The aroma of cinnamon and warm carrots wafting through the kitchen is like a cozy hug on a chilly morning. I recently stumbled upon this Carrot Cake Monkey Bread recipe, and it’s become my go-to for impressing brunch guests. It’s a clever twist on two classics, and the best part? It uses store-bought dough to save time. If you’ve ever wondered how to make dessert both fun and fancy, this might just be the trick. Keep going to find out.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This Carrot Cake Monkey Bread is a delightful twist on a classic dessert, combining the flavors of carrot cake with the fun pull-apart texture of monkey bread.
- Quick & Easy: Minimal prep work with store-bought dough for convenience.
- Rich Flavor: Warm spices, shredded carrots, and a creamy glaze create a perfect balance.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Ideal for brunches, parties, or a cozy family treat.
Recipe
Carrot cake monkey bread is a delightful twist on the classic dessert, combining the flavors of carrot cake with the fun, pull-apart nature of monkey bread. This recipe is perfect for brunch, dessert, or a sweet treat any time of day. It’s easy to make and certain to impress with its gooey, cinnamon-sugar-coated pieces and cream cheese glaze.
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup grated carrots
For the coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in buttermilk, vanilla extract, and grated carrots until a soft dough forms.
- In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Dip each ball in melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Arrange the coated dough balls in the prepared bundt pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- While the bread cools slightly, prepare the glaze by beating cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm monkey bread and serve.
Notes:
- For extra flavor, add chopped nuts or raisins to the dough.
- Confirm the cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth glaze.
Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Serving:
8-10 servings
Calories:
Approximately 350 calories per serving
Cuisine:
American
Equipment
Preparing the perfect carrot cake monkey bread requires a few essential tools to guarantee ease and precision. Having the right equipment on hand can make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Bundt pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Knife or pizza cutter
- Small saucepan (for glaze)
- Cooling rack
Nutrition
Carrot Cake Monkey Bread is a delightful treat that combines moist carrot cake with the pull-apart fun of monkey bread. While it’s a delicious indulgence, it’s important to be mindful of its nutritional content.
- High in carbohydrates due to flour, sugar, and shredded carrots.
- Contains moderate fat content from butter and cream cheese.
- Provides a small amount of fiber from carrots and optional nuts.
- Offers minimal protein unless nuts or cream cheese are added.
- High in sugar, making it a sweet but calorie-dense dessert.
- Includes essential vitamins like Vitamin A from carrots.
- Can be made healthier by reducing sugar or using whole-grain flour.
What to Serve With This Recipe
I love pairing this carrot cake monkey bread with fresh fruit salad for a light, invigorating balance, and a whipped cream dip adds a creamy, dreamy touch. If I’m feeling indulgent, I’ll serve it with a scoop of ice cream for an extra-decadent treat. A cup of coffee or tea makes the perfect cozy companion, tying it all together beautifully.
Fresh Fruit Salad
A fresh fruit salad is the perfect sidekick to this sweet and gooey carrot cake monkey bread. I love using seasonal fruits like strawberries, pineapple, and kiwi for their vibrant colors and natural sweetness. It’s light and invigorating, balancing the richness of the bread perfectly. Plus, it’s super easy to throw together—just chop, toss, and serve. It’s a crowd-pleaser every time!
Whipped Cream Dip
Nothing beats a fluffy, sweet whipped cream dip to elevate your carrot cake monkey bread to the next level. Its whipped cream benefits include being light and airy, making it the perfect companion to the rich, spiced bread. I love experimenting with dip variations, like adding a hint of vanilla or a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s simple, versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ice Cream Pairing
Carrot cake monkey bread and ice cream make a dreamy duo that’s hard to resist. I love pairing this warm, gooey treat with creamy vanilla, as it balances the spices perfectly. For a bolder dessert pairing, try caramel swirl or cinnamon ice cream flavors—they add extra sweetness. It’s like having your favorite fall dessert and a cozy sundae all in one bite. Yum!
Coffee Complement
Few things pair better with carrot cake monkey bread than a steaming cup of coffee—it’s the ultimate match for cozy mornings or dessert time. When I’m coffee brewing, I like experimenting with flavor profiles to complement the cinnamon and sweetness. A medium roast with caramel notes or a hazelnut blend works wonders. Trust me, the warmth of coffee makes every bite even more delightful!
Tea Accompaniment
When I’m not reaching for coffee, I love pairing carrot cake monkey bread with a comforting cup of tea—it’s a cozy alternative that’s just as satisfying. Earthy tea flavors like chai or rooibos work beautifully, while a hint of sweetness from vanilla or cinnamon tea makes for perfect pairings. Even a simple black tea with a splash of milk complements the spices flawlessly, creating a warm, comforting treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Type of Cake Mix?
I’m all ears for flavor variations—mixing things up can be a piece of cake! If you’re swapping cake mixes, stick to baking tips like adjusting moisture levels or bake times to keep it just right.
Is This Recipe Freezer-Friendly?
I’d say it’s freezer-friendly if stored properly. For freezer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic and foil. When you’re ready to enjoy it, follow thawing tips like letting it sit at room temperature or reheating gently.
Can I Make This Without a Bundt Pan?
I can use alternative baking methods if I don’t have a bundt pan. I’ll try pan substitutions like a loaf pan, cake pan, or even a muffin tin—just adjusting the baking time to guarantee it cooks evenly.
How Long Does It Stay Fresh?
Oh, fresh as day-old bread? I’ll assume you’re joking. For storage tips, I keep it airtight—few things ruin moody like stale baked goods. Fresher-than-air indicators? Smelling sweet, staying soft, and not turning green.
Can I Use a Gluten-Free Alternative?
I can use a gluten-free flour as a baking substitution if I’d prefer. I’ll replace regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend to keep the texture right. I might need to adjust moisture slightly for the best results.
