Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Prepare the Dough Base

   In a large bowl, add 190 ml (3/4 cup + 2 tsp) of milk or water (ideally around 95°F), 30g (2.5 tbsp) of sugar, 6g (1 tsp) of salt, and 3g (1 tsp) of yeast. Stir until all ingredients are dissolved. Add 50g (3.5 tbsp) of room temperature butter and 325g (2.5 cups) of flour. Combine with a wooden spoon until a shaggy mass of dough forms.

2. 2.Knead the Dough

   Transfer the dough onto a clean work surface. Knead the dough for about 6-8 minutes until it becomes soft, smooth, and elastic. The dough should be well-hydrated yet not sticky, and slightly tacky to the touch. Form the kneaded dough into a smooth ball.

3. 3.Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

   In a separate bowl, combine 56g (1/3 cup) of brown sugar, 67g (1/3 cup) of granulated sugar, and 3g (1 tsp) of cinnamon powder. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.

4. 4.Prepare the Baking Pan

   Grease the inside of a loaf pan (or any baking pan you prefer) with butter to prevent the monkey bread from sticking after baking.

5. 5.Divide and Coat the Dough

   Lightly dust your work surface with flour. Place the dough ball on it and roll it out to form a rectangle approximately 2 cm thick. Use a bench scraper or pizza cutter to divide the dough into small, roughly equal pieces (around 64 pieces). Separate the pieces to prevent them from sticking together. Toss the dough pieces in the cinnamon sugar mixture in batches, shaking the bowl to ensure they are evenly coated.

6. 6.Assemble the Monkey Bread

   Arrange half of the coated dough pieces in the greased baking pan. Drizzle 1-2 tablespoons of the 57g (1/4 cup) melted butter over this first layer. Arrange the remaining coated dough pieces on top. Spread any leftover cinnamon sugar mixture over the second layer of dough. Drizzle another 1-2 tablespoons of melted butter over the top.

7. 7.Final Rise

   Cover the baking pan with cling film. Place the covered pan in a warm environment and let it rise for approximately 60 minutes. After rising, the dough pieces will have expanded.

8. 8.Bake the Monkey Bread

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Pour the remaining melted butter (from the 57g total) over the risen dough in the pan. Bake in the preheated oven for around 36-40 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

9. 9.Cool and Serve

   Once baked, remove the monkey bread from the oven. Let it cool in the pan for 5-6 minutes. Then, carefully flip the pan upside down onto a serving plate to release the monkey bread. Serve warm. Optionally, prepare a vanilla icing by mixing 3 tbsp heavy cream/thick cream, 2 tbsp icing sugar, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, then drizzle over individual pieces.