Easy Monkey Bread is a delectable pull-apart dessert that’s gooey, buttery, and sweet. Made with simple ingredients like biscuit dough, cinnamon, sugar, and a luscious glaze, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. It’s the ultimate comfort food to share with family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal ingredients and prep time.
- Perfect for sharing at gatherings or family meals.
- A crowd-pleasing treat with a rich, caramel-like coating.
- Versatile—great for breakfast, dessert, or even as a sweet snack.
- Kid-friendly and fun to make with little helpers.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Refrigerated biscuit dough
- Granulated sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Optional: nuts (pecans or walnuts) and raisins
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan generously with butter or nonstick spray.
- Cut each biscuit into quarters and set aside.
- In a plastic bag, combine sugar and cinnamon. Add the biscuit pieces in batches, shaking to coat evenly.
- If using nuts or raisins, sprinkle some into the bottom of the bundt pan. Layer the coated biscuit pieces on top.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter and stir in brown sugar until fully dissolved. Pour this mixture evenly over the biscuit pieces.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the biscuits are cooked through.
- Allow the monkey bread to cool for 5–10 minutes before turning it out onto a serving plate.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Serves 8–10 people
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Total Time: 50–55 minutes
Variations
- Savory Monkey Bread: Swap the sugar and cinnamon for garlic, herbs, and shredded cheese for a savory twist.
- Chocolate Lovers: Add chocolate chips between the biscuit layers for a gooey chocolate version.
- Fruit-Filled: Mix in dried cranberries, chopped apples, or apricots for a fruity variation.
- Spiced Up: Add nutmeg or cardamom for an extra depth of flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free biscuit dough to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 20–30 seconds.
FAQs
1. Can I make monkey bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh in the morning.
2. Do I need a bundt pan?
While a bundt pan is traditional, you can use a round or square baking dish instead. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
3. Can I use homemade dough?
Absolutely! Homemade biscuit or yeast dough works well if you have extra time.
4. Why is my monkey bread sticking to the pan?
Ensure the pan is well-greased, and let the monkey bread cool slightly before removing it. A nonstick bundt pan can also help.
5. Can I reduce the sugar?
You can reduce the sugar in the cinnamon-sugar coating and glaze, but the texture and caramelization might be slightly affected.
6. Can I add frosting or glaze?
Yes, drizzle cream cheese frosting or a powdered sugar glaze over the top for extra sweetness.
7. What can I serve with monkey bread?
Serve with coffee, tea, or milk for a perfect pairing. It also works well with fresh fruit or yogurt.
8. Is monkey bread always sweet?
No, savory variations with cheese, herbs, and spices are also popular.
9. Can I reheat monkey bread in an air fryer?
Yes, reheat individual pieces at 300°F (150°C) for 3–5 minutes in an air fryer.
10. Why is it called monkey bread?
The name comes from the way it’s eaten—by picking apart pieces with your fingers, much like a monkey might!
Conclusion
Easy Monkey Bread is a timeless treat that never fails to impress. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh from the oven or reheating leftovers, its gooey, sweet layers are irresistible. Give this recipe a try for your next family gathering, and watch it become a new favorite!
PrintEasy Monkey Bread
This Easy Monkey Bread is a gooey, buttery, cinnamon-sugar treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Made with refrigerated biscuit dough, it comes together quickly and bakes into a golden, pull-apart delight!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cans (16 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough (like Pillsbury Grands!)
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup (150 g) packed brown sugar
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (1/2 cup, for added crunch)
- Drizzle of vanilla glaze or cream cheese icing
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan generously with butter or cooking spray.
2. Prepare the cinnamon-sugar coating:
- In a large bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
3. Prepare the biscuit dough:
- Cut each biscuit into quarters. Roll each piece in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. If using nuts, sprinkle a few into the bottom of the bundt pan and layer the coated biscuit pieces with the nuts as you go.
4. Make the buttery sugar syrup:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and heat until combined and smooth, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.
5. Assemble the monkey bread:
- Pour half of the buttery sugar syrup over the first layer of biscuit pieces in the bundt pan. Add the remaining biscuit pieces and pour the rest of the syrup over the top.
6. Bake:
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and bubbly. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate.
7. Serve:
- Serve warm, pulling apart the pieces. If desired, drizzle with vanilla glaze or cream cheese icing for extra sweetness.
Notes
- For a fun twist, add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to restore the gooey texture.
- This recipe can also be made in a 9×13-inch baking dish if you don’t have a bundt pan.