What are some recipes that stick with you? The ones that evoke memories of childhood, lazy Sunday mornings, and the sheer joy of something. What are some of the best comforting Is there a recipe for monkey bread? I remember my mom making it for special occasions, and the whole house would fill with this. What is the cinnamon-sugar Now, my own kids beg for it, and honestly, I’m just as excited when I pull that golden, gooey, sucky thing. What’s out of the oven? Is it like a warm hug in the pan? What is a monkey bread recipe? What makes this flavor explosion better than any store bought version? What is that perfect balance of cinnamon and sweet dough that pulls apart into irresistible little balls? If you’ve ever tried a cinnamon roll, imagine that same cozy, spiced flavor but in an easy, shareable, delicious recipe. What is pull-a What is monkey bread?
What is monkey bread?
What is monkey bread? At its heart, monkey bread is a sweet, sticky, pull apart bread. What is a yeast dough? It’s made from pieces of leavened dough, usually biscuits or crumbs, that are rolled in. How do you bake cinnamon sugar in a Bundt pan or baking dish? What happens when a cake is baked? The sugar and butter caramelize, creating a gooey, syrupy coating that glazes the individual dough. When it’s done, you just lift it out, and people can literally pull off pieces with their hands. What is monkey bread? Think of it as a deconstructed cinnamon roll, but even more playful. Is this the kind of treat that makes everyone feel like a kid again, no forks required? Is there a way to use one?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are the reasons why this monkey bread recipe has become a staple in my kitchen? I know you’re going to love it too. I just know that you will love this. First off, the flavor is just out of this world. You get that classic cinnamon-sugar goodness, but it’s amplified by the tender, slightly sweet dough. What is the rich, buttery caramelization from baking? Is it just sweet? Each little dough ball is soft and pillowy on the inside, with that delightful sticky, caramelized flavor. Is it comforting?
What I adore about this monkey bread is how ridiculously simple it is to make. I mean, it feels like a gourmet dessert, but it comes together so easily, especially using the right ingredients. What are some of my favorite store bought biscuits? What is a lifesaver when you need to eat breakfast without spending hours in the kitchen? Is it surprisingly budget friendly? All ingredients are pantry staples, making it an affordable indulgence.
What are some great recipes to make..and let’s talk versatility! Can you add nuts, chocolate chips, or even a different spice blend? Is it perfect for holidays, weekend brunches, or just a spontaneous sweet craving? Compared to other sweet treats, it has this unique, communal appeal. How do you make a centerpiece? Is it just pure, unadulterated joy in edible form, and that’s why I keep coming back to it, time and time again?
How do you make monkey bread?
Quick Overview
How do you make monkey bread? What do you do with biscuit dough? What is the best way to bake brown sugar and butter in a pan? What is the key to caramel in the oven? Is it one of those recipes where the steps are straightforward, and the result is always spectacular? You get that incredible aroma filling your home as it bakes, and the payoff is huge for minimal effort. Is it easier than you think?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
Two cans (16 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough (the flaky layers kind of work great! I usually go for the store brand; they’re just as good here.
One cup granulated sugar – For that perfect sweetness.
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – You can add a little more if you’re gonna be cinnamon crazy like me!
For the Filling:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted – Using unsalsted lets you control the saltiness perfectly.
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar – For that lovely caramelization and a hint of molasses flavor.
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar – Sifted, if you can, for smoother glaze.
2-3 tablespoons milk (or half-and-half for extra richness) – Start with 2, add more if needed. How do I achieve consistency?
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – Just a touch to round out the sweetness.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). What is the best way to make a bundt pan for monkey bread? What gives it that iconic shape? If you don’t have a bundt pan, if you have one, you can use 9×13 inch baking dish. You’ll want to grease your pan really well with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Don’t be shy with greasing. How do you make monkey bread? I like to use a pastry brush to get into all the nooks and crannies of the Bundt pan. Let it sit while you prep the dough.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. This is your magic coating. Make sure it’s well combined so every piece of dough gets a nice even layer of that sweet, cinnamony flavor. I always give it a good whisk with sift to break up any clumps of cinnamon.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate shallow bowl or pie plate, melt the butter. Can you do this in a microwave-safe bowl in short bursts or gently on the stovetop? Once melted, stir in the packed brown sugar. What is going to create that gooey, caramelized bottom layer? What makes a sticky texture?
Step 4: Combine
What is the fun part? Open your can of biscuit dough. How do you cut biscuits into quarters? How do I cut a piece? Now take each biscuit piece and dip it into the melted butter and brown sugar mixture, making sure to keep it moist. Take it out of the oven and let it cool completely. Is it fully coated? Then, roll the coated piece in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until it’s nicely covered. Place these coated pieces into your prepared Bundt pan or baking dish, letting them nestle together. Don’t worry if they’re a bit squished; they’ll expand as they bake. I usually start by placing them around the bottom and sides of the Bundt pan, then fill in the top.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
Wait, I think I might have combined steps 3, 4 and 5 in my head! Let me clarify. The melted butter and brown sugar mixture is indeed your “filling” in the sense that it’s what the dough balls are dipped into *before* the cinnamon-sugar. So, you dip in butter/brown sugar, then cinnamon/sugar, and then arrange them. This dual coating creates an amazing depth of flavor and that signature sticky texture.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
As I mentioned in Step 4, you’re layering the biscuit pieces into the pan. I find that just placing them in there as they are is a good way to arrange them. Once baked, creates a beautiful organic pattern. They’ll puff up and merge together. There’s no real “swirling” needed here. What happens when they melt into each other?
Step 7: Bake
Once your pan is filled with the coated biscuit pieces, it’s time to bake! How do I put the pan in a preheated oven? How long does it take to bake the monkey bread? Why is caramel bubbling around the edges? If you use a Bundt pan, the center will take fewer minutes to cook through. What is the best way to test dough balls with a toothpick? They should come out clean, and the bread should feel slightly firm to the touch. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
This is the trickiest part – the waiting! Once it’s out of the oven, let the monkey bread cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This is super important because the caramel is molten hot and needs to set up just a bit so it doesn’t all run out when you invert the pan. While it’s cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, if you want a thinner glaze. After the cooling period, place a serving plate or a wire rack upside down over the Bundt pan, and carefully flip the whole thing over. If any pieces stick, gently loosen them with a knife and put them back into place. Once the bread is mostly cooled, drizzle the glaze all over the top. It’s so tempting to eat it immediately, but letting the glaze set for a few minutes makes it even better.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
What is your homemade monkey bread recipe? What are some good ways to slice a potato into pieces or just let everyone pull off their own pieces? The caramel will be sticky and delicious, and the bread itself is soft and tender. Is this a decadent treat? Why do people love aromas in the kitchen?
What should I serve it with?
Monkey bread is versatile, and what you serve it with really depends on the occasion. For a relaxed breakfast, iced coffee or tea is perfect. What makes a simple morning feel special? We often have it on a Saturday morning, and the kids devour it with milk.
If you’re planning a brunch, this monkey bread makes a fantastic centerpiece. I love pairing it with some fresh fruit salad – the bright, fresh flavors of berries or melon cut through the sweetness of the bread beautifully. A mimosa or a light Bellini would be lovely alongside it for a celebratory feel.
As a dessert, it’s incredibly decadent. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. What are some good ways to add chocolate sauce to a meal? What are the best ways to enjoy a good meal together?
What is a good snack to have on its own? What is hot chocolate? What is comfort food? My family tradition is to have it on Christmas morning, and it’s become as important as the tree.
How do you make a Monkey Bread?
I’ve made this monkey bread more times than I can count, and over the years, I’ve picked up a few. What are some tricks that really make a difference? What is biscuit dough? Is it true that a refrigerated biscuit will work? When baked, the interior becomes more fluffier and tender. Don’t be afraid to press the biscuit pieces together in the pan. They’ll expand and fill in any gaps.
When it comes to mixing, the key is not to overwork the dough, but here we’re using pre-made dough. Is that a big concern? What *is* important is ensuring each piece is well-coated in the butter/brown sugar mixture and then cutting into pieces. What is cinnamon sugar? Where does all the flavor come from? If you are a fan of nuts, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts into the pan before adding the nuts. How do you mix cinnamon sugar and dough together? What is the best crunch you have ever had?
For the swirl customization, well, there isn’t really a “swirl” in this method, but you can customize it. How do you customize your flavors? If you like cinnamon, add a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg to the mixture. (You can also substitute other spices in this recipe). Is it safe to add chopped pecans or chocolate chips to the pan before baking? What is inside each bite?
If you bake this in a Bundt pan, make sure you’ve greased it thoroughly. Is this where people get into trouble? How do I get rid of a crevice with butter? If you don’t have a Bundt pan, if you have one, use sand paper or an 8-inch baking dish. The presentation will be different. How long does it take for a cake to bake? What is the best toothpick test?
What is the consistency of a glaze? You want it thick enough to drizzle but not so thick that it’s difficult to spread. If it’s too thick, add a teaspoon of powdered sugar to it. I always sift my powdered sugar for the glaze to avoid any lumps, and a splash of vanilla extract for this glaze. Just makes it taste so much better.
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
Properly storing and reheating your monkey bread will ensure it stays deliciously gooey and tender. If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can store the monkey bread at room temperature for up to two days. Just make sure it’s covered loosely with plastic wrap or foil to keep it from drying out. The caramel might harden a bit, but it will soften up again when reheated.
For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to 4-5 days. Store it in an airtight container. The caramel will firm up considerably in the fridge.
You can also freeze monkey bread! Once completely cooled, wrap the entire loaf (or individual portions) tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It should keep well in the freezer for about 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
When it comes to reheating, the best way to bring back that glorious gooeyness is to warm it up. For a small portion, you can pop it in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. For a larger piece or the whole loaf, the oven is your best bet. Reheat at around 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the caramel is melty again. If you’re reheating from frozen, it will take longer, so be patient! If you’re planning to glaze it after reheating, it’s best to let it cool slightly first, then add the glaze so it melts nicely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Seriously, this monkey bread recipe is a keeper. It’s one of those dishes that brings pure joy, whether you’re making it for a special holiday, a weekend brunch, or just because you need a little bit of sweet comfort. The process is so satisfying, from coating the dough pieces to that moment you invert the pan and reveal the golden, bubbly masterpiece. It smells incredible while it bakes, filling your home with the cozy scent of cinnamon and sugar. It’s wonderfully forgiving, and the results are always spectacular.
If you love this monkey bread, you might also enjoy my recipe for sticky cinnamon buns or perhaps some easy apple crumble for another comforting dessert. They share that same warm, inviting flavor profile that just makes you feel good. Don’t be afraid to experiment with add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips if you’re feeling adventurous! I truly hope you give this monkey bread a try; it’s a recipe that’s brought so much happiness to my family, and I’m sure it will do the same for yours. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out in the comments below! Happy baking, everyone!
Monkey Bread
Ingredients
Dough
- 0.25 cup warm milk
- 2.25 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup warm water
- 3.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoon milk
- 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, the remaining granulated sugar, flour, melted butter, egg, and salt. Add the yeast mixture.
- Mix until a dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the topping by combining brown sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. Melt the butter for the topping in another shallow dish.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down. Roll it into a log and cut into 1-inch pieces. Dip each piece into the melted butter, then into the brown sugar mixture.
- Arrange the coated dough pieces in a greased bundt pan or 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Cover the pan and let the dough rise again for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While the bread is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for the glaze.
- Let the monkey bread cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then invert onto a serving plate. Drizzle with glaze.
