High Protein, No Sugar Monkey Bread – A Real Dream

The smell of freshly baked bread fills the air, transporting me back to my childhood kitchen, where my mom often baked sweet treat after sweet treat. One of my favorites was monkey bread, sticky and loaded with flavor. As I grew older, my affection for this delicious treat lingered, but I wanted to make it a bit healthier. This sparked my quest for a high protein, no sugar monkey bread that still maintains the comforting flavors I adored.

Crafting this healthier version brings back warm memories while fitting into a more nutritious lifestyle. Each dough ball filled with protein goodness offers the sweetness I crave without the usual sugar overload. The high-protein content makes it an ideal option for any time of day while ensuring I stay nourished. Imagine biting into a soft, cinnamon-spiced bread ball, all while knowing you’ve made a wholesome choice. This high protein, no sugar monkey bread is truly a dream come true.

With everything prepped, let’s dive deeper into the recipe. This bread promises not only deliciousness but also ample nutrition. It’s time to bring the sweet memories of monkey bread back to life in a healthier, more protein-packed way.

High Protein Monkey Bread: The Basics

Fundamentals

Creating high protein, no sugar monkey bread centers around understanding the key ingredients that make it both delicious and nutritious. Flour, protein powders, and Greek yogurt play pivotal roles. The flour serves as the base, providing structure and texture. Incorporating both vanilla and unflavored protein powder elevates the nutritional value while blending seamlessly into the dough.

Baking powder and baking soda contribute to the rise, ensuring your monkey bread has that perfect fluffy texture. The Greek yogurt not only adds moisture but also boosts protein. Substituting traditional sugars with a zero-calorie sugar replacement keeps the sweetness intact without the extra calories.

Preparation/setup

Start by preparing your baking environment. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly butter a loaf pan to ensure the monkey bread releases easily once baked. For an added crunch and flavor, consider spreading chopped pecans at the bottom of the pan. This step is optional but adds a delightful surprise as you tear into the bread later.

Gather your mixing bowls and measuring cups to streamline the process. You’ll mix your dry ingredients first, ensuring an even distribution of the baking powder and soda. As you prepare, that tantalizing aroma of cinnamon lingers in the air, setting the stage for a delightful baking experience.

Ingredients

The ingredient list for high protein monkey bread is simple yet powerful. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1½ cup Flour (180g)
• ½ cup Vanilla Protein Powder (Whey-casein, 45g)
• ½ cup Unflavored Protein Powder (45g)
• 2 tsp Baking Powder
• ¼ tsp Baking Soda
• 2 cups Non-fat Greek Yogurt (450g)
• 2 Tbsp Almond Milk (30ml)
• 3 Tbsp Zero Calorie 1:1 Sugar Replacement (18g)
• 1½ tsp Cinnamon
• Optional: 2 Tbsp Chopped Pecans (28g)

Each of these ingredients serves a purpose, ensuring the end product is both tasty and packed with protein.

Directions

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly butter your loaf pan. You can also spread the optional chopped pecans on the bottom if desired.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, vanilla protein powder, unflavored protein powder, baking powder, and baking soda.
3. Add the Greek yogurt to the dry ingredients and mix until combined, forming large shaggy and sticky dough clumps. Avoid over-mixing, as this can toughen the dough due to the protein powders.
4. Slightly wet your palms to handle the sticky dough and divide it into approximately 25 pieces, each about the size of 2 tablespoons.
5. Roll the pieces into balls, wetting your palms as needed to prevent sticking.
6. Once you finish shaping the dough, place the dough balls into the prepared loaf pan, ensuring an even distribution.
7. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Technique for Success

Crafting the Perfect Dough

The key to achieving the perfect texture lies in how you work with the dough. Once you combine the ingredients, the mixture should be just wet enough to hold together. Avoid overworking the dough; doing so can lead to a denser monkey bread. Aim for a balance where the dough remains fluffy and light.

Tips and Tricks

Keep a few tips in mind to enhance your baking experience. First, stick to the measurements as precisely as possible; baking is a science. If you lack some ingredients, consider researching substitutes that maintain the protein content.

Consider adding a dash more cinnamon or a touch of vanilla extract for a flavor boost. Experimenting with additional spices can also elevate your high protein monkey bread to new heights of deliciousness.

Remember to check the oven early to avoid over-baking. A golden top is a sign of a perfect bake, but timing varies depending on the oven.

Perfecting Results

Achieving a Fluffy Texture

For the ultimate fluffy high protein monkey bread, focus on ingredient quality. Fresh baking powder and soda work more effectively, helping the dough rise beautifully. If using aged products, they may not perform optimally, impacting the bread’s texture.

Monitoring your baking time is crucial. If you notice your bread browning too quickly but the inside feels undercooked, cover the top lightly with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

Troubleshooting and Variations

Sometimes things don’t go as planned. If your monkey bread comes out too dry, you may have added too much flour or baked it for too long. In that case, incorporating an extra tablespoon of almond milk can add moisture. If it’s too wet, adding a bit more flour can help secure the desired consistency.

You can also get creative with variations. Adding dried fruit, different nuts, or even a swirl of protein-based frosting can create unique flavor options. Explore these variations but be mindful of wet ingredients, which may alter the dough consistency.

Serving and Presentation

How to Serve

Present your high protein, no sugar monkey bread in a way that invites enjoyment. Tease your friends and family as you pull the warm, soft dough apart. This bread is perfect served warm, enhancing its comforting qualities. Pair it with a smear of almond butter or a dollop of yogurt for an extra treat.

Feel free to dust a bit of cinnamon on top before serving to create an appealing visual. This simple touch adds an inviting aroma and enhances the overall taste experience.

Pairings and Storage

While this monkey bread shines on its own, consider serving it with fresh fruit or alongside a cup of herbal tea. The added freshness complements the rich flavors of the bread.

For storage, keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you’d like to keep it longer, refrigerating it can extend its freshness for up to a week. You can also freeze individual dough balls before baking and then thaw and bake them fresh whenever the craving hits.

High protein, no sugar monkey bread is a delightful treat that marries nostalgia with wholesome ingredients. Enjoy this healthier version any time you seek comfort food without compromising your nutritional goals.

Print