If you’re craving a sweet, comforting treat but want to keep things clean and nutritious, this High Protein, No Sugar Monkey Bread A Guilt-Free Treat Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with wholesome ingredients like almond flour and vanilla protein powder, it satisfies your sweet tooth while delivering a serious protein punch without any added sugar. Each bite is soft, fluffy, and bursting with cozy cinnamon flavor, making it the ideal snack or breakfast delight for anyone looking to enjoy indulgence without guilt.

Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, using everyday ingredients that each play a vital role in bringing together the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and nutrition. The combination of protein powder and almond flour creates a tender, high-protein base, while cinnamon and coconut oil add warmth and richness that make this monkey bread absolutely irresistible.
- 2 cups almond flour: A low-carb, high-protein alternative to regular flour.
- 1 cup vanilla protein powder: Choose your favorite brand to add flavor and protein boost.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: For that perfect rise and lightness.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps with extra leavening for a fluffy texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- 3 large eggs: Bind all the ingredients while adding moisture.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce: Natural sweetness without added sugar and adds moisture.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk: Adjusts the batter consistency while keeping it dairy-free.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a lovely warm flavor throughout.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Provides that signature spice and warmth.
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil: Adds richness and helps the coating stick.
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional): Adds a delightful crunch—walnuts or pecans work wonderfully.
How to Make High Protein, No Sugar Monkey Bread A Guilt-Free Treat Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan or loaf pan generously using coconut oil or a cooking spray to ensure your monkey bread slides right out after baking. This prep sets the stage for a perfect bake and effortless serving.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together almond flour, vanilla protein powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Getting these combined evenly is crucial because it ensures your monkey bread will have an even texture and rise just right in the oven.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs along with unsweetened applesauce, almond milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly frothy. This mixture brings moisture and natural sweetness to the bread without the need for added sugars.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your monkey bread tender—this gentle touch helps maintain a soft, fluffy crumb.
Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon-Coconut Oil Coating
Mix the ground cinnamon with the melted coconut oil in a small bowl until you have a smooth, fragrant coating. This step is key for creating that warm, inviting flavor that monkey bread fans adore.
Step 6: Add Nuts to the Pan (Optional)
If you love an added crunch, sprinkle a layer of chopped nuts at the bottom of your greased pan. This simple addition adds texture contrast and nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish.
Step 7: Shape the Dough Balls
Take small portions of the dough and roll them into bite-sized balls with your hands or a spoon. These little dough balls are what create that classic monkey bread experience, full of pull-apart fun.
Step 8: Coat the Dough Balls
Dip each dough ball into the cinnamon-coconut oil mixture, ensuring every ball is well coated. This coats the pieces with a subtle sweetness and spice that bakes up into a beautifully caramelized exterior.
Step 9: Layer the Dough Balls in the Pan
Place each coated dough ball into your prepared pan, stacking them snugly. This layering helps the dough balls stick together while baking and results in that infectious pull-apart texture.
Step 10: Bake Until Golden
Pop your pan in the oven for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye out as the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean—indicators that your monkey bread is perfectly baked.
Step 11: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, allow the monkey bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This resting period helps it set so it won’t fall apart when you invert it onto your serving plate.
Step 12: Enjoy Your Guilt-Free Monkey Bread
Finally, invert your bundt pan onto a plate, reveal your beautiful creation, and serve warm. This High Protein, No Sugar Monkey Bread A Guilt-Free Treat Recipe is ready to indulge your cravings without any guilt.
How to Serve High Protein, No Sugar Monkey Bread A Guilt-Free Treat Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of cinnamon, a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of natural almond butter pairs wonderfully with this monkey bread. These simple garnishes enhance the flavors and add a lovely finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Pair this monkey bread with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a fresh fruit salad to add complementary textures and balance the richness. It’s also fantastic alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea, elevating any morning or afternoon snack.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve the monkey bread on a rustic wooden board surrounded by small bowls of nut butters, sugar-free jams, or fresh berries so guests can customize their bites. You can also slice it into mini servings and pile them in decorative baskets for a cozy brunch vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need it to last longer, keep it refrigerated where it will stay fresh for about 4-5 days without losing its delicious texture.
Freezing
This monkey bread freezes beautifully! After cooling completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it inside a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months to keep it fresh and ready for whenever your snack attacks hit.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or place the whole loaf in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This brings back that just-baked softness and melts any nut butter or toppings you add.
FAQs
Can I use another type of protein powder?
Absolutely! You can substitute vanilla protein powder with chocolate or unflavored varieties, but keep in mind this will slightly change the flavor profile. Make sure you choose one that blends well and complements the cinnamon and vanilla in the recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for people with nut allergies?
The recipe uses almond flour and optional nuts, so it’s not ideal for those with nut allergies. However, you could experiment with oat flour or sunflower seed flour as alternatives, but the texture and protein content will differ.
Why is there no sugar in this recipe?
This recipe focuses on natural sweetness from applesauce and vanilla protein powder to keep it a guilt-free treat without added sugars. This approach maintains flavor while supporting healthier eating habits.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Using unsweetened almond milk or any plant-based milk keeps it dairy-free. The other ingredients are naturally dairy-free, making it friendly for most dietary preferences.
How do I get the monkey bread to be fluffy and not dense?
Make sure to mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined and avoid overworking the dough. Also, ensuring your baking powder and baking soda are fresh helps achieve a light, fluffy texture.
Final Thoughts
This High Protein, No Sugar Monkey Bread A Guilt-Free Treat Recipe is truly a game changer when you want something indulgent yet nutritious. It brings together flavors and textures that comfort the soul without straying from your health goals. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making this at home and watch it become a staple for your wholesome treat cravings.
Print
High Protein, No Sugar Monkey Bread A Guilt-Free Treat Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This High Protein, No Sugar Monkey Bread offers a guilt-free, delicious treat that combines almond flour and vanilla protein powder for a nutritious twist on a classic favorite. Sweetened naturally with applesauce and flavored with cinnamon and coconut oil, it’s perfect for a healthy snack or breakfast option.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Coating:
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan or a loaf pan with cooking spray or coconut oil to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, vanilla protein powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir together until evenly mixed.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the eggs, unsweetened applesauce, almond milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Prepare Cinnamon Coating: In a small bowl, combine ground cinnamon with melted coconut oil, stirring until well blended to create the coating mixture.
- Add Nuts to Pan: If using nuts, sprinkle a layer of chopped nuts evenly at the bottom of the greased bundt pan for added crunch.
- Form Dough Balls: Using a spoon or your hands, take small portions of the dough and roll them into balls about the size of a walnut.
- Coat Dough Balls: Dip each dough ball into the cinnamon and coconut oil mixture, ensuring each ball is thoroughly coated.
- Layer in Pan: Place the coated dough balls into the bundt pan, stacking them as evenly as possible to form the monkey bread shape.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the monkey bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set.
- Serve: Invert the monkey bread onto a serving plate, serve warm, and enjoy your guilt-free, protein-packed treat!
Notes
- Using almond flour keeps this recipe low-carb and high in protein.
- Applesauce adds natural sweetness and moisture without sugar.
- Vanilla protein powder boosts the protein content; feel free to use your preferred brand or flavor.
- Chopped nuts are optional but add lovely texture and flavor.
- Ensure not to overmix the dough to keep the monkey bread tender.
- This bread is best served warm but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

