There’s something undeniably delightful about the first pull of a warm, sticky piece of monkey bread, revealing its gooey, sugary layers. Just imagine the sweet, buttery fragrance swirling through your kitchen as this treat bakes to golden perfection—a comforting aroma that beckons friends and family to gather around. This dish has become a cherished part of my brunch repertoire, bridging the gap between the hustle and bustle of weekday meals and the relaxed indulgence of weekend gatherings.
I often find myself craving that magical combination of cinnamon and sugar, especially after a long day, and monkey bread always delivers. What I love most is how effortlessly easy it is to whip up using just refrigerated biscuit dough, making it accessible for everyone from novice cooks to seasoned chefs. Plus, it’s a charming centerpiece for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family breakfast or a lively potluck. So let’s dive into this easy recipe that guarantees smiles and satisfied taste buds!
Why You'll Love This Monkey Bread
- This monkey bread recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and just a few simple ingredients.
- The warm, gooey, cinnamon-sugar layers create an irresistible flavor that will have everyone reaching for more.
- Its versatility allows you to customize it with nuts, chocolate, or even fruit for a personal touch.
- The stunning visual appeal of a beautifully baked monkey bread makes it a delightful centerpiece for any gathering, ensuring that it will be the star of the table.
Monkey Bread Ingredients
For the Dough
- Refrigerated biscuit dough – this is the base of your monkey bread, effortlessly creating those signature pull-apart pieces.
- Granulated sugar – adds sweetness that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
- Ground cinnamon – this essential spice infuses warmth and flavor into every bite.
For the Topping
- Unsalted butter – melting this creates a rich, buttery glaze that enhances the bread’s texture.
- Brown sugar – adds a hint of molasses flavor and caramelizes beautifully as it bakes.
With these simple ingredients, making monkey bread transforms from a simple idea into a delicious reality that brings joy to every gathering!
How to Make Monkey Bread
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), setting the stage for a perfect bake as your kitchen fills with the scent of sweet cinnamon.
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Cut the refrigerated biscuit dough into quarters, ensuring they are small enough to create delightful pull-apart pieces when baked.
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Mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a bowl, crafting a fragrant blend that will coat your dough pieces beautifully.
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Dip each quartered piece of dough into the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating every surface to maximize flavor in every bite.
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Layer the cinnamon-sugar coated dough pieces in a greased bundt pan, stacking them high for a deliciously gooey texture after baking.
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Melt the unsalted butter and brown sugar together in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until combined and smooth, creating a rich glaze.
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Pour the butter mixture evenly over the layered dough, ensuring all pieces get a taste of the sweet goodness before they hit the oven.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and your kitchen is filled with amazing aromas.
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Cool for about 10 minutes, allowing the monkey bread to set before inverting it onto a plate for a stunning presentation.
Optional: Serve warm with a drizzle of icing for an extra touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Monkey Bread
Room Temperature: Store leftover monkey bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain its delicious moisture and flavor.
Fridge: If you want to keep it longer, monkey bread can be refrigerated for up to a week. Make sure to wrap it well to prevent it from drying out.
Freezer: For extended storage, monkey bread freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, freezing it for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, ensuring it’s deliciously gooey again!
Make Ahead Options
These monkey bread bundles of joy are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prep the components up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring a stress-free baking experience. Start by cutting the refrigerated biscuit dough into quarters and mixing the sugar and cinnamon. Layer the dipped dough pieces in the greased bundt pan, then cover and refrigerate overnight. To maintain quality, be sure to tightly cover the pan to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to bake, simply melt the butter and brown sugar, pour it over the dough, and bake as directed! This allows you to serve up a delightful, freshly baked monkey bread with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights or brunches.
What to Serve with Monkey Bread?
Imagine a brunch table filled with flavors that dance in perfect harmony alongside the irresistible sweetness of monkey bread, creating a feast for all senses.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the warm cinnamon sweetness of the monkey bread, balancing flavors beautifully.
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Creamy Yogurt Parfait: Rich yogurt layered with granola and berries adds a delightful creaminess and crunch, complementing the soft, gooey texture of the bread.
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Savory Breakfast Casserole: This hearty dish creates a delightful contrast to the sweetness of monkey bread, offering protein-packed eggs and vegetables to round out the meal.
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Maple Bacon: The salty, smoky flavors of crispy bacon enhance the overall experience, bringing together savory and sweet elements for a satisfying balance.
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Coffee or Hot Chocolate: A warm beverage like coffee or rich hot chocolate pairs perfectly, elevating a delightful brunch atmosphere as you savor each sweet garland of dough.
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Cinnamon Roll Icing: Drizzling icing over the monkey bread not only enhances its flavors but also adds a visually enticing element, creating an indulgent treat at any gathering.
Monkey Bread Variations
Feel free to get creative and make this monkey bread your own with these delightful twists!
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Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough layers for an added crunch and nutty flavor. The contrast of textures will elevate each bite.
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Chocolate Lovers: Stir in mini chocolate chips along with the dough pieces for a rich chocolatey surprise that melts perfectly as it bakes.
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Fruit Fusion: Incorporate diced apples or fresh berries in between the dough layers for a fruity burst that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar mixture if you want to bring a little heat to your sweet treat.
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Dairy-Free Twist: Swap the butter for coconut oil and use a dairy-free biscuit dough to cater to dairy sensitivities without sacrificing flavor.
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Vegan Version: Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, use maple syrup instead of brown sugar, and ensure your biscuit dough is vegan-friendly.
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Glazed Perfection: Drizzle a simple icing made of powdered sugar and milk (or non-dairy milk) over the cooled monkey bread for an extra sweet finish that will wow your guests.
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Savory Spin: If you’re in the mood for something different, sprinkle in some garlic powder and herbs to create a savory monkey bread that’s perfect for snacks.
Let your taste buds guide you through this fun exploration of flavors!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure the biscuit dough is cold when you cut it into quarters for easier handling and to maintain the right texture in your monkey bread.
- When mixing the sugar and cinnamon, consider using a fork to break up any clumps and create a more even coating for your dough pieces.
- To achieve a perfectly gooey inside, don’t skip layering the dough tightly in the bundt pan, as this helps the pieces stick together while baking.
- Keep an eye on the baking process and test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the monkey bread is ready.
Monkey Bread Recipe FAQs
What type of biscuit dough is best for monkey bread?
Absolutely! For monkey bread, I recommend using refrigerated biscuit dough, typically found in the refrigerated section of your grocery store. Look for brands that state they are “flaky” or “buttermilk” for the best texture.
How should I store leftover monkey bread?
You can store leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it well and refrigerate it for up to a week. It’s important to avoid any dry spots by sealing it properly!
Can I freeze monkey bread?
Yes, you can freeze monkey bread with great success! To do this, allow the baked monkey bread to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warm and gooey.
What if my monkey bread doesn’t rise properly?
Very! If your monkey bread isn’t rising or appears dense, it could be due to the dough being overworked or the oven temperature being too low. Ensure you cut the biscuits into quarters without compressing them and check that your oven is fully preheated before baking. Additionally, placing the bundt pan in the center of the oven provides even heat distribution.
Is monkey bread suitable for people with allergies?
If you have allergies, make sure to check the ingredient labels on your biscuit dough, sugar, and any additional toppings you may want to add. Many brands offer nut-free and gluten-free options. For dairy allergies, you could substitute unsalted butter with a plant-based alternative; however, this may slightly alter the flavor and texture. Always prioritize safe ingredients to avoid any allergic reactions.
Can pets eat monkey bread?
While it might be tempting to share, it’s best to avoid giving monkey bread to pets. The sugar and butter content may be harmful to them, particularly in larger quantities. Stick to pet-friendly treats instead, and let them enjoy the aroma from a safe distance!
Equipment
- Bundt pan
- Mixing bowl
- saucepan
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 cans Refrigerated biscuit dough The base of the monkey bread.
- 1 cup Granulated sugar For sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons Ground cinnamon Essential spice.
For the Topping
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter Creates a rich glaze.
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar Adds a hint of molasses flavor.
Instructions
How to Make Monkey Bread
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to set the stage for a perfect bake.
- Cut the refrigerated biscuit dough into quarters.
- Mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a bowl.
- Dip each quartered piece of dough into the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Layer the cinnamon-sugar coated dough pieces in a greased bundt pan.
- Melt the unsalted butter and brown sugar together in a saucepan over low heat.
- Pour the butter mixture evenly over the layered dough.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes.
- Cool for about 10 minutes before inverting onto a plate.
