Blueberry Monkey Bread Pull-Apart Dessert: The Ultimate Sticky-Sweet Crowd Pleaser

If there’s one dessert that instantly brings people together, it’s monkey bread. That irresistible pull-apart texture, the glossy coating, the joy of tearing off warm pieces with your hands — it’s pure comfort food. Now imagine taking that classic and elevating it with bursts of juicy blueberries, a soft vanilla-scented dough, and a luscious glaze that melts into every crevice. That’s exactly what this Blueberry Monkey Bread Pull-Apart Dessert delivers.

This recipe is more than just a dessert. It’s a show-stopping centerpiece for brunch, a cozy weekend baking project, and a guaranteed hit at potlucks or family gatherings. With its balance of sweet dough and tart blueberries, this pull-apart bread feels indulgent without being overpowering. Whether you’re serving it warm straight from the oven or sneaking a piece later in the day, it’s the kind of bake people remember — and request again.

Monkey bread has long been loved for its interactive nature. Unlike cakes or pies that require slicing, monkey bread invites everyone to gather around and dig in. Adding blueberries brings a fresh, fruity contrast that cuts through the richness and gives the dessert a bright, modern twist. It also makes this dish feel right at home on both breakfast and dessert tables.


Why You’ll Love This Blueberry Monkey Bread

This dessert checks every box for home bakers of all skill levels. It looks impressive, tastes bakery-worthy, and doesn’t require complicated techniques.

First, the texture is unbeatable. Soft, pillowy dough pieces bake together into a tender loaf that pulls apart effortlessly. Each bite offers a contrast between fluffy bread, jammy blueberries, and sticky glaze.

Second, it’s incredibly versatile. Serve it as a brunch bake with coffee, a sweet afternoon snack, or a comforting dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Finally, it’s approachable. No fancy equipment, no intimidating steps — just simple ingredients transformed into something special.


Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Unsalted butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract
  • Milk
  • Fresh or frozen blueberries
  • Granulated sugar
  • Powdered sugar
  • Cream or milk (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan or round baking dish generously with butter.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  3. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, until a soft dough forms.
  6. Gently fold in the blueberries, being careful not to crush them.
  7. Pinch off small pieces of dough and roll lightly into balls.
  8. Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar and layer them into the prepared pan.
  9. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
  10. Let cool slightly, then drizzle with glaze made from powdered sugar and cream. Serve warm.

Tips for Perfect Monkey Bread

  • Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother dough and even baking.
  • Don’t overmix once the blueberries are added; this prevents streaking and keeps the dough tender.
  • Let it rest briefly before serving so the glaze sets slightly but remains gooey.

Variations to Try

  • Add lemon zest to the dough for a bright citrus note.
  • Swap blueberries for raspberries or mixed berries.
  • Drizzle with lemon glaze instead of vanilla for extra tang.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with coffee or tea for brunch, or pair with vanilla ice cream for a dessert that feels extra indulgent. It also travels well, making it perfect for gatherings and celebrations.


Fun Fact

Monkey bread gets its name from the way it’s eaten — pulling pieces apart with your fingers, just like a monkey would. Adding blueberries gives this nostalgic classic a fresh, modern update.

Blueberry Monkey Bread Pull-Apart Dessert

A soft, gooey pull-apart monkey bread filled with juicy blueberries and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

Dough
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 0.75 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 egg large
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.75 cup milk
  • 1.5 cups blueberries fresh or frozen
Glaze
  • 1.5 cups powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tbsp cream or milk

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
  2. Whisk together dry ingredients in a bowl.
  3. Cream butter and sugar, then add egg and vanilla.
  4. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to form dough.
  5. Fold in blueberries gently.
  6. Form dough balls, coat in sugar, and layer in pan.
  7. Bake until golden and cooked through.
  8. Drizzle with glaze and serve warm.

Notes

Best served warm for maximum gooey texture.

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