The Best Easy Monkey Bread Recipe: Your Go-To Guide for a Gooey, Pull-Apart Treat
Get ready to delight your taste buds with the ultimate easy monkey bread recipe, crafted with the convenience of canned biscuit dough! This fantastic, sticky, and sweet pull-apart bread is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for a special breakfast, a decadent dessert, or any moment you crave something truly comforting. Each tender piece of biscuit dough is lovingly coated in a fragrant cinnamon sugar mixture, then generously drenched in a rich, buttery brown sugar sauce, before being baked to an irresistible golden-brown perfection. It’s an experience that’s as fun to eat as it is to make!
Imagine sweet, sticky, and utterly delicious pull-apart breakfast goodness that fills your home with an inviting aroma. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a ticket to a warm, joyful experience that brings smiles to everyone around the table.
I find immense joy in preparing monkey bread as a delightful and interactive breakfast treat, especially on leisurely weekends. It’s a dish that resonates deeply with my entire family, creating cherished memories around the breakfast table. Moreover, whenever I have the pleasure of serving it to guests, they invariably ask for a copy of the recipe, a testament to its widespread appeal and deliciousness.
This irresistible pull-apart bread isn’t just for casual weekends; it’s also a staple for special occasions and a beloved tradition on holiday mornings. There’s something truly magical about serving up this warm, gooey delight, especially on Christmas morning, adding a touch of festive cheer to the celebrations.
Just one look at that magnificent, gooey sauce is enough to make your mouth water – it’s incredibly yummy and promises a truly satisfying experience!
What our readers are saying
“This was an amazing recipe. I made it this week to see if it was something I wanted to bring to a Christmas brunch. I will definitely be making it. Thanks for sharing this recipe! Happy Holidays!”
– Dean
Dean’s feedback perfectly captures the sentiment this monkey bread evokes. It’s a guaranteed hit, whether for a cozy family meal or a festive gathering, leaving everyone craving more!
If you, like my family, are a connoisseur of sweet breakfast treats, you absolutely must try my blueberry french toast casserole and my delightful breakfast cookies. Both are frequently requested and thoroughly enjoyed in our home, promising another delightful start to your day.
Why is this the best easy monkey bread recipe?
There are countless reasons why this particular monkey bread recipe stands out from the rest. It combines ease, incredible flavor, and a delightful eating experience, making it truly exceptional:
- Effortless Preparation with Just 5 Simple Ingredients: Forget complicated baking projects! This recipe is streamlined to use minimal, readily available ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry or can easily pick up from any grocery store. Simplicity without compromising on flavor is key.
- No Yeast or Stand Mixer Needed: This is a game-changer for busy mornings or novice bakers. By utilizing canned biscuit dough, we eliminate the need for time-consuming yeast activation and the heavy lifting of a stand mixer. It’s baking made easy and accessible for everyone.
- Perfect for Make-Ahead Preparation: Planning a special breakfast? This monkey bread can be prepped the night before, allowing you to simply pop it into the oven in the morning. This feature is invaluable for holidays or when you want a fresh, warm treat without the early start.
- Uniquely Sweet and Gooey Perfection: The magic lies in the luxurious combination of cinnamon sugar and a rich, buttery brown sugar sauce. As it bakes, this sauce transforms into a warm, sticky caramel that coats every piece of biscuit, creating an unbelievably moist and flavorful result that’s truly irresistible.
- A Fun, Interactive Pull-Apart Experience: Eating monkey bread is an event in itself! The individual pieces are designed to be pulled apart with your fingers, making it a delightfully messy and communal experience. It’s perfect for sharing and adds a playful element to any meal.
What’s the Story Behind the Name “Monkey Bread”?
The origin of the name “monkey bread” remains a delightful culinary mystery, with no definitive answer. Several intriguing theories have been suggested over time, each adding to the charm of this unique treat. One popular idea is that the assembled bread, with its many individual, round pieces, might visually resemble a “barrel of monkeys” – a classic toy. Another theory links the name to the way the bread is traditionally eaten: much like monkeys picking apart their food or grooming one another, individuals pull off the warm, sticky pieces of dough with their fingers. Regardless of its true etymology, the name perfectly captures the playful, communal, and hands-on nature of enjoying this beloved dish.
Essential Ingredients for Your Easy Monkey Bread
This section provides detailed ingredient notes and offers flexible substitution options. You can find all precise measurements, ingredients, and comprehensive instructions in the printable recipe card conveniently located at the very end of this post.
Crafting this irresistible pull-apart sticky bread is incredibly simple, thanks to a concise list of just 5 key ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of sweetness, chewiness, and gooey texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to create this amazing treat:
- Refrigerated Biscuit Dough: The star of our easy monkey bread! You’ll need approximately 30 ounces of refrigerated biscuit dough. It’s crucial to select the non-flakey kind for the best texture, as it holds its shape better and absorbs the sauce beautifully. I typically use four 7.5 oz. cans of generic store-brand buttermilk biscuits, which work wonderfully and are budget-friendly. However, well-known brands like Pillsbury biscuits (both regular and Pillsbury Grands) are also excellent choices and will yield equally delicious results.
- Sugar: We use two types of sugar to create the perfect flavor profile.
- Granulated White Sugar: This is combined with cinnamon to create the initial coating for our biscuit pieces, providing a delicate crunch and classic sweetness.
- Light Brown Sugar: Essential for the rich, caramel-like sauce. The molasses in brown sugar gives the sauce its signature deep flavor and helps create that wonderful gooey consistency. If you prefer a more intense, robust caramel, feel free to use dark brown sugar instead.
- Ground Cinnamon: This spice is non-negotiable for traditional monkey bread. Its warm, comforting aroma and flavor are central to the dish. For those who enjoy seasonal twists, consider swapping ground cinnamon for a pre-made pumpkin spice blend or homemade apple pie spice to infuse your monkey bread with delightful Fall flavors.
- Butter: You’ll need one stick (or ½ cup) of butter, which should be melted before use. This can be done quickly in the microwave or gently in a small saucepan on the stovetop. Both salted butter and unsalted butter are perfectly fine for this recipe. If using salted butter, you might want to slightly reduce any additional salt you might add to other recipes, but for this specific dish, the difference is negligible. The butter is crucial for the richness of the sauce and helps prevent the bread from sticking.
Essential Kitchen Supplies
Gathering the right tools before you begin will make the monkey bread-making process even smoother:
- 9-inch Bundt Pan or Fluted Tube Pan: This classic pan shape is ideal for monkey bread, creating the distinctive pull-apart design and allowing the caramel sauce to evenly distribute.
- Gallon-size Sealable Baggie: Perfect for easily tossing the biscuit pieces with the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring even coating without a mess.
- Nonstick Cooking Spray: Absolutely essential for thoroughly greasing your bundt pan, ensuring your monkey bread releases cleanly after baking. Don’t skip this step!
- Mixing Bowls: For combining your cinnamon sugar and the buttery brown sugar sauce.
No Bundt Pan? No Problem! Alternative Baking Dishes
Absolutely! While a bundt pan (or fluted tube pan) is traditional and creates a beautiful presentation, you can certainly make this recipe without one. If you don’t have this specific pan, you can successfully bake your monkey bread in a standard 9×13-inch baking dish or even in two 9×5-inch loaf pans. Keep in mind that when using alternative pans, the baking time will likely be shorter due to the different surface area and depth. I recommend starting to check for doneness after just 20 minutes to prevent overbaking. The goal is still golden brown and cooked through, just adjust your timing accordingly. Make sure to grease your chosen alternative pan just as thoroughly!
Step-by-Step: How to Make Monkey Bread with Biscuits
This section guides you through the entire process of making this delectable monkey bread with clear, step-by-step photos and detailed instructions. For the complete printable recipe, including precise measurements, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
Making this easy monkey bread is a straightforward process, broken down into a few simple steps. Follow along to create a truly irresistible breakfast or dessert:
Step 1: Prepare and Coat the Biscuit Dough.
Begin by taking your refrigerated biscuit dough and cutting each biscuit into quarters. This size is ideal for creating those perfectly bite-sized, pull-apart pieces. In a large gallon-size sealable bag, combine your granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Add about half of the quartered biscuit pieces to the bag, seal it securely, and shake vigorously until all the biscuit pieces are evenly coated with the cinnamon sugar mixture. Remove these coated biscuits and arrange them in a single layer at the bottom of your already greased bundt pan. Repeat this process with the remaining biscuit quarters and cinnamon sugar mixture, layering them into the pan. This ensures every piece gets that delicious sugary coating.
Step 2: Drench with Buttery Brown Sugar Sauce.
In a separate small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with the packed light brown sugar. Stir these two ingredients together until they are well blended and form a rich, syrupy sauce. Now, carefully pour this entire buttery brown sugar mixture evenly over the biscuit pieces in the bundt pan. Don’t be alarmed if it looks like an excessive amount of sauce – trust the process! This generous coating is what will transform into the incredibly gooey, caramel goodness that makes monkey bread so irresistible. As it bakes, the sauce will permeate every nook and cranny, creating a decadent, sticky crust and tender interior.
Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection and Serve.
Place your bundt pan into a preheated oven and bake according to the instructions provided in the recipe card below. The monkey bread is ready when the top is a beautiful golden brown, and the center is thoroughly cooked through. This typically takes around 30-40 minutes, but ovens vary, so keep an eye on it. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for precisely 10 minutes. This cooling period is crucial for the caramel sauce to set slightly and for the bread to release easily. After 10 minutes, carefully invert the bundt pan onto a large serving plate or platter. Watch as the glorious, gooey monkey bread slides out, ready to be enjoyed!
The best part? Use your fingers to pull apart the warm, bite-sized pieces of dough to eat. Yes, it will be delightfully sticky and messy, but that’s all part of the fun and enjoyment. Every gooey, cinnamon-spiced morsel is absolutely worth it!
Pro Tip: Effortless Pan Release
To ensure your monkey bread slides out of the bundt pan without a hitch, patience is key! After baking, allow the monkey bread to cool in the pan for exactly 10 minutes. This short cooling period allows the hot caramel sauce to slightly firm up and detach from the pan’s surface, making it much easier to release. Once cooled, place a large, flat serving plate on top of the bundt pan. Holding the plate and pan firmly together, swiftly turn them over to invert the monkey bread onto the plate or serving platter. If it doesn’t immediately release, don’t force it. Gently tap the bottom and sides of the bundt pan a few times – this often provides the extra nudge needed to help it slide out perfectly. Remember, a well-greased pan is also crucial!
Storage and Reheating for Later Enjoyment
Monkey bread is always best served warm and fresh, but it also stores surprisingly well, allowing you to enjoy its deliciousness over several days or even months.
Countertop Storage: Any delicious leftover monkey bread can be stored at room temperature for a couple of days. Simply place it in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, a quick reheat in the microwave for a few seconds will bring back its warmth and gooey texture. Alternatively, you can warm individual portions in a toaster oven for a slightly crisper exterior.
Freezer Storage: For longer preservation, wrap the monkey bread tightly first in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, you can either thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it in the oven (around 300°F/150°C for 15-20 minutes, covered loosely with foil) or reheat directly from frozen at a lower temperature until warmed through. Freezing makes it a fantastic make-ahead option for future cravings!
Overnight Monkey Bread: Prep Ahead for Easy Mornings
Making monkey bread ahead of time is a fantastic way to simplify your morning routine, especially for special occasions or holiday breakfasts. To prepare it as an overnight treat, simply follow all the preparation steps up to the point where you would normally bake it. Once the coated biscuit pieces are arranged in the greased bundt pan and drenched with the buttery brown sugar sauce, wrap the pan tightly with plastic wrap. Ensure it’s sealed well to prevent any drying out. Then, refrigerate the entire pan overnight.
The next morning, remove the bundt pan from the refrigerator. It’s crucial to allow the monkey bread to come closer to room temperature before baking. You can leave it on the counter for about 30-60 minutes. If you bake it directly from cold, you will need to add a few minutes (typically 5-10 extra minutes) to the overall bake time to ensure it cooks through evenly. This make-ahead method ensures you wake up to a fresh, warm, and delicious treat with minimal morning effort!
Expert Recipe Tips for Perfect Monkey Bread
Unlock even greater success with your monkey bread by keeping these helpful tips in mind:
- Utilize a Pizza Cutter for Quick Biscuit Prep: Cutting canned biscuits into quarters can be a bit sticky and time-consuming with a knife. A pizza cutter glides through the dough effortlessly, making quick work of this step and ensuring uniform pieces.
- Place Bundt Pan on a Baking Sheet: The buttery brown sugar sauce can sometimes bubble up and overflow the sides of the bundt pan, especially if your pan is very full or if the oven temperature is slightly high. To prevent a messy oven (and a potential burnt sugar smell), always place your bundt pan on a larger baking sheet before putting it into the oven. This catches any drips and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Tent with Foil if Browning Too Quickly: If you notice the top of your monkey bread is browning much faster than the center is cooking through, don’t fret! Simply loosely tent the top of the bundt pan with aluminum foil. This will shield the top from direct heat, allowing the inside to finish baking without the crust getting overly dark or burnt.
- Ensure Biscuits are Fully Coated: When shaking the biscuit pieces with the cinnamon sugar in the bag, make sure every piece is thoroughly coated. This ensures that delicious spicy-sweet flavor is infused into every bite. Don’t be afraid to give it a good shake!
- Grease Your Pan Generously: This might seem obvious, but it’s worth reiterating. Monkey bread can be notoriously sticky due to the caramel sauce. Use a liberal amount of nonstick cooking spray, ensuring every crevice of your bundt pan is well-coated. This is your best defense against sticking.
Additions and Variations to Customize Your Monkey Bread
While the classic monkey bread is perfect as is, it’s also a fantastic canvas for creative additions and variations. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!
- Add Nuts for Extra Crunch: For a delightful textural contrast and a hint of nutty flavor, scatter about ½ to 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts between the layers of biscuit dough in the bundt pan. They toast beautifully in the oven and complement the sweet caramel.
- Indulge with Chocolate-Stuffed Pieces: Turn your monkey bread into an even more decadent treat by stuffing each dough ball (before coating in cinnamon sugar) with a Hershey’s Kiss or a chocolate chip. This creates a delightful surprise of melted chocolate in the center of each piece. Try my Chocolate-Stuffed Monkey Bread for specific guidance.
- Transform with Canned Cinnamon Rolls: For an even sweeter and richer experience, swap out the plain canned biscuits for canned cinnamon rolls. You can still cut them into quarters and proceed with the recipe, or simply unroll them, cut them, and toss them in extra cinnamon sugar. This adds a cream cheese frosting element that melts into the sauce for an ultra-indulgent version.
- Make it Festive with Sprinkles: For a fun, celebratory twist, especially for birthdays or casual gatherings, add a generous sprinkle of rainbow sprinkles over the top of the monkey bread right after it’s inverted onto the serving plate, while it’s still warm and sticky. The warmth will help them adhere.
- Glaze it Up: Beyond the caramel sauce, you can add an extra glaze. A simple powdered sugar glaze (powdered sugar mixed with a little milk or lemon juice) drizzled over the warm monkey bread adds an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal.
- Seasonal Spices: Beyond pumpkin or apple pie spice, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or even a tiny bit of ginger to your cinnamon sugar mixture for a more complex spice profile.
More Delicious Breakfast Favorites to Try
If you’re looking for more ways to kickstart your day with incredible flavors, be sure to explore these other highly-rated breakfast recipes:
- Brioche French Toast: A rich and luxurious take on a breakfast classic.
- Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Doughnuts: Homemade goodness that tastes just like grandma used to make.
- Best Ever Overnight French Toast Casserole: Perfect for hassle-free entertaining or a lazy morning.
- Maple Walnut Coffee Cake: A delightful pairing with your morning coffee.
- Buttermilk Pancakes: Fluffy, light, and utterly satisfying.
- Chocolate Glazed Biscuit Donuts: Quick and easy donuts made from pantry staples.
- Double Chocolate Banana Muffins: A delicious way to use up ripe bananas.
- Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies: A healthier, grab-and-go option for busy mornings.
Easy Monkey Bread
Author: Jaclyn
Ingredients
- 30 ounce refrigerated biscuit dough*
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 Tablespoons cinnamon
- 1 cup light brown sugar packed
- ½ cup butter 1 stick, melted
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 325° F. Coat a bundt pan with a layer of non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
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Cut each biscuit into quarters. Add cinnamon, granulated sugar, and half the biscuit quarters to a large zip-top bag and shake to coat. Remove biscuits from the bag and place them into the prepared pan. Repeat to coat remaining biscuits in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
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In a small bowl, stir to combine the melted butter and brown sugar, then pour evenly over the biscuits in the Bundt pan.
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Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is cooked through. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes before turning over onto a plate.
Video
Notes
Baking: If the top is getting too browned but the center is still doughy, tent with foil.
Storage: Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. For longer storage wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months.
Make ahead: You can prep in the pan the night before, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature in the morning before baking or add a few minutes to the cooking time.
Nutrition
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