If you have a sweet tooth but want to keep things healthy and protein-packed, this High Protein No Sugar Monkey Bread: Sweet, Sticky Treat Recipe is an absolute game changer. It blends the gooey, pull-apart fun of classic monkey bread with the goodness of almond flour and protein powder, all without a trace of traditional sugar. Imagine sinking your teeth into warm, cinnamon-scented dough balls, perfectly coated in a buttery cinnamon crunch that satisfies cravings and fuels your body. Whether you’re serving it as a breakfast treat, dessert, or a snack, it’s packed with rich flavors, a cozy texture, and seriously good-for-you ingredients that will make you want to bake it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From the nutty depth of almond flour to the subtle sweetness of monk fruit, every component is chosen to balance taste, texture, and nutrition beautifully.
- 2 cups almond flour: Provides a gluten-free, tender base with a slight nuttiness that holds the bread together perfectly.
- 1/4 cup unflavored or vanilla protein powder: Boosts the protein content while adding a subtle creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Ensures the bread is light and fluffy by helping it rise nicely.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavors and balances sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: Act as a binder while adding extra protein and richness.
- 1/3 cup unsweetened Greek yogurt: Adds moisture and a slight tanginess to keep the texture soft.
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk: Lightens the batter for a tender crumb.
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil: Gives moistness and a subtle tropical hint.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses sweet aroma and depth.
- 1/2 cup granulated monk fruit sweetener (divided): Offers natural, zero-calorie sweetness without affecting blood sugar.
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice that pairs beautifully with the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): Introduces crunch and an earthy nuttiness that complements the bread.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for coating): Helps the cinnamon and sweetener stick to the dough balls while enriching flavor.
How to Make High Protein No Sugar Monkey Bread: Sweet, Sticky Treat Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a small bundt pan or an 8×8-inch baking dish generously with butter or oil to prevent sticking and help the edges crisp up deliciously.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine almond flour, protein powder, baking powder, and salt. These dry components form the structural backbone of your monkey bread, so give them a good whisk to distribute everything evenly.
Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, unsweetened Greek yogurt, almond milk, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This mixture adds moisture, flavor, and tenderness to your dough.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix gently until a soft, sticky dough forms. Resist the urge to overmix here; just ensure everything comes together nicely for that perfect tender crumb.
Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Sweetener Coating
In a small bowl, stir together half of the monk fruit sweetener (1/4 cup) with the cinnamon. This flavorful coating will give your monkey bread its signature sweet and spicy crust.
Step 6: Form and Coat Dough Balls
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Dip the dough balls into the melted butter, then roll them thoroughly in the cinnamon sweetener mixture. This step creates that irresistible sticky, sweet crust that monkey bread is famous for.
Step 7: Assemble the Monkey Bread
Layer the coated dough balls into your prepared pan, sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts between layers if you’re using them. Once all the balls are arranged, sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sweetener over the top for an extra punch of flavor and crunch.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your monkey bread for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. You’ll notice the intoxicating aroma of cinnamon and butter filling your kitchen as it bakes—pure bliss!
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Allow the monkey bread to cool slightly before serving warm. This helps it set just enough to pull apart easily without falling apart on you.
How to Serve High Protein No Sugar Monkey Bread: Sweet, Sticky Treat Recipe
Garnishes
To take your monkey bread experience to the next level, consider garnishing it with a light drizzle of homemade glaze made from Greek yogurt blended with a few drops of liquid stevia. A sprinkle of extra chopped nuts on top adds lovely crunch and presentation appeal.
Side Dishes
This sweet treat pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of black coffee or a warm herbal tea to balance the richness. For a heartier meal, serve alongside fresh berries or a small fruit salad to add juicy freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your monkey bread the centerpiece of any brunch table by placing it on a rustic wooden board surrounded by little ramekins of flavored butter, cream cheese spreads, or sugar-free jams. This encourages interactive sharing and multiple flavor combos.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover monkey bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 4 days and keeps all those subtle cinnamon and buttery flavors intact.
Freezing
You can freeze your monkey bread, either whole or in portions, by wrapping it securely with foil and then placing it inside a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months, making it perfect for meal prep or spontaneous treats.
Reheating
To enjoy again, gently reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10 to 15 minutes or microwave individual servings for 20 to 30 seconds. This brings back that delightful warmth and stickiness like it was freshly baked.
FAQs
Is this monkey bread really sugar-free?
Yes! Instead of traditional sugar, it uses monk fruit sweetener, which offers sweetness without the calories or blood sugar spike, making it perfect for no sugar added diets.
Can I substitute the protein powder?
Absolutely! You can use your favorite unflavored or vanilla protein powder, whether whey, plant-based, or collagen, but keep the quantity the same for best results.
What if I don’t have a bundt pan?
No worries! An 8×8-inch baking dish works just as well. The texture remains fantastic, though the classic monkey bread pull-apart shape will be a bit different.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
To make it nut-free, replace almond flour with a seed flour like sunflower seed flour and swap almond milk for oat or coconut milk. The texture will change slightly but still be delicious.
How can I make it extra gooey?
Add a drizzle of a homemade glaze made from Greek yogurt mixed with a few drops of liquid stevia over the bread right before serving. It adds moisture and a tangy sweetness that enhances the sticky quality.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a treat that feels indulgent but fuels your body with wholesome ingredients, you absolutely have to try this High Protein No Sugar Monkey Bread: Sweet, Sticky Treat Recipe. It’s warm, comforting, and so full of flavor that you might just find it becoming your new favorite dessert or snack. Happy baking and even happier eating!
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High Protein No Sugar Monkey Bread: Sweet, Sticky Treat Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This High Protein No Sugar Monkey Bread is a sweet, sticky treat that combines the comforting pull-apart texture of classic monkey bread with a healthy twist. Made with almond flour, protein powder, and natural sweeteners like monk fruit, it’s a gluten-free, sugar-free dessert perfect for those seeking a nutritious indulgence without sacrificing flavor. The cinnamon-spiced dough balls are baked to golden perfection and can be enhanced with a creamy yogurt glaze for extra gooeyness.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1/4 cup unflavored or vanilla protein powder
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated monk fruit sweetener (divided)
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup unsweetened Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for coating)
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a small bundt pan or an 8×8-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine almond flour, protein powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir well so the leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, unsweetened Greek yogurt, almond milk, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and homogeneous.
- Create the dough: Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl, stirring gently until a soft, sticky dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender.
- Prepare cinnamon sugar coating: In a small bowl, mix half of the monk fruit sweetener (1/4 cup) with the cinnamon to create the sweet, aromatic coating.
- Form dough balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a smooth ball using your hands.
- Coat each ball: Dip each dough ball into the melted butter, then roll it thoroughly in the cinnamon-monks fruit sweetener mixture to coat evenly.
- Layer in pan: Arrange the coated dough balls in the prepared pan, layering and sprinkling the optional chopped nuts among the layers for added crunch and flavor.
- Top with remaining sweetness: Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon and monk fruit sweetener mixture evenly over the top of the arranged dough balls to enhance sweetness and spice.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the monkey bread turns golden brown and is cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Allow the monkey bread to cool slightly before serving warm so the flavors meld and it becomes easier to handle. For extra gooeyness, you can drizzle a homemade Greek yogurt glaze with liquid stevia over the top.
Notes
- For extra gooeyness, drizzle with a homemade glaze made from Greek yogurt and a few drops of liquid stevia.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat gently to preserve texture and flavor.
- Chopped nuts add a delightful crunch but can be omitted for a nut-free version.
- Use vanilla protein powder to add a subtle sweetness and flavor depth.
- This recipe is perfect for those following a gluten-free and no sugar added diet, making it a healthy dessert option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American