Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Monkey Bread is a delightful treat that combines the warmth of cinnamon, the richness of butter, and the sweetness of brown sugar. Made with just five simple ingredients, it’s a quick and effortless way to enjoy a classic dessert. The pull-apart style makes it perfect for sharing at gatherings, brunches, or as a comforting snack.

Ingredients

2 cans (16.3 oz each) biscuit dough
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter

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

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan to prevent sticking.
Open the biscuit cans and cut each biscuit into quarters.
In a bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
Roll each biscuit piece in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well-coated.
Place the coated biscuit pieces into the prepared bundt pan, layering them evenly.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar until it dissolves completely, creating a caramel-like mixture.
Pour the melted butter and brown sugar mixture evenly over the biscuit pieces in the pan.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 20 minutes.
Invert the bundt pan onto a serving plate, allowing the monkey bread to release.
Serve warm and enjoy the gooey, sweet goodness.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for added crunch and flavor.
Fruit Infusion: Incorporate raisins or dried cranberries between the biscuit layers for a fruity twist.
Chocolate Lovers: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the biscuit pieces before baking for a chocolaty surprise.
Flavored Biscuits: Experiment with different flavored biscuit doughs, such as cinnamon or honey, to enhance the taste.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or reheat the entire loaf in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

How do I know when the monkey bread is done?

The bread should be golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. For an extra check, use a thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 190°F (88°C).

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?

Yes, you can use unsalted butter. If you do, consider adding a pinch of salt to the cinnamon-sugar mixture to balance the flavors.

Is it necessary to grease the bundt pan?

Yes, greasing the pan is essential to prevent the caramelized sugar from sticking and to ensure easy removal of the bread.

Can I prepare the monkey bread the night before?

Absolutely! Assemble the bread in the bundt pan, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake as directed. This makes for a convenient and delicious breakfast.

Can I use homemade biscuit dough?

Yes, you can substitute homemade biscuit dough for canned biscuits. Ensure the dough is cut into quarters and proceed with the recipe as usual.

How should I serve monkey bread?

Monkey bread is best served warm. It can be enjoyed on its own or with a side of cream cheese frosting or caramel sauce for dipping.

Can I make mini monkey breads?

Certainly! Use a muffin tin to create individual servings. Adjust the baking time to 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Is monkey bread suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly. However, if you’re vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and ensure the biscuit dough is dairy-free.

Can I add other spices to the cinnamon-sugar mixture?

Feel free to experiment with spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice to customize the flavor profile to your liking.

What can I do if the bread sticks to the pan?

If the bread sticks, run a knife around the edges to loosen it. Invert the pan onto a plate and gently tap to release. If some pieces remain, carefully remove them and place them back onto the bread.

Conclusion

This Easy Monkey Bread is a delightful and simple dessert that brings comfort and joy with every pull-apart piece. Its versatility allows for endless variations, making it a perfect addition to any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a sweet breakfast treat or a dessert, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.