Looking for a way to enjoy a sweet treat without throwing off your healthy habits? This high protein, no sugar monkey bread is exactly that. It brings together the comfort of soft, pull-apart bread and the goodness of nourishing ingredients like Greek yogurt and protein powder. The result is a warm, cinnamon-kissed snack or breakfast that feels indulgent but supports your wellness goals.
The best part? You won’t need yeast, complicated steps, or special equipment. Just mix, roll, coat, and bake. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or hosting a cozy brunch, this is the kind of recipe that feels both joyful and smart.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Protein with Every Bite
Thanks to a mix of protein powders and creamy Greek yogurt, each portion gives you a solid dose of protein to keep you feeling full and fueled.
Sweetness Without Sugar
You’ll still get the comforting sweetness of monkey bread by using a sugar-free, calorie-free substitute that tastes like the real thing.
Quick and Simple
With no yeast or rise time required, this recipe comes together quickly. It’s perfect for busy mornings, snack cravings, or healthy desserts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All-purpose flour – 1½ cups (180g)
This is the foundation of your dough. You can substitute with oat or almond flour if you’re adapting for specific dietary needs.
Vanilla protein powder – ½ cup (45g)
Adds a touch of sweetness and flavor while boosting the protein content. A whey-casein blend works best for soft texture.
Unflavored protein powder – ½ cup (45g)
Balances out the sweetness and increases the overall protein in the recipe.
Baking powder – 2 tsp
Helps the dough rise and gives it a soft, fluffy texture.
Baking soda – ¼ tsp
Works in tandem with the yogurt to create a tender, airy finish.
Non-fat Greek yogurt – 2 cups (450g)
This replaces traditional fats and helps form the dough while adding creaminess and more protein.
Almond milk – 2 tbsp (30ml)
Used to lightly moisten the dough balls so the coating sticks perfectly.
Zero-calorie sugar substitute – 3 tbsp (18g)
A granulated, 1:1 sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol gives that sweet cinnamon coating without real sugar.
Cinnamon – 1½ tsp
Essential for that classic warm, spiced monkey bread flavor.
Optional: Chopped pecans – 2 tbsp (28g)
A crunchy, buttery bonus if you like a little extra texture at the base of the loaf.
How to Make High Protein, No Sugar Monkey Bread
This recipe is fast, fun, and satisfying to make. The dough comes together in minutes, and there’s no need to let it rise. Once shaped, the dough balls get dipped in a cinnamon-sweet mixture, layered in the pan, and baked until golden. It’s everything you love about monkey bread, without the wait or the sugar crash.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the oven and pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a loaf pan, and if you’re using pecans, sprinkle them across the bottom.
Step 2: Combine your dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour, both protein powders, baking powder, and baking soda until well mixed.
Step 3: Mix in the Greek yogurt
Add the yogurt and gently fold everything together until a soft, sticky dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender.
Step 4: Divide and shape the dough
With damp hands, divide the dough into 25 equal pieces (about 2 tablespoons each). Roll each into a ball.
Step 5: Make the coating
Pour the almond milk into a small bowl. In a second bowl, mix the cinnamon with your sugar substitute.
Step 6: Coat the dough balls
Dip each dough ball in almond milk, roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, and place it in the loaf pan.
Step 7: Bake
Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Then, cover the pan with foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 8: Let it cool and serve
Allow the loaf to cool for about 10 minutes before turning it out of the pan. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Helpful Tips
- Keep your hands wet while rolling the dough to reduce sticking.
- Don’t overmix, or the dough may become tough due to the protein powder.
- A whey-casein protein blend helps create a soft crumb.
- Add a dash of stevia if your protein powder isn’t sweet enough.
Details
Flavor: A perfect balance of cinnamon warmth and vanilla sweetness, with a tangy edge from the yogurt
Texture: Soft inside, lightly crisp and sticky outside
Occasions: Brunch, meal prep, healthy dessert, or post-workout snack
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Notes (Optional Variations or Substitutions)
- Use oat or almond flour instead of all-purpose if desired
- Swap in dairy-free yogurt for a plant-based option
- Add chopped nuts or dried fruit between layers for extra flavor and texture
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx. 3 Balls)
Calories: 171 kcal
Fat: 3.8 g
Saturated Fat: 0.8 g
Carbohydrates: 25.6 g
Fiber: 1.8 g
Sugar: 1.9 g
Protein: 14.5 g
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make monkey bread high in protein without sugar?
By replacing traditional sugar with a calorie-free sweetener and using protein-rich ingredients like Greek yogurt and protein powder.
What sweeteners work best for sugar free monkey bread?
Look for granulated, cup-for-cup sweeteners like monk fruit or erythritol to mimic the taste and texture of sugar.
Does high protein monkey bread rise like the classic version?
It rises slightly from baking powder and baking soda but remains denser than yeast-based versions.
Can high protein, no sugar monkey bread be made ahead?
Yes. You can prepare the dough balls the night before or bake and store the loaf, then reheat when ready to enjoy.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover monkey bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave for 30 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes. You can also freeze the baked bread for up to 2 months.
Print
High Protein, No Sugar Monkey Bread | A Real Dream Bake
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 portions 1x
Description
This high protein, no sugar monkey bread is a soft, pull-apart treat with warm cinnamon flavor, made using Greek yogurt and protein powder. It’s a nourishing recipe that brings indulgent taste to your breakfast, dessert, or snack time without added sugar.
Ingredients
1½ cup All-purpose Flour, 180g
½ cup Vanilla Protein Powder, 45g
½ cup Unflavored Protein Powder, 45g
2 teaspoon Baking Powder
¼ teaspoon Baking Soda
2 cups Non-fat Greek Yogurt, 450g
2 tablespoon Almond Milk, 30ml
3 tablespoon Zero Calorie 1:1 Sugar Substitute, 18g
1½ teaspoon Cinnamon
Optional: 2 tablespoon Chopped Pecans, 28g
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan. If using pecans, sprinkle them on the bottom.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, vanilla and unflavored protein powders, baking powder, and baking soda.
3. Add the Greek yogurt and gently stir to form a sticky, shaggy dough. Avoid overmixing.
4. Lightly dampen your hands, divide the dough into 25 even pieces, and roll into balls.
5. In one bowl, pour almond milk. In another, mix cinnamon with sugar substitute.
6. Dip each dough ball into the milk, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar blend.
7. Place the coated balls into the loaf pan in layers.
8. Bake for 20 minutes uncovered, then cover with foil and continue baking for 10 to 15 more minutes.
9. Let it rest for 10 minutes before turning out onto a plate. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Add stevia if your protein powder is not sweet enough. For variations, consider oat flour or chopped nuts between layers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 balls
- Calories: 171
- Sugar: 1.9
- Fat: 3.8
- Saturated Fat: 0.8
- Carbohydrates: 25.6
- Fiber: 1.8
- Protein: 14.5
Conclusion
This high protein, no sugar monkey bread is a recipe you’ll turn to again and again. With its soft, cinnamon-sweet pull-apart layers and nourishing ingredients, it’s everything you want in a comfort bake — without the sugar or guilt. Whether you’re watching your macros or just want something wholesome and delicious, this bread brings all the joy with none of the compromise.