Name: Monkey Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (16.3 ounces each); 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup packed light brown sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Nonstick cooking spray

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If there’s one sweet treat that turns breakfast into a celebration, it’s Monkey Bread. With gooey pockets of cinnamon sugar tucked between fluffy biscuit bites and a warm, sticky glaze that’s impossible to resist, this pull-apart bread transforms simple pantry staples into pure, nostalgic indulgence. Whether you’re feeding a hungry brunch crowd or just want to surprise your loved ones, Monkey Bread guarantees eager hands and big smiles around the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about making Monkey Bread? You probably have most of these ingredients on hand! Each one plays a starring role: the biscuit dough forms golden, pillowy pieces while the cinnamon, sugar, and butter create that dreamy caramelized crust we all love.

Refrigerated biscuit dough (3 cans, 16.3 ounces each): These ready-to-bake biscuits make the bread soft, fluffy, and wonderfully easy to assemble.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps achieve those beautifully caramelized edges.
Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Offers warm, comforting spice essential for classic Monkey Bread flavor.
Unsalted butter, melted (1 cup): Gives a rich, buttery glaze that seeps into every bite.
Packed light brown sugar (1 cup): Brings a subtle molasses note, deepening the sauce’s color and taste.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a fragrant, sweet aroma that ties all the flavors together.
Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures your Monkey Bread releases from the pan smoothly, preserving its beautiful shape.

How to Make Monkey Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven

First things first: set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously coat your bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray. This step is crucial because you want every gooey bit of Monkey Bread to slide out neatly for that show-stopping reveal.

Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar

Grab a large zip-top bag, and add in your granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Seal it and give it a good shake to blend the mixture thoroughly—this will ensure every biscuit piece gets an even, sweet coat.

Step 3: Cut and Coat the Biscuit Dough

Open the cans of biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. Toss all the cut pieces into your cinnamon sugar bag, then seal and shake it like you mean it! You want every bit of dough to be generously coated for that signature Monkey Bread texture and flavor.

Step 4: Layer the Dough in the Pan

Start arranging the coated biscuit pieces evenly in the prepared bundt pan. Don’t worry about being too neat—some overlap is perfect, and randomness just adds to the fun of pulling apart the finished bread.

Step 5: Make the Caramel Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, packed light brown sugar, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, pourable sauce. Pour this heavenly mixture over the layered dough in the bundt pan, making sure to saturate every bite with buttery sweetness.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The Monkey Bread is ready when the top turns golden brown and the center feels set. Baking times can vary, so start checking around the 35-minute mark.

Step 7: Cool and Unmold

Take the Monkey Bread out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This resting time helps the caramel sauce thicken slightly, making the bread easier to unmold. Place a serving plate over the pan and carefully invert—get ready for the best plunge ever!

Step 8: Serve Warm

This is the fun part! Monkey Bread is absolutely at its best served warm, pulled apart with sticky fingers and happy smiles. Each bite offers a sweet cinnamon surprise and a delightful buttery finish.

How to Serve Monkey Bread

Garnishes

For an extra flourish, try drizzling your Monkey Bread with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk—just a thin stream over the top is all you need. You can also sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the glaze for a crunchy, nutty finish that adds real bakery flair.

Side Dishes

This sweet treat shines alongside savory breakfast classics like scrambled eggs, freshly cooked bacon, or even a big bowl of fresh fruit. It’s the ultimate centerpiece for brunch spreads, turning any meal into a mini celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or holidays, portion the Monkey Bread into cupcake liners for individual servings. Alternatively, create a build-your-own breakfast bar with Monkey Bread bites, mini bowls of glaze, sprinkles, and fruit—perfect for kids or guests to customize their own delightful bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Monkey Bread stays soft and delicious at room temperature for a day, or in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Freezing

To freeze, cut the cooled Monkey Bread into sections and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Just let pieces thaw at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, reheat slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds, or pop the whole loaf in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. The cinnamon sugar gooeyness will return just like new!

FAQs

Can I make Monkey Bread ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble everything the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh in the morning—the kitchen will smell heavenly as everyone wakes up!

Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of refrigerated cans?

Yes, if you have a favorite homemade dough recipe, it works beautifully here. The texture will be slightly different but just as delicious.

What if I don’t have a bundt pan?

No problem! You can use a large tube pan or even a 9×13-inch baking dish. The classic ring shape is fun, but the flavor stays the same.

Can I add mix-ins like raisins or chocolate chips?

Definitely! Feel free to scatter mini chocolate chips, raisins, or even caramel bits between the layers for your own twist on Monkey Bread.

Why is my Monkey Bread undercooked in the center?

This can happen if the pieces are packed too tightly. Make sure your oven is fully preheated, check for doneness by gently pulling apart the center pieces, and extend baking by 5 minutes if needed.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried making Monkey Bread at home, now’s the time! It’s one of those “wow factor” recipes that’s secretly so easy and always draws a crowd. Let yourself have a little fun in the kitchen and treat everyone to the warm, gooey magic of Monkey Bread—you’ll make memories and smiles with every pull-apart bite.

Monkey Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious and easy-to-make Monkey Bread is a sweet, pull-apart bread coated in cinnamon sugar and baked to perfection. This recipe is perfect for a cozy breakfast or a sweet treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

3 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (16.3 ounces each)

Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Butter Mixture:

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Others:

Nonstick cooking spray

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan generously with nonstick cooking spray.
Prepare dough: In a large zip-top bag, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Cut each biscuit into quarters and coat in the cinnamon sugar. Arrange in the pan.
Make butter mixture: Whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla. Pour over dough.
Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown.
Serve: Cool for 10 minutes, then invert onto a plate. Serve warm by pulling apart pieces.