If you’re on the lookout for a breakfast or brunch treat that balances sweet tang and creamy softness, the Rhubarb Cream Cheese Monkey Bread has got you covered. This scrumptious, shareable bread is a delicious blend of lightly sweetened rhubarb, luscious cream cheese, and fluffy, pull-apart dough that’s as fun to eat as it is to make. Whether you’re gathering with friends or savoring a calm morning coffee alone, Rhubarb Cream Cheese Monkey Bread delivers that perfect mix of flavors and textures to brighten any table and uplift your taste buds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Balance: Sweet rhubarb tang paired with rich cream cheese creates an irresistible flavor harmony.
- Fun and Shareable: This monkey bread’s pull-apart style makes it ideal for sharing with family or friends.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples plus fresh rhubarb for freshness and character.
- Visually Stunning: The glossy, golden crust speckled with vibrant rhubarb bits is as beautiful as it is tasty.
- Versatile for Occasions: Great for brunch, dessert, or even a comforting snack with coffee or tea.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in the Rhubarb Cream Cheese Monkey Bread plays an essential role, from giving structure to the dough to adding that signature burst of flavor and color. Here’s a carefully curated list making this recipe approachable without sacrificing taste or texture.
- Sweetened Rhubarb: Fresh rhubarb combined with sugar enhances the natural tartness with just the right sweetness.
- Cream Cheese Cubes: Adds creamy richness that melts into pockets, complementing the fruit’s tang perfectly.
- Refrigerated Biscuit Dough: The foundation for the soft, fluffy bite that pulls apart with ease.
- Granulated Sugar and Cinnamon: Coats the biscuit dough pieces, giving the bread warmth and a caramelized crust.
- Melted Butter: Helps meld flavors while creating a tender crumb and shiny finish.
Variations for Rhubarb Cream Cheese Monkey Bread
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, perfect for experimenting with flavors or accommodating special diets. Feel free to customize to your heart’s content with these simple swaps and add-ons.
- Berry Upgrade: Substitute or mix in blueberries or strawberries with rhubarb for a vibrant fruit medley.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free biscuit dough to enjoy this treat without gluten worries.
- Brown Sugar and Nut Topping: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans with brown sugar to add crunch and depth.
- Maple Drizzle: Finish with a drizzle of pure maple syrup instead of traditional glaze for a cozy, autumnal touch.
- Vegan Twist: Opt for vegan cream cheese and use plant-based butter for a dairy-free version that’s just as rich.
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How to Make Rhubarb Cream Cheese Monkey Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Rhubarb
Chop fresh rhubarb into small pieces and toss with sugar to draw out moisture and mellow the tartness. Set aside to macerate while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Cube the Cream Cheese
Cut cream cheese into small, bite-sized cubes. Keep them chilled until assembly to maintain shape when baking.
Step 3: Cut and Coat the Biscuit Dough
Separate refrigerated biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. Toss these pieces in a cinnamon and sugar mixture, ensuring every piece is fully coated.
Step 4: Layer in the Pan
Brush a bundt pan with melted butter and begin layering by placing coated biscuit pieces, then dotting with cream cheese cubes and spoonfuls of macerated rhubarb. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a buttery drizzle.
Step 5: Bake until Golden and Puffy
Bake the layered dough in the oven until the top is golden brown, the cream cheese is slightly melted, and the rhubarb is bubbling around the edges.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the monkey bread cool in the pan for a few minutes before inverting onto a platter. This helps keep the shape intact and lets flavors settle before enjoying.
Pro Tips for Making Rhubarb Cream Cheese Monkey Bread
- Use Fresh Rhubarb: Fresh rhubarb creates the best flavor and texture; frozen can be watery and mushy.
- Chill the Cream Cheese: Keeping cream cheese cold prevents it from melting completely into the dough, ensuring gooey pockets.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Leave just enough space for the dough to expand for fluffy, pillowy pulls.
- Butter the Pan Well: This guarantees effortless release when you invert the monkey bread after baking.
- Serve Warm: Warm monkey bread enhances the sweetness and softness, making every bite delightful.
How to Serve Rhubarb Cream Cheese Monkey Bread
Garnishes
Dust the top with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and lemon juice for a bright finishing touch that complements the rhubarb’s tang.
Side Dishes
Pair with fresh fruit salad, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or your favorite breakfast sausages to round out the brunch experience with textures and flavors that balance perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the monkey bread on a wooden board surrounded by fresh rhubarb stalks or edible flowers for a charming, rustic look sure to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover monkey bread tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain softness.
Freezing
Freeze individual pieces or the whole loaf before baking; wrap tightly to avoid freezer burn. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake immediately for best results.
Reheating
Warm leftover monkey bread slices in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to revive that fresh-baked softness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen rhubarb instead of fresh?
While fresh rhubarb is recommended for the best texture, frozen rhubarb can be used if properly drained to remove excess moisture, though the bread may be slightly wetter.
Is there a vegan-friendly version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Use vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter, and select a vegan biscuit dough or make your own to keep it entirely plant-based.
How long does Rhubarb Cream Cheese Monkey Bread keep?
It stays fresh at room temperature for up to two days but is best enjoyed on the day of baking to savor the soft texture and fresh flavors.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the layered ingredients in the pan, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning for a convenient and delicious brunch.
What should I serve with this monkey bread?
This bread pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or fresh fruit and works well alongside eggs or breakfast meats for a complete brunch spread.
Final Thoughts
Once you try the Rhubarb Cream Cheese Monkey Bread, it’s hard not to make it a brunch staple. The sweet tang of rhubarb combined with creamy cheese and fluffy bread creates a comforting yet lively flavor experience that’s perfect for sharing or indulging solo. Whip this up for your next brunch, and watch how quickly it disappears — it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug with every bite.
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Rhubarb Cream Cheese Monkey Bread
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian (can be vegan with substitutions)
Description
Rhubarb Cream Cheese Monkey Bread is a delightful breakfast or brunch treat featuring a perfect balance of sweet tangy rhubarb, creamy rich cream cheese, and fluffy pull-apart biscuit dough. This visually stunning, shareable bread is easy to make using simple ingredients and bakes into a golden, caramelized crust studded with vibrant rhubarb bits. Ideal for gatherings or solo indulgence, it pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or fresh fruit, delivering a cozy and uplifting flavor experience.
Ingredients
Sweetened Rhubarb
- 1 cup fresh rhubarb, chopped into small pieces
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Cream Cheese Cubes
- 8 oz cream cheese, cut into small, bite-sized cubes (keep chilled)
Biscuit Dough
- 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (each can about 16 oz)
Sugar & Cinnamon Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Butter
- 1/4 cup melted butter, plus more for brushing the bundt pan
Instructions
- Prepare the Rhubarb: Chop fresh rhubarb into small pieces and toss with sugar. Set aside to macerate, drawing out moisture and mellowing tartness while you prepare other ingredients.
- Cube the Cream Cheese: Cut cream cheese into small, bite-sized cubes. Keep them chilled until assembly to maintain shape during baking.
- Cut and Coat the Biscuit Dough: Separate refrigerated biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. Toss pieces in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar until fully coated.
- Layer in the Pan: Brush a bundt pan generously with melted butter. Begin layering by placing coated biscuit pieces, then dotting with cream cheese cubes and spoonfuls of macerated rhubarb. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a drizzle of melted butter on top.
- Bake until Golden and Puffy: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until the top is golden brown, cream cheese is slightly melted, and rhubarb bubbles at the edges, about 35-40 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Let monkey bread cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes to set. Carefully invert onto a platter to keep shape intact and allow flavors to settle before serving warm.
Notes
- Use fresh rhubarb for best flavor and texture; frozen rhubarb can be watery.
- Keep cream cheese cold to prevent it from melting completely and ensure gooey pockets.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; leave room for dough to expand for fluffy bites.
- Butter the bundt pan well to enable easy release after baking.
- Serve the monkey bread warm to enhance sweetness and softness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/8 of loaf)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg