If you’re craving that gooey, pull-apart sweetness of classic monkey bread but want to keep things healthy and sugar-free, this No Sugar Monkey Bread Recipe is going to become your new best friend. It’s delightfully soft, packed with warm cinnamon flavor, and naturally sweetened with wholesome ingredients like chopped dates and a touch of monk fruit sweetener. Whether you’re cutting down on sugar or just love the idea of a wholesome treat, this recipe brings all the cozy flavors with none of the refined sugar fuss. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for anything less.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this No Sugar Monkey Bread Recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays its part. From the nutty depth of whole wheat flour to the creamy tanginess of Greek yogurt, every ingredient brings a little something special to the table without any unnecessary additions.
- 2 cups whole wheat flour: Adds a wholesome, nutty flavor and great texture while boosting fiber content.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Balances the whole wheat for a tender crumb without heaviness.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Gives the bread a lovely rise and fluffy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors so nothing tastes flat.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Warms the dough with aromatic spice that pairs perfectly with sweet toppings.
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt: Adds moisture and tang, keeping the bread tender and light.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce: Naturally sweetens and helps bind the dough while reducing fat.
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter or coconut oil: Drizzled on top for richness and that irresistibly golden finish.
- 1/4 cup chopped dates or raisins: Natural pockets of sweetness that greet your bite with a chewy delight.
- 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts): Add crunch and a toasty contrast to the soft dough balls.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for coating): Sprinkled on the dough balls for that signature cozy flavor.
- 1/4 cup monk fruit sweetener or erythritol (for coating): Provides the sweetness you crave—refined sugar free and keto-friendly.
- Nonstick spray or butter for greasing: Ensures your monkey bread releases perfectly from the pan.
How to Make No Sugar Monkey Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your pan and dry ingredients
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your bundt pan or a 9-inch round pan generously with nonstick spray or butter. In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This step is where the foundation for your bread starts taking shape with perfectly combined flavors and leavening to give your bread the right rise.
Step 2: Mix wet ingredients and form dough
Add the Greek yogurt and unsweetened applesauce to your dry mixture. Stir until you have a soft dough – it might be a little sticky but resist adding more flour unless absolutely necessary. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it just briefly until smooth and cohesive, about a minute or two. This gentle kneading helps your dough balls hold their shape perfectly.
Step 3: Shape the dough balls
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, which will become the bite-sized pieces that make monkey bread so fun to eat. In a small bowl, combine the monk fruit sweetener and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. Roll each dough ball in this sweet cinnamon coating gently so that every piece is just the right amount of flavorful on the outside.
Step 4: Layer and assemble in the pan
Start placing the coated dough balls in the prepared pan, layering them with chopped dates (or raisins) and nuts between the layers. This layering ensures every pull-apart bite is packed with surprises of sweetness and crunch. Once all the balls are nestled in, drizzle the melted butter or coconut oil evenly over the top to promote that golden crust and rich taste.
Step 5: Bake until golden perfection
Pop your pan into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until your monkey bread is beautifully golden and cooked through. You’ll notice the smell of cinnamon and buttery goodness filling your kitchen — cue major happy dance. Allow the bread to cool for about 5 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a plate so you unveil that stunning, sticky-sweet masterpiece.
How to Serve No Sugar Monkey Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Serving this delicious bread warm is where all the magic happens, but if you want to take it up a notch, sprinkle a bit of extra chopped nuts on top or even a dusting of powdered monk fruit sweetener to make it look extra inviting. Fresh berries or a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream can add a fresh contrast as well.
Side Dishes
This No Sugar Monkey Bread Recipe pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of coffee or herbal tea for breakfast or brunch. If you’re serving it as dessert, light vanilla yogurt or a small scoop of sugar-free ice cream balances the warm cinnamon tones without overpowering the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your monkey bread in individual mini muffin tins for personal portions, perfect for parties or breakfast on the go. You can also drizzle a homemade sugar-free glaze made from cream cheese and monk fruit sweetener for an extra indulgent touch. Presentation is half the fun, so play around with how you stack and display those beautiful dough balls for ultimate crowd-pleasing appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your no sugar monkey bread will keep well for up to 3 days stored in an airtight container at room temperature. To preserve moisture, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in a sealable bag. Leftovers taste fantastic slightly warmed or at room temperature, making it an easy grab-and-go snack.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this monkey bread freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months, allowing you to enjoy a healthy treat anytime the craving strikes.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw your monkey bread overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and soft again. Microwaving works too for a quick fix, but be careful not to overheat or it might dry out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of flour in this recipe?
Absolutely! While whole wheat and all-purpose flours create the best balance here, you can experiment with spelt or oat flour for different textures and flavors. Just keep the total flour weight similar and adjust liquids if needed.
Is this monkey bread suitable for diabetics?
This No Sugar Monkey Bread Recipe uses natural sweeteners like monk fruit and fruit, making it a better choice for those monitoring blood sugar, but it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can easily swap out the butter for coconut oil and replace Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative. Just ensure your yogurt is unsweetened to maintain the sugar-free nature of the recipe.
What’s the best way to incorporate the dates or raisins evenly?
Sprinkle them in layers between the dough ball layers to ensure every bite has bits of sweet fruit rather than having them all sink to the bottom. This layering technique spreads the flavor evenly throughout.
How do I know when the monkey bread is fully cooked?
The monkey bread is done when it turns a golden brown color and springs back slightly when pressed. Inserting a toothpick in the center that comes out clean is a reliable check for doneness.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of sharing a warm, homemade pull-apart treat, especially when it’s as wholesome and delightful as this No Sugar Monkey Bread Recipe. It’s the perfect way to indulge your sweet tooth without the sugar spike, offering a cozy bite every time. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a staple in your recipe collection — your friends and family will thank you for introducing them to such a mindful, delicious twist on a classic!
Print
No Sugar Monkey Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This No Sugar Monkey Bread is a delightful, healthier twist on the classic sweet treat, made with whole wheat and all-purpose flour, Greek yogurt, and naturally sweetened with dates and monk fruit sweetener. Perfect as a breakfast or dessert, it combines wholesome ingredients for a sugar-free, vegetarian-friendly indulgence that is moist, flavorful, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter or coconut oil
- 1/4 cup chopped dates or raisins
- 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
Coating
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup monk fruit sweetener or erythritol
- Nonstick spray or butter for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan or 9-inch round pan thoroughly using nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Stir well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Form Dough: Add the Greek yogurt and unsweetened applesauce to the dry mixture. Mix thoroughly until a soft dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Knead and Shape: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it briefly until smooth. Then roll the dough into 1-inch balls for even cooking and a bite-sized texture.
- Prepare Coating: In a small bowl, mix together the monk fruit sweetener and remaining ground cinnamon for the coating that adds sweetness and spice without sugar.
- Coat Dough Balls: Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sweetener mixture to coat them evenly for added flavor.
- Assemble in Pan: Place the coated dough balls into the prepared pan, layering them with the chopped dates or raisins and chopped nuts between layers for texture and natural sweetness.
- Add Butter: Drizzle the melted unsalted butter or coconut oil over the top of the layered dough balls to help achieve a golden crust and rich flavor.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the monkey bread is golden brown and fully cooked through, checking for a firm texture.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then invert the monkey bread onto a plate. Serve warm for best enjoyment.
Notes
- For extra moisture and natural sweetness, you can add mashed banana to the dough.
- This monkey bread is lightly sweet and ideal for those reducing their sugar intake.
- Feel free to swap in your preferred sugar-free sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
- The recipe is vegetarian and uses no refined sugar.
- Use a bundt pan for the classic monkey bread shape or a 9-inch round pan if you prefer.
