Monkey Bread Recipe

Soft, gooey monkey bread coated in buttery cinnamon sugar—pull-apart perfection that’s easy to bake, sweetly spiced, and loved by everyone at the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Monkey Bread recipe keeps things simple, yet each ingredient plays a vital role in making it unforgettable. The magic comes from the combination of ready-made biscuit dough, warming spices, and that luscious caramel glaze that binds it all together.

• 3 (12 oz) cans refrigerated biscuit dough: The shortcut hero here—soft, fluffy, and perfect for soaking up all that sweet goodness.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Gives each piece a lovely sweet crunch and helps create that classic golden crust.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds irresistible warmth and an inviting aroma that fills the kitchen as the bread bakes.
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Provides a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that elevates every bite—totally up to you, but highly recommended!
• 1 cup packed brown sugar: The base for our caramel glaze, giving the bread depth and a rich molasses sweetness.
• 3/4 cup butter, melted: Ensures every piece is decadently moist and ties all the flavors together with velvety smoothness.

How to Make Monkey Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greasing a 10-inch Bundt pan with butter or nonstick spray. Don’t be shy here—a thorough greasing is the best insurance for perfect, easy release once your Monkey Bread is ready to turn out.

Step 2: Create the Cinnamon Sugar Magic

In a large plastic bag or roomy bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together. This spiced sugar is what will give your Monkey Bread those glorious golden edges and irresistible aroma.

Step 3: Coat the Dough Pieces

Pop open the biscuit cans (so satisfying!) and cut each biscuit into quarters. Working in batches, add a few dough pieces at a time to your cinnamon sugar. Toss or shake until each piece is completely covered—it’s messy, but that’s half the fun!

Step 4: Layer in the Bundt Pan

Place the coated dough pieces evenly in the greased Bundt pan. If you’re using nuts, sprinkle them between layers as you go. This way, every pull-apart piece gets a little bit of crunch.

Step 5: Make the Buttery Caramel Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine the melted butter and packed brown sugar. Stir gently over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth and glossy. This luscious sauce will turn your Monkey Bread into something truly special.

Step 6: Pour and Bake

Pour the warm brown sugar and butter mixture evenly over the layered dough in the pan. Make sure every nook and cranny gets attention! Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, until the top is deep golden brown and a delicious caramel scent fills the kitchen.

Step 7: Cool, Flip, and Serve

Let the Monkey Bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes—just enough time to set the gooey goodness without losing the soft pull-apart texture. Carefully invert onto a serving plate and get ready for oohs and aahs. Serve warm, no slicing needed—just pull pieces apart and enjoy!

How to Serve Monkey Bread

Garnishes

A drizzle of vanilla glaze, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a little sprinkle of extra cinnamon right before serving can make your Monkey Bread look bakery-worthy. If you love a little flair, a handful of extra toasted nuts on top never hurts!

Side Dishes

Monkey Bread is a treat all on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, tangy yogurt, or even a side of crispy bacon for balance. Set out some mugs of hot coffee or steaming chai and you’ve got a dreamy breakfast or brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, try serving individual portions in cupcake liners or ramekins for a playful twist. You can also stack the golden bread on a tiered cake stand, letting the gooey caramel glaze drip for maximum visual delight. However you serve it, Monkey Bread is always a showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow end up with leftover Monkey Bread, simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will stay soft and delicious at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week if you prefer.

Freezing

Monkey Bread freezes beautifully! Wrap individual portions or the whole loaf in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When a craving hits, you’ll be just minutes away from that warm, gooey goodness.

Reheating

To reheat, pop Monkey Bread in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–15 minutes, wrapped loosely in foil to keep it soft. For a single serving, a few seconds in the microwave works wonders—just be sure not to overdo it so you keep all that signature pull-apart texture.

FAQs

Can I use homemade dough instead of canned biscuits?

Absolutely! Homemade dough gives you full control over the flavor and texture. Just be sure to roll it out and cut into small, even pieces for the best pull-apart experience.

What type of nuts work best for Monkey Bread?

Walnuts and pecans are classic choices, adding a rich, buttery crunch that pairs perfectly with the gooey dough. Feel free to get creative—try almonds, hazelnuts, or omit them entirely for a nut-free version.

How do I keep Monkey Bread from sticking to the pan?

Make sure every inch of your Bundt pan is coated with butter or nonstick spray, especially in the nooks and crevices. Letting the bread cool for 10 minutes after baking also helps with a smooth release.

Is Monkey Bread best served warm or at room temperature?

For the ultimate experience, serve Monkey Bread warm—right after it’s flipped out of the pan, when it’s at its most gooey and inviting. That said, it’s still delicious at room temperature, especially with a hot drink on the side.

Can I make Monkey Bread ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble everything the night before, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, bring it to room temperature and bake fresh for a stress-free and spectacular breakfast treat.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a recipe that captures the joy of sharing something sweet and special, Monkey Bread truly delivers. Every pull-apart piece is a moment of pure comfort, whether you’re making cherished memories with friends or just indulging your own craving. You absolutely have to give this irresistible treat a try—your kitchen (and everyone in it) will thank you!

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