The Verdict on Papa Murphy's Monkey Bread
For those following a vegan diet, the standard versions of Papa Murphy's monkey bread are not suitable. Both the Sweet Cinnamon and Savory Garlic options contain dairy, making them off-limits. While Papa Murphy's has made commendable strides in offering vegan-friendly pizza options—including Violife dairy-free cheese and several vegan crusts and sauces—their take 'n' bake dessert breads do not align with a strict vegan lifestyle.
Ingredient Breakdown: Sweet Cinnamon Monkey Bread
The Sweet Cinnamon Monkey Bread is clearly not vegan due to its key topping. It is described as a sweet cinnamon treat drizzled with cream cheese frosting. Cream cheese, even when used as a frosting, is a dairy product, which is derived from animals. Therefore, the cinnamon monkey bread contains animal products and is not suitable for vegans.
Ingredient Breakdown: Savory Garlic Monkey Bread
The Savory Garlic Monkey Bread is described as being made of 'buttery' garlic bread bites. This 'buttery' flavor is typically derived from dairy butter, even if the main dough is vegan. Though Papa Murphy's offers vegan crusts, the added buttery ingredients, especially when combined with toppings and sauces, often contain dairy. Additionally, the marinara dip served with the garlic bread may have specific flavorings or ingredients that make it unsuitable. Always check the official ingredient list on the Papa Murphy's website for confirmation.
Navigating Vegan Options at Papa Murphy's
While the monkey bread may not be an option, Papa Murphy's does provide a number of vegan-friendly choices for a satisfying meal. By customizing your order, you can enjoy a delicious take 'n' bake pizza that fits your dietary needs.
Here is a list of potential vegan-friendly items available at Papa Murphy's, though options can vary by location:
- Vegan-Friendly Crusts: The Original, Thin, and Pan crusts are typically made without animal products.
- Dairy-Free Cheese: Papa Murphy's offers Violife dairy-free cheese, which provides a melty, cheesy experience.
- Vegan-Friendly Sauces: Several sauces are suitable for vegans, including:
- Traditional Red Sauce
- Olive Oil & Garlic Blend
- Marinara Sauce
- Sweet Chili Sauce
- BBQ Sauce
- Vegetable Toppings: Load up your pizza with a wide selection of vegetables, including mushrooms, olives, onions, green peppers, pineapple, spinach, and more.
A Comparison: Papa Murphy's vs. Homemade Vegan Monkey Bread
For a guaranteed vegan dessert, making monkey bread at home is the best and most reliable option. Here is a comparison of the key features.
| Feature | Papa Murphy's Monkey Bread | Homemade Vegan Monkey Bread |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Likely contains dairy butter and cream cheese frosting. | Made with vegan butter, plant-based milk, and vegan frosting. |
| Convenience | Take 'n' Bake, quick and easy to bake. | Requires more preparation time and effort for proofing and baking. |
| Cost | Fixed menu price per item. | Can be more or less expensive depending on ingredient sourcing. |
| Allergens | Potential for cross-contamination in a shared facility. | Full control over ingredients, reducing allergy risks. |
| Customization | Minimal to no customization. | Complete control over ingredients, toppings, and sauces. |
How to Create a Vegan Monkey Bread at Home
If you're craving a sweet, gooey monkey bread, a homemade version is the perfect solution. Several vegan recipes are available online, requiring just a few key ingredient swaps.
Recipe for Simple Vegan Monkey Bread
- Dough: Start with a vegan dough base. You can use accidentally vegan refrigerated biscuits, or make a simple dough from scratch using flour, plant-based milk, and yeast.
- Coating: Create a cinnamon-sugar coating. You will need granulated sugar and cinnamon. Roll dough balls in melted vegan butter and then in the cinnamon-sugar mixture before layering them in a bundt pan.
- Caramel Sauce: Make a gooey caramel sauce by combining melted vegan butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Pour this mixture over the dough balls before baking.
- Baking: Bake at 350°F for about 25-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
- Glaze: For a finishing touch, mix powdered sugar with a splash of plant-based milk and vanilla extract to create a simple vegan glaze. Drizzle it over the warm monkey bread after it has cooled slightly.
Conclusion: Making Informed Vegan Choices
While Papa Murphy's offers a growing number of vegan options, their standard monkey bread is not one of them. The presence of dairy in the cream cheese frosting and likely in the buttery garlic flavorings confirms this. For a guaranteed vegan sweet treat, baking your own monkey bread at home with plant-based ingredients is the best course of action. For savory cravings, you can still enjoy a delicious, custom-built vegan pizza from Papa Murphy's, taking advantage of their vegan crusts, Violife cheese, and array of veggie toppings. As always, a quick check of the latest ingredient information on the restaurant's website is the most reliable way to ensure a product aligns with your dietary needs.
