If you’ve ever dreamed of a sweet treat that supports your fitness goals, this High Protein, No Sugar Monkey Bread Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine soft, sticky, cinnamon-coated dough balls that are packed with protein and completely free of added sugars. It’s the perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition, making it great for breakfast, snack time, or even a guilt-free dessert. Each bite offers a delightful texture with subtle warmth from cinnamon, and thanks to the clever blend of protein powders and Greek yogurt, it’s satisfying and energizing. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll never look at monkey bread the same way again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients, this recipe comes together quickly while delivering amazing flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s boosting protein content, adding moisture, or contributing that irresistible cinnamon touch.
- Flour (1½ cup, 180g): The base that gives structure to the bread, choose your favorite option as detailed in the blog post.
- Vanilla Protein Powder (½ cup, 45g): Adds a creamy vanilla note and substantial protein boost.
- Unflavored Protein Powder (½ cup, 45g): Enhances the protein content without affecting the flavor.
- Baking Powder (2 tsp): Essential for helping the bread rise and stay fluffy.
- Baking Soda (¼ tsp): Balances acidity and perfects the texture.
- Non-fat Greek Yogurt (2 cups, 450g): Provides moisture, a slight tang, and loads of protein.
- Almond Milk (2 Tbsp, 30ml): Keeps the dough balls moist and helps the cinnamon sugar stick.
- Zero Calorie 1:1 Sugar Replacement (3 Tbsp, 18g): Gives sweetness without any sugar, keeping this recipe guilt-free.
- Cinnamon (1½ tsp): The warming spice that gives monkey bread its signature flavor.
- Optional – Chopped Pecans (2 Tbsp, 28g): Adds a wonderful crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
How to Make High Protein, No Sugar Monkey Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly butter a loaf pan to prevent sticking—if you love a bit of crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans at the bottom of the pan for a delightful surprise in every slice.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, vanilla protein powder, unflavored protein powder, baking powder, and baking soda. This creates the foundation of your dough’s texture and flavor. Getting the powders evenly mixed ensures even rising and a consistent bite throughout the bread.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients and Form Dough
Pour in the non-fat Greek yogurt and gently mix using a spoon or spatula until large, sticky clumps form. Be careful not to over-mix! Overworking the dough can lead to tough texture since protein powder can make it dense. The mix should stay shaggy and moist.
Step 4: Shape the Dough Balls
Wet your palms slightly to prevent sticking and divide the dough into 25 equal pieces, roughly 2 tablespoons each. Roll each piece into a ball, wetting your hands as needed to keep the process smooth. It will be sticky, but that’s part of the magic.
Step 5: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar and Assemble
Pour the almond milk into one small bowl, and mix your zero-calorie sugar replacement with cinnamon in another shallow bowl. Dip each dough ball first in the almond milk, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture so every ball is perfectly coated. Place the balls snugly into the prepared loaf pan.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the monkey bread uncovered for 20 minutes, then cover with foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The beauty here is in that golden-brown crust hugging soft, tender, protein-packed centers.
How to Serve High Protein, No Sugar Monkey Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation, try sprinkling a little extra cinnamon or a pinch of finely chopped pecans on top just before serving. A light drizzle of sugar-free vanilla glaze or even a smear of almond butter on the side adds a lovely finishing touch that enhances both flavor and texture.
Side Dishes
This monkey bread pairs beautifully with simple sides like fresh berries or a dollop of unsweetened Greek yogurt for extra protein. For a more substantial breakfast, enjoy it alongside scrambled eggs or a green smoothie to balance the flavors and nutrients.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the loaf pan! Serve your High Protein, No Sugar Monkey Bread Recipe in mini muffin tins for bite-sized goodness at parties, or layer the dough balls in a bundt pan for a visually stunning pull-apart bread. You can even add swirls of cinnamon or layer in small pockets of sugar-free nut butter before rolling the balls for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover monkey bread keeps well when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, refrigeration is recommended but expect the bread to firm up slightly.
Freezing
This High Protein, No Sugar Monkey Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Once completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing it in the freezer. It will keep well for up to one month, allowing you to enjoy this treat anytime without starting from scratch.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the monkey bread overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for an hour. Warm it in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10–12 minutes, covered loosely with foil to retain moisture. For quick fixes, individual portions can be microwaved, but the oven does a better job preserving texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute the protein powders?
Absolutely! While whey-casein blends provide great texture and flavor, you can use plant-based protein powders if you prefer. Just keep the total protein powder amount the same and watch for any changes in moisture absorption.
Is this recipe suitable for people with dairy intolerance?
The recipe uses Greek yogurt and protein powders that typically contain dairy, so it’s not suitable for those with dairy allergies. However, you can try dairy-free Greek-style yogurt and plant-based protein powders, adjusting liquids as needed.
What sweeteners work best for this monkey bread?
We recommend zero calorie 1:1 sugar replacements like erythritol blends to maintain sweetness without sugar. Avoid liquid sweeteners as they can alter the dough’s texture.
Can I add other nuts or dried fruits?
Yes! Feel free to swap pecans for walnuts or almonds, or toss in some sugar-free dried cranberries or chopped dates for extra flavor and texture. Just remember to keep additions moderate to maintain bake time and texture.
How should I store leftovers for best texture?
Storing at room temperature keeps the bread soft for a day or two. For longer storage, refrigeration or freezing is better but might cause the bread to firm up. Reheating gently restores softness nicely.
Final Thoughts
This High Protein, No Sugar Monkey Bread Recipe is a genuine game-changer. It delivers all the fun and flavor of classic monkey bread but in a form that fits perfectly into a health-conscious lifestyle. Whether you’re meal prepping, craving a sweet snack, or looking to impress breakfast guests, this recipe is a winner. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find your new go-to treat that’s as satisfying as it is nourishing!
Print
High Protein, No Sugar Monkey Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This High Protein, No Sugar Monkey Bread is a delicious and healthy treat that combines the richness of protein powders with the softness of Greek yogurt. Perfect for a nutritious breakfast or snack, it offers a low-sugar alternative to traditional monkey bread while remaining moist and flavorful with a cinnamon-sugar coating and optional crunchy pecans.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1½ cups Flour (180g)
- ½ cup Vanilla Protein Powder (Whey-casein, 45g)
- ½ cup Unflavored Protein Powder (45g)
- 2 tsp Baking Powder
- ¼ tsp Baking Soda
- 3 Tbsp Zero Calorie 1:1 Sugar Replacement (18g)
- 1½ tsp Cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 2 cups Non-fat Greek Yogurt (450g)
- 2 Tbsp Almond Milk (30ml)
Optional
- 2 Tbsp Chopped Pecans (28g)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly butter a loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Add Pecans (Optional): If desired, spread 2 tablespoons of chopped pecans evenly on the bottom of the loaf pan for added crunch and flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, vanilla protein powder, unflavored protein powder, baking powder, and baking soda until evenly distributed.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Mix: Add the non-fat Greek yogurt to the dry ingredients and gently mix until combined and large sticky dough clumps form. Avoid over-mixing to prevent toughness caused by the protein powders.
- Form Dough Balls: Slightly wet your palms with water to prevent sticking. Divide the dough into 25 equal pieces, approximately 2 tablespoons each, and roll each piece into a ball. Wet your palms as needed to handle the sticky dough.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Pour the almond milk into a small bowl. In another small, shallow bowl, combine the zero-calorie sugar replacement and cinnamon.
- Coat and Assemble: Roll each dough ball first in the almond milk to moisten, then coat it thoroughly in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Place each coated ball into the prepared loaf pan, arranging them closely together.
- Bake: Bake the assembled dough balls in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then cover the pan with foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, totaling about 35 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Notes
- Do not over-mix the dough to avoid tough bread balls due to protein powder.
- Wetting your palms helps manage the stickiness of the dough when shaping balls.
- The loaf pan can be substituted with a bundt pan if preferred, but adjust baking time accordingly.
- The optional chopped pecans add texture and flavor but can be omitted for nut-free.
- Use a zero-calorie sugar replacement that measures 1:1 for sugar in volume to maintain sweetness without added sugar.
