No Sugar Monkey Bread Recipe
If you’ve ever craved cozy, pull-apart monkey bread but hesitated at the sugar rush, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite: No Sugar Monkey Bread. This version delivers all the nostalgic, shareable fun of the classic, but with a smart twist—no refined sugar in sight! Each tender whole wheat bite is kissed with cinnamon and sweetened naturally with monk fruit, applesauce, and a creamy Greek yogurt dough. Whether for a lazy brunch or a health-conscious dessert, this treat never fails to delight family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these straightforward, wholesome ingredients and you’ll be surprised at how such a simple lineup can create the warmest, softest, and most inviting No Sugar Monkey Bread ever. Each component truly matters and brings something special to this comforting bake.
- Whole wheat flour: Adds hearty texture, a subtle nutty flavor, and a boost of fiber to every piece.
- Baking powder: Gives the dough its beautiful rise and just-right fluffiness.
- Salt: Brings balance and enhances all the sweet flavors without overwhelming them.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Keeps the dough moist, tangy, and protein-rich—no heavy fats required.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Provides richness and helps those cinnamon swirls really shine.
- Ground cinnamon: The heart of the flavor profile, ensuring that essential monkey bread warmth.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the dough with mellow, aromatic notes you can’t skip.
- Monk fruit sweetener or erythritol: A naturally-derived, zero-sugar sweetener that keeps your treat guilt-free but satisfyingly sweet.
- Unsweetened applesauce: Adds moisture and natural sweetness, seamlessly replacing refined sugar.
- Almond milk (optional for glaze): Just a splash creates the perfect consistency if you drizzle on a finishing glaze.
- Non-stick cooking spray: Essential for ensuring every piece of your No Sugar Monkey Bread lifts right out of the pan.
How to Make No Sugar Monkey Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), making your kitchen instantly inviting. Lightly spray a bundt pan or an 8×8 baking dish with non-stick spray—this simple step makes unmolding that glorious loaf completely effortless later on.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt. This forms the backbone of your bread, giving it structure and that lovely homemade bite. Next, add the Greek yogurt and stir until a sticky dough forms. Knead the dough briefly—just until it’s smooth and no longer sticky to the touch. There’s no need for perfection here; a little rustic charm is always welcome!
Step 3: Shape the Dough Balls
Pinch off pieces of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. This is the fun, hands-on part—feel free to get kids involved! Each ball will soon be a little cinnamon-laced pillow of goodness, ready for their spa-like seasoning treatment.
Step 4: Coat with Cinnamon Sweetener
In a separate bowl, combine the monk fruit sweetener (or erythritol) with ground cinnamon. Roll every dough ball in this fragrant mixture, making sure each one is thoroughly coated—this is what brings the “wow” factor to every mouthful of No Sugar Monkey Bread!
Step 5: Assemble and Pour the Butter Mixture
Arrange the coated dough balls evenly in your prepared pan. In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, applesauce, and vanilla extract, creating a pourable, aromatic sauce. Drizzle this luscious blend all over the dough balls, ensuring every nook and cranny gets a little love.
Step 6: Bake
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The house fills with the scent of sweet cinnamon and golden, toasty bread—pure anticipation! When the top turns golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean, you’ll know it’s ready.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Let your No Sugar Monkey Bread cool for a few minutes so you won’t burn your fingers (trust me, it’s tempting to dive in right away). Gently invert or scoop out pieces, and if you like, drizzle with that optional almond milk glaze for a final flourish.
How to Serve No Sugar Monkey Bread
Garnishes
Sprinkle sliced almonds, a handful of raisins, or a light dusting of extra cinnamon on top for a festive, eye-catching finish. If you’re feeling decadent, a drizzle of glaze made from powdered monk fruit sweetener and a touch of almond milk adds a touch of drama and sweetness without upping the sugar.
Side Dishes
No Sugar Monkey Bread pairs beautifully alongside a simple fruit salad or a fresh cup of coffee. It also works well next to a generous bowl of Greek yogurt or as part of a weekend brunch spread. The bread is the star, but these supporting players amplify every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Create a “monkey bread pull-apart bar,” with little bowls of toppings like chopped walnuts, unsweetened coconut, or dark chocolate chips, so everyone can customize their own piece. For special occasions, bake the dough in individual muffin tins—personal-sized, mess-free, and adorable!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store No Sugar Monkey Bread covered at room temperature for up to two days. An airtight container helps keep each bite soft and tender—just the way it should be.
Freezing
No Sugar Monkey Bread is wonderfully freezer-friendly. Wrap individual portions or the entire loaf securely in plastic wrap, then in foil, and stash in the freezer for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature or gently reheat from frozen for spontaneous snacking.
Reheating
To refresh, simply warm pieces in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. The bread regains its pillowy texture and brings back that irresistible fresh-baked aroma.
FAQs
Can I substitute another sweetener instead of monk fruit?
Absolutely! You can use erythritol or stevia in the same quantities. Just be mindful that some sweeteners are sweeter than others, so adjust to your taste; the recipe is quite flexible.
Is it possible to make this vegan?
Definitely! Swap the Greek yogurt for a thick plant-based yogurt and use vegan butter or coconut oil in place of dairy butter. Use any plant-based milk for the optional glaze—you won’t miss a beat.
What flours work besides whole wheat?
You can substitute part or all of the whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour or a gluten-free blend. Just remember, the texture may change slightly, but the No Sugar Monkey Bread will still turn out delicious.
Can I prepare No Sugar Monkey Bread in advance?
You sure can! Prepare the dough balls and assemble in the pan, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking. Pop it in the oven when you’re ready for warm, fresh bread with zero morning fuss.
How do I make the glaze without sugar?
Simply mix powdered monk fruit sweetener or erythritol with a little almond milk, adjusting until you reach the desired drizzling consistency. It adds a beautiful finish—no sugar required!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to treat yourself and your favorite people to a warm, shareable, and totally feel-good dessert, give this No Sugar Monkey Bread a try. The recipe is approachable, the results are magical, and it might just become a staple in your kitchen like it has in mine. Happy baking!
Print
No Sugar Monkey Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Low-Sugar, Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the deliciousness of this No Sugar Monkey Bread, a healthier twist on the classic recipe. Made with whole wheat flour, Greek yogurt, and monk fruit sweetener, this treat is perfect for those looking for a low-sugar dessert option.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup monk fruit sweetener or erythritol
Glaze (Optional):
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tablespoon almond milk (optional for glaze texture)
Additional:
- non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a bundt pan or 8×8 baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Mix dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add Greek yogurt and mix until a sticky dough forms. Knead briefly until smooth, then form into 1-inch dough balls.
- Coat dough balls: In a separate bowl, mix monk fruit sweetener and cinnamon. Roll each dough ball in the mixture and place in the pan.
- Prepare butter mixture: In another bowl, combine melted butter, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture evenly over the dough balls.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and cooked through. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can add chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture.
- For a glaze, mix powdered monk fruit sweetener with almond milk and drizzle over the top.
- This recipe is kid-friendly and freezer-friendly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
