Monkey Bread Recipe
Monkey Bread is the ultimate pull-apart treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family brunch or looking for a fun dessert to share with friends, this sweet, sticky, and buttery Monkey Bread will win everyone over. Made with simple ingredients like refrigerated biscuit dough, cinnamon, and sugar, this recipe is easy to make and yields a delightfully gooey and flavorful result. Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your household!
Ingredients Overview
Before we start, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make the perfect Monkey Bread:
- 2 tubes refrigerated biscuit dough (8 biscuits each): The base of our Monkey Bread, providing that fluffy, soft texture.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a delicious caramelized coating.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Gives the Monkey Bread its signature warm, spiced flavor.
- 3/4 cup butter: Adds richness and creates a buttery, sticky caramel sauce.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Combines with butter to form a rich, caramel-like sauce that coats the dough pieces.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To make Monkey Bread, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:
- 9-cup Bundt pan
- Large zip-top bag
- Small saucepan
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Serving dish
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Prepare the Oven and Bundt Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure your 9-cup Bundt pan is greased well with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cut the Biscuit Dough
Remove the biscuits from the cans and cut each biscuit into four equal pieces. This step ensures that each piece will bake evenly and soak up the delicious caramel sauce.
3. Coat the Biscuit Pieces
Place the biscuit pieces into a large zip-top bag. Add the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, seal the bag, and shake until all pieces are well-coated with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This step gives each bite a delightful burst of cinnamon flavor and helps create a sugary crust on the bread.
4. Arrange in the Bundt Pan
Pour the coated biscuit pieces into the prepared Bundt pan, spreading them out evenly. This arrangement allows the sauce to seep through all the layers.
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. Be sure not to overheat it to prevent burning. Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the biscuit pieces in the pan.
6. Bake the Monkey Bread
Place the Bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is no longer doughy. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
7. Cool and Serve
Allow the Monkey Bread to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, carefully flip the pan onto a serving dish and let it cool for another 10 minutes before serving. This waiting time helps the caramel sauce to set slightly, making it easier to pull apart.
Tips for Perfect Monkey Bread
- Ensure Even Coating: Make sure all biscuit pieces are evenly coated with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This will create a uniform taste and texture throughout the bread.
- Use Fresh Dough: For the best results, use fresh refrigerated biscuit dough. Older dough may not rise as well, affecting the bread’s texture.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time. Overbaking can result in a dry Monkey Bread, while underbaking may leave the center doughy.
Variations of Monkey Bread
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts between the layers of biscuit dough for a crunchy texture.
- Chocolate Lovers: Sprinkle chocolate chips throughout the dough for a decadent, chocolatey treat.
- Savory Version: Swap out the sugar and cinnamon for garlic powder, herbs, and shredded cheese to create a savory pull-apart bread.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Monkey Bread is best served warm, with the gooey caramel sauce oozing from the layers. Place it on a decorative cake stand or a beautiful serving plate to make it the centerpiece of your table. Pair it with fresh fruit, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of icing for added flair.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them 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. Alternatively, you can reheat in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use homemade dough instead of refrigerated biscuit dough? Absolutely! If you prefer homemade dough, just ensure it’s a similar consistency to store-bought biscuit dough to achieve the right texture.
- How do I prevent the Monkey Bread from sticking to the pan? Greasing the Bundt pan liberally with butter or non-stick spray is key. You can also dust the pan lightly with flour for extra protection.
- Can I make Monkey Bread ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough pieces and caramel sauce ahead of time. Assemble them in the Bundt pan, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking.
Conclusion
There you have it — a delicious, easy-to-make Monkey Bread recipe that’s perfect for any gathering! With its soft, pillowy texture and sweet, caramelized flavor, this treat is sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family, and subscribe to our blog for more tasty recipes!
PrintMonkey Bread Recipe
Enjoy this easy, delicious Monkey Bread recipe! Perfect for sharing, this sweet treat is a crowd-pleaser.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 1x
Ingredients
Before we start, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make the perfect Monkey Bread:
- 2 tubes refrigerated biscuit dough (8 biscuits each): The base of our Monkey Bread, providing that fluffy, soft texture.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a delicious caramelized coating.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Gives the Monkey Bread its signature warm, spiced flavor.
- 3/4 cup butter: Adds richness and creates a buttery, sticky caramel sauce.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Combines with butter to form a rich, caramel-like sauce that coats the dough pieces.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Bundt Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure your 9-cup Bundt pan is greased well with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cut the Biscuit Dough
Remove the biscuits from the cans and cut each biscuit into four equal pieces. This step ensures that each piece will bake evenly and soak up the delicious caramel sauce.
3. Coat the Biscuit Pieces
Place the biscuit pieces into a large zip-top bag. Add the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, seal the bag, and shake until all pieces are well-coated with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This step gives each bite a delightful burst of cinnamon flavor and helps create a sugary crust on the bread.
4. Arrange in the Bundt Pan
Pour the coated biscuit pieces into the prepared Bundt pan, spreading them out evenly. This arrangement allows the sauce to seep through all the layers.
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. Be sure not to overheat it to prevent burning. Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the biscuit pieces in the pan.
6. Bake the Monkey Bread
Place the Bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is no longer doughy. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
7. Cool and Serve
Allow the Monkey Bread to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, carefully flip the pan onto a serving dish and let it cool for another 10 minutes before serving. This waiting time helps the caramel sauce to set slightly, making it easier to pull apart.
Notes
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them 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. Alternatively, you can reheat in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert