Gluten Free Vegan Monkey Bread
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Gluten Free Vegan Monkey Bread 🍞✨
A sticky, pull-apart treat that no one will believe is gluten free or vegan
If you have ever watched people tear into a warm pan of monkey bread, laughing, grabbing, and fighting over the last gooey piece, you already know the magic. Monkey bread is not polite food. It is messy, sticky, sugary, and completely irresistible.
And here’s the twist.
This Gluten Free Vegan Monkey Bread delivers all of that cozy, indulgent comfort without gluten, dairy, eggs, or refined guilt. No weird textures. No dry crumbs. No sad substitutions. Just soft, fluffy dough balls soaked in cinnamon sugar and baked into a golden, caramelized pull-apart masterpiece.
Whether you are baking for allergies, plant-based eaters, or just curious friends who swear gluten free baking never works, this recipe is about to change minds.
Let’s get into it.
Why You’ll Love This Gluten Free Vegan Monkey Bread 💚
This is not just another gluten free recipe trying to behave like the real thing. This one actually does.
Here’s why it works so well:
- Soft and fluffy on the inside, not gummy
- Sticky, caramelized outside with crisp edges
- Easy dough that does not require fancy skills
- Perfect for sharing, brunches, or lazy weekends
- Naturally egg-free and dairy-free
It is the kind of bake that disappears fast and gets requested again and again.
What Is Monkey Bread Anyway? 🤔
Monkey bread is a pull-apart bread made from small pieces of dough coated in butter, sugar, and cinnamon, then baked together in a bundt pan. People pull it apart with their fingers, which is how it earned its playful name.
Traditional versions rely heavily on wheat flour and butter. This version keeps the spirit but swaps in smart plant-based, gluten free alternatives that still deliver that classic texture and flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need 🧺
For the Dough
- 2 ½ cups gluten free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- ¾ cup warm plant milk such as almond, soy, or oat
- 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil or vegan butter
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup melted vegan butter or coconut oil
Optional Add-Ins
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Dairy-free chocolate chips
- A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom
How to Make Gluten Free Vegan Monkey Bread 🍯
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, mix the warm plant milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy. If it smells yeasty and looks bubbly, you are good to go.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Add the melted coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir well.
Gradually mix in the gluten free flour until a thick, sticky dough forms. This dough will be softer than traditional dough. That is exactly what you want.
Cover the bowl and let it rise in a warm spot for about 45 minutes. It should puff up slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Coating
In one bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon. In another, melt the vegan butter.
Grease a bundt pan generously. Do not skip this step.
Step 4: Form the Dough Balls
Using lightly oiled hands, scoop small pieces of dough and roll them into balls about the size of a walnut.
Dip each ball into melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar. Place into the bundt pan, layering as you go. Sprinkle any extra sugar or nuts between layers for maximum flavor.
Step 5: Final Rise
Cover the pan loosely and let it rest for another 20 minutes while the oven preheats to 180°C or 350°F.
Step 6: Bake
Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert onto a plate.
GLUTEN FREE • VEGAN • HOMEMADE
Gluten Free Vegan Monkey Bread
Soft, sticky pull-apart monkey bread made with gluten-free dough, warm cinnamon sugar and melted vegan butter. Perfect for breakfast, brunch or a cozy weekend treat.
For the Dough
- 2½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum
- 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- ¾ cup warm plant milk, such as almond, soy or oat milk
- 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil or vegan butter
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup melted vegan butter or coconut oil
Optional Add-Ins
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Dairy-free chocolate chips
- Pinch of ground nutmeg or cardamom
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast. Pour the warm plant milk into a large mixing bowl and stir in the sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and leave it for approximately 5 to 10 minutes, until the mixture looks foamy and bubbly.
-
Make the Dough.
Add the melted coconut oil or vegan butter, apple cider vinegar and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined.
Gradually add the gluten-free flour and mix until a thick, sticky dough forms. Gluten-free dough will usually be softer and stickier than traditional wheat dough, so avoid adding lots of extra flour. -
First Rise.
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or reusable cover and leave it in a warm place for approximately
45 minutes.
The dough may not double in size like traditional bread dough, but it should become noticeably puffier. -
Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar.
Combine the brown sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
Place the melted vegan butter or coconut oil in a separate bowl. - Prepare the Pan. Generously grease a Bundt pan, making sure to coat all the grooves and the centre tube well to help prevent sticking.
- Form the Dough Balls. Lightly oil your hands and scoop off small portions of dough. Gently shape each piece into a ball roughly the size of a walnut.
- Coat the Dough. Dip each dough ball into the melted vegan butter or coconut oil, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until generously coated.
-
Fill the Bundt Pan.
Arrange the coated dough balls in the prepared Bundt pan, layering them evenly.
Sprinkle chopped nuts, dairy-free chocolate chips or any remaining cinnamon sugar between the layers if desired. -
Final Rise.
Loosely cover the Bundt pan and allow the dough to rest for another
20 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). - Bake. Bake uncovered for approximately 35 to 40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the cinnamon-sugar coating is bubbling around the edges.
-
Cool and Turn Out.
Allow the monkey bread to cool in the pan for about
10 minutes.
Place a large serving plate over the top of the pan and carefully invert the monkey bread onto the plate. - Serve. Serve warm and pull apart individual cinnamon-coated pieces by hand.
Pro Tips for Perfect Monkey Bread 🔥
- Use a flour blend with xanthan gum for structure
- Do not overbake or it will dry out
- Grease the pan more than you think you need
- Let it cool slightly before flipping to avoid breakage
- Serve warm for the best pull-apart texture
Serving Ideas 🍽️
This bread shines on its own, but you can take it even further:
- Drizzle with powdered sugar glaze and vanilla
- Serve with dairy-free cream cheese icing
- Add sliced apples or berries on the side
- Pair with strong coffee or chai for peak cozy vibes
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the dough balls in the pan, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature before baking.
Can I freeze gluten free monkey bread?
You can freeze baked monkey bread. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warm.
Why is my dough sticky?
Gluten free dough is meant to be sticky. Resist the urge to add more flour or the bread will turn dry.
What flour works best?
A gluten free all-purpose blend designed for baking gives the best results. Avoid single flours like almond or coconut alone.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely. Kids love rolling the dough balls and pulling the bread apart. It is a great baking project.
Final Thoughts 🍞💛
This Gluten Free Vegan Monkey Bread is proof that comfort food does not need gluten, dairy, or eggs to be incredible. It is warm, sticky, nostalgic, and made for sharing.
Whether you serve it for brunch, holidays, or a quiet weekend treat, it brings people together around the table with zero apologies.
If you make this recipe, do not be surprised when someone asks,
“Are you sure this is gluten free and vegan?”
Because that is the best compliment of all.