A Pull-Apart Bread That Brings Everyone to the Table
Warm, buttery, and made for sharing, Monkey Bread has long been a favorite at family breakfasts, holiday gatherings, and Sunday dinners. Its signature pull-apart style makes it as fun to eat as it is delicious, with soft, fluffy pieces of yeast bread baked together until golden brown. Whether served fresh from the oven with coffee or alongside a hearty breakfast, Monkey Bread has earned its place as a beloved comfort food in countless Southern homes.
Featured in The Black Family Reunion Cookbook, this recipe captures the spirit of togetherness that defines family reunions. Designed to be pulled apart rather than sliced, it encourages everyone to gather around the table and enjoy warm bread straight from the pan.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup Crisco Shortening
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk, scalded
- 1 cake compressed yeast
- 1/4 cup lukewarm water
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup melted butter or margarine
Makes: 10–12 servings
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Add the sugar, Crisco Shortening, and salt to the hot scalded milk, stirring until the shortening melts and the sugar dissolves. Allow the mixture to cool until lukewarm.
- Crumble the compressed yeast into the lukewarm water and let it stand for about 5 minutes. Stir the yeast mixture into the milk mixture.
- Add the beaten eggs and half of the flour, mixing well. Gradually work in the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough into a well-greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
- Roll the dough to approximately ½-inch thickness. Cut into pieces about the size of small walnuts and roll each into a ball.
- Dip each dough ball into the melted butter or margarine.
- Arrange the butter-coated dough balls in a 10-inch tube pan. Cover and let rise again until doubled.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Turn the bread out onto a serving plate while still hot. Serve by pulling apart the pieces rather than slicing.
Pro Tips & Suggestions
- Allow both rises to complete fully for the lightest, fluffiest bread.
- Grease the tube pan generously to ensure the bread releases easily.
- Serve immediately while warm for the best pull-apart texture.
- Add cinnamon sugar between the dough balls for a sweeter variation.
- Pair with butter, fruit preserves, or honey for breakfast or brunch.
About the Creator
The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW) compiled The Black Family Reunion Cookbook to preserve African American culinary traditions, treasured family recipes, and the stories that connect generations. Through recipes and food memories contributed by families across the United States, the cookbook celebrates the importance of gathering around the table while honoring Black history, culture, and heritage.
The Black Family Reunion Cookbook | National Council of Negro Women
Where to Find This Recipe
This recipe is adapted from The Black Family Reunion Cookbook: Recipes & Food Memories by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. The cookbook is a remarkable collection of heritage recipes, family traditions, and personal stories celebrating African American cooking, Southern hospitality, and the joy of bringing loved ones together through food.
