Easy Monkey Bread Recipe

Sweet, sticky, and irresistibly gooey, Monkey Bread is a beloved classic that brings back warm childhood memories and never fails to impress a crowd. This easy Monkey Bread recipe is designed for simplicity and flavor, using refrigerated biscuit dough to cut down on prep time without sacrificing taste. With its golden caramel coating and cinnamon-sugar layers, every bite is rich, fluffy, and comforting. Whether you’re preparing a lazy weekend breakfast, a holiday brunch, or a fun dessert for a gathering, this recipe is your ticket to stress-free indulgence.

Monkey Bread got its quirky name from the way it’s eaten—pulled apart piece by piece, just like a group of monkeys might do. But there’s nothing primitive about the joy it brings to a table. Even if you’ve never baked before, this recipe is practically foolproof. The combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter creates a rich glaze that seeps into every nook and cranny, making the biscuits incredibly moist and flavorful. You’ll be amazed how something so simple can taste so magical. So, get ready to turn your kitchen into a warm and cozy haven of cinnamon-spiced delight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy – Minimal prep with simple store-bought ingredients.
2. Crowd-Pleasing – Perfect for parties, holidays, or family brunches.
3. Kid-Friendly – Fun to make and even more fun to pull apart and eat.
4. Customizable – Easily adaptable with mix-ins like nuts or icing.
5. Make-Ahead Friendly – Can be prepped the night before for stress-free mornings.

Ingredients

• Buttermilk biscuit dough (refrigerated, non-flaky style)
• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Butter
• Brown sugar

Variations

• Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans or walnuts between the biscuit layers for crunch.
• Chocolate Twist: Toss in mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the top.
• Cream Cheese Filling: Stuff biscuit pieces with cream cheese before coating in sugar.
• Iced Finish: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze once baked and cooled slightly.
• Apple Cinnamon: Add small diced apples into the layers for a fruity twist.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan generously to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Sugar and Cinnamon

In a large zip-top bag or bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon.

Step 3: Cut and Coat Biscuits

Cut each biscuit into quarters. Toss the pieces in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.

Step 4: Layer in Pan

Place the coated biscuit pieces evenly into the prepared bundt pan.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in brown sugar. Cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.

Step 6: Pour and Bake

Pour the butter-brown sugar mixture evenly over the biscuit pieces in the pan. Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Cool and Invert

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then invert onto a serving plate and let the sticky goodness flow.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use non-flaky biscuits for better texture and cohesion.
• Don’t overbake; check after 30 minutes to avoid drying out.
• Grease your bundt pan well to ensure easy release.
• For a richer sauce, use salted butter.
• Let it rest before inverting to help the caramel set slightly.

How to Serve

Monkey Bread is best served warm, straight from the oven. It makes a fantastic centerpiece for breakfast or brunch, especially with a hot cup of coffee or cocoa. Place it in the center of the table and let everyone pull apart pieces with their hands—no utensils needed! You can also serve it with a drizzle of icing or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert variation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Monkey Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving for best texture.

Freezing

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in the microwave in 15-second intervals, or warm in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. What type of biscuit dough should I use?

Use refrigerated buttermilk biscuits that are not flaky for best results.

2. Can I make Monkey Bread without a bundt pan?

Yes, you can use a loaf or tube pan, but make sure it’s deep enough and well-greased.

3. Can I use homemade dough?

Absolutely, but it will require more time and preparation.

4. Is it okay to prepare this the night before?

Yes, you can assemble it and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.

5. Why is my Monkey Bread soggy?

It may be underbaked. Ensure you bake until golden and bubbly all around.

6. Can I add fruit to Monkey Bread?

Yes! Diced apples or raisins work beautifully.

7. How do I keep it from sticking?

Grease your pan very well with butter or non-stick spray.

8. Can I reheat it in the microwave?

Yes, reheat individual servings in 15-20 second bursts.

9. How do I make a glaze for the top?

Mix powdered sugar with a bit of milk and vanilla extract, then drizzle over the cooled bread.

10. What should I serve with Monkey Bread?

Serve with coffee, tea, or milk. It also pairs well with savory breakfast items for contrast.

Conclusion

Easy Monkey Bread is the kind of recipe that brings people together with its nostalgic charm and melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness. Using simple pantry staples and minimal effort, you can create a dessert or breakfast centerpiece that tastes like it came from a bakery. Whether you stick to the classic version or add your own twist, this Monkey Bread is guaranteed to become a family favorite. So, grab those biscuits and let the magic begin!

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