Easy Strawberry Chocolate Monkey Bread Pie: A Pillsbury Breakfast & Dessert Delight
Prepare to delight your taste buds with this incredibly easy and utterly delicious Strawberry Chocolate Monkey Bread Pie! Thanks to the convenience of Pillsbury biscuits, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a warm, gooey, and irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a special breakfast to kickstart your weekend, a comforting brunch centerpiece, or a decadent dessert to share with family and friends, this pie truly hits the spot.
Its pull-apart nature makes it a fun and interactive dish, especially for kids, while the combination of sweet strawberries and melty chocolate chips creates a symphony of flavors that everyone will adore. Similar to a mixed berry version you might love, this strawberry and chocolate rendition offers a delightful twist, marrying classic fruit flavors with rich cocoa notes. It yields generous servings, with each slice designed to satisfy, offering a smart choice for those mindful of their diet while still enjoying a truly indulgent experience. Don’t be surprised if this becomes a new family favorite!
Strawberry chocolate monkey bread pie
Ingredients
- 1-7.5 oz package pillsbury biscuits, In the 4 value pack, if you cant find those you can use a bigger pack and weigh out the right amount
- 1 Tbsp white sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
- 1/4 cup reduced sugar strawberry jam
- 1 Tbsp mini chocolate chips
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350F, spray a 8 inch pie dish and set aside.
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Cut your biscuits into 4 pieces each.
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Mix your sugar and cinnamon together in a bag, add your biscuit pieces 8-10 at a time and coat well.
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Layer pieces on the bottom of your pie dish.
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Place your strawberries on top. Melt your jam in the microwave for 30 seconds and drizzle over your strawberries.
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Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes. As soon as it is out of the oven sprinkle the chocolate chips on top. Serve warm, yields 4 slices at 7sp on all 3 MyWW programs or 5pp each.
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Nutritional info (not including strawberries) Per serving.. Calories 181.. Fat 2.7g.. Saturated fat 0.6g.. Carbs 37.1g… fiber 1.1g.. Sugars 11.1g.. Protein 3.4g
Additional Info
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Chocolate Monkey Bread Pie
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this Pillsbury Strawberry Chocolate Monkey Bread Pie. First and foremost, its sheer simplicity is a game-changer. You don’t need to be a seasoned baker to achieve fantastic results, making it an ideal recipe for busy mornings, impromptu gatherings, or simply when a craving for something sweet strikes. The combination of sweet, slightly tart strawberries with pockets of melting chocolate chips nestled within fluffy, cinnamon-sugar coated biscuit pieces is simply divine. It’s a dessert that feels incredibly special but requires minimal effort.
Beyond its ease, the interactive “pull-apart” nature of monkey bread adds an element of fun. Gathered around the table, family and friends will enjoy tearing off warm, sticky pieces, making it a wonderful communal dish. The aroma alone, as it bakes, is enough to draw everyone into the kitchen. Imagine the delight of biting into a warm piece, the cinnamon sugar giving way to juicy strawberry and rich, gooey chocolate. It’s truly a heartwarming experience that creates lasting memories.
The Magic of Pillsbury Biscuits
The secret to this pie’s effortless charm lies in using a package of Pillsbury biscuits. These ready-to-bake dough rounds are a culinary hero, saving you valuable time and effort in the kitchen. Instead of making dough from scratch, which can be time-consuming and intimidating for some, Pillsbury biscuits provide a perfect shortcut without compromising on flavor or texture. They bake up golden, soft, and slightly chewy, forming the ideal foundation for our monkey bread pie. The beauty of using these biscuits is their consistent quality and foolproof results, ensuring that your pie turns out perfectly every single time.
For this recipe, we recommend a 7.5 oz package from the 4-value pack for ideal portioning. However, if you can only find a larger package, simply weigh out the appropriate amount to match the recipe. This flexibility means you can always whip up this delicious pie, regardless of what’s available at your local grocery store. Pillsbury makes gourmet-level comfort food accessible to everyone, and this Strawberry Chocolate Monkey Bread Pie is a prime example of its magic.
Crafting Your Delicious Pie: Tips for Success
While this recipe is incredibly straightforward, a few tips and tricks can elevate your Strawberry Chocolate Monkey Bread Pie from delicious to absolutely unforgettable.
Choosing Your Strawberries
For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh, ripe strawberries. Look for berries that are bright red, plump, and fragrant. While frozen strawberries can be used in a pinch, fresh ones will offer a superior burst of flavor and a slightly firmer texture that holds up beautifully during baking. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid to prevent your pie from becoming watery. Slicing them uniformly will also ensure even distribution and cooking.
The Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Coating
The cinnamon-sugar coating is crucial for that classic monkey bread flavor. Don’t underestimate the power of thoroughly coating each biscuit piece. A great technique is to use a large Ziploc bag: simply add the sugar and cinnamon, then toss in about 8-10 biscuit pieces at a time. Shake vigorously until each piece is generously covered. This method ensures an even coating, prevents overcrowding, and minimizes mess. The cinnamon-sugar mixture will caramelize slightly as it bakes, creating an irresistible sticky, sweet crust.
Layering for Flavor
The layering technique for this pie is simple yet effective. Start by arranging a single layer of your coated biscuit pieces at the bottom of the greased pie dish. This creates a sturdy base. Then, evenly spread your sliced strawberries over this layer. The next step, melting and drizzling the reduced-sugar strawberry jam, is key. Heating the jam in the microwave for just 30 seconds makes it thinner and easier to drizzle, ensuring that sweet, fruity goodness permeates the entire pie, infusing the biscuits and strawberries with extra moisture and flavor.
Don’t Forget the Chocolate Chips!
The mini chocolate chips are the crowning glory of this pie. However, the timing of their addition is important. To ensure they melt into luscious, gooey pockets without burning or sinking to the bottom, sprinkle them over the pie *as soon as it comes out of the oven*. The residual heat will melt them perfectly, creating a beautiful, glossy finish and a delightful chocolate surprise in every bite. Using mini chips ensures a more even chocolate distribution compared to standard-sized chips.
Baking to Golden Perfection
Pay close attention to your oven and the pie during the baking process. Preheat your oven to a precise 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking. The pie should bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuit pieces are golden brown and cooked through. If you notice the top browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil. A good visual cue is when the edges are bubbling and deeply golden, and a toothpick inserted into a biscuit piece comes out clean. Avoid overbaking, as this can dry out the biscuits and reduce the gooey texture.
Serving Suggestions: From Breakfast to Dessert
This Strawberry Chocolate Monkey Bread Pie is wonderfully versatile and can be enjoyed at various times of the day. For a truly indulgent breakfast or brunch, serve it warm alongside a freshly brewed cup of coffee or tea. The comforting warmth and sweet flavors are an ideal start to any day. You could even pair it with a side of fresh fruit salad for a balanced spread.
As a dessert, this pie shines brightly. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melting over a warm slice is an unbeatable combination, creating a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures. Alternatively, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup can add another layer of decadence. Garnish with a few extra fresh strawberry slices or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation. It’s a crowd-pleaser that encourages everyone to dig in and enjoy!
Nutritional Notes and Smart Choices
For those following Weight Watchers or simply looking for mindful choices, this Strawberry Chocolate Monkey Bread Pie offers a delicious solution. Each generous serving clocks in at 7 SmartPoints on the blue, green, and purple MyWW programs, or 5 PersonalPoints. This makes it a satisfying treat you can truly feel good about enjoying. The nutritional breakdown per serving (excluding strawberries) is approximately: Calories 181, Fat 2.7g, Saturated Fat 0.6g, Carbs 37.1g, Fiber 1.1g, Sugars 11.1g, Protein 3.4g.
Remember that adding fresh strawberries boosts the fiber and vitamin content, making it an even smarter choice. The use of reduced-sugar jam also helps manage the overall sugar content without sacrificing flavor. This recipe proves that you don’t have to compromise on taste when making healthier choices.
Get Creative: Variations and Customizations
While the Strawberry Chocolate Monkey Bread Pie is fantastic as is, don’t hesitate to get creative with variations and customizations. This recipe serves as an excellent base for experimentation!
- Berry Swaps: Not a fan of strawberries, or just want to try something new? Swap them out for other fresh berries like blueberries, raspberries, or a mixed berry blend. The principles remain the same – layer them between the biscuits and drizzle with a complementary jam.
- Jam Alternatives: Instead of strawberry jam, consider apricot, raspberry, or even a mixed berry preserve. The jam helps add moisture and a burst of fruit flavor, so choose one you love.
- Nutty Additions: For a delightful crunch and added texture, sprinkle in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts with your biscuit pieces before baking.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can complement the cinnamon beautifully, adding another layer of warmth to the pie.
- Glaze Options: For an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal, consider a simple glaze. Mix powdered sugar with a little milk or lemon juice until you reach a drizzly consistency, then drizzle over the warm pie after the chocolate chips have melted.
These simple adjustments allow you to tailor the recipe to your personal preferences or what you have on hand, ensuring endless delicious possibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I store leftover Strawberry Chocolate Monkey Bread Pie?
If you happen to have any leftovers (a rare occurrence!), store the pie tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual slices gently in the microwave or a warm oven for a few minutes to restore its warm, gooey texture.
Can I prepare this pie ahead of time?
For the freshest and best results, it’s recommended to bake and serve this pie warm on the same day. However, you can do some prep work in advance, such as slicing the biscuits and mixing the cinnamon sugar, storing them separately until you’re ready to assemble and bake.
Can I use homemade biscuits for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade biscuit recipe, feel free to use it. Just ensure your biscuits are cut into appropriate, bite-sized pieces to mimic the “monkey bread” style.
Ready to Bake?
With its delightful combination of fruity sweetness, rich chocolate, and a comforting, pull-apart texture, this Strawberry Chocolate Monkey Bread Pie is truly a masterpiece of simplicity and flavor. It’s a testament to how easy and rewarding baking can be, especially when you have a little help from pantry staples like Pillsbury biscuits. So grab your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a treat that’s sure to become a cherished part of your family’s recipe collection. Happy baking!