There’s a special kind of joy that fills the kitchen when the scent of warm cinnamon mingles with melted butter—it’s practically a hug in dessert form! Monkey Bread, with its pull-apart pieces drenched in sweet, sticky goodness, has a way of bringing everyone together around the table. I first discovered this delightful dish at a family gathering, where laughter and stories flowed as freely as the warm bites of dough, and I knew I had to recreate the magic in my own kitchen.
This recipe is not only easy to whip up, but it also transforms humble ingredients into an irresistible treat that will have your loved ones reaching for more. Whether it’s a cozy Sunday brunch or a sweet surprise after a long day, this Monkey Bread is bound to impress without keeping you tethered to the kitchen for hours. Grab a Bundt pan and get ready to indulge in each gooey, cinnamon-sweet bite—your taste buds will thank you!
Why is Monkey Bread a must-try?
Irresistible warmth: With its delightful aroma, this treat warms up any gathering and makes your kitchen feel cozy and welcoming.
Easy to prepare: In just 15 minutes of prep, you can create a scrumptious dish that bakes effortlessly while you unwind.
Fun to share: Pulling apart the pieces of this gooey bread invites laughter and connection, making it perfect for family gatherings.
Versatile: Enjoy it at breakfast, brunch, or even dessert; it’s an all-day kind of treat!
Crowd-pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike, this recipe guarantees smiles and satisfied bellies every time.
Monkey Bread Ingredients
• Get ready to create this delightful treat!
For the Dough
- Buttermilk biscuit dough – Using non-flaky biscuits ensures the perfect pull-apart texture.
- Granulated sugar – Enhances sweetness and provides a delightful contrast to the cinnamon.
- Ground cinnamon – The warm spice that elevates the flavor profile, making your Monkey Bread irresistible.
For the Topping
- Unsalted butter – Melts to create a rich, buttery sweetness that complements the dough beautifully.
- Light brown sugar – Adds caramel notes, creating a gooey coating that wraps around each piece.
- Vanilla extract – Infuses the dough with a warm, inviting aroma that enhances the overall flavor.
With these carefully chosen ingredients, your Monkey Bread will be an unforgettable centerpiece, inviting everyone to grab a piece and dive into its warm, sticky goodness!
How to Make Monkey Bread
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Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures a perfectly baked Monkey Bread with a delightful golden brown top.
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Grease a 12-cup Bundt pan with butter or nonstick baking spray, ensuring all crevices are well-coated. This helps prevent sticking and makes for an easy release.
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Whisk together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a large bowl until well combined. This fragrant mixture will coat the biscuit pieces in delightful sweetness!
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Cut each biscuit from the two cans into 6 evenly sized pieces. This step is crucial for achieving bite-sized pull-apart goodness.
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Toss the biscuit pieces in the cinnamon sugar mixture with your hands, making sure each piece gets an even coating. Transfer the coated pieces and any extra cinnamon sugar to the prepared Bundt pan, distributing them evenly.
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Melt the unsalted butter and light brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until fully combined and smooth. Remove from heat, then stir in the vanilla extract, filling your kitchen with a heavenly aroma.
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Pour the buttery mixture evenly over the biscuit pieces in the Bundt pan, ensuring all are well-coated. This step creates that irresistible gooey topping!
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Bake for 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the caramel coating is bubbling. Your kitchen will smell fantastic—this is when the magic happens!
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Cool in the pan set on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before transferring. Loosen the sides carefully with a spatula or knife, flip a large plate over the pan, then flip it to release your beautiful Monkey Bread.
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Serve warm and watch everyone smile as they dig in to pull apart their sweet, gooey treats!
Optional: Drizzle with cream cheese icing for an extra layer of deliciousness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Monkey Bread?
Let the delightful aroma of warm cinnamon and gooey sweetness guide you in creating a blissful meal experience!
- Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, juicy fruits bring a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the Monkey Bread, balancing your palate beautifully.
- Scrambled Eggs: Creamy, fluffy eggs provide a savory element that pairs perfectly with the sweetness, making your breakfast feel complete.
- Bacon or Sausage: The crispy, salty goodness of bacon or sausage adds a hearty touch, elevating the breakfast spread and satisfying your hunger.
Picture this: indulging in sweet bites of Monkey Bread while savoring the crunch of crispy bacon, all with vibrant fruit to cleanse your palate.
- Maple Syrup: A drizzle of warm maple syrup enhances the flavor, giving an extra sweetness that makes every pull-apart piece even more irresistible.
- Coffee: Bold coffee brings out the warmth of spices in your Monkey Bread while providing a cozy start to your morning or afternoon treat.
Together, the comforting sweetness of this dish and the robust taste of coffee create a truly satisfying experience that’s hard to resist!
- Whipped Cream: For an indulgent touch, serve with whipped cream on the side for guests to dip their pull-apart pieces, adding creamy richness.
- Ice Cream: This decadent dessert pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, melting slightly with the warm bread for the ultimate treat!
Imagine enjoying Monkey Bread warm, topped with melting ice cream, and savoring every mouthful—it’s a divine combination that’s perfect for any gathering!
Storage Tips for Monkey Bread
Room Temperature: Store your Monkey Bread covered at room temperature for up to 2 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
Fridge: If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate the Monkey Bread for up to 5 days, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to maintain moisture.
Freezer: You can freeze Monkey Bread for up to 2 months—wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight container.
Reheating: To enjoy leftovers, warm individual pieces in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or reheat the whole loaf in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Expert Tips for Monkey Bread
Coat Evenly: Make sure each biscuit piece is fully coated in the cinnamon sugar mixture to achieve that flavorful sweetness throughout.
Don’t Skip Greasing: Liberally greasing the Bundt pan is essential to prevent sticking. A well-greased pan means a beautiful release!
Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on your Monkey Bread while it bakes. Every oven is different, so check for the golden brown color and bubbling caramel coating to ensure it’s perfectly baked.
Let It Cool: Allow the Monkey Bread to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan. This helps it set and makes it easier to flip without falling apart.
Optional Toppings: Consider adding a drizzle of cream cheese icing after serving for a delightful twist on this classic treat; it enhances the overall sweetness!
Make Ahead Options
Monkey Bread is a fantastic recipe for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy mornings! You can prepare the biscuit pieces and coat them in the cinnamon sugar mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store the coated dough in an airtight container or a covered bowl in the refrigerator to maintain their quality. When you’re ready to bake, just melt the butter and brown sugar, pour it over the prepped dough, and bake as directed. Your Monkey Bread will rise to the occasion, coming out just as delicious and sticky, perfect for a cozy family gathering or an indulgent weekday treat!
Monkey Bread Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine and customize this delightful treat to suit your preferences!
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free biscuit dough instead; your Monkey Bread will be just as soft and scrumptious!
A simple swap that allows everyone to enjoy this beloved dessert. -
Nutty Addition: Toss in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
These nuts not only introduce a delightful texture but also complement the sweetness beautifully. -
Chocolate Twist: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips among the biscuit pieces for an indulgent surprise!
A rich layer of melted chocolate will elevate your Monkey Bread into a decadent dessert. -
Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the butter mixture for a unique flavor twist.
The unexpected heat will leave your taste buds dancing, perfectly balancing the sweetness! -
Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut oil for unsalted butter and almond milk biscuits for a plant-based delight.
This variation ensures everyone can indulge in the warm, sticky goodness without missing out. -
Citrus Zest: Grate the zest of one orange or lemon into the butter mixture for a refreshing citrus flavor.
This bright touch will have your Monkey Bread singing with a zesty twist that’s refreshing and uplifting. -
Berry Bliss: Add a cup of fresh blueberries or raspberries for a fruity flair that contrasts beautifully with the sweet dough.
Biting into warm, gooey dough with bursts of juicy berries is an unforgettable experience! -
Maple Glaze: Swap out the brown sugar for maple sugar in the topping for an earthy, warm flavor.
This simple change invites a new level of richness and depth, making every bite a taste of autumn!
Monkey Bread Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best biscuit dough for Monkey Bread?
Absolutely! For the best Monkey Bread, opt for non-flaky buttermilk biscuit dough, which provides that perfect pull-apart texture. When selecting your cans, look for the freshest expiration dates and check for any visible damage to the packaging.
How should I store leftover Monkey Bread?
Very! To enjoy your delicious Monkey Bread over a few days, keep it covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want it to last longer, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This way, you can maintain its moist, gooey goodness.
Can I freeze Monkey Bread, and if so, how?
Yes, you can! To freeze your Monkey Bread, let it cool completely after baking. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, ensuring no air pockets. Place it in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It can stay fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.
What should I do if my Monkey Bread is sticking to the pan?
Oh no! If this happens, you might not have greased your Bundt pan well enough. Next time, be sure to coat every crevice with butter or nonstick spray. If you’re having trouble releasing it after baking, run a thin spatula or butter knife carefully around the edges to loosen it before flipping.
Can Monkey Bread be made with dietary restrictions in mind?
Yes, indeed! For a dairy-free option, you can use dairy-free biscuit dough and substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative. If allergies to cinnamon or sugar are a concern, consider using alternatives like nutmeg for spice or coconut sugar for a different sweetness. Always be mindful of ingredient labels to ensure safety for any dietary needs.
Irresistible Monkey Bread: Warm Up Your Weekend Mornings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 12-cup Bundt pan with butter or nonstick baking spray.
- Whisk together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a large bowl.
- Cut each biscuit from the two cans into 6 evenly sized pieces.
- Toss the biscuit pieces in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated.
- Melt the unsalted butter and light brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Pour the buttery mixture evenly over the biscuit pieces in the Bundt pan.
- Bake for 35 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling.
- Cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring.
- Serve warm and enjoy!