Cinnamon Pecan Monkey Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistibly gooey, sticky, and soft in every bite
• Packed with warm cinnamon flavor and crunchy pecans
• Easy to make with store-bought or homemade dough
• Perfect for sharing—just pull it apart and enjoy
• Crowd-pleaser for holidays, brunches, or potlucks
• Simple ingredients with bakery-quality results
• Make-ahead and freezer-friendly
• Customizable with glazes, extra spices, or toppings
• Delicious warm, room temperature, or lightly reheated
• Great way to impress without complicated baking steps

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Refrigerated biscuit dough or homemade yeast dough
• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Unsalted butter (melted)
• Brown sugar
• Chopped pecans
• Optional: vanilla extract, pinch of salt, cream cheese glaze

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a bundt or tube pan.
2. Cut the biscuit dough into quarters (if using store-bought).
3. In a bowl or bag, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. Toss the dough pieces in the mixture to coat.
4. Layer the cinnamon-coated dough pieces in the pan, sprinkling chopped pecans between the layers.
5. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, combine melted butter and brown sugar (add vanilla extract if using). Stir until smooth.
6. Pour the butter-brown sugar mixture evenly over the layered dough and pecans.
7. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
8. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving plate.
9. Serve warm, pulling apart the pieces to enjoy.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves approximately 10–12 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 35–40 minutes
Cooling time: 10 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour

Variations

• Homemade Dough: Use your favorite yeast dough recipe instead of biscuit dough.
• Vegan: Use vegan butter and dairy-free dough.
• Extra Glaze: Drizzle with a cream cheese glaze or vanilla icing after baking.
• Nut-Free: Omit the pecans or replace with sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
• Spiced Up: Add nutmeg or cardamom for more warmth.
• Apple Twist: Add small diced apples between the dough layers.
• Boozy Version: Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the brown sugar glaze.
• Mini Version: Bake in muffin tins for individual monkey bread portions—adjust bake time to 15–18 minutes.
• Chocolate Chip: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips between layers for a chocolatey variation.
• Sticky Bun Style: Add a spoonful of maple syrup to the glaze for even richer flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To freeze, wrap tightly and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm the entire loaf in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use homemade dough instead of biscuit dough?

Yes, homemade yeast dough works wonderfully and gives a bakery-style result. Just ensure it’s soft and slightly enriched.

Can I make cinnamon pecan monkey bread ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the night before and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature before baking the next day.

How do I know when monkey bread is fully baked?

It should be golden brown on top and a skewer inserted into the center should come out clean or with sticky crumbs but no raw dough.

Do I have to use a bundt pan?

A bundt pan works best for even baking and caramel flow, but you can use a deep cake pan or tube pan if needed.

What if I don’t like pecans?

Feel free to substitute with walnuts or omit nuts entirely.

Can I add a glaze on top?

Yes, a cream cheese glaze or powdered sugar icing is a delicious way to finish the bread.

Why did my monkey bread fall apart when flipping?

It may have been flipped too soon. Let it cool at least 10 minutes in the pan so the glaze can set.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free dough (homemade or store-bought) and check that all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

What should I serve with cinnamon pecan monkey bread?

It’s great with coffee, milk, or as part of a brunch spread with eggs, fruit, and breakfast meats.

How long does monkey bread stay fresh?

It’s best enjoyed fresh or within 2 days. For longer storage, freeze and reheat as needed.

Conclusion

Cinnamon pecan monkey bread is a show-stopping, sweet, and sticky pull-apart bread that’s as fun to eat as it is to make. With its layers of cinnamon sugar, crunchy pecans, and buttery glaze, it’s the perfect centerpiece for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Whether you’re serving a crowd or indulging on a cozy weekend morning, this monkey bread will quickly become a favorite go-to recipe.

Cinnamon Pecan Monkey Bread

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Cinnamon pecan monkey bread is a gooey, sweet, pull-apart treat made with soft dough pieces coated in cinnamon sugar, layered with chopped pecans, and topped with a buttery brown sugar glaze. Baked in a bundt pan, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 10–12 servings
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (or equivalent homemade dough)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• ½ cup chopped pecans

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a bundt or tube pan.
2. Cut biscuit dough into quarters.
3. In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon. Toss dough pieces in the mixture to coat.
4. Layer the coated dough pieces in the prepared pan, sprinkling chopped pecans between layers.
5. In a small bowl or saucepan, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract (if using). Stir until smooth.
6. Pour the butter-sugar mixture evenly over the dough layers.
7. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is cooked through.
8. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving plate.
9. Serve warm and pull apart to enjoy.

Notes

• Let the monkey bread cool for 10 minutes before inverting to help the glaze set.
• Use homemade yeast dough for a bakery-style texture.
• Try adding a cream cheese glaze or powdered sugar icing for extra sweetness.
• Store in an airtight container to keep it moist.
• Reheat in the microwave or a low oven to revive leftovers.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 430mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 25mg