Sticky, sweet, and surprisingly rich in protein, this Monkey Bread is a lighter take on the classic pull-apart treat. The secret ingredient is blended 2% cottage cheese: it boosts protein, keeps the interior soft and moist, and helps create an indulgent texture without relying only on butter and sugar.
This recipe is perfect for a weekend brunch, a dessert table, or whenever you want something that’s fun to pull apart and share. It’s straightforward to prepare and cooks quickly in the air fryer, producing a golden, caramelized exterior and tender centers. Finish it with a simple cream cheese-and-blended-cottage-cheese glaze for a balanced, creamy topping.
High-Protein Monkey Bread – What You Need
- Blended 2% cottage cheese: Blend until completely smooth. This ingredient adds protein and moisture and is also used in the glaze.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure for the dough.
- Baking powder: Leavens the dough so the pieces are light and tender.
- Sea salt: Enhances the flavors.
- Melted unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps the cinnamon-sugar adhere to each dough ball.
- Brown sugar and cinnamon: Create the sticky, caramelized coating that defines monkey bread.
- Cream cheese (softened) and maple syrup: Combine with a bit of blended cottage cheese to make a creamy glaze.
Our Favorite
Beast Blender
A high-powered blender makes quick work of smoothing cottage cheese for the dough and glaze. A reliable blender will give you a silky consistency without overworking the mixture.
What size air fryer did you use?
This recipe was tested in a 4-quart air fryer. If your air fryer is larger or smaller, adjust spacing and cooking time as needed. Use a round parchment insert or shape two pieces of parchment into a bowl-like form so the dough balls sit in a shallow well while they bake.
Favorite
Air Fryer
An air fryer gives this monkey bread a quick, even bake with a caramelized bottom from the melting brown sugar — ideal when you want a fast, hands-off finish.
What’s a good cottage cheese substitute?
Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%) is the best direct substitute for blended cottage cheese. It will slightly alter the texture but still provides creaminess and protein. If you use Greek yogurt, blend briefly to ensure it’s completely smooth before adding to the dry ingredients.
Here’s a tip!
For the air fryer, a round parchment paper insert makes assembly and clean-up easier. If you don’t have a premade insert, fold two pieces of parchment into a shallow bowl shape that fits your basket.
Storage Directions
Store leftover monkey bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the air fryer for a few minutes for a crisp exterior, or microwave briefly if you prefer a softer result. Keep the glaze separate and add it after reheating for the best texture.
More favorite treats and air fryer desserts
Air Fryer Desserts
- Air Fryer Banana Split-style dessert
- Air Fryer Chunky Monkey French Toast
- Air Fryer Pumpkin Bagel Bites
Protein Monkey Bread Recipe
This air fryer monkey bread uses blended cottage cheese for added protein and moisture. It’s sticky, sweet, and easy to prepare. Serve warm with a cream-cheese-and-cottage-cheese glaze for a decadent finish.
By: Lee Funke
Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 12–25 mins (see instructions) | Total: 22 mins | Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 2 cups blended 2% cottage cheese
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 5 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Icing
- 2 tablespoons softened cream cheese
- ¼ cup blended 2% cottage cheese
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, flour, baking powder, and sea salt. Stir with a spoon until combined, then press with your hands until a cohesive dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead until smooth, adding a little extra flour if the dough is very sticky.
- Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 6-inch log and cut each log into 5 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a small ball; you should have 20 balls total. Set aside.
- Whisk the brown sugar and cinnamon together in a shallow bowl. Pour the melted butter into a separate bowl.
- One by one, dip each dough ball into the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place each coated ball into the parchment-lined air fryer basket so the balls are touching.
- Air fry at 300°F for 20–25 minutes. The exterior should be golden and caramelized; you may notice some melted sugar pooling at the bottom — that’s expected.
- While the bread cooks, prepare the glaze: beat the softened cream cheese, blended cottage cheese, and maple syrup together with an electric mixer until smooth. Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps.
- Allow the monkey bread to rest for about 10 minutes after cooking to let the caramel set slightly. Serve warm with the glaze poured over the top or offered on the side as a dip.
Tips & Notes
- Greek yogurt works as a substitute for blended cottage cheese if needed, though the texture will be slightly different.
- We recommend a 4-quart air fryer for best fit. Adjust the cooking time if your unit is significantly smaller or larger.
- For easy removal and cleanup, line the basket with a round parchment insert. If needed, layer two pieces to create a bowl shape.
Nutrition (per serving, approximate)
Calories: 284 kcal, Carbohydrates: 42 g, Protein: 10 g, Fat: 8 g, Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 17 g.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation only.
Photography by: The Wooden Skillet