweaks—like using a gluten-free flour blend and adding yogurt for extra moisture—can help recreate the fluffy, soft texture that monkey bread is known for.

Choosing the Right Gluten-Free Flour

The key to making gluten-free monkey bread that still has a light and fluffy texture lies in the flour blend. Not all gluten-free flours are created equal, and it’s essential to choose one that works well for baked goods. A good gluten-free flour blend should contain a mix of rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca flour to provide structure and softness.

You can find pre-made gluten-free flour blends at most grocery stores, but it’s important to check that it’s labeled as “1-to-1” or “cup-for-cup.” These blends are designed to mimic the properties of regular all-purpose flour and make it easier to substitute in your baking. Avoid using single-ingredient flours like almond or coconut flour in this recipe, as they won’t provide the necessary structure and may result in a dense, crumbly dough. My favorite is Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 gluten free flour.

Creating the Perfect Gluten Free Monkey Bread Dough Texture

One challenge in gluten-free baking is achieving the perfect dough texture. Gluten helps provide elasticity and structure to dough, and without it, the dough can sometimes turn out too dry or crumbly. To combat this, ingredients like cold butter, yogurt, and apple cider vinegar are essential in this recipe.

Cold Butter

Using cold butter, as opposed to room temperature or melted butter, helps give the dough a flaky, tender texture. As the butter melts during baking, it creates steam pockets that result in a lighter dough. This technique is similar to making biscuits or pie crust, where cold butter is key for texture.

Yogurt and Apple Cider Vinegar

Plain Greek yogurt adds moisture and richness to the dough, ensuring it doesn’t dry out during baking. It also helps the dough hold together, which is particularly important when working with gluten-free ingredients. The addition of apple cider vinegar provides a slight tang while also interacting with the baking powder to give the dough a better rise.

Cinnamon Sugar Coating: The Signature Flavor

One of the best things about monkey bread is its cinnamon-sugar coating. In this recipe, you’ll roll each dough ball in a mixture of granulated sweetener and cinnamon. This not only creates a delightful flavor but also adds a slightly crunchy texture to the outer layer of the monkey bread.

If you’re a fan of extra cinnamon, feel free to increase the amount of cinnamon in the coating. You could also experiment by adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a more complex spice profile.

The Sauce: A Caramel-Like Topping

The sauce in this gluten-free monkey bread is what gives it that gooey, sticky texture we all love. Made from a combination of butter, low carb brown sugar, sugar-free honey, and heavy cream, it adds a rich, decadent layer to the dish. When the sauce is poured over the dough balls in the bundt pan, it seeps into every crevice, ensuring each bite is sticky and sweet.

Chopped pecans are mixed into the sauce for added crunch and flavor. If you’re not a fan of pecans or prefer a different texture, you can easily substitute them with walnuts, almonds, or even leave the nuts out altogether.

Substitutions for Dietary Preferences

One of the great things about gluten-free monkey bread is its adaptability. Whether you’re dairy-free, looking to reduce your sugar intake, or have nut allergies, this recipe can be adjusted to meet your needs.

Dairy-Free Option

To make this recipe dairy-free, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or a plant-based butter. For the yogurt, opt for a dairy-free yogurt such as coconut or almond-based yogurt. Similarly, replace the heavy cream in the sauce with coconut cream or a non-dairy cream alternative.

Low-Sugar Option

If you’re looking to reduce the sugar content, make sure to use low-carb alternatives like erythritol, monk fruit sweetener, or a stevia blend. Just make sure to check the conversion ratios, as some sweeteners can be more or less sweet than sugar.

Nut-Free Option

If you’re avoiding nuts, simply leave out the pecans from the sauce. You’ll still get all the flavor and gooey texture without the crunch. If you want some crunch but can’t have nuts, you could try adding sunflower seeds as a nut-free alternative.

What to Serve with Gluten-Free Monkey Bread

While gluten-free monkey bread is a show-stopping treat on its own, pairing it with other dishes can elevate your meal, whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Here are a few ideas to serve alongside your monkey bread:

Coffee or Hot Cocoa

A hot beverage like coffee or hot cocoa is the perfect complement to the sweetness of monkey bread. The warm flavors pair well together, and a bitter coffee or unsweetened cocoa can help balance the sugar.

Smoothie Bowl

If you’re serving this dish for breakfast or brunch, a refreshing berry smoothie bowl is the perfect dish for a fruity combo.

Whipped Cream or Yogurt

A dollop of whipped cream or a side of yogurt can enhance the indulgence of monkey bread. The creamy texture adds another layer of decadence, while yogurt brings a tangy freshness that pairs beautifully with the sweet, spiced bread.

Final Thoughts

Gluten-free monkey bread is a delicious, crowd-pleasing dessert or breakfast that can be easily adapted to suit various dietary needs. Whether you’re gluten-free, dairy-free, or looking to reduce your sugar intake, this recipe is versatile enough to meet your preferences without sacrificing flavor or texture. With its gooey cinnamon-sugar coating, rich caramel-like sauce, and soft dough, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion.