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Blueberry Monkey Bread

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Make homemade dough, prepare a fresh blueberry sauce, coat dough pieces in butter and cinnamon sugar, layer with blueberry sauce in a bundt pan, bake until golden, and top with cream cheese glaze.
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Ranah
Updated on Tue, 01 Apr 2025 12:16:52 GMT
A cake with blueberries and white frosting. Pin it
A cake with blueberries and white frosting. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

Blueberry monkey bread transforms the classic pull-apart treat into something truly special with layers of soft, buttery homemade dough nestled between sweet-tart blueberry sauce, all crowned with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Each bite delivers an irresistible combination of warm bread coated in cinnamon sugar, bursts of juicy blueberry goodness, and tangy sweet icing that ties everything together perfectly.

I first made this blueberry monkey bread for a Sunday brunch with friends, hoping to create something more memorable than the usual cinnamon rolls. The moment I placed it on the table, everyone gathered around like moths to a flame. The dramatic reveal when the first person pulled away a piece—revealing that vibrant purple-blue sauce—prompted actual gasps. By the end of brunch, my friends were already requesting it for our next gathering, and my husband has since declared it his 'birthday breakfast' of choice.

Ingredients for Monkey Bread Dough

  • Milk: 1 cup warm (110°F)
  • Yeast: 2¼ tsp active dry
  • Sugar: ¼ cup + 1 cup for coating
  • Eggs: 2 large, room temperature
  • Butter: ½ cup + 1 cup melted (unsalted)
  • Salt: 1 tsp
  • Flour: 4-4½ cups all-purpose
A cake with blueberries and white frosting. Pin it
A cake with blueberries and white frosting. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

Ingredients for Blueberry Sauce & Glaze

  • Blueberries: 2 cups fresh or frozen
  • Sugar: ½ cup
  • Cornstarch: 1 tbsp
  • Lemon Juice: 1 tbsp
  • Cinnamon: 2 tsp
  • Cream Cheese: 4 oz softened
  • Powdered Sugar: 1 cup
  • Milk: 2-3 tbsp

How to Make Blueberry Monkey Bread

Step 1:
Make dough: Combine warm milk, yeast, sugar. Add eggs, melted butter, flour. Knead 8-10 min
Step 2:
Let rise 1 hour until doubled
Step 3:
Make blueberry sauce: Cook berries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice until thickened. Cool completely
Step 4:
Mix cinnamon sugar. Dip dough pieces in melted butter, then cinnamon sugar
Step 5:
Layer in greased bundt pan: dough, sauce, repeat. Rise 30-45 min
Step 6:
Bake at 350°F for 30-35 min until golden
Step 7:
Make glaze: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, milk until smooth
Step 8:
Cool 10 min, invert, drizzle with glaze

Make-Ahead Instructions

Prepare through layering step, cover and refrigerate overnight. Next morning, let sit at room temp 30 min while oven preheats, then bake as directed. Perfect for holiday mornings!

Pan Options & Tips

  • Bundt pan: Classic presentation with even baking
  • 9x13" dish: Bake 5-10 min less
  • Springform: Easy serving alternative
  • Grease generously to prevent sticking
  • Place baking sheet underneath to catch drips

My nephew (a picky eater who lives on chicken nuggets) devoured three pieces at Easter brunch and asked his mom to 'get the recipe for the blue bread thing' - the ultimate kid endorsement!

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A cake with blueberries and whipped cream. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

Serving & Storage

Best served warm but flavors develop beautifully at room temp. Refrigerate glazed leftovers up to 3 days. Reheat portions wrapped in foil at 300°F for 10 min.

This blueberry monkey bread has become my signature brunch showstopper - combining the fun of pull-apart bread with vibrant berry flavor and cream cheese decadence for a truly memorable centerpiece.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen blueberries work well in this recipe. No need to thaw them first - just add them directly to the saucepan as directed in the recipe.
→ How do I know when the monkey bread is fully baked?
The bread should be deeply browned on top and around the edges. For the most accurate test, use an instant-read thermometer - the internal temperature should be at least 190°F.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. The next day, let it come to room temperature before shaping. You can also make the blueberry sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it.
→ What if I don't have a stand mixer?
You can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 10-12 minutes until smooth and elastic. It takes a bit more effort but works just as well.
→ How should I store leftover monkey bread?
Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving for that fresh-baked taste.

Berry Pull-Apart Bread

Soft, pillowy pieces of homemade dough coated in cinnamon sugar, layered with fresh blueberry sauce, and topped with tangy cream cheese glaze.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Ranah


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Dough

01 ¾ cup (184 g) whole milk, heated to 110°F
02 ½ cup water, heated to 110°F
03 ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
04 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
05 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
06 3 ¼ cups (406 g) all-purpose flour
07 2 teaspoons kosher salt

→ Blueberry Sauce

08 2 cups (296 g) fresh blueberries, divided
09 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
10 ½ teaspoon cornstarch
11 1 teaspoon cold water
12 1 teaspoon lemon juice
13 1 pinch kosher salt

→ Assembly

14 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
15 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, packed
16 2 teaspoons cinnamon
17 ½ teaspoon kosher salt

→ Glaze

18 4 ounces (½ package) cream cheese, softened
19 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
20 ⅔ cup (83 g) confectioners' sugar
21 1 tablespoon whole milk, or more as needed for desired consistency

Instructions

Step 01

In a medium mixing bowl, combine warm milk, warm water, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the sugar is mostly dissolved. Add yeast and let it rest until it becomes foamy (about 5-10 minutes).

Step 02

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine flour and kosher salt. Add the yeast mixture and mix on low speed until combined. Increase the speed to high and knead until the dough becomes smooth and elastic (about 6-8 minutes).

Step 03

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 04

To a medium saucepan over medium heat, add 1 cup of blueberries and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Blueberries will start to pop as they heat. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until the cornstarch is dissolved. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the blueberries and stir until thickened (about 1 minute). Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice, a pinch of kosher salt, and the remaining 1 cup of blueberries. Set aside.

Step 05

Spray a 12-cup bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside. Set out two small bowls. To the first bowl, add the melted butter. In a second bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

Step 06

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide it into 36 equal pieces, about 1 inch each. Working one at a time, coat each section of dough in butter. Then, roll in the sugar mixture until completely coated.

Step 07

Arrange 12 pieces of the coated dough in the bottom of the prepared pan. Spoon half of the blueberry sauce over the top. Continue with another 12 pieces of coated dough, and the remaining blueberry sauce. Finish by topping with the remaining dough pieces. Discard any remaining sugar mixture.

Step 08

Cover the bundt pan and let the dough rise until doubled, about 50-60 minutes. The dough balls should almost reach the top of the bundt pan.

Step 09

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Uncover the pan and bake the bread until it's deeply browned on top and around the edges, 40-45 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the dough should read at least 190°F.

Step 10

Let the bread cool for 5 minutes. Then, run a small knife around the edges of the pan to loosen it. Invert it onto a platter.

Step 11

In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Stir in the confectioners' sugar and 1 tablespoon of whole milk, adding more milk as needed to achieve a smooth, pourable glaze.

Step 12

Drizzle the glaze over the warm monkey bread. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  1. If you don't want to make the dough from scratch, you can use Rhodes Rolls or store-bought tube biscuits such as Grands Biscuits.
  2. This monkey bread is delicious served warm or cold.
  3. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack any time of day.

Tools You'll Need

  • Stand mixer with dough hook
  • 12-cup bundt pan
  • Medium saucepan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Instant-read thermometer (optional)

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (milk, butter, cream cheese)
  • Contains gluten (all-purpose flour)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 370
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 58 g
  • Protein: 5 g