Monkey Bubble Bread

It's been months since I posted on this blog, but no fear, I have found my food writing mojo, again. I have lots of recipes and some food travel experiences to share, and I can't wait to get to them all. Since it's been so long, I feel I must start with something simply irresistible, Monkey Bubble Bread. Monkey Bubble Bread, also known as sticky bread, African coffee cake, and pinch-me cake (among others) is a sticky, sweet, cinnamony, yeast bread - think of cinnamon buns turned inside out. Yum!

Ingredients:

1 ¼ cup whole milk, warmed to 110 F

2 teaspoons instant yeast

4 cups all-purpose flour

5 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1 egg, beaten

5 tablespoons butter, melted

For the coating

1 ¼ cups dark brown sugar

2 teaspoons cinnamon

½ cup butter, melted and cooled

Start by adding the yeast to the warmed milk and stir to dissolve. In a mixer with paddle attachment mix flour, sugar and salt until combined. Add the egg and mix until combined. Slowly add the milk and then add the butter. Mix until the dough comes together to form a rough ball.

Switch to a dough hook and knead on medium for 8-10 minutes. The dough should be silky and tacky but not sticky. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover and set in warm place for 1 hour, until doubled in size.

Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and generously grease a Bundt pan. Gently deflate the dough and press into an 8-inch square. Cut the dough into 1-inch (1/2 ounce) pieces (64 pieces). Gently roll the pieces into rough balls and place on the sheet pan. Cover balls with plastic wrap while working.

Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in one bowl and have melted butter nearby in a separate bowl. Dip each ball in the butter and then roll in the sugar. Repeat, assembling the pieces in the Bundt pan like a brick wall. Wrap the Bundt pan in plastic and let rest for 1 hour (the dough will nearly double in size, see picture). Preheat oven to 350F.

Bake for 30 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before turning out. Serve warm (can reheat in 300F oven).  

Bon appetit!