Indulgent cinnamon-sugar monkey bread with a protein boost from delicious, tangy Greek yogurt. This healthier version is the perfect healthy alternative for brunch (or coffee).

There is something magical about the combination of cinnamon and sugar. Every time I smell this delicious combination, it’s like I’m receiving a warm hug straight to my heart.

So, you now understand why I constantly want to make monkey bread.

But we know all that sugar is not good for you.

When I first discovered there was a healthier version of monkey bread made with more nutritious ingredients, I had to give it a go.

And the results didn’t disappoint.

One bite of these pillowy, cinnamon-sugar-coated dough balls is going to change how you see monkey bread. Not only are they a healthier alternative to traditional monkey bread, but they are a breeze to make.

But what makes this monkey bread casserole truly special is the use of Greek yogurt in both the dough and the glaze. The yogurt creates incredibly tender dough balls while boosting the protein content (each serving offers 17% of protein).

So, whether you are hosting a brunch, need a special breakfast treat, or want a lighter dessert option, this monkey bread is a must-try recipe.

Ingredients and Substitutes

Dough

All-purpose flour (2 3/4 cup) – You can use whole wheat flour if you want to add more fiber or a gluten-free flour.

Baking powder (1 tbsp)

Salt (3/4 tsp)

Thick Greek yogurt, I used 5% (1 3/4 cup) – Swap with sour cream or a non-dairy yogurt for a plant-based version. However, try to find one that offers a similar fat content.

Coating

Brown sugar (1/4 cup) -White sugar or coconut sugar are great alternatives.

Cinnamon (1 tbsp) – If you don’t have cinnamon, you can use any warming spice like nutmeg or allspice (or pumpkin spice).

Drizzle

Leftover coating

Maple syrup (1 tbsp) – Replace with honey, agave, caramel sauce, or the sugar-free alternative of your choice.

Glazing

Greek yogurt (1 tbsp) – You can use cream cheese for a richer glaze or coconut yogurt for a vegan option.

Maple syrup (1 tbsp)

How to Make Greek Yogurt Monkey Bread Casserole

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a baking dish (I used a 9×9”) by lining it with parchment paper and greasing it with oil.

Grab a large bowl and add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 2. Give the dry ingredients a good stir.

Step 3.Add the Greek yogurt and blend using a spatula. If you feel that the dough is getting too thick, you may want to start blending with your hands.

Pro tip: Oil your hands (you can use coconut oil) so the dough doesn’t stick to your hands.

Keep kneading until it forms a sticky ball.

Step 4. Divide the dough into smaller balls. You should end up having 18-20 balls.

Step 5.Grab a small bowl and mix the cinnamon and the sugar.

Step 6. Start rolling the balls in the cinnamon and sugar mix until they are fully covered. As you are covering the cinnamon mix, place it in the baking dish.

Step 7.Make sure you press each ball a bit so that they are touching each other.

Step 8. Add 1 tbsp of maple syrup to the leftover mix of cinnamon and sugar.

Step 9.Give the ingredients a good stir.

Step 10. Drizzle the balls with the cinnamon mix. Place the casserole in the oven and place it in the center of the oven.

Bake for 35-40 minutes.

Step 11.While you are waiting for the monkey bread to bake, grab a small bowl and add the Greek yogurt and maple syrup.

Step 12. Give the glaze ingredients a good stir.

Step 13.When the monkey bread is completely baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool down for a couple of minutes.

When it has cooled down, cover it with glaze and serve.

How I Would Modify This Recipe

• Dairy-Free Option: Replace the Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or cashew cream.
• Low–Carb Version: Reduce the flour by ¼ cup and add almond flour. Use your favorite sugar substitute instead of brown sugar (I recommend using erythritol).
• Boost the Protein: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder and reduce the flour a bit.
• Add Seasonal Ingredients: Add orange zest, vanilla extract, or seasonal spices like ginger and cloves.

My Storage Tips

This recipe is best to have straight out of the oven, but if you have some leftovers, I know you are going to want to keep them for later.

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Now, if you do keep them at room temperature, make sure you glaze only the portions that you are going to eat straight away (since it uses Greek yogurt).

If you glazed the entire casserole, place it in the fridge and keep it there for up to 7 days.

For longer storage, you can place them individually in a freezer-safe container and keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you are ready to eat, warm in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes.

More Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Recipes

• High Protein Cinnamon Rolls with Cottage Cheese
• Cinnamon Roll Pancake Bowl with Cottage Cheese
• Cinnamon Roll Cottage Cheese Muffins