Get ready to indulge in a fall favorite with my Pumpkin Cream Cheese Monkey Bread! This delightful recipe combines warm biscuit dough with creamy pumpkin and spices, creating a perfect blend for your taste buds. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also great for gatherings. So, let’s dive into this sweet treat! You will love every gooey, delicious bite of this charming dessert.
Ingredients
List of 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. The refrigerated biscuit dough serves as the base. It is soft and fluffy, perfect for monkey bread. Pumpkin puree adds rich flavor and moisture. Cream cheese gives a creamy surprise with each bite.
Brown sugar blends with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, creating warmth. The vanilla extract rounds out the flavors, while melted butter adds richness.
You can add maple syrup for extra sweetness. A dusting of powdered sugar on top makes it look lovely. Each ingredient plays a role in making this dish a true delight!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Next, grab a bundt pan and grease it well. You can use cooking spray or softened butter. This helps the bread come out easily later.
In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup of pumpkin puree with ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon of ground ginger. Add a pinch of salt to the mix. Stir everything until it’s smooth. This pumpkin mixture will add flavor to your monkey bread.
Dough Preparation
Now it’s time to work with the biscuit dough. Open two cans of refrigerated biscuit dough. Take each piece and roll it into a ball, about the size of a golf ball. This size ensures even cooking for each piece.
Next, flatten each dough ball slightly in your hands. Place a small cube of cream cheese, about 1 teaspoon, in the center of each flattened dough. This cream cheese will melt inside, making your monkey bread creamy and rich.
Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the cream cheese. Pinch them to seal the dough. Make sure the cream cheese is fully enclosed.
In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of brown sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. This will be the sweet coating for your dough balls. Dip each stuffed dough ball into melted butter, letting any extra drip off. Then, roll each ball in the brown sugar mixture, coating them fully.
Layering and Baking
Start layering your dough balls in the greased bundt pan. Place half of the coated dough balls evenly in the pan. Drizzle half of the pumpkin mixture over this layer of dough.
Now, add the remaining dough balls on top. Finish by drizzling the rest of the pumpkin mixture over this layer. To add even more flavor, sprinkle any leftover brown sugar mixture on top. If you like, drizzle the remaining melted butter over everything for extra richness.
Place the bundt pan in your preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the bread is golden brown. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when it’s ready. Enjoy the warm, inviting aroma as it fills your kitchen!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Monkey Bread
What common mistakes should I avoid when making monkey bread?
Do not rush the dough. Make sure each ball is sealed well. If they are not sealed, the cream cheese can leak out during baking. Also, avoid overbaking. This can make the bread dry instead of soft.
How can I ensure even cooking and flavor infusion?
Layer the dough balls evenly in the bundt pan. Drizzle the pumpkin mixture carefully. This helps the flavors blend well. Make sure to coat each ball fully in brown sugar. This adds sweetness and a nice crust.
Serving Suggestions
What are fun ideas for serving and presenting the monkey bread?
Serve it warm on a rustic wooden platter. This adds charm. You can also place a small dish of maple syrup on the side for drizzling. A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top looks great too. For a fresh touch, add mint leaves.
What are pairing options to enhance the dining experience?
Serve the monkey bread with hot drinks like coffee or tea. These drinks balance the sweetness. You can also add fresh fruit like apple slices or berries for a tasty contrast.
Variations
Flavor Adaptations
You can change this recipe easily to suit your taste. Instead of ground nutmeg, try using allspice or cardamom for a different flavor. You can also mix in some pumpkin pie spice. This spice blend adds warmth and depth to your monkey bread.
If you want to adjust sweetness, you have options. Use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar. You can also lower the sugar amount if you prefer a less sweet treat. Just remember, the flavor changes with each sweetener.
Dietary Modifications
For those who need gluten-free options, find gluten-free biscuit dough at your local store. You can also use gluten-free flour to make your own dough. Just ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
If you want a vegan version, swap the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese. You can also use vegan biscuit dough. For the butter, choose a vegan substitute like coconut oil or vegan butter. These swaps still give you a delicious pumpkin cream cheese monkey bread.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Recommendations
To store leftover monkey bread, let it cool first. Wrap the bread in plastic wrap or foil. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to three days.
For the best taste, try to eat it within two days. Reheat it in the oven for the best texture. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bread on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This warms it evenly and keeps it soft.
Freezing Instructions
For freezing the monkey bread, let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, wrap it again in foil. This prevents freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months.
When you are ready to eat it, take it out of the freezer. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, set the oven to 350°F (175°C) again. Place the thawed bread on a baking sheet. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm. This will help restore its yummy texture.
FAQs
How can I make monkey bread without cream cheese?
You can skip the cream cheese for a lighter version. Use extra pumpkin puree instead. You can add more spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg, to boost flavor. Consider adding a nut or chocolate chip for a nice touch. This keeps your monkey bread soft and tasty.
Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of refrigerated?
Yes, you can use homemade biscuit dough. Make sure it is well-chilled. This helps the dough to puff up nicely. Homemade dough may have a different texture but will still taste great. Just shape and stuff it like the refrigerated dough.
How long does pumpkin cream cheese monkey bread last in the fridge?
Your pumpkin cream cheese monkey bread lasts about three days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave for a warm treat.
Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance! Assemble the monkey bread and cover it. Store it in the fridge overnight. Bake it the next day for a warm and fresh treat. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
This post covered everything you need to make delicious pumpkin cream cheese monkey bread. You learned about the ingredients, detailed steps to prepare and bake, plus helpful tips for best results. Exploring variations allows you to customize this treat to your tastes, while storage advice ensures you can enjoy it later. Take your time and enjoy the process. With practice, you’ll impress everyone with your tasty monkey bread. Happy baking!
