There are some recipes that just instantly transport you back to childhood, aren’t there? For me, that’s definitely monkey bread. I remember making this with my grandma when I was little, the whole kitchen filled with this incredible sweet, cinnamony aroma. It felt like magic, pulling apart those gooey, caramel-covered dough balls. It’s the kind of treat that makes any day feel special, like a mini-celebration without needing a birthday. Honestly, if you’re looking for something that’s ridiculously comforting and surprisingly easy to whip up, this monkey bread is your answer. It’s like a cinnamon roll and a pull-apart bread had the most delicious baby. My family devours this so fast, it’s almost comical!
What is monkey bread?
What is monkey bread? In its simplest terms, it’s a sweet, sticky, pull-apart bread that’s made from pieces of dough. The dough is made of rolled up dough, which is then baked. Is it possible to bake a caramel sauce with cinnamon and sugar? Think of it as a collection of little cinnamon-sugar dough balls that bake into one cohesive, cohesive dough ball. Is there an irre Why is monkey bread named monkey? How do monkeys use their fingers? What is monkey bread? What is it like to eat food? What is a loaf of bread? It’s meant to be shared, pulled apart piece by piece, making it a fantastic centerpiece for any table.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are so many reasons why this monkey bread recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, and I bet it will be in yours too! First off, the flavor is just out of this world. You get that perfect balance of sweet, buttery dough with the warm spice of cinnamon and that luscious caramel coating. It’s pure comfort in every bite. Then there’s the simplicity. Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you can totally nail this. It uses ingredients you probably already have, and the process is straightforward, which is a huge win in my book. Plus, it’s incredibly budget-friendly; you don’t need any fancy or expensive items to make this taste like a gourmet dessert. What I love most, though, is its sheer versatility. It’s perfect for a weekend brunch, an after-school treat, or even a simple dessert when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want the fuss of a whole cake. It’s also a huge crowd-pleaser. I’ve made this for parties, potlucks, and family gatherings, and it always disappears in minutes. It really is a lifesaver on those mornings when you want something special but don’t have a lot of time. It’s just pure joy in bread form!
How do you make monkey bread?
Quick Overview
How do you make monkey bread? What is the best way to make biscuit dough? a cinnamon-sugar mixture, and then arranging them in the Bundt pan that’s been coated in melted butter. If you’d like to serve them, simply sprinkle them on top of each other. What is the best caramel sauce? Is it safe to pop it in the oven until golden brown and bubbly? How do you invert your fingers? The result is a warm, sticky, pull-apart masterpiece that’s absolutely divine. Is it easy to learn?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: What is the main battery
Two (16 ounce) cans of refrigerated biscuit dough (like Pillsbury Grands Flaky Layers) are good for snacking.
One cup of granulated sugar. 1 cup
Two tablespoons ground cinnamon. One tablespoon of dried cinnamon
One cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted.
One teaspoon of vanilla extract is enough to make a
For the Filling:
One cup packed brown sugar is a good amount.
Two tablespoons ground cinnamon.
One teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but I love it)
Half cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for an extra crunch)
For the Glaze:
Half a cup powdered sugar.
Two to three tablespoons of milk or cream.
Half teaspoon vanilla extract.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, let’s get our oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a 10-inch Bundt pan. What is the secret behind the classic monkey bread shape? What makes it gooey and delicious? In a small saucepan or microwave, melt the butter. Stir in the vanilla extract. Set aside. How do I make a Bundt pan? Pour half of this vanilla butter into the bottom of the pan. If you’re using nuts, sprinkle them evenly over the butter in the pan. What makes caramel sauce so luscious when it inverts?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a shallow bowl or pie plate, whisk together the granulated sugar and the two tablespoons of salt. Set aside. What cinnamon is used in dough coating? What is the cinnamon-sugar combination that gives our monkey bread its signature flavor? Make sure it’s well combined so every piece of dough gets a nice coating.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
How do I add vanilla to melted butter? What is the “wet” ingredient for coating the dough pieces? Just make sure it’s not piping hot when you start dipping the dough, or it might get a little too hot.
Step 4: Combine
When you open up those cans of biscuit dough, you’ll notice they are already pre-cut into biscuits. If you want smaller, more bite-sized pieces, you can cut each biscuit into quarters. If you can cut a banana in half, just cut them in quarters. It’s fine. What is the best way to dip a piece of dough in vanilla butter? After it’s coated in butter, roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until it’s nicely coated. How do I get a lot of steps for each little piece?
Step 5: Prepare Filling
What is the internal flavor boost? In a separate bowl, combine the packed brown sugar, the extra two tablespoons of cinnamon, and the remaining 2 cups of vanilla. Set aside. If you’re using nutmeg, you can use it What is the best way to sprinkle flour between dough balls? What is that cinnamon-sugar combo?
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Start by placing about a third of your coated dough pieces into the prepared Bundt pan. Sprinkle about a third of your brown sugar cinnamon mixture over them. Repeat this process, adding a third of the dough pieces and then another third (or more) of brown sugar. Finish by placing the remaining dough pieces on top and sprinkling any leftover brown sugar mixture. Over the very top. Gently press down the dough pieces to make sure they fill the pan nicely and are snug against each other. Is it true that they will expand as they bake?
Step 7: Bake
Place your Bundt pan in the preheated oven. You’re going to bake this for about 30 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is beautifully golden brown and the caramel is bubbling around the edges. To be sure, you can insert a toothpick near the center – it should come out mostly clean, though you might hit some caramel. The key is a gorgeous, caramelized crust.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
What is the hardest part of waiting? Let the monkey bread cool in the Bundt pan for about 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the caramel to set up just enough so it doesn’t spill out when you invert it. While it’s cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk (start with 2 and add the rest of the ingredients). Is the vanilla extract for the glaze too strong? Is this glaze good for monkey bread? If you invert it first, then drizzle, it looks extra pretty.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Now for the moment of truth! Place a serving platter over the Bundt pan, take sigh, and carefully invert the pan. If you want to remove a pan, lift it off gently. If any bits stick, just scoop them out with a spatula and place them back on top. Serve warm, of course! Is cinnamon sugar meant to be pulled apart? The smell alone is heavenly, and the taste is even better. My family always hovers around the pan, waiting for their turn to dive in!
What should I serve it with?
What is monkey bread? For a casual breakfast, it’s great with ice cold milk or coffee. What are some ways to add fresh berries to a salad? If you’re planning a more elaborate brunch spread, it’s gonna be tastier! Serve it as a centerpiece alongside quiches, bacon, and fresh fruit salad. What is a good cocktail to serve at brunch? As a dessert, it’s truly divine. Imagine serving a warm slice of pie after dinner, perhaps with ice cream and vanilla bean. How do you melt caramel? What are some of the best snacks to eat in the morning? My kids love it after school, and honestly, I’ve been known to sneak a piece late at night when I don’t have time to sleep. I need a little pick-me-up. Is it always hit the spot?
How do you make a perfect Monkey Bread?
I’ve made this monkey bread more times than I can count, and over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really make a difference. First, when it comes to the biscuit dough, don’t be afraid to cut the pieces into smaller, more manageable bites. This ensures you get more cinnamon-sugar goodness on each piece and it makes for easier pulling. Also, make sure your butter is fully melted and your cinnamon-sugar mixture is thoroughly combined. A good coating is key! When you’re layering, don’t pack the dough down too tightly; give it a little room to expand. Trust me, I learned that the hard way once, and it resulted in a slightly denser bread. For the caramel layer, if you’re using nuts, make sure they are evenly distributed in the bottom of the pan before you add the butter. For the brown sugar filling, mixing it with a touch of cinnamon before sprinkling it in adds another dimension of flavor. If you find your caramel isn’t quite as gooey as you like, you can always add a tablespoon or two of milk to the melted butter in the pan before you start dipping the dough. And for the glaze, my favorite trick is to start with less liquid and add more as needed until you get that perfect drizzly consistency. It’s better to add too little than too much! Also, if you don’t have a Bundt pan, a 9×13 inch baking dish will work, though the shape will be different. Just be sure to adjust baking time slightly.
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
Honestly, this monkey bread is best eaten fresh and warm, but if you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), it stores pretty well. At room temperature, you can keep it covered tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil for up to two days. It might lose a little of its crispness, but it will still be delicious and gooey. If you need to store it for longer, pop it into an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. It will firm up a bit more in the fridge, but don’t worry, it’s easily revived. To reheat, my preferred method is to warm it in the oven at around 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes until it’s heated through and the caramel is soft again. You can also microwave individual portions for about 20-30 seconds, but be careful not to overheat it, as the caramel can get too hot very quickly. If you’ve made it and want to freeze it, I recommend doing so before glazing. Wrap the cooled monkey bread tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat as directed above. You can add the glaze after reheating if you’re freezing it plain.
What are the most frequently asked questions on
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to recipe for the most delicious, crowd-pleasing monkey bread. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a little piece of comfort and joy that brings people together. From the irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen to the pure delight of pulling apart those gooey, cinnamon-sugar coated dough balls, this monkey bread is truly special. It’s simple enough for a weeknight treat but impressive enough for guests. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my cinnamon roll pancakes or my easy apple crumble – they have that same comforting vibe! I can’t wait to hear what you think of this monkey bread, and I’d absolutely love to see your creations. Let me know in the comments how it turned out, or if you tried any fun variations!
Monkey Bread
Ingredients
Dough
- 0.5 cup milk
- 2.25 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a small bowl, warm milk slightly. Stir in yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine melted butter and sugar. Add the yeast mixture and stir.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled.
- While dough rises, mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
- Punch down the dough and roll it into a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces.
- Dip each piece of dough into melted butter, then roll in the sugar-cinnamon mixture.
- Arrange dough pieces in a greased bundt pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before inverting onto a plate.
