Banana Monkey Bread
Ingredients:
▢ 2 ¾ cups Self-rising Flour
â–¢ 2 tablespoons Cinnamon
▢ ¼ cup Coconut Sugar
▢ 1 ½ cup Mashed Ripe Bananas - equivalent to 3 large bananas
â–¢ 1 Banana - optional, to slice on top
Sauce
▢ ¼ cup Coconut Oil
▢ ¼ cup Coconut Sugar
Optional
▢ ½ teaspoon Salt
1. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (180 °C). Line a 9-inch x 5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Slightly oil paper with cooking oil spray.
2 In a small bowl, stir coconut sugar with cinnamon. Set it aside.
3. Mash the banana in a mixing bowl and make sure you pack the mashed banana in your measuring cups after sweeping off the excess to precisely measure 1 1/2 cups. Return to the bowl.
4. Stir in self-rising flour, and salt if used, with a rubber spatula. When it starts to look crumbly, use your hands to knead and press the dough together. It will be very sticky, which is normal. Keep kneading until it forms a ball of dough.
5. Clean your hands, oil them with oil, and rub some oil on your work surface and all around the dough.
6. Divide the dough into balls – they don't have to be perfect, but roughly the same size – about the size of a golf ball. Set aside.
7. Roll each dough ball into the cinnamon sugar prepared before.
8. Place the dough balls in the prepared loaf pan. Arrange them next to each other to form a first layer, then stack them up in the pan until all the balls are in the pan.
9. In another bowl, stir the coconut sugar and oil. The mixture will resemble a slightly liquid paste.
10. Drizzle this paste on top of the bread and in the holes between the dough balls so it runs down the pan and forms a caramel layer when baking.
11. If you like, add banana slices on top of the bread.
12. Bake on the center rack of the oven for 35 minutes at 350 °F (180 °C) until golden brown and puffy.
13. Flip the bread upside down on a wooden board and let it cool down to room temperature.
14. Serve plain or with a drizzle of vegan royal icing.
Banana Monkey Bread is not just a delightful dessert; it's a versatile dish that can cater to various dietary preferences. This vegan-friendly recipe uses coconut oil and coconut sugar, making it a healthier alternative to traditional monkey bread. The key ingredient, ripe bananas, not only adds natural sweetness but also keeps the bread moist and tender. For those looking to enhance their baking experience, consider incorporating nuts or chocolate chips into the dough for added flavor and texture. When preparing your Banana Monkey Bread, it's essential to ensure your bananas are well-mashed to achieve the right consistency in the dough. Additionally, let the bread cool completely before slicing, as this helps maintain its shape and makes for easier serving. This delightful dish pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect addition to any gathering. Whether you're enjoying it fresh out of the oven or as leftovers, Banana Monkey Bread is sure to impress with its sweet, cinnamon-infused flavor and soft, pull-apart texture. Enjoy making and sharing this tasty treat!