Monkey Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Monkey Bread is a pull-apart pastry made from soft, sweet dough balls coated in cinnamon sugar and baked together in a bundt pan. Sticky, gooey, and irresistibly buttery, this treat is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or just craving something indulgent, Monkey Bread is a fun and shareable favorite.

ingredients

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

refrigerated biscuit doughgranulated sugarbrown sugarunsalted butterground cinnamonvanilla extractoptional chopped nuts or raisins (for added texture)

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan thoroughly.

In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon.

Cut each biscuit into quarters and roll each piece in the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Layer the coated dough pieces evenly in the bundt pan. If using nuts or raisins, sprinkle them between layers.

In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar together over medium heat. Stir until combined and smooth.

Remove from heat and add vanilla extract.

Pour the butter-sugar mixture evenly over the layered dough pieces in the pan.

Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the dough is cooked through.

Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving plate.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves approximately 8-10 people.Preparation time: 15 minutesBaking time: 35-40 minutesCooling time: 10 minutesTotal time: 60-65 minutes

Variations

Use homemade yeast dough for a more traditional texture.

Add a cream cheese glaze or drizzle with icing for extra sweetness.

Mix in chopped apples for a fall-inspired twist.

Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for deeper spice flavor.

Use crescent roll dough instead of biscuit dough for a flakier version.

storage/reheating

Store Monkey Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.To reheat, warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds per serving or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

Why is it called Monkey Bread?

Because it’s meant to be pulled apart with fingers, similar to how monkeys might pick at their food.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it the night before, refrigerate it, and bake it fresh in the morning.

Can I freeze Monkey Bread?

Yes, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Do I have to use a bundt pan?

A bundt pan is traditional, but you can also use a loaf pan or cake pan—just adjust the baking time.

Can I use homemade dough?

Absolutely! Just make sure it’s a sweet, enriched dough similar to brioche or cinnamon roll dough.

How do I keep the bread from sticking?

Grease the pan very well with butter or non-stick spray, especially in all the crevices.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?

You can use white sugar with a bit of molasses as a substitute.

Can I add a glaze?

Yes, a simple icing sugar and milk glaze works great on top.

Is this suitable for kids?

Yes, it’s fun to eat and has a sweet, cinnamon flavor that kids love.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free biscuit dough and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

Monkey Bread is the ultimate comfort food—sweet, sticky, and endlessly shareable. Perfect for gatherings or weekend treats, it brings people together with its pull-apart design and irresistible cinnamon flavor. Try it once, and you’ll understand why it’s a beloved classic across generations.

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