Monkey Bread Recipe

Monkey Bread is the ultimate pull-apart treat that will win everyone over at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a family brunch, celebrating a holiday, or looking for a fun dessert to share with friends, this gooey, buttery, and cinnamon-sweet Monkey Bread is sure to impress. Made with simple ingredients like refrigerated biscuit dough, cinnamon, and sugar, this recipe is incredibly easy to make and delivers a delightful, sticky result that’s hard to resist. Let’s dive into this irresistible treat that’s destined to become a favorite in your household!

What is Monkey Bread?

Monkey Bread is a popular, gooey, pull-apart bread that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. Traditionally, it’s made by coating small pieces of dough in cinnamon and sugar, then layering them in a pan, often with a buttery caramel sauce poured over the top. When baked, the pieces fuse into one delicious, sweet, and sticky treat that can easily be pulled apart. The name “Monkey Bread” likely comes from the fact that the bread is designed to be pulled apart, similar to the way monkeys might grab food.

This versatile treat can be customized in a variety of ways, making it a great option for any occasion. It can be served warm at a brunch, as a dessert after dinner, or even as a fun snack at a family gathering.

Ingredients Overview

Before we get started, here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients you’ll need for the perfect Monkey Bread:

1. Refrigerated Biscuit Dough (2 tubes, 8 biscuits each)

The base of this Monkey Bread, refrigerated biscuit dough, gives the bread a light, fluffy texture. It’s easy to work with and saves you time, allowing you to enjoy a homemade treat without the need to prepare dough from scratch. If you prefer to make your own dough, you can substitute it with a homemade biscuit or dough recipe. However, store-bought dough will give you a convenient and consistent result.

2. Granulated Sugar (3/4 cup)

This ingredient adds sweetness to the bread and helps create that iconic, sugary crust. Granulated sugar is often used in recipes like this because it dissolves easily and provides a crisp texture once baked. You can experiment with using brown sugar or coconut sugar for a different flavor profile if you’d like to make a more natural version.

3. Ground Cinnamon (1 tablespoon)

Cinnamon is the hallmark spice in this recipe, giving the Monkey Bread its signature warm and comforting flavor. This classic spice pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the dough and caramel sauce, infusing every piece of bread with its distinctive taste. If you want to add a twist, try using a combination of cinnamon and nutmeg or even pumpkin spice for a seasonal variation.

4. Butter (3/4 cup)

Butter is the key to achieving that rich, smooth caramel sauce. It also imparts a lovely, melt-in-your-mouth texture to the bread, making each pull-apart piece decadently soft and moist. Opt for unsalted butter for better control over the seasoning in your dish, and feel free to use plant-based butter if you want a dairy-free alternative.

5. Brown Sugar (1 cup)

Brown sugar is essential in creating the caramel-like sauce that drips over the dough as it bakes. It helps form a rich, sticky texture and gives the bread a subtle, molasses-flavored sweetness. For an even richer flavor, you can use dark brown sugar, which has a higher molasses content.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make Monkey Bread, gather the following kitchen tools:

• 9-cup Bundt pan: The traditional shape for Monkey Bread, allowing it to bake evenly and giving it a beautiful presentation. If you don’t have a Bundt pan, you can use a regular round cake pan or a loaf pan, though the shape might alter the final result.

• Large zip-top bag: Perfect for coating the dough pieces in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. A bag allows for easy, even coating without making a mess.

• Small saucepan: Used to melt the butter and brown sugar together to create the caramel sauce. A small saucepan will give you the perfect size to mix these ingredients without spilling.

• Mixing spoon or spatula: Useful for stirring the caramel sauce as it cooks. It’s also essential for spreading the sugar mixture evenly over the dough.

• Serving dish: Once your Monkey Bread is ready, you’ll need a serving dish to display it. A large platter or cake stand works great to show off the gooey, sticky bread.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Bundt Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9-cup Bundt pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray to ensure the Monkey Bread doesn’t stick during baking. If you’re using a non-stick Bundt pan, be extra generous with the grease to help the caramel sauce release easily once the bread is baked.

Tip: Some people like to lightly dust the greased pan with a little flour, especially if they’re concerned about the dough sticking. This extra step helps ensure your Monkey Bread comes out cleanly.

2. Cut the Biscuit Dough

Open the tubes of biscuit dough and remove the biscuits. Each biscuit should be cut into four equal pieces. Cutting them into smaller chunks ensures that the bread bakes evenly and allows the caramel sauce to penetrate each piece, giving it that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Pro Tip: If you’re using a homemade dough or a larger biscuit, cut the pieces into smaller chunks, about the size of a small golf ball, to ensure that they bake through completely.

3. Coat the Biscuit Pieces

Place the dough pieces into a large zip-top bag. Add the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon to the bag, seal it shut, and shake it vigorously until all the pieces are evenly coated. This ensures every bite will have a burst of cinnamon sweetness and helps create the crispy cinnamon crust that makes Monkey Bread so irresistible.

Variation Tip: For a bit of added flavor, consider using pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice in place of the cinnamon for a seasonal twist.

4. Arrange the Dough in the Bundt Pan

Pour the cinnamon-sugar-coated dough pieces into the prepared Bundt pan. Spread them out evenly to ensure the caramel sauce can seep through all the layers of dough. You can arrange the dough pieces in a random pattern or make it more intentional if you want a specific look.

Pro Tip: To create layers, you can alternate the placement of cinnamon-sugar dough with chopped nuts or chocolate chips in between layers. This adds a crunchy or indulgent texture to the soft dough.

5. Make the Caramel Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and combined. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Be sure not to overheat the mixture, as the sugar may burn and create a bitter flavor.

Tip: Once the caramel sauce is ready, pour it evenly over the dough in the Bundt pan. Let the sauce settle into the gaps between the dough pieces to ensure each bite will be gooey and sweet.

6. Bake the Monkey Bread

Place the Bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is no longer doughy. The dough should be fully cooked, and the caramel sauce should be bubbling around the edges.

Tip: To ensure the bread is cooked through, insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the Monkey Bread. If it comes out clean, it’s done. If not, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking every few minutes to avoid overbaking.

7. Cool and Serve

Allow the Monkey Bread to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. This waiting period helps the caramel sauce set slightly, making it easier to flip the pan onto a serving dish. After 5 minutes, carefully flip the Bundt pan onto a large plate or serving dish.

Final Tip: Let the Monkey Bread cool for another 10 minutes before serving. This gives the caramel sauce a chance to firm up slightly, making the bread easier to pull apart.

Tips for Perfect Monkey Bread

• Ensure Even Coating: Make sure all biscuit pieces are evenly coated in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This will create a uniform flavor and texture throughout the bread.

• Use Fresh Dough: For the best results, always use fresh refrigerated biscuit dough. Old dough may not rise as well, which could affect the texture of the bread.

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your Monkey Bread. Overbaking can result in dry, tough bread, while under baking may leave the center doughy. The bread should be golden brown on top with a soft, moist center.

Variations of Monkey Bread

Nutty Twist

Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts between the layers of biscuit dough for a delightful crunch. The rich nuttiness complements the sweetness of the caramel sauce, adding both texture and flavor.

Chocolate Lovers’ Delight

For a decadent treat, sprinkle chocolate chips throughout the dough before baking. You can use milk, dark, or semi-sweet chocolate, depending on your preference. The gooey chocolate combined with the caramel is a chocolate lover’s dream.

Savory Monkey Bread

If you prefer a savory version, swap out the sugar and cinnamon for garlic powder, fresh herbs, and shredded cheese. This makes for a delicious side dish to serve with dinner, especially paired with pasta or soup.

Apple Cinnamon Monkey Bread

Add diced apples between the dough layers for an apple cinnamon twist. The apples will soften and caramelize as the bread bakes, creating a sweet and juicy filling in each bite.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Monkey Bread is best served warm. You can serve it directly from the Bundt pan, or for an elegant presentation, transfer it to a cake stand or platter. If you’re hosting a brunch, consider serving it with fresh fruit on the side, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of icing for a sweet finishing touch.

Storing and Reheating Monkey Bread

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store the Monkey Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15-20 seconds until warm. You can also reheat it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade dough instead of refrigerated biscuit dough?

Yes! You can substitute homemade dough, as long as it has a similar texture to the store-bought version. A soft, fluffy dough will work best.

How do I prevent the Monkey Bread from sticking to the pan?

Be sure to grease the Bundt pan generously with butter or non-stick spray. You can also sprinkle a light dusting of flour for added assurance.

Can I make Monkey Bread ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and caramel sauce in advance, then assemble the bread and bake it the next day. For the best results, refrigerate it for up to 12 hours before baking.

Conclusion

This easy-to-make Monkey Bread recipe is perfect for any occasion! Its soft, pillow texture and sweet, caramelized flavor will make it a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re preparing it for a brunch, a special dessert, or simply as a fun snack, it’s guaranteed to impress. Don’t forget to share this recipe with loved ones, and subscribe to our blog for more delicious and easy recipes!