If you’ve been on the lookout for a delightful treat that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or nutrition, you are in for a real treat with this High Protein No Sugar Monkey Bread Recipe. Imagine soft, fluffy pull-apart bread balls infused with warm cinnamon and a subtle sweetness, all while packing a hefty protein punch without any added sugar. This recipe brings comfort food vibes with a wholesome twist, perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even a sweet but healthy dessert that keeps your energy steady throughout the day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple yet essential ingredients that work harmoniously to create the perfect texture and flavor. Each component contributes its own magic, ensuring that your monkey bread turns out moist, flavorful, and packed with protein without any sugar added.
- Flour (1½ cup): The foundational base for your dough, providing structure and a soft crumb.
- Vanilla Protein Powder (½ cup): Adds sweetness and flavor while boosting the protein content delightfully.
- Unflavored Protein Powder (½ cup): Keeps the protein levels high without altering the taste, letting the vanilla shine.
- Baking Powder (2 tsp): Ensures your monkey bread rises perfectly with a light, fluffy texture.
- Baking Soda (¼ tsp): Works alongside baking powder to create just the right lift.
- Non-fat Greek Yogurt (2 cups): Adds creaminess, moisture, and a slight tang that keeps the bread tender.
- Almond Milk (2 Tbsp): Helps with coating the dough balls for that cinnamon sugar sticking power.
- Zero Calorie 1:1 Sugar Replacement (3 Tbsp): Sweetens the dish without any sugar, perfect for guilt-free indulgence.
- Cinnamon (1½ tsp): Brings warmth and depth of flavor, giving that classic monkey bread character.
- Optional – Chopped Pecans (2 Tbsp): Adds crunch and a nutty twist if you want a little something extra.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make High Protein No Sugar Monkey Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Pecans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly buttering a loaf pan so nothing sticks and the bread can brown beautifully. If you love a bit of crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans evenly at the bottom of your pan for a nutty surprise with each pull-apart piece.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, vanilla protein powder, unflavored protein powder, baking powder, and baking soda. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and protein, setting the stage for perfect dough consistency.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients and Form Dough
Next, add the non-fat Greek yogurt to the bowl and gently mix until large, shaggy dough clumps form. Avoid over-mixing here — since protein powder tends to toughen if overworked, you want to keep the dough just sticky enough to roll without sacrificing tenderness.
Step 4: Shape the Dough Balls
Moisten your palms slightly and divide the dough into roughly 25 pieces, about 2 tablespoons each, rolling them into balls. Keep your hands damp as you work, since the dough is sticky. This tactile step is fun and essential for achieving the iconic monkey bread pull-apart texture.
Step 5: Assemble the Monkey Bread
In a small bowl, pour the almond milk for dipping. In another shallow bowl, mix the zero-calorie sugar replacement with the cinnamon. Dip each dough ball first in almond milk, then roll it generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture before placing it carefully in your prepared loaf pan, layering them like a sweet puzzle.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the assembled dough balls for 20 minutes. Then cover the pan with foil to prevent excessive browning and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes. Your monkey bread is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, and the top is golden and inviting.
How to Serve High Protein No Sugar Monkey Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon or crushed pecans on top of the warm monkey bread to add extra aroma and texture. If you want a touch of indulgence without sugar, a drizzle of unsweetened Greek yogurt or a spoonful of naturally sweetened nut butter can complement it perfectly.
Side Dishes
This bread shines next to fresh fruit or a cooling Greek yogurt dip on the side, making it a balanced breakfast or snack. If serving at brunch, pair it with eggs or a leafy green salad to create a complete meal with protein and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the monkey bread in mini muffin tins as individual pull-apart bites, perfect for parties or meal prep. You can also layer it in a clear glass bowl to showcase the cinnamon sugar coated spheres, enticing everyone to dig right in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your High Protein No Sugar Monkey Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps it soft and ready for quick snacking without losing its delightful texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the monkey bread in a tightly sealed freezer bag or container for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or gently warm it in the oven to revive its freshness.
Reheating
To reheat, pop individual portions into a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds until warm and soft again. Reheating brings back that irresistible pull-apart charm and the aroma of cinnamon.
FAQs
Can I use different protein powders in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap in plant-based or other protein powders, but keep in mind that texture and flavor might slightly change. Unflavored versions are best to maintain the balanced taste.
Is this recipe suitable for diabetics?
Since this recipe uses zero-calorie sugar replacement and no added sugars, it’s a great option for those monitoring blood sugar levels, but always check with your healthcare provider about ingredient compatibility.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To adapt this recipe for a vegan diet, substitute Greek yogurt with a thick plant-based yogurt and use vegan-friendly protein powders. Experimenting with flax or chia egg substitutes may also be necessary for binding.
What’s the best way to prevent the bread from being tough?
The key is not over-mixing the dough once you add the wet ingredients and protein powder. Stop mixing as soon as the dough comes together to keep the texture light and soft.
Can I add other spices or flavors?
Definitely! Nutmeg, cardamom, or a splash of vanilla extract would all complement the cinnamon and enhance the flavor profile of this High Protein No Sugar Monkey Bread Recipe beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This High Protein No Sugar Monkey Bread Recipe is one of those rare gems that satisfies your sweet tooth while keeping things nutritious and wholesome. Whether you’re looking for a post-workout snack, family-friendly breakfast, or just a comforting treat, this monkey bread hits every mark. Give it a try and watch how it quickly becomes a beloved staple in your home — I promise you’ll be making it again and again!
PrintHigh Protein No Sugar Monkey Bread Recipe
This High Protein, No Sugar Monkey Bread is a deliciously soft and sticky treat made with a blend of flours, protein powders, and non-fat Greek yogurt. Coated in a cinnamon sugar substitute and baked to golden perfection, it’s a guilt-free, high-protein alternative to traditional monkey bread, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1½ cup Flour (180g, see blog post above for options)
- ½ cup Vanilla Protein Powder (Whey-casein, 45g)
- ½ cup Unflavored Protein Powder (45g, see blog post above for options)
- 2 tsp Baking Powder
- ¼ tsp Baking Soda
Wet Ingredients
- 2 cups Non-fat Greek Yogurt (450g)
- 2 Tbsp Almond Milk (30ml)
Coating
- 3 Tbsp Zero Calorie 1:1 Sugar Replacement (18g)
- 1½ tsp Cinnamon
Optional
- 2 Tbsp Chopped Pecans (28g)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly butter a loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Add pecans (optional): If using, evenly spread the chopped pecans on the bottom of the loaf pan to add a crunchy texture.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, vanilla protein powder, unflavored protein powder, baking powder, and baking soda. Stir to evenly distribute all dry ingredients.
- Add wet ingredients and mix: Add the non-fat Greek yogurt to the dry mixture and mix gently until combined, forming large shaggy, sticky dough clumps. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can result in tough bread balls due to the protein powder.
- Divide and shape dough balls: Slightly wet your palms with water to prevent sticking. Divide the dough into about 25 equal pieces (around 2 tablespoons each) and roll each into a ball. Wet palms as needed to handle sticky dough.
- Prepare coating: Pour the almond milk into a small bowl. In another shallow bowl, combine the zero calorie sugar replacement and cinnamon to make the coating mixture.
- Coat dough balls and assemble: Roll each dough ball first in the almond milk, then in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring an even coating. Place the coated balls into the loaf pan, layering as you go.
- Bake the monkey bread: Bake the loaf pan for 20 minutes at 350°F. Then cover the pan with foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes (total baking time about 35 minutes) until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is cooked through.
Notes
- Do not over-mix the dough to avoid tough monkey bread balls due to protein powder.
- Wetting palms while shaping dough balls helps manage sticky dough.
- Optional pecans add nice texture and flavor but can be omitted.
- Use a zero calorie sugar replacement suitable for baking to keep the recipe sugar-free.
- Allow bread to cool slightly before serving to set the texture.