Healthy Sourdough Discard Monkey Bread

Monkey bread is a delightful pull-apart treat, traditionally rich and indulgent. This Healthy Sourdough Discard Monkey Bread offers a nutritious spin by incorporating whole grains, natural sweeteners, and the tangy depth of sourdough discard. It’s a great way to use up leftover discard while creating a soft, caramelized, and utterly delicious treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Uses Sourdough Discard – A great way to minimize waste while enhancing flavor.
• Naturally Sweetened – Made with coconut sugar or maple syrup instead of refined sugar.
• Whole Grain Option – You can use whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.
• Gut-Friendly – The fermentation benefits of sourdough make this easier to digest.
• Perfect for Sharing – A fun, pull-apart bread ideal for gatherings or family breakfasts.

---

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose or whole wheat flour
• ½ cup sourdough discard (unfed)
• ⅓ cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or coconut oil), melted
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast

For the Coating:

• ¼ cup melted butter or coconut oil
• ½ cup coconut sugar or maple sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the Glaze (Optional):

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine sourdough discard, warm milk, melted butter, egg, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Mix well. Add the flour, salt, and instant yeast, kneading until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms (about 5–7 minutes). Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

2. Shape the Dough Balls

Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 1-inch pieces (about 30–40 pieces total). Roll each piece into a small ball.

3. Coat the Dough Balls

In a small bowl, mix coconut sugar and cinnamon. Dip each dough ball into melted butter, then roll in the sugar mixture. Arrange them in a greased bundt pan or baking dish.

4. Second Rise

Cover the pan and let the dough rise for another 30–45 minutes until puffy.

5. Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

6. Glaze and Serve

If using the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over warm monkey bread before serving.

---

Variations and Substitutions

• Dairy-Free – Use coconut oil instead of butter and almond milk instead of dairy milk.
• Refined Sugar-Free – Stick to coconut sugar or maple syrup instead of white sugar.
• Nutty Twist – Add chopped pecans or walnuts between the layers for crunch.
• Spiced Version – Add nutmeg or cardamom to the coating for extra warmth.
• Caramel Drizzle – Swap the glaze for a homemade date or coconut caramel.

---

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8–10
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
• Total Time: ~2 hours 15 minutes

---

Storage and Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep for up to 5 days; warm before serving.
• Freezer: Freeze individual portions in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or microwave for 15–20 seconds.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

How does sourdough discard affect monkey bread?

Sourdough discard adds a subtle tanginess and improves the texture, making the bread softer and more flavorful.

Can I make this recipe without yeast?

Yes, but the dough will take longer to rise. Use an overnight fermentation in the fridge to allow natural leavening.

Can I prepare this monkey bread ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble and refrigerate overnight, then bake in the morning for a fresh treat.

What can I use instead of a bundt pan?

You can use a loaf pan, cake pan, or muffin tin for mini monkey bread portions.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Try using a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum, but the texture may differ.

Is there a way to make this more protein-rich?

Use Greek yogurt instead of some of the butter, or add a scoop of protein powder to the dough.

How do I make this extra gooey?

Mix a little melted butter with maple syrup and pour it over the dough before baking.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, but activate it in warm milk and honey for 5 minutes before adding it to the dough.

Why is my monkey bread dry?

Overbaking or using too much flour can make it dry. Check at 30 minutes and adjust if needed.

Can I make this vegan?

Yes! Replace the egg with a flax egg and use plant-based butter and milk.

---

Conclusion

This Healthy Sourdough Discard Monkey Bread is a fun, shareable treat with a wholesome twist. It’s naturally sweetened, has a satisfying pull-apart texture, and is a fantastic way to use sourdough discard. Whether you serve it for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, it’s sure to be a hit!

2/2

Print