Monkey Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Monkey Bread is the ultimate indulgence for anyone with a sweet tooth. Its cinnamon-sugar coating provides the perfect balance of sweetness, while the soft, pillowy dough pulls apart effortlessly for a fun and interactive eating experience. It’s incredibly easy to make with minimal ingredients, and you can enjoy it fresh from the oven or reheated. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying it as a weekend treat, Monkey Bread will always steal the show.

Ingredients

• 2 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough (or use homemade biscuit dough)

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

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

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan or a round cake pan with non-stick cooking spray or butter.

2. Prepare the dough: Open the cans of biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. You should end up with around 32 pieces of dough.

3. Coat the dough: In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Roll each piece of dough in the cinnamon sugar mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated. Place the coated dough pieces in the prepared pan, stacking them on top of each other as you go.

4. Make the syrup: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes until it thickens slightly.

5. Pour the syrup: Pour the butter and brown sugar syrup evenly over the dough in the bundt pan.

6. Bake the Monkey Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, it’s ready.

7. Cool and serve: Let the Monkey Bread cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before inverting it onto a plate. Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes

• Total Time: 40-50 minutes

Variations

• Nutty Monkey Bread: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds in between the dough layers for added texture and flavor.

• Caramel Monkey Bread: For a richer flavor, add caramel sauce to the syrup mixture along with the brown sugar.

• Chocolate Monkey Bread: Add small chocolate chips or chunks of chocolate between the dough layers for a decadent twist.

• Pumpkin Monkey Bread: Add 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree and 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the dough for a fall-inspired version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover Monkey Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate it to keep it fresh for a longer period.

• Reheating: Reheat individual pieces of Monkey Bread in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place the entire bread in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade biscuit dough?

Yes, you can use homemade biscuit dough if you prefer. The recipe is flexible and can easily accommodate a homemade dough recipe. Just make sure to cut the dough into small pieces to ensure it bakes evenly.

2. Can I make Monkey Bread in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the Monkey Bread in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator overnight. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking, and then follow the baking instructions.

3. Can I use frozen dough instead of refrigerated dough?

Yes, you can use frozen biscuit dough as well. Just make sure to thaw the dough completely before using it for the best results.

4. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, use a dairy-free biscuit dough, substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter, and choose a non-dairy milk for the syrup if needed.

5. How do I know when the Monkey Bread is done?

You can check the Monkey Bread by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s done. The bread should be golden brown on the outside and soft inside.

6. Can I make a smaller version of Monkey Bread?

Yes, you can reduce the recipe by using a smaller pan and cutting the biscuit dough into fewer pieces. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.

7. Can I freeze Monkey Bread?

Yes, you can freeze Monkey Bread. After it’s cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

8. Can I make this recipe without a bundt pan?

Yes, if you don’t have a bundt pan, you can use a round cake pan, square baking dish, or even a muffin tin for individual servings. Just keep an eye on the baking time as it might vary depending on the pan size.

9. How can I make Monkey Bread less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of sugar in the cinnamon-sugar mixture or the syrup. You can also opt for a light drizzle of syrup instead of pouring it all over.

10. How can I make my Monkey Bread more gooey?

For a gooier result, increase the amount of butter and brown sugar in the syrup, or add more caramel sauce for an extra sticky finish.

Conclusion

Monkey Bread is the perfect treat for any occasion, from casual breakfasts to family gatherings. Its irresistible combination of cinnamon, sugar, and butter creates a sweet, sticky masterpiece that everyone will love. Easy to make, fun to eat, and endlessly customizable, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or saved for later, Monkey Bread is always a hit!