If you have a sweet tooth but want to keep things healthy and packed with protein, this High Protein, No Sugar Monkey Bread Recipe is going to be your new favorite treat. Imagine soft, fluffy bites of cinnamon-spiced dough, lightly sweetened without any added sugar, all made from wholesome ingredients like Greek yogurt and protein powders. Whether you serve it for breakfast, a snack, or even a guilt-free dessert, this monkey bread delivers incredible flavor and satisfying texture in every pull-apart piece. Plus, it’s wonderfully simple to make, with no yeast and minimal prep time, making it perfect for both beginners and those looking for a nutritious twist on a classic comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe starts with simple, high-quality ingredients that each play an important role in creating the perfect texture, taste, and nutrition. From the protein powders that add muscle-building power to the Greek yogurt that keeps it moist and tender, every component is essential to making this monkey bread both delicious and nourishing.
- Flour (1½ cup, 180g): The base of the dough, providing structure and softness.
- Vanilla Protein Powder (½ cup, 45g): Adds sweetness and that irresistible vanilla aroma with a boost of protein.
- Unflavored Protein Powder (½ cup, 45g): Contributes protein without altering the flavor, keeping things balanced.
- Baking Powder (2 teaspoons): Helps the dough rise and stay fluffy without yeast.
- Baking Soda (¼ teaspoon): Works alongside baking powder for lightness and a tender crumb.
- Non-fat Greek Yogurt (2 cups, 450g): Moisturizes the dough while adding protein and richness.
- Almond Milk (2 tablespoons, 30ml): Used for rolling the dough balls, ensuring the cinnamon sugar sticks perfectly.
- Zero Calorie 1:1 Sugar Replacement (3 tablespoons, 18g): Provides sweetness without any actual sugar, keeping the recipe low sugar.
- Cinnamon (1½ teaspoons): Gives that warm, cozy flavor that’s signature to monkey bread.
- Optional Chopped Pecans (2 tablespoons, 28g): Adds crunch and a nutty contrast if you love a bit of texture.
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. If you’re a pecan fan, spread chopped pecans on the bottom of the pan now to create a crunchy, nutty layer that will toast perfectly as the bread bakes.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, vanilla protein powder, unflavored protein powder, baking powder, and baking soda. This ensures the leavening agents and protein powders are evenly distributed, which is key to a consistent and tender texture in the final bread.
Step 3: Add Greek Yogurt and Form the Dough
Pour in the Greek yogurt and gently mix everything to form large, shaggy clumps of dough. Be careful not to over-mix — the protein powders can make the dough tough if handled too aggressively. The goal is sticky, moist dough that holds together but doesn’t become dense.
Step 4: Roll the Dough Balls
Slightly wet your palms with water to prevent sticking and divide the dough into 25 equal pieces, each about two tablespoons. Roll each piece into a small ball. Wet your hands again as needed to make the process easier and less sticky.
Step 5: Assemble the Monkey Bread
In one small bowl, pour the almond milk; in another shallow bowl, combine the cinnamon with the zero calorie sugar replacement. Take each dough ball, dip it first into the almond milk, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Place each coated ball into the prepared loaf pan in a single layer, stacking as needed.
Step 6: Bake and Finish
Bake the bread uncovered for 20 minutes. Then cover the pan loosely with foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, around 35 minutes total. Your monkey bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown. Let it cool slightly before digging in.
How to Serve High Protein, No Sugar Monkey Bread Recipe
Garnishes
This monkey bread shines on its own, but if you want to elevate it, sprinkle a few extra chopped nuts on top just after baking for a little extra crunch. A light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of sugar-free maple syrup can also add a special touch.
Side Dishes
Serve your monkey bread alongside fresh berries or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a balanced breakfast or snack. A warm cup of coffee or tea pairs beautifully to complement the subtle sweetness and cinnamon flavor of the bread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this monkey bread in individual muffin tins instead of a loaf pan, so everyone gets their own pull-apart portion. You can also layer it in a trifle dish with vanilla Greek yogurt and sliced fruit for a stunning breakfast parfait that’s high protein and no sugar.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover monkey bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It stays fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for about a week. The texture remains soft, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.
Freezing
This High Protein, No Sugar Monkey Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the bread well in freezer-safe wrap or foil, then place in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality, perfect for prepping ahead or storing extra portions.
Reheating
To reheat, warm slices or pieces in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through and lightly crisp on the outside. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but may soften the texture more than baking.
FAQs
Can I use different types of protein powders?
Absolutely! This recipe is flexible. You can substitute vanilla and unflavored protein powders with your favorite whey, casein, or plant-based powders, although the texture and flavor might slightly change depending on the type.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour, this recipe can definitely be made gluten-free. Just make sure your protein powders and other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well.
Can I add sweetener other than zero calorie sugar replacement?
You can, but be mindful that adding regular sugar or honey will increase the sugar content. For a true no sugar version, stick with your preferred sugar alternatives or stevia blends.
How sticky is the dough? Do I need special tools?
The dough is quite sticky because of the yogurt and protein powders. Wetting your hands keeps it manageable. No special tools are needed – just a bit of patience and a wet hand to make rolling easy!
Is yeast involved in this recipe?
No yeast is needed! Instead, baking powder and baking soda are used as the leavening agents, making this recipe quick to prepare with no rising time required.
Final Thoughts
This High Protein, No Sugar Monkey Bread Recipe truly feels like a little slice of indulgence without the guilt. It’s perfect for anyone looking to add more protein to their diet while still enjoying a comforting, sweet treat. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it has the perfect balance of nutrition and flavor. I can’t wait for you to make it, share it, and fall in love with it just like I have!
Print
High Protein, No Sugar Monkey Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 portions
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This High Protein, No Sugar Monkey Bread is a deliciously healthy twist on the classic treat. Made with non-fat Greek yogurt and protein powders, it offers a low-fat, high-protein option without any added sugar. Ideal for breakfast or dessert, this easy bake requires no yeast and combines a soft, sticky dough with a cinnamon-sugar coating, layered in a loaf pan for a convenient pull-apart experience. Perfect for those seeking a nutritious, satisfying snack or meal accompaniment.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1½ cup Flour (180g) – see blog post for options
- ½ cup Vanilla Protein Powder (Whey-casein, 45g)
- ½ cup Unflavored Protein Powder (45g) – see blog post for options
- 2 teaspoon Baking Powder
- ¼ teaspoon Baking Soda
Wet Ingredients
- 2 cups Non-fat Greek Yogurt (450g)
Assembling
- 2 tablespoon Almond Milk (30ml)
- 3 tablespoon Zero Calorie 1:1 Sugar Replacement (18g)
- 1½ teaspoon Cinnamon
- Optional: 2 tablespoon Chopped Pecans (28g)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly butter a loaf pan. If using, evenly spread chopped pecans on the bottom of the pan for added crunch and flavor.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, vanilla protein powder, unflavored protein powder, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all dry components.
- Add wet ingredient: Add the non-fat Greek yogurt to the dry mixture and gently mix until just combined into large, shaggy, sticky dough clumps. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the monkey bread balls tough due to the protein powder.
- Form dough balls: Slightly wet your palms to prevent sticking, then divide the dough into about 25 pieces, each approximately two tablespoons in size. Roll each piece into a round ball, wetting your palms again as needed since the dough is sticky.
- Prepare coating: Pour the almond milk into a small bowl. In another small shallow bowl, mix the zero calorie sugar replacement with cinnamon to create the cinnamon sugar coating.
- Coat dough balls: Roll each dough ball first in the almond milk, then thoroughly coat it in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Place each coated ball into the prepared loaf pan, layering them evenly.
- Bake: Bake the loaf for 20 minutes uncovered, then cover loosely with foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. Total baking time is approximately 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is done.
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough texture due to protein powders.
- Wet your hands slightly when rolling dough as it is sticky, which helps with shaping.
- Optional chopped pecans add texture and flavor but can be omitted for nut-free version.
- Using a zero-calorie sugar replacement keeps the bread sugar-free while still providing sweetness.
- Ensure the loaf pan is well buttered to prevent sticking and for easy removal.
- Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
