We've packed all those comforting, warm flavors into a pull-apart monkey bread that everyone can reach for. The bread itself is made with pumpkin and comforting flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. It's topped with a heavenly cinnamon cream cheese frosting that makes this bread impossible to resist. Easy to make and easy to eat, these pumpkin pull-apart monkey breads are great to take to parties or share with your family over a cozy night in! This no-fuss recipe is your ticket to baking bliss.
If you want more pumpkin recipes, try ours Super moist pumpkin bread or us Easy Pumpkin Bars.
Why our recipe?
- The flavor with all the pumpkin goodness that just screams! It just tastes like autumn!
- The cinnamon cream cheese frosting takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness.
- A no-fuss dough that's so soft, you'll want to turn it into a loaf.
Many monkey bread recipes use pre-made dough, but we love the taste and texture of making your own dough! If that sounds intimidating, don't worry—we've got simple steps that will make the process seem like a piece of cake, and the amazing flavor and texture you'll get in return is well worth the effort. And if your kids love to bake, this is a great way to help them! Making dough balls and dipping them in the butter mixture is a fun activity that everyone can join in on.
Material notes
- yeast: We recommend using instant dry yeast because it's a bit faster, but you can also use active dry yeast if needed. The difference is that active dry yeast will require proofing in warm water, but instant dry yeast will not.
- Warm water: When making bread dough, it's always important to use warm water to help the yeast rise, but make sure it's not too hot. Our rule of thumb is that it should feel like bath water.
- warm milk: Same thing as warm water. For best results, heat the milk to between 100-110°F.
- Pumpkin Puree: You should be able to find cans of pumpkin puree at your local grocery store, and you'll probably be able to find it even when it's out of season! Most grocery stores still usually have cans in stock in the baking aisle year-round.
- Brown sugar: Light or dark brown sugar will work here – dark will give you a deeper molasses flavor.
- Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves): These spices are key to giving this bread its signature fall flavor.
- butter: Both softened and melted butter are used in different parts of this recipe. Don't forget to soften the butter for the flour and frosting, as this will ensure that everything mixes smoothly.
- cream cheese: For the frosting, you'll want to use soft cream cheese. If it's too cold, it won't mix well and you'll have lumps in your frosting. Leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using.
Making dough by hand
Don't have a stand mixer? No problem! Making bread dough by hand is totally possible and can be a fun, hands-on experience. Start by mixing all of your ingredients together in a large bowl with a sturdy wooden spoon. Once the dough becomes too hard to stir, it's time to get your hands involved.
Lightly flour your work surface, then take out the dough and start kneading. Fold the dough in half, press and rotate it – repeat this motion for about 8-10 minutes. The dough will start out a little sticky, but as you knead, it should become smooth and elastic. You're aiming for a soft, firm dough that springs back when pressed, but doesn't stick to your hands. This will give you that perfectly pillowy texture that makes this monkey bread so delicious!
Bundt Pan vs. Loaf Pan
If you are using a Bundle panYou get that classic, pull-apart monkey bread shape with its beautiful ring presentation. A 10-12 cup bundt pan is the perfect size for this recipe, allowing the dough balls to bake evenly.
Don't have a bundt pan? This recipe works for both Standard 9×5-inch loaf panPerfect for sharing or a freeze for later! Divide batter evenly between two pans and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on the loaves—they're done when they're a deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F. Loaf pans give you the same soft, pull-apart texture, without a special pan plus, having two loaves means you can share one or save one for later!
Frosting Variations
The cinnamon cream cheese frosting in this recipe is rich, creamy, and oh-so-delicious, but you can always change things up! If you want an extra layer of fall flavor, try adding a tablespoon or two Maple syrup frosting, or even a little Maple extract.
Looking for something lighter? A simple powdered sugar glaze is another fantastic option. Mix 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream with 1 cup powdered sugar until smooth and drizzle over warm bread. And if you're a fan of extra cinnamon, you can sprinkle some on top for that final touch.
Storage instructions
Keep in fridge Leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days. Because of the cream cheese frosting, you'll want to refrigerate it!
to freeze Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Store wrapped bread in a resealable freezer bag for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze the frosting separately in a freezer-safe container. Thaw the bread at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator.
