Blueberry Almond Bubble Bread – Sweet, Sticky & Irresistibly Soft
Warm, golden, and bursting with juicy blueberries — Blueberry Almond Bubble Bread is the kind of recipe that turns any morning into a special occasion. Imagine soft, pull-apart bread coated with a buttery almond glaze and dotted with plump blueberries that burst with flavor as they bake. The combination of tender dough, nutty almonds, and fruity sweetness creates a comforting treat that’s perfect for brunch, dessert, or even as a make-ahead breakfast.
Unlike traditional breads, bubble bread (sometimes called “monkey bread”) is made from small dough balls that bake together, forming a soft, fluffy loaf you can pull apart with your fingers. Each bite delivers layers of buttery sweetness and fruity freshness, making it nearly impossible to stop at just one piece. Whether you’re serving it at a cozy family breakfast, a holiday brunch, or a weekend get-together, this recipe guarantees smiles all around.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s everything you’ll need to make your Blueberry Almond Bubble Bread, along with approximate calorie counts for each ingredient.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 3 cups | 1,365 kcal |
| Active dry yeast | 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) | 20 kcal |
| Warm milk | ¾ cup | 110 kcal |
| Granulated sugar | ¼ cup | 200 kcal |
| Salt | ½ tsp | 0 kcal |
| Unsalted butter (melted) | ¼ cup | 400 kcal |
| Egg | 1 large | 70 kcal |
| Fresh blueberries | 1 ½ cups | 125 kcal |
| Sliced almonds | ½ cup | 260 kcal |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup | 220 kcal |
| Cinnamon | 1 tsp | 6 kcal |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | 12 kcal |
| Powdered sugar (for glaze) | ½ cup | 240 kcal |
| Almond extract (for glaze) | ¼ tsp | 5 kcal |
| Milk (for glaze) | 1–2 tbsp | 20 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1️⃣ Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm milk (about 110°F), 1 tablespoon sugar, and yeast. Stir lightly and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy — this means your yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
2️⃣ Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the egg, melted butter, and yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 6–8 minutes, either by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook, until smooth and elastic.
3️⃣ Let It Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
4️⃣ Shape the Bubbles
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to remove air. Tear off small pieces (about the size of a golf ball) and roll them into smooth balls.
5️⃣ Coat & Layer
In a bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Dip each dough ball in this buttery mixture, then layer them in a greased Bundt pan or loaf pan, sprinkling blueberries and sliced almonds between each layer.
6️⃣ Second Rise
Cover the pan loosely and let the dough rise again for 30–40 minutes, until puffy and almost doubled.
7️⃣ Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 10 minutes.
8️⃣ Make the Almond Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, almond extract, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Adjust the consistency with a touch more milk if needed.
9️⃣ Glaze & Serve
Once the bread is slightly cooled, drizzle with the almond glaze and sprinkle with extra sliced almonds. Serve warm, and enjoy each sweet, sticky, pull-apart bite! 💙
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- 🫐 Fruit Swap: Try raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries instead of blueberries for a fruity twist.
- 🌰 Nut Options: Use chopped pecans or walnuts in place of almonds for extra crunch.
- 🍯 Sweeten It Up: Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup over the glaze for extra sweetness.
- 🍋 Bright Flavor: Mix a bit of lemon zest into the dough or glaze to balance the sweetness with a hint of citrus.
- ❄️ Make Ahead: Prepare the dough the night before, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh in the morning.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 270 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Sugar | 16 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 110 mg |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy breakfast.
- Pair with a side of Greek yogurt or whipped cream for a dessert-style treat.
- Drizzle with extra glaze or honey just before serving for extra indulgence.
- Turn leftovers into bread pudding — simply cube the bread, add custard, and bake again!
- For gatherings, sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a beautiful presentation.
Blueberry Almond Bubble Bread – Sweet, Sticky & Irresistibly Soft
Course: Recipes12
servings25
minutes35
minutes270
kcalIngredients
For the Dough:
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ tsp salt
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
For the Filling:
1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries (do not thaw)
½ cup sliced almonds
½ cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
3 tbsp melted butter
For the Glaze:
½ cup powdered sugar
1–2 tbsp milk
¼ tsp almond extract
½ tsp vanilla extract
Directions
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, mix warm milk, 1 tbsp sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk flour, sugar, and salt. Add the egg, melted butter, and yeast mixture, and mix until a dough forms. Knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling:
- Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl.
- Shape the Dough Balls:
- Punch down the dough, divide it into small balls (about golf-ball size). Dip each ball in the buttery sugar mixture.
- Assemble the Bread:
- In a greased Bundt or loaf pan, layer the coated dough balls with blueberries and sliced almonds between each layer.
- Second Rise:
- Cover loosely and let rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
- Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil for the last 10 minutes.
- Make the Glaze:
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, almond extract, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze & Serve:
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm bread, sprinkle with extra sliced almonds, and enjoy!
Recipe Video
Notes
- For the best flavor and texture, serve your Blueberry Almond Bubble Bread slightly warm — that’s when the buttery layers, juicy blueberries, and sweet almond glaze taste absolutely irresistible.
If you’re using frozen blueberries, don’t thaw them before adding — it keeps the dough light and fluffy instead of soggy.
FAQs
1. What is bubble bread?
Bubble bread, sometimes called “monkey bread,” is a soft, pull-apart bread made by layering small dough balls coated in butter and sugar. As it bakes, the pieces fuse together, creating a tender, sweet, and shareable loaf that’s fun to eat with your hands.
2. Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes! You can absolutely use frozen blueberries. Just make sure to add them directly from the freezer (do not thaw), to prevent excess moisture that can make the dough soggy.
3. How do I store Blueberry Almond Bubble Bread?
Keep your bubble bread covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Warm slices in the microwave or oven before serving to bring back that fresh-baked softness.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! Prepare the dough and assemble the layers the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as directed.
5. What’s the best pan to use for bubble bread?
A Bundt pan works beautifully for this recipe, giving it a stunning round shape and even baking. However, you can also use a loaf pan or 9×9 baking dish if that’s what you have on hand.
Conclusion
Blueberry Almond Bubble Bread combines the heartwarming comfort of homemade bread with the irresistible flavor of juicy blueberries and nutty almonds. Each pull-apart piece delivers a delightful mix of sweetness, softness, and crunch — perfect for mornings, celebrations, or whenever you want to treat yourself.
