Best Pumpkin Caramel Monkey Bread Recipe

Pumpkin caramel monkey bread is the yummiest pull-apart dessert perfect for fall. The warm, spicy flavors of pumpkin mingling with gooey caramel make this treat a sure crowd-pleaser at any gathering. When you’re hosting a fall brunch, are celebrating Thanksgiving, or just want something sweet to share with your family, pumpkin caramel monkey bread is the way to go.

Health Benefits For Pumpkin Caramel Monkey Bread

While pumpkin caramel monkey bread is a rich dessert, it does have some health benefits. Pumpkin contains a good amount of vitamin A; it can benefit your eyes and provide you with fiber. Some of the spices, such as cinnamon, that are used in the filling hold antioxidant properties. Enjoy this dessert as an indulgence from time to time and as part of a healthy diet.

Going Vegan or Gluten-Free For Pumpkin Caramel Monkey Bread

The recipe can easily be turned vegan using a dairy-free butter substitute and coconut milk for the caramel sauce. You can turn it gluten-free as well with gluten-free flour and all other ingredients being from certified gluten-free ones.

Ingredients For Pumpkin Caramel Monkey Bread

For the Dough:

• 3 1/4 c All-purpose flour
• 1/4 c Granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons Active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 cup Whole milk, warmed
• 1/4 cup Water, warmed
• 1/4 cup Unsalted butter, melted
• 1 Large egg

For the Pumpkin Filling:

• 1/2 cup Pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup Brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 cup Unsalted butter, melted
• For the Caramel Sauce:
• 1 cup Brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Substitutions and Variations For Pumpkin Caramel Monkey Bread

You can use store-bought biscuit dough instead of doing it from scratch.

For the caramel sauce, substitute with coconut milk so that it becomes dairy-free.

The Dough

Doing it Yourself vs. Buying into Store-Bought Biscuit Dough:

If you want something fresher and fluffier, always make your dough from scratch; however, sometimes when you are out of luck, you need that store-bought biscuit dough.

Some Important Tips for Fluffy Dough

Add flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. In a bowl, break an egg, whisking it with milk, melted butter, and water. Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients until a soft dough comes together. Bring the dough out on a floured surface and knead for almost five minutes to become smooth and elastic. It will take approximately an hour to double in size if you place it in a warm place to rise depending on the room temperature.

Pumpkin Filling For Pumpkin Caramel Monkey Bread

Spice Filling Ingredients

The filler of the pumpkin is what will give it that pumpkin flavor. Combine and mix well the pumpkin puree with cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, brown sugar, and melted butter in a bowl.

Ideal Balance of Spices:

Add taste and season with additional cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice to your taste. For an even stronger spice flavor, you can add a bit more; to tone down spices, you can cut back on spices.

Preparation of Caramel Sauce For Pumpkin Caramel Monkey Bread

Simple Recipe for Caramel Sauce:

Melt butter over a medium heat in a medium saucepan. Add heavy cream and brown sugar, stirring constantly until boiling. Continue cooking three to four minutes longer, until the sauce has thickened. Off heat, whisk in vanilla essence.

Tips to Get the Best Smooth, Rich Caramel For Pumpkin Caramel Monkey Bread

Do not forget to keep stirring the sauce so it does not burn. If it happens to be a thinner sauce, you may add just a tad more cream.

Step-by-Step Recipe Guide For Pumpkin Caramel Monkey Bread

Preparation of Dough

Punch down the dough and roll it out into little balls after the dough has risen. Melted butter dip each ball, and then roll them on the pumpkin spice filling.

Rolling and Filling the Dough

In a greased bundt pan, layer the dough balls. Then pour half of the caramel sauce and add the remaining dough balls to the pan; top with the remaining caramel sauce.

Preparation of Assembling the Monkey Bread

 Position the dough balls in a pan with the bottom layer evenly laid so that everything will be evenly baked. Allow the assembled monkey bread for rising of 30 minutes and bake in the oven.

Instructions for Baking

Preheat oven to 350°F or 175°C. Bake the monkey bread for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until it is golden brown and cooked through. Let it cool in the pan for ten minutes and then invert onto a serving plate.

Cooling and Serving

Let the monkey bread cool just until it’s somewhat easy to handle, then you can pull it apart; the caramel will have set up a bit. Serve warm and dive into the gooey, sweet layers of pumpkin and caramel. It makes for a wonderful breakfast, dessert, or in-between time treat.

Storage Ideas for Leftovers

Leftovers you have any (which should be unlikely, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days To reheat, place a portion in the microwave for about 20 seconds, or until warm. You can also freeze the monkey bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and storing it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

You may modify this dessert by adding nuts or chocolate chips

You can add chopped pecans or walnuts to the pumpkin filling to add extra texture. Even chocolate chips can be a wonderful addition to create that little sweetness.

How to Serve Pumpkin Caramel Monkey Bread

This pumpkin caramel monkey bread pairs well with hot coffee or tea. Indulge it for more by accompanying it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Conclusion

Pumpkin caramel monkey bread will be a fun and particularly festive fall dessert. That is an excellent marriage between the warm spices, sweet pumpkin, and gooey caramel that makes this dessert completely irresistible. Whether you use it as a celebration dessert or for a special treat at home, this recipe will guarantee a decisive victory in the kitchen. So now gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to bake something terrific!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)