If you’re craving a sweet, sticky, and utterly irresistible treat, this Classic Monkey Bread Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine bite-sized, cinnamon-sugar coated dough balls baked to golden perfection and layered with buttery brown sugar goodness. It’s the kind of recipe that perfects lazy weekend mornings or dessert occasions, offering warm, pull-apart portions of pure comfort. Whether you’re serving family or friends, this Classic Monkey Bread Recipe never fails to draw smiles and second helpings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Classic Monkey Bread Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, combining to create the perfect harmony of sweet, spice, and buttery richness that makes monkey bread such a beloved treat.
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: Using three cans of pre-made dough means quick prep with tender, flaky bites every time.
- Granulated sugar: This adds a sweet crunch when combined with cinnamon, enveloping each dough piece.
- Ground cinnamon: Provides that warm, aromatic spice classic to cinnamon sugar blends.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter not only adds moisture but creates a rich glaze when combined with brown sugar.
- Light brown sugar: Packed sugar crystals bring deep caramel notes and a sticky, luscious texture.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Helps the monkey bread release easily from the Bundt pan for that flawless presentation.
How to Make Classic Monkey Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it reaches that perfect baking temperature, generously coat a 12-cup Bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray. This preparation is essential to ensure your sticky, sugary masterpiece doesn’t get stuck when it’s time to serve.
Step 2: Coat the Dough Pieces
Open the refrigerated biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters for perfect bite-size pieces. In a large zip-top bag, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Add the dough pieces in batches, seal the bag, and shake gently to coat each piece with the cinnamon sugar evenly. This step ensures every morsel is packed with that signature cinnamon sweetness.
Step 3: Layer the Dough in the Bundt Pan
Once your dough quarters are evenly coated, start layering them in your prepared Bundt pan. The layering is what gives monkey bread its fun, pull-apart quality and lets the sweet flavors mingle beautifully during baking.
Step 4: Make the Brown Sugar Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter and light brown sugar until smooth. This concoction will create the gooey, caramelized coating that makes this Classic Monkey Bread Recipe so addictive. Evenly pour this mixture over the layered dough, letting it seep down between the layers.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your Bundt pan in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is a glorious golden brown and the dough is thoroughly baked inside. Once finished, allow the pan to cool for 5 to 10 minutes — this resting time helps the bread set slightly for easier removal.
Step 6: Invert and Serve Warm
Carefully flip the pan onto a serving plate to release the monkey bread. The gooey, caramelized syrup will glisten over each pull-apart piece, inviting you to break off a warm, cinnamon-kissed bite. Serve immediately for the best experience.
How to Serve Classic Monkey Bread Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle powdered sugar over the top or drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze or cream cheese icing. Adding chopped pecans or walnuts baked into the layers gives delightful crunch and nutty flavor that elevate this classic treat.
Side Dishes
While Classic Monkey Bread shines on its own, pairing it with fresh fruit or a cup of rich coffee or hot chocolate creates a balanced and celebratory spread perfect for brunch or dessert. A dollop of whipped cream can also add a light, airy contrast to the dense sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the monkey bread in individual ramekins or muffin tins for personal portions that are perfect for gatherings. You can also assemble it the night before, cover, and bake fresh in the morning for a delightful surprise. The pull-apart style makes it naturally fun and perfect for sharing any time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Classic Monkey Bread Recipe fresh by storing any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Make sure to cover it well to maintain that soft texture and prevent drying out.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy monkey bread later, you can freeze the baked monkey bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To revive the warmth and gooey texture, reheat individual portions in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or the entire loaf in a 300°F oven wrapped in foil for about 10-15 minutes. This will help maintain the soft center and crisp edges, bringing back that fresh-baked feeling.
FAQs
Can I make Classic Monkey Bread Recipe with homemade dough?
Absolutely! While refrigerated biscuit dough is a time-saver, homemade dough can add a fresh, personalized touch. Just be sure your dough is soft and slightly sticky to achieve the perfect pull-apart texture.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to this recipe?
Yes, adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or even raisins between the layers adds delightful crunch and flavor variations. Just sprinkle them in as you layer the cinnamon-sugar coated dough pieces.
Is Classic Monkey Bread Recipe gluten-free?
This version uses refrigerated biscuit dough, which typically contains gluten. For gluten-free alternatives, look for gluten-free biscuit dough or make your own with gluten-free flour blends.
What’s the best pan to use for monkey bread?
A 12-cup Bundt pan is ideal as it provides the perfect shape and allows the sticky sauce to caramelize evenly. If you don’t have one, use a similar ring-shaped or tube pan with enough capacity to hold all the dough.
Can I make Classic Monkey Bread Recipe ahead of time?
You can assemble everything the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Just bake fresh in the morning by adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting cold. This is a great way to have warm monkey bread ready for guests or family brunch.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Monkey Bread Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that combines simplicity with mouthwatering results. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, it’s a joy to make and share. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to indulge in a sweet treat that everyone will ask for again and again.
Print
Classic Monkey Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Monkey Bread is a delightful, pull-apart sweet bread made from bite-sized pieces of cinnamon sugar-coated biscuit dough baked in a Bundt pan with a rich brown sugar and butter glaze. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for breakfast or dessert, offering gooey, caramelized flavors and a fun, shareable presentation.
Ingredients
Monkey Bread
- 3 cans (7.5 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into quarters
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 12-cup Bundt pan thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Coat Biscuit Pieces: In a large zip-top bag, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Add the biscuit dough quarters in batches, shaking the bag to coat each piece evenly with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Layer in Pan: Arrange the coated biscuit pieces evenly in the prepared Bundt pan, distributing them to form a consistent layer.
- Make Brown Sugar Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter and packed light brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour Over Dough: Evenly pour the brown sugar butter mixture over the biscuit dough pieces in the Bundt pan to ensure every bite is luscious and caramelized after baking.
- Bake: Place the Bundt pan in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Bake until the top is golden brown and the dough is cooked through, with a caramelized crust forming on top and sides.
- Cool and Serve: Let the monkey bread cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes to allow it to set slightly. Then carefully invert the pan onto a serving plate. Serve the monkey bread warm, allowing guests to pull apart the soft, gooey pieces and enjoy.
Notes
- For a fun twist, add chopped pecans or walnuts between the biscuit layers for added crunch.
- Drizzle with vanilla glaze or cream cheese icing after baking for extra sweetness and richness.
- Ensure the biscuit dough pieces are well coated in cinnamon sugar for maximum flavor and caramelization.
- Use a Bundt pan for the classic shape and even baking; alternatives may affect texture and presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
