Monkey Bread has been a cherished family favorite in my household for years. I can still remember the first time I tasted this delightful pull-apart bread at my friend’s birthday party. The warm, gooey pieces, coated in cinnamon and sugar, danced in my mouth like a sweet melody. It was a simple yet unforgettable moment, and since then, I’ve always associated Monkey Bread with love and togetherness. This easy monkey bread recipe is a breeze to prepare, making it the perfect choice for breakfast or dessert. Whether you’re sharing it with family during brunch or indulging in a quiet evening treat, this sticky bun bread is sure to bring joy. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Monkey Bread
- Deliciously sweet and gooey with a perfect cinnamon flavor.
- Quick prep time—ready in just under an hour!
- Perfect for family gatherings, making it a crowd-pleaser.
- Budget-friendly, using simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
- Versatile enough for breakfast, dessert, or snack time.
- Pairs wonderfully with coffee or a creamy glaze for extra sweetness.
- Fun to pull apart, making it an interactive treat for kids.
- Can easily be customized with fruit or cream cheese fillings for added flavor.
Ingredients for Monkey Bread
Here’s everything you need for this delightful Monkey Bread recipe:
- 3 cans refrigerated biscuits – each can typically contains 8 biscuits, this forms the base of the bread.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – sweetens the bread and enhances the caramelization.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon – brings a warm, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter – adds richness and moisture to the bread.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed – creates a delicious caramel glaze that coats the biscuit pieces.
How to Make Monkey Bread
Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Monkey Bread:
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking for your monkey bread.
- Step 2: Open the cans of refrigerated biscuits and cut each individual biscuit into quarters. In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Step 3: Roll each biscuit piece in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. Place the coated pieces evenly into a well-greased bundt pan to ensure the bread doesn’t stick.
- Step 4: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and mix in the brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring continuously to dissolve the sugar completely. Once boiling, remove the sauce from the heat.
- Step 5: Carefully pour the hot brown sugar and butter mixture evenly over the cinnamon-coated biscuit pieces in the bundt pan, coating them thoroughly.
- Step 6: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
- Step 7: Allow the monkey bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a serving plate. Serve warm or at room temperature, pulling apart pieces to enjoy.
Pro Tips for the Best Monkey Bread
These tricks guarantee success every time:
- Ensure the bundt pan is well-greased to prevent sticking.
- Let the monkey bread cool slightly for easier removal from the pan.
- For an extra touch, drizzle icing over the top before serving.
What’s the secret to perfect Monkey Bread?
The key is in the even coating of cinnamon-sugar on each biscuit piece. This ensures every bite is flavorful and sweet, creating that desirable sticky texture we all love.
Can I make Monkey Bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance, just bake it when you’re ready to serve. Allow it to cool completely before covering and storing it in the fridge. Reheat it in the oven to restore its gooey texture.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Monkey Bread?
Avoid overbaking, as it can dry out the bread. Also, ensure the biscuits are cut into equal sizes for even cooking. Lastly, don’t skip greasing the bundt pan well!
Best Ways to Serve Monkey Bread
For a delightful twist, serve your Monkey Bread warm with a drizzle of cream cheese icing or fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas. It also pairs nicely with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert lovers.
Nutrition Facts for Monkey Bread
Per serving (recipe makes 12 servings):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 200mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Monkey Bread
Let your Monkey Bread cool completely before storing. Use an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions About Monkey Bread
What is Monkey Bread made of?
It’s primarily made from refrigerated biscuit dough, coated in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar, and baked in a buttery brown sugar glaze.
Why is it called Monkey Bread?
The name comes from the way people pull apart the dough, resembling how monkeys pick at their food.
Can I make a gluten-free Monkey Bread?
Absolutely! Substitute regular biscuits with gluten-free options available at your local store.
What are some Monkey Bread variations and recipes?
Feel free to experiment with fillings like cream cheese or fruits, or try different spices like nutmeg for added flavor!
Variations of Monkey Bread You Can Try
Some delicious variations include Monkey Bread with cream cheese for a rich filling, or make a fruity version by adding diced apples or berries. For a healthier twist, consider a gluten-free monkey bread recipe using almond flour.
Print
Monkey Bread: 5 Irresistible Ways to Enjoy This Sweet Treat
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy monkey bread recipe is a delightful, sweet pull-apart treat made with cinnamon-sugar coated biscuit pieces baked in a rich brown sugar and butter glaze. Perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
- 3 cans refrigerated biscuits (each can typically contains 8 biscuits)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
Instructions
- Open the cans of refrigerated biscuits and cut each individual biscuit into quarters. In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Roll each biscuit piece in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. Place the coated pieces evenly into a well-greased bundt pan.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and mix in the brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring continuously to dissolve the sugar completely. Remove from heat once boiling.
- Pour the hot brown sugar and butter mixture evenly over the cinnamon-coated biscuit pieces in the bundt pan.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure the bundt pan is well-greased to prevent sticking.
- Let the monkey bread cool slightly for easier removal from the pan.
- Serve with a drizzle of icing for added sweetness if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
