Super Easy Gluten-Free Monkey Bread Recipe

The Best Gluten-Free Monkey Bread Recipe for Sweet Tooth Lovers

Gluten-free monkey bread brings delightful sweetness to weekend breakfast tables everywhere.

Soft, pillowy dough reimagines into a sticky-sweet pull-apart treat that delights all ages.

Bakers with dietary restrictions can rejoice in this accessible rendition of a classic comfort food.

Each morsel promises a tender, golden experience that challenges traditional baking limitations.

Cinnamon-sugar coatings create an irresistible aroma that fills kitchens with warmth and anticipation.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques make this recipe approachable for novice and experienced bakers alike.

Rich, gooey textures combine with nostalgic flavors that spark childhood memories of weekend morning indulgence.

Best Way to Store and Warm Up Gluten-Free Monkey Bread

  • Refrigeration: Store cooled monkey bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover tightly to prevent drying out and preserve its soft texture.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual portions or the entire batch in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months to maintain optimal flavor and quality.
  • Reheating: Warm individual pieces in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or restore crispiness by placing in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. For best results, avoid overheating to prevent dryness.

Sweet or Savory Pairings for Gluten-Free Monkey Bread Moments

  • Pair with Creamy Comfort: Serve this sweet monkey bread alongside a warm mug of vanilla chai latte, which complements the cinnamon sugar flavors and adds a soothing, spicy undertone.
  • Match with Morning Brightness: Enjoy with a fresh orange juice or tangy passion fruit smoothie to balance the bread's richness and provide a zesty morning kick.
  • Complement with Smooth Finish: Top the monkey bread with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla bean ice cream to enhance its decadent texture and add a cool, creamy contrast.
  • Boost with Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or pecans over the glaze to introduce a delightful nutty crunch that elevates the overall dessert experience.

Flavor Additions That Make Gluten-Free Monkey Bread Irresistible

  • Nutty Crunch Monkey Bread: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds between layers of dough balls for added texture and rich nutty flavor. Mix ground nuts into the cinnamon sugar coating for extra crunch.
  • Chocolate Chip Monkey Bread: Fold mini chocolate chips into the dough before cutting rounds. Alternate layers of chocolate-studded dough balls with classic cinnamon sugar rounds for a decadent treat.
  • Berry Blast Monkey Bread: Fold finely chopped dried cranberries or blueberries into the dough. Swap half the cinnamon in the sugar coating with ground cardamom for a fruity, warm spice profile that complements the berries perfectly.
  • Caramel Drizzle Monkey Bread: Replace the vanilla glaze with a homemade caramel sauce. Sprinkle sea salt over the top after drizzling for a sweet and salty finish that elevates the classic monkey bread experience.

Super Easy Gluten-Free Monkey Bread That Pulls Apart Like a Dream

  • Savor Effortless Gluten-Free Indulgence: This monkey bread recipe offers a simple, accessible way to enjoy a classic treat without gluten, making it perfect for those with dietary restrictions or anyone craving a delightful sweet experience.
  • Create Irresistible Texture Layers: Each bite delivers a magical combination of soft, pillowy dough rounds coated in buttery cinnamon sugar, creating a pull-apart treat with crispy edges and a moist, tender interior that melts in your mouth.
  • Customize with Delightful Flexibility: Whether you prefer a full loaf or individual muffin-sized portions, this recipe adapts easily to different baking preferences, allowing you to create a personalized dessert that suits any gathering or mood.

Simple Staples Behind This Gluten-Free Monkey Bread Wonder

Dry Ingredients:
  • Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Provides the base for the dough, ensuring a soft and tender texture without gluten.
  • Xanthan Gum: Helps bind the gluten-free flour and improve dough elasticity.
  • Baking Powder: Adds lift and lightness to the dough.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Yogurt: Adds moisture and helps create a tender dough.
  • Water: Helps achieve the right dough consistency.
Coating and Topping Ingredients:
  • Granulated Sugar, Cinnamon: Classic sweet and warm coating that gives monkey bread its signature flavor.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness of the sugar coating.
  • Melted Butter: Helps the cinnamon sugar stick to the dough and adds rich flavor.
  • Confectioners' Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet glaze.
  • Milk: Thins the confectioners' sugar to create a drizzle-able glaze.

How to Bake Super Easy Gluten-Free Monkey Bread from Scratch

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Station

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
  • Select a 9-inch x 5-inch loaf pan or 12-cup muffin tin
  • Line the pan with parchment paper, allowing slight overhang
  • Set aside your baking equipment

Step 2: Create the Magic Dough

  • Gather gluten-free flour blend
  • Add these dry ingredients
  • Xanthan gum
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Mix dry ingredients thoroughly in a large bowl
  • Stir in yogurt and water
  • Knead the dough until smooth and pliable
  • Add extra water if dough feels too stiff

Step 3: Shape the Dough Rounds

  • Dust work surface with flour
  • Roll dough into 1-inch thick rectangle
  • Use small cookie cutter (1-inch diameter)
  • Cut out adorable dough rounds
  • Re-roll any remaining dough scraps

Step 4: Create Cinnamon Sugar Magic

  • Prepare coating mixture
  • Granulated sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • Dip each dough round in melted butter
  • Roll butter-coated rounds in cinnamon sugar
  • Arrange coated rounds in prepared pan
  • Layer evenly for perfect coverage

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

  • Place pan on baking sheet
  • Bake until golden and firm
  • Loaf pan: 25 minutes
  • Muffin tin: 20 minutes
  • Cool in pan for 30 minutes

Step 6: Drizzle with Sweet Glaze

  • Mix confectioners' sugar and milk
  • Adjust milk quantity for perfect drizzling consistency
  • Pour glaze generously over cooled monkey bread
  • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Soft Center, Crispy Edge—Tips for Monkey Bread Perfection

  • Measure Precisely: Use exact gluten-free flour blend measurements to ensure the perfect dough consistency and texture.
  • Knead with Care: Gently work the dough on a floured surface to prevent overworking, which can make it tough and dense.
  • Control Butter Coating: Dip dough balls lightly in melted butter to avoid soggy or overly greasy monkey bread.
  • Layer Strategically: Arrange dough balls in even, tight layers to create a beautiful pull-apart texture and consistent baking.
  • Glaze Gradually: Add milk to the confectioners' sugar slowly, creating a smooth, drizzle-perfect glaze that enhances the monkey bread's sweetness.
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Super Easy Gluten-Free Monkey Bread Recipe

Super Easy Gluten-Free Monkey Bread Recipe


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4.6 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Gooey gluten-free monkey bread delivers pure comfort with its irresistible pull-apart layers of cinnamon-sugar goodness. Sweet and sticky indulgence awaits you in this simple dessert that promises warm, nostalgic pleasure with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Flour and Dairy:

  • 2 ½ cups (350 g) all-purpose gluten-free flour
  • 1 7/8 cups (425 g) Greek-style plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon milk

Leavening and Seasoning:

  • 1 ¼ teaspoons xanthan gum
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Liquid and Coating Ingredients:

  • ⅓ cup (2 ⅔ fluid ounces) lukewarm water
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons (84 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • ¾ cup (86 g) confectioners’ sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the workspace by lining a 9-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, ensuring overhang for easy removal. Alternatively, use a 12-cup muffin tin with liners.
  2. Create the gluten-free dough by combining flour blend, xanthan gum, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Incorporate yogurt and water, kneading until the mixture forms a cohesive, smooth consistency.
  3. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and gently roll into a rectangular shape approximately 1-inch thick. Use a small cookie cutter to shape individual rounds, reusing any remaining dough scraps.
  4. Prepare the coating mixture by combining granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl. Dip each dough round into melted butter, allowing excess to drip off, then generously coat with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  5. Arrange the coated dough balls in the prepared pan, creating even layers. For a loaf pan, stack methodically until reaching the top; in a muffin tin, place 5-6 balls per well.
  6. Position the pan on a baking sheet and slide into a preheated 350°F oven. Bake until the surface turns golden and the texture feels firm, approximately 20-25 minutes depending on the chosen baking vessel.
  7. Remove from the oven and allow the monkey bread to cool completely in the pan for about 30 minutes, ensuring proper setting.
  8. Craft the glaze by mixing confectioners’ sugar with milk, adjusting liquid incrementally to achieve a thick yet pourable consistency. Generously drizzle over the cooled monkey bread before serving.

Notes

  • Prep ahead by measuring and organizing all ingredients before starting to make the process smoother and faster.
  • Use room temperature yogurt for better dough consistency and easier mixing.
  • Check gluten-free flour blend carefully to ensure it’s certified gluten-free for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
  • Dipping dough balls completely in butter helps create a crispy, caramelized exterior with rich cinnamon-sugar coating.
  • Allow monkey bread to cool completely before glazing to prevent runny, thin icing and ensure a perfect set.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for maximum freshness.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 31 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 53 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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