Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread: The Ultimate Fall Comfort Treat
A pull-apart pastry soaked in sticky caramel and cozy fall flavors for ultimate comfort.
Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread: A Warm Welcome to Fall
When the air turns crisp and the leaves blaze with fiery hues, it’s time to indulge in cozy, spiced treats that capture the essence of autumn. Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread is the answer for anyone with a sweet tooth seeking the flavors of fall. This pull-apart bread brings together pillowy biscuit pieces coated in warming spices and drenched with sticky pumpkin caramel, making it the ultimate comfort food for breakfast or dessert.
What Is Monkey Bread?
Monkey bread is a fun, pull-apart pastry made from bite-sized dough pieces that are coated in sweet flavors—often cinnamon and sugar—then baked in a Bundt pan until gooey and caramelized. The version we’re exploring here gets a seasonal upgrade: classic dough is tossed with pumpkin pie spice and finished with a velvety pumpkin caramel, making every bite taste like fall.
Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread
- Easy to Prepare: Uses convenient canned biscuits for fuss-free assembly.
- Full of Fall Flavor: Pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and a touch of caramel bring autumn into the kitchen.
- Versatile: Enjoy as a breakfast centerpiece, cozy afternoon snack, or decadent dessert.
- Perfectly Gooey: Each piece is soft on the inside and coated in a sticky, spiced sauce.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepped the night before for easy entertaining.
Ingredient Breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to create this irresistible fall treat:
- Refrigerated Buttermilk Biscuits (the non-flaky variety): The base of this recipe, providing classic monkey bread texture and flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Tossed with the biscuits and pumpkin pie spice for sweetness and structure.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: A mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves infuses the monkey bread with warmth.
- Salted Butter: Creates a rich, flavorful caramel when combined with brown sugar.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds depth and caramel notes to the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Gives the caramel its luscious, creamy consistency.
- Pure Pumpkin Puree (not pie filling): Provides authentic pumpkin flavor without extra sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out all the autumnal flavors.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and arrange a rack in the center. This ensures even baking and caramelization. - Prepare the Biscuits
Open three 16.3-ounce cans of non-flaky buttermilk biscuits. Using a knife or kitchen scissors, cut each biscuit into quarters. This ensures every piece will be small enough to hold a generous amount of caramel and spice. - Coat in Sugar and Spice
In a large zip-top bag, combine 3/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice. Add half of the biscuit pieces, seal the bag, and shake vigorously to coat every surface. Repeat with the remaining pieces and spice mixture. Layer the coated biscuit pieces evenly in a 10-cup Bundt pan. - Make the Pumpkin Caramel Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter with 1 cup light brown sugar, stirring until the sugar is mostly dissolved (about 2–3 minutes). Whisk in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until thickened (about 3–5 minutes). Take off the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. - Combine and Bake
Pour the warm pumpkin caramel sauce evenly over the biscuit pieces in the pan, ensuring every nook is soaked in flavor. Place the Bundt pan on a rimmed baking sheet (to catch drips) and bake for 45–50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the bread has puffed about 2 inches above the top and turns a deep, dark brown. - Cool Slightly and Unmold
Let the monkey bread rest on a wire rack for 15 minutes. To release, gently loosen the edges with an offset spatula. Invert a plate or platter over the Bundt pan, then carefully flip both. Lift off the pan. If the bread sticks, return to the oven for 5 minutes to re-melt the caramel, then try again. - Serve
Enjoy the monkey bread warm or at room temperature. Pull pieces apart and relish every sticky bite!
Expert Tips & Troubleshooting
- Choosing the Right Biscuits: Use non-flaky buttermilk biscuits—they hold together better during baking.
- Pumpkin Purée Only: Make sure you use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling (which contains extra spices and sugar).
- Visual Doneness Cues: Because Bundt pans are deep and opaque, check for doneness by looking for puffiness (bread should rise about 2 inches) and a deep brown color on top. Start peeking around 45 minutes.
- Stuck Bread Fix: If the monkey bread won’t unmold easily, return it to a hot oven for 5 minutes to help release the caramel, then try flipping again.
- Make Ahead: Bake the bread the night before; store at room temperature in a covered cake dish or wrapped in plastic. The pumpkin caramel helps keep it soft for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
Pumpkin spice monkey bread shines on a cozy weekend morning or as the star of a fall brunch. It also makes a delightful dessert for holiday gatherings. For extra indulgence, pair with:
- Hot coffee or spiced chai latte
- Freshly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
- Sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch
How to Store & Reheat Monkey Bread
Storage: Keep leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. The moisture from the pumpkin helps retain its soft, gooey texture.
Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or reheat the whole loaf in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes.
What others are reading
Nutritional Insights (Estimated Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~380 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 58g |
| Sugar | 27g |
| Protein | 4g |
*Nutritional values will vary based on specific brands of ingredients and serving size.*
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of canned?
A: Yes. While canned biscuits offer convenience and reliable texture, homemade biscuit dough will also work. Ensure pieces are of similar size for even baking.
Q: What if I only have pumpkin pie filling?
A: Pumpkin pie filling is sweeter and already spiced, which can throw off the balance of the recipe. Stick to pure pumpkin puree for best results.
Q: Can I freeze monkey bread?
A: Technically yes, but the gooey caramel texture is best enjoyed fresh. If you do freeze, wrap tightly and thaw at room temperature before gently reheating.
Q: How do I prevent the bread from sticking in the pan?
A: Use a nonstick Bundt pan and make sure the sauce reaches all the edges. If it still sticks, return it briefly to a warm oven to loosen the caramel before unmolding.
Q: Can the recipe be halved?
A: Absolutely. Use half the ingredients and a smaller Bundt or tube pan, reducing baking time by about 10–15 minutes.
Recipe Variations: Make It Your Own
- Pecan Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread: Add 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans to the biscuit pieces before baking.
- Cream Cheese Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made from cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk over the unmolded bread.
- Maple Pumpkin Monkey Bread: Substitute half the brown sugar in the sauce with maple syrup for a rich, autumnal note.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free canned biscuit dough and verify all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Why This Is the Season’s Must-Make Treat
If you adore all things pumpkin spice, this monkey bread will become an instant favorite. The spiced caramel melds with the buttery biscuit pieces, turning every morsel into a taste of autumn. Kids and adults alike will love pulling apart pieces and savoring the sticky, fragrant interior. Whether shared at a family brunch, holiday get-together, or simply enjoyed beside a mug of hot cider, Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread is a celebration of fall in every bite.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a61869930/pumpkin-spice-monkey-bread-recipe/
- https://www.food.com/recipe/pioneer-womans-monkey-bread-478520
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a10982/monkey-bread/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a64422579/monkey-bread-muffins-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g65961527/pumpkin-spice-recipes/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g65478661/best-pumpkin-dessert-recipes/
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