The countdown to the Easter celebration has begun, so let us gather around and let the love feast begin!
Easter is a Christian festival set aside for celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion at Calvary. With this election fever griping everyone, let us not forget that spending time with – and serving – those we love is the true spirit of Easter; for God is love. Are you stuck on election tension and can’t get the Easter groove on? Here is one recipe guaranteed to set the Easter mood and get your taste buds rejoicing even in this highly tensed election period:
Ingredients
1 box of Carrot Cake Mix
Dry yeast
2 1/2 cups of warm water
Sugar
1 teaspoon of kosher salt
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
5 cups of all-purpose flour
For the Monkey Bread:
1 cup of sugar
1 tablespoon of cinnamon
1/2 cup of honey
1/2 cup of brown sugar
1/2 cup of butter
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8oz. cream cheese
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
Optional: chopped pecans for sprinkling
Instructions
1. Fill a bowl or measuring cup with 2 1/2 cups of warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and sprinkle the sugar over the yeast. Let it rest and foam.
2. Meanwhile, mix the cake mix, salt, and flour in the bowl of a stand mixer.
3. Once the yeast looks foamy, pour the yeast and water into the mixing bowl. Add the vanilla. Attach the dough hook, and mix at a low speed until dough forms. You can add more flour if necessary.
4. Spray a non-stick cooking tray generously with flour. Put the dough in the cooking tray and spray the top of the dough with more flour. Cover and let it rise until it has doubled in size.
5. While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon sugar by mixing the cinnamon and the granulated sugar in a gallon sized zip-top bag. Set aside.
6. Prepare the bundt pan by generously greasing and flouring the inside of the pan. Set aside.
7. Once the dough has risen, pinch off 7 or 8 golf ball sized portions of the dough and place in the zip-top bag filled with sugar. Seal bag and shake until the dough is thorough coated. Place each dough ball into the prepared bundt pan.
8. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for about 20 minutes.
9. Meanwhile, place the butter, brown sugar, and honey in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute (or until butter is melted) and whisk until combined. Pour evenly over top of the dough in the bundt pan.
10. Bake at 400 degrees for 35-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the dough comes out clean.
11. Allow to cool for 10 minutes.
12. Use a hand mixer to beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
13. Gently push a rubber spatula down the sides of the bundt pan to loosen the dough from the sides of the pan. Invert the bread onto a plate. Spread the cream cheese frosting over it and sprinkle the chopped pecans. Serve warm!
Happy Easter celebration! May the selfless spirit of Easter fill our homes and country with love and peace always.
About the Writer: Ejura Salihu is a writer and an editor at Connect Nigeria. She is passionate about Nigeria and all things Nigerian. Find her on twitter @icyquin_msc
