Imagine a divine aroma wafting from your kitchen, a combination of baked dough, caramelized sugar and a hint of cinnamon. This is what you'll experience when you dive into making this slow cooker monkey bread recipe. This recipe is perfect for both newbies and experienced bakers, as it is simple to follow and makes an indulgent treat that everyone will love.
Most of these ingredients are common in most kitchens, but if not, a quick trip to your local supermarket should help you get everything you need. Biscuit dough might be the only ingredient that might be harder to find outside the US, but you can replace it with any ready-made bread dough. Pecans are also used in this recipe, but feel free to swap them out for your preferred nut if you're not a fan.
Ingredients needed for the Slow Cooker Monkey Bread
Unsalted butter: A source of richness in the recipe, giving the monkey bread a moist and buttery texture.
Brown sugar: Integrates a sweet molasses flavor into the bread and allows for a delightful caramelization.
Cinnamon: Adds a slight spicy taste, contributing towards the overall flavor profile of the monkey bread.
Sugar: Enhances the sweetness of the bread without overpowering the other flavors.
Biscuits: The main component of monkey bread. Biscuits bake into a fluffy, pull-apart texture in the slow cooker.
Pecans: Provides a pleasant crunch and contrast to the soft and fluffy texture of the biscuits.
One reader, Bondie Lowell says:
This slow cooker monkey bread recipe is a game-changer! The aroma alone is worth it, and the taste is even better. The buttery, cinnamon-sugar goodness is irresistible. Plus, it's so easy to make. My family can't get enough of it!
Techniques Required for Making Slow Cooker Monkey Bread
Spraying the slow cooker insert with vegetable oil spray: This step ensures that the monkey bread does not stick to the slow cooker while cooking.
Microwaving the butter and brown sugar: Melting the butter and brown sugar together helps create a smooth and sweet mixture that will be poured over the biscuit pieces.
Cutting the biscuit dough into pieces: This allows the biscuit dough to be coated with the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring that each piece is evenly flavored.
Tossing the biscuit dough pieces in the cinnamon sugar: Coating the biscuit pieces with the cinnamon sugar mixture adds flavor and sweetness to the monkey bread.
Layering the biscuit pieces, butter mixture, and pecans in the slow cooker: This creates a delicious, layered monkey bread with a gooey, caramelized topping.
Covering the slow cooker with a clean dish towel before putting on the lid: This helps to absorb any excess moisture that may accumulate on the lid, preventing it from dripping onto the monkey bread.
Cooking on high for 3 hours: Slow cooking the monkey bread allows the flavors to meld together and the biscuit pieces to become tender and flavorful.
Serving warm: Monkey bread is best enjoyed when it's warm, with the gooey, caramelized topping adding a delightful sweetness to each bite.
How To Make Slow Cooker Monkey Bread
Sink your teeth into this moist and soft monkey bread, packed with crunchy pecans and seasoned with a gooey sugar-cinnamon, for a delightful sweet treat!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1cupunsalted butter
- 1cupbrown sugar,firmly packed
- 1tbspcinnamon
- 1cupsugar
- 16ozbiscuits,(2 cans), refrigerated
- ½cuppecans,chopped
Instructions
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Spray the slow cooker insert with vegetable oil spray.
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In a microwave safe bowl, add the butter and brown sugar and microwave for 1 minute, then stir until well combined.
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In a large bowl, add the cinnamon and sugar, and stir to combine.
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Cut each piece of biscuit dough into 6 pieces. Toss the biscuit dough pieces in the cinnamon sugar.
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Add half of the biscuit pieces to the slow cooker. Pour half of the butter mixture over the biscuit pieces, along with half of the pecan pieces.
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Top with the remaining biscuit pieces, butter mixture, pecans, and any leftover sugar.
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Top the slow cooker insert with a clean dish towel, then cover with the lid.
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Cook on High for 3 hours.
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Serve warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 273.06kcal
- Fat: 16.32g
- Saturated Fat: 7.74g
- Trans Fat: 0.41g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.52g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.03g
- Carbohydrates: 30.99g
- Fiber: 0.87g
- Sugar: 19.58g
- Protein: 2.15g
- Cholesterol: 27.87mg
- Sodium: 149.95mg
- Calcium: 75.31mg
- Potassium: 57.60mg
- Iron: 0.90mg
- Vitamin A: 86.41µg
- Vitamin C: 0.10mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfecting Slow Cooker Monkey Bread
When preparing the biscuit dough, ensure to cut them into equal-sized pieces. This will promote even cooking and prevent some pieces from being undercooked while others may get overcooked. Also, when adding the butter and brown sugar mixture, make sure to distribute it evenly over the biscuit pieces. This will ensure every piece gets coated with the sweet, sticky glaze, enhancing the overall flavor of the monkey bread.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Monkey Bread in a Slow Cooker
Prepare the ingredients: Gather and measure all the ingredients before starting the recipe to streamline the cooking process.
Use pre-made biscuit dough: Save time by using pre-made biscuit dough instead of making it from scratch.
Set a timer: Use a timer to keep track of the cooking time and ensure the monkey bread is cooked to perfection.
Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you work to make the cooking process more efficient.
Multi-task: While the monkey bread is cooking, use the time to prepare other dishes or clean up the kitchen.
Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Monkey Bread Recipe
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a similar richness and flavor to the dish, while also adding a hint of coconut flavor.
brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar caramel-like flavor and can be used as a 1:1 replacement for brown sugar.
cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg can provide a warm and slightly sweet flavor similar to cinnamon, adding a unique twist to the recipe.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add sweetness and moisture to the dish, and it also complements the other flavors in the recipe.
biscuits - Substitute with crescent roll dough: Crescent roll dough can be used as a substitute for biscuits in this recipe, providing a similar texture and flavor.
pecans - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts can provide a similar nutty flavor and crunch to the dish, making them a suitable replacement for pecans.
Creative Ways to Present Monkey Bread
Elevate the plating: When presenting the slow cooker monkey bread, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing arrangement on the plate. Consider using a combination of edible flowers and candied pecans to add a touch of sophistication to the dish.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Enhance the visual appeal of the monkey bread by incorporating a delicate and artistic drizzle of caramel sauce over the top. This not only adds a luxurious touch but also showcases your attention to detail.
Utilize fine dining serveware: Opt for fine china plates or elegant platters to serve the monkey bread. The use of high-quality serveware adds a sense of refinement and elevates the overall dining experience.
Garnish with precision: Pay attention to the placement of the garnishes. Sprinkle a dusting of edible gold flakes or powdered sugar with precision, ensuring that each element is meticulously placed to create a visually stunning presentation.
Create a focal point: Arrange the monkey bread in a way that creates a focal point on the plate. Consider stacking the pieces in a visually appealing manner or forming a decorative ring to draw attention to the dish's enticing appearance.
Emphasize symmetry and balance: Aim for symmetrical plating to create a sense of harmony. Ensure that the components of the dish are balanced and evenly distributed, contributing to a visually pleasing presentation.
Incorporate contrasting textures: Pair the monkey bread with a complementary element such as a quenelle of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to introduce a contrasting texture, adding depth to the overall presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Slow Cooker Monkey Bread
- Slow cooker: A slow cooker is a countertop electrical cooking appliance used for simmering, which requires maintaining a relatively low temperature compared to other cooking methods. It's perfect for making the monkey bread recipe as it allows for slow, even cooking.
- Microwave: The microwave is used to melt the butter and brown sugar together, making it easier to combine and pour over the biscuit pieces.
- Large bowl: A large bowl is used for tossing the biscuit dough pieces in the cinnamon sugar, ensuring they are evenly coated before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Vegetable oil spray: This is used to grease the slow cooker insert, preventing the monkey bread from sticking to the sides.
- Microwave-safe bowl: A microwave-safe bowl is essential for melting the butter and brown sugar together in the microwave.
- Clean dish towel: Placing a clean dish towel over the slow cooker insert before covering with the lid helps to absorb any excess moisture, preventing it from dripping onto the monkey bread during cooking.
Storing and Freezing Slow Cooker Monkey Bread
- Let the monkey bread cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store, place the monkey bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the monkey bread:
- Wrap the cooled monkey bread tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container.
- Label the container or wrapping with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- To reheat frozen monkey bread:
- Thaw the monkey bread in the refrigerator overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and place the monkey bread on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the pecans are lightly toasted.
- Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until warm.
- To maintain the best texture and flavor, avoid refreezing previously frozen and thawed monkey bread.
How To Reheat Leftover Monkey Bread
To reheat leftover monkey bread in the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the monkey bread in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until it's heated through. The foil will help prevent the top from getting too brown while the inside warms up.
For a quicker method, you can use the microwave. Place a portion of the monkey bread on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in 30-second intervals until it's warm and gooey. Be careful not to overheat it, as the sugar can become very hot and cause burns.
If you want to add some extra flavor and moisture to your leftover monkey bread, try drizzling a little melted butter, maple syrup, or caramel sauce over the top before reheating. This will help revive the flavors and make it taste freshly baked.
For a crispy exterior, you can reheat the monkey bread in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the monkey bread in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until it's heated through and the outside is crispy.
If you have a large amount of leftover monkey bread, you can reheat it in the slow cooker. Place the monkey bread in the slow cooker and cover it with the lid. Heat on low for 1-2 hours or until it's warm and gooey. This method is perfect for keeping the monkey bread warm during a brunch or party.
Interesting Trivia About Monkey Bread
The slow cooker monkey bread recipe is a delicious and easy dessert that can be enjoyed by the whole family. It's a fun and interactive way to enjoy a sweet treat, and the slow cooker method allows for a hands-off cooking experience. This recipe is perfect for gatherings or special occasions, as it can be prepared in advance and kept warm until ready to serve. Plus, the combination of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon creates a mouthwatering aroma that fills the kitchen as it cooks. It's a delightful way to satisfy a sweet tooth!
Is Making Monkey Bread in a Slow Cooker Cost-Effective?
This slow cooker monkey bread recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, and the recipe makes good use of simple, affordable items. With a rating of 8/10 for cost-effectiveness, this recipe is budget-friendly and offers a delightful treat for the family. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10, making it an economical choice for a delicious dessert.
Is Slow Cooker Monkey Bread Healthy or Unhealthy?
This slow cooker monkey bread recipe is undeniably delicious, but it's far from healthy. The main ingredients - butter, brown sugar, sugar, and biscuit dough - are all high in calories, saturated fat, and added sugars. Consuming excessive amounts of these ingredients can lead to weight gain, increased risk of heart disease, and other health issues. Additionally, the recipe lacks any significant sources of nutrients, such as fiber, vitamins, or minerals.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of butter and sugar used, or replace some of the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
- Use whole wheat biscuit dough or make your own dough using whole wheat flour to increase the fiber content
- Incorporate more nutritious ingredients, such as fresh or dried fruits (e.g., apples, raisins, or cranberries), to add vitamins and antioxidants
- Replace some of the pecans with heart-healthy nuts like almonds or walnuts, which are rich in monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids
- Serve smaller portions and pair the monkey bread with a side of fresh fruit or a yogurt parfait to balance out the meal
Editor's Opinion on This Slow Cooker Monkey Bread Recipe
The slow cooker monkey bread recipe is a delightful and indulgent treat that is sure to please any crowd. The combination of buttery, caramelized sugar, and warm cinnamon creates a rich and comforting flavor. The use of a slow cooker makes this recipe incredibly convenient and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. The addition of pecans adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. This recipe is perfect for a cozy brunch or as a sweet ending to any meal. It's a simple yet impressive dish that will have everyone coming back for more.
Enhance Your Slow Cooker Monkey Bread Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizers and Main Dishes to Serve with Monkey Bread
Why trust this Slow Cooker Monkey Bread Recipe:
This slow cooker monkey bread recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon creates a rich and indulgent flavor. The use of biscuits ensures a fluffy and tender texture, while the addition of pecans provides a delightful crunch. The step-by-step instructions make it easy to follow, and the slow cooker method allows for a hassle-free preparation. Trust the appeal of classic flavors and the convenience of slow cooking to deliver a mouthwatering treat.
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