Blueberry Monkey Bread

Looking to elevate your brunch or dessert game? Dive into the irresistible charm of Blueberry Monkey Bread! This delightful twist on the classic recipe infuses the luscious essence of blueberry pie filling into every fluffy bite of biscuit dough. With a tantalizing blend of sweet and tangy flavors, this indulgent treat is bound to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Follow along as we guide you through crafting this delectable creation that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring solo.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cans Pillsbury Grands! biscuit dough
  • ¼ cup flour
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 21 ounce can blueberry pie filling
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 3 ounces cream cheese
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Directions:

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greasing a bundt pan to ensure easy release of the baked bread.
  2. Prepare Biscuit Dough: Unroll the biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters or sixths, depending on your preference.
  3. Coat with Flavor: In a small bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter until crumbly. Transfer this mixture into a gallon-size Ziploc bag, then add the cut biscuits. Shake the bag to evenly coat the biscuits with the flavorful mixture.
  4. Create Blueberry Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the blueberry pie filling and 4 tablespoons of butter. Bring the mixture to a low boil over medium heat, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
  5. Combine and Bake: Pour the blueberry sauce over the coated biscuit pieces and gently stir to combine. Transfer the biscuit and blueberry mixture into the prepared bundt pan, ensuring even distribution. Place the bundt pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips, then bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the bread is golden brown.
  6. Prepare Icing: While the bread is baking, prepare the icing by mixing together powdered sugar, cream cheese, milk, and lemon juice until smooth.
  7. Finish and Serve: Once the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes. Carefully invert it onto a serving plate, then drizzle the warm monkey bread with the prepared icing. Serve immediately and enjoy the heavenly flavors!

Nutrition Information (per serving):

  • Calories: 290
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
  • Sodium: 340mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 25g
  • Protein: 3g

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

  1. Freshly Baked Delight: Serve Blueberry Monkey Bread warm straight from the oven to experience its irresistible aroma and indulgent flavor at its best.
  2. Garnish with Fresh Berries: Add a pop of color and freshness to your presentation by garnishing the serving plate with a handful of fresh blueberries or a sprig of mint.
  3. Pairing Perfection: Accompany this delightful treat with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of decadence.
  4. Share and Enjoy: Gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy the experience of tearing off pieces of this delicious bread together, creating cherished moments and lasting memories.

Storage Tips:

  1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover Blueberry Monkey Bread in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness.
  2. Reheating: To enjoy the bread again, simply reheat individual servings in the microwave for a few seconds until warmed through, or place the entire bundt pan in a low oven for a few minutes.
  3. Freezing: While Blueberry Monkey Bread is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze any remaining portions for later enjoyment. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  4. Enjoy Within a Few Days: For optimal taste and texture, consume leftover Blueberry Monkey Bread within 2-3 days of baking. Though it’s so delicious, it might not last that long!

Variations:

  1. Mixed Berry Medley: Experiment with a variety of berries such as strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a colorful twist on the classic blueberry monkey bread.
  2. Citrus Zest Infusion: Enhance the flavor profile by incorporating lemon or orange zest into the biscuit dough or the icing for a refreshing citrus kick.
  3. Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts such as pecans or almonds to the blueberry sauce for an added crunch and nutty flavor dimension.
  4. Cream Cheese Filling: Inject extra creaminess by stuffing each biscuit piece with a small dollop of cream cheese before coating them in the blueberry mixture.
  5. Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Swap out the flour mixture for a cinnamon sugar blend to coat the biscuit pieces for a classic flavor combination reminiscent of cinnamon rolls.
  6. Savory Twist: Transform this sweet treat into a savory delight by omitting the sugar and cinnamon, and instead seasoning the biscuit pieces with herbs like rosemary or thyme, then pairing it with a savory sauce or dip.
  7. Chocolate Indulgence: For all the chocolate lovers out there, add chocolate chips or chunks to the blueberry sauce or sprinkle them between the layers of biscuit dough for a decadent chocolatey surprise.
  8. Maple Glaze Drizzle: Replace the lemon juice in the icing with maple syrup for a rich and indulgent glaze that pairs beautifully with the blueberry flavor.
  9. Mini Monkey Muffins: Instead of using a bundt pan, portion the biscuit and blueberry mixture into a muffin tin for adorable individual servings of monkey bread.
  10. Grilled Delight: Take your monkey bread to the next level by grilling it! Place the coated biscuit pieces in a foil packet and grill over medium heat for a unique, smoky twist.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use fresh blueberries instead of pie filling? Yes, you can substitute fresh blueberries for the pie filling. Toss them with a little sugar and lemon juice before incorporating them into the recipe.
  2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare the recipe up until the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
  3. Can I use homemade biscuit dough? Certainly! Homemade biscuit dough can be used instead of canned dough. Ensure it’s rolled out to a similar thickness for even cooking.
  4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free biscuit dough and flour to make this recipe gluten-free. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
  5. Can I omit the icing? While the icing adds a delicious finishing touch, you can omit it if you prefer a less sweet or simpler version of the monkey bread.
  6. Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, leftovers can be frozen for future enjoyment. Wrap tightly and store in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
  7. Can I use other types of pie filling? Absolutely! Experiment with your favorite pie fillings such as apple, cherry, or peach for delicious flavor variations.
  8. How can I prevent the bread from sticking to the pan? Ensure the bundt pan is generously greased with butter or non-stick spray before adding the biscuit mixture to prevent sticking.
  9. Can I add other mix-ins to the biscuit dough? Certainly! Get creative and add ingredients like shredded coconut, chopped dried fruit, or even mini chocolate chips to customize your monkey bread.
  10. What can I serve alongside this monkey bread? Blueberry monkey bread pairs well with a variety of accompaniments such as fresh fruit, yogurt, or a side of bacon or sausage for a balanced breakfast or brunch spread.

With its irresistible blend of blueberry goodness and pillowy biscuit dough, Blueberry Monkey Bread is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone craving for more. Whether you serve it up for brunch gatherings or as a delightful dessert, this recipe is sure to impress with its sweet charm and delectable flavor profile. So, why wait? Gather your ingredients and embark on a culinary adventure that promises to delight your taste buds and warm your soul. Happy baking!