The Ultimate Guide to Irresistible Monkey Bread
An indulgent shareable treat that brings warmth and fun to any breakfast table.
Monkey Bread is a beloved treat that combines gooey, cinnamon-coated pieces of dough baked together for a pull-apart experience like no other. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even an indulgent snack, this timeless recipe promises a crowd-pleasing table centerpiece and a taste of nostalgia in every bite.
Table of Contents
- What is Monkey Bread?
- Why Monkey Bread is So Popular
- Essential Ingredients
- Step-by-Step Monkey Bread Recipe
- Expert Baking Tips
- Creative Monkey Bread Variations
- How to Serve and Store Monkey Bread
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is Monkey Bread?
Monkey Bread is a sweet, sticky, and melt-in-your-mouth pull-apart bread made by coating small chunks of dough in cinnamon-sugar, layering them in a bundt pan, and baking until golden and gooey. As the bread bakes, buttery caramel forms between the pieces, resulting in an irresistible treat that’s perfect for sharing.
Why Monkey Bread is So Popular
- Easy to Prepare: Uses simple, widely available ingredients (such as store-bought biscuit dough).
- Highly Shareable: Designed for pulling apart and enjoying together—ideal for brunches, holidays, and gatherings.
- Customizable: Easily adapts to different tastes with add-ins like nuts, fruit, or glazes.
- Delightfully Nostalgic: For many, it recalls family breakfasts and special occasions.
Essential Ingredients
- 3 cans buttermilk biscuit dough (non-flaky style, 10 oz each)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 to 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- Bundt cake pan
- Optional: cooking spray for greasing the pan
Feel free to use creative-shaped Bundt pans to make your monkey bread extra fun!
Step-by-Step Monkey Bread Recipe
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Generously grease a Bundt pan with nonstick spray or extra butter.
Create Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
- Combine 1 cup sugar and 2–3 teaspoons cinnamon in a large mixing bowl.
Prepare Biscuit Dough
- Open each can of biscuit dough and separate the pieces.
- Cut each biscuit into quarters for bite-sized chunks.
- Toss biscuit pieces in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat thoroughly.
Layer the Pan
- Arrange half of the coated biscuit pieces in the Bundt pan, spreading them evenly.
Make the Caramel Sauce
- Melt 1 cup butter (2 sticks) in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in 1/2 cup brown sugar, mixing until the sugar is dissolved and mixture is smooth (do not boil).
Assemble
- Pour half of the caramel sauce evenly over the biscuit pieces in the pan.
- Add remaining biscuit pieces, then pour the rest of the sauce over the top.
Bake
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is deep golden-brown and the bread has puffed up in the pan.
- Check doneness: The best indicator is color, but for the most accuracy, the internal temperature should read 190–200°F on an instant-read thermometer.
Cool and Invert
- Let monkey bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Place a large plate or platter over the pan; using oven mitts, carefully flip it over and gently lift off the Bundt pan. (Give a light tap if the bread doesn’t release immediately.)
Serve
- Serve immediately while warm and gooey! Enjoy by pulling apart pieces with your hands for the classic experience.
What others are reading
Expert Baking Tips
- Even Coating: Toss dough pieces thoroughly in cinnamon sugar for the best flavor and even caramelization.
- Nonstick Pan: Use plenty of nonstick spray or butter to ensure easy unmolding.
- Browning Butter: For deeper flavor, allow the butter to brown lightly on the stove before adding brown sugar (watch closely to prevent burning).
- Instant-Read Thermometer: Bread is fully baked when it reaches an internal temperature of 190–200°F.
- Don’t Overbake: Monkey bread should be rich, soft, and gooey—avoid overbaking, which dries out the bread.
Creative Monkey Bread Variations
- Nuts: Add a layer of chopped pecans or walnuts in the middle of the dough for crunch and flavor.
- Fruit: Mix in finely chopped apples or raisins for a fruity twist. For fall, try roasted apples and a drizzle of caramel sauce instead of the classic icing.
- Spice Up: Substitute apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice for cinnamon for a more complex taste.
- Frosting: Top with a cream cheese icing for extra decadence, especially if you want a presentation similar to a cinnamon roll.
- Savory Monkey Bread: Swap sugar and cinnamon for cheese, herbs, and even crispy bacon for a savory breakfast version (see FAQ below).
| Variation | Main Twists | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Classic | Cinnamon, sugar, brown sugar, butter | Sweet, caramelly, buttery |
| Nutty | Pecans, walnuts between dough layers | Crispy, crunchy, rich |
| Fruity | Chopped apples, raisins, caramel | Sweet, tart, spiced |
| Savory | Cheese, herbs, bacon, chives | Salty, complex, hearty |
How to Serve and Store Monkey Bread
Serving Suggestions
- Best served warm and fresh so the caramelized coating stays delicately gooey.
- Perfect for holiday breakfasts, brunches, or even as a sweet centerpiece at parties.
- Pair with coffee, tea, or a side of fresh fruit for a balanced meal.
Storing Leftovers
- Cover and refrigerate leftover monkey bread because of the butter-rich caramel (and icing, if used). It keeps up to 4 days.
- To reheat, microwave portions at 50% power in 20-second intervals until warm but not dried out.
Make Ahead
- Assemble the bread up to the baking step, then cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use homemade dough instead of store-bought biscuits?
A: Absolutely. Use a basic yeasted dough or enriched bread dough for a from-scratch version, but expect slightly longer rising and baking times.
Q: How will I know if my monkey bread is ready?
A: The top should be deeply golden and puffed; the internal temperature in the center should be 190–200°F. If unsure, gently poke and check for a baked, springy texture—not raw dough.
Q: How can I make savory monkey bread?
A: Omit sugar and cinnamon. Instead, toss dough pieces with melted butter, cheese, minced chives, sautéed bacon, or herbs. Layer with shredded pepper jack cheese or cheddar for a breakfast/brunch option.
Q: Can I freeze monkey bread?
A: Yes, baked and cooled monkey bread can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat before serving.
Q: What can I use if I don’t have a Bundt pan?
A: Any tube pan or large loaf pan with high sides can work. Be sure to adjust baking time as needed, and grease pans very well.
Q: What icing works best for topping?
A: A simple cream cheese glaze or the included frosting from cinnamon roll cans makes a decadent finish. Allow the icing to melt and drizzle over the warm bread for the best presentation.
Final Thoughts: Make It Your Own
Monkey Bread is a recipe that’s as much about fun and sharing as it is about taste. Whether you stick with the classic, throw in some personal flair, or transform it into a savory showstopper, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this comforting, pull-apart treat. So dust off your Bundt pan, gather your ingredients, and make some delicious memories—one gooey piece at a time!
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a38697995/cinnamon-roll-monkey-bread-recipe/
- https://www.food.com/recipe/pioneer-womans-monkey-bread-478520
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8JSmrem15E
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a10982/monkey-bread/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTO_FSiBPQ4
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a64422579/monkey-bread-muffins-recipe/
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