Easy Monkey Bread - Tasteful Zone

There’s something incredibly comforting about pulling apart a warm, gooey, and sweet Monkey Bread. It’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience. The first time I made Monkey Bread, I was hooked. The aroma of cinnamon and sugar filling the kitchen, the sticky caramel-like glaze dripping down the sides, and the joy of sharing it with loved ones—it’s pure magic. Whether it’s for a cozy weekend breakfast, a holiday treat, or just because you deserve something indulgent, Monkey Bread never fails to impress.

What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. It’s made with basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, and the process is so much fun. You get to roll dough into little balls, coat them in cinnamon sugar, and layer them into a bundt pan. As it bakes, the dough puffs up, the sugar caramelizes, and the whole thing turns into a pull-apart masterpiece. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why Monkey Bread is a classic.

What You Need To Make This Recipe

Canned biscuit dough: This is the star of the show. Canned biscuit dough is a convenient and time-saving ingredient that forms the base of Monkey Bread. It’s soft, fluffy, and bakes up beautifully. You can use regular or flaky biscuits, but I recommend the regular kind for a more uniform texture.

Granulated sugar: Sugar is essential for creating the sweet, crunchy coating on the dough balls. It combines with cinnamon to give Monkey Bread its signature flavor. Make sure to use granulated sugar for the best texture.

Ground cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the recipe. It pairs perfectly with the sugar to create that irresistible spiced-sweet coating. Use a good-quality cinnamon for the best flavor.

Butter: Butter is the glue that holds everything together. It helps the sugar and cinnamon stick to the dough and creates a rich, caramel-like glaze as it bakes. Unsalted butter is ideal, but salted butter works too—just adjust the salt in the recipe if needed.

Brown sugar: Brown sugar is used in the glaze, and it’s what gives Monkey Bread its gooey, caramel-like texture. The molasses in brown sugar adds a deep, rich flavor that complements the cinnamon perfectly.

Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the sweetness and adds a subtle floral note to the glaze. It’s a small but mighty ingredient that elevates the overall flavor.

Chopped nuts (optional): If you’re a fan of texture, chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts are a great addition. They add a nice crunch and pair wonderfully with the sweet, sticky dough.

Ingredients List

2 cans (16.3 oz each) canned biscuit dough
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

How to Make Monkey Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake. Grease a bundt pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the Monkey Bread from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar

In a medium bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Set this aside—it’s what you’ll use to coat the dough balls.

Step 3: Cut and Coat the Dough

Open the cans of biscuit dough and separate the biscuits. Cut each biscuit into quarters. Roll each piece into a ball, then toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. Place the coated balls into the prepared bundt pan, layering them evenly.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract. Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. If you’re using nuts, sprinkle them evenly over the dough balls in the pan.

Step 5: Pour the Glaze

Carefully pour the glaze over the dough balls in the bundt pan, making sure to cover as much surface area as possible. This will create that delicious, sticky caramel layer as it bakes.

Step 6: Bake the Monkey Bread

Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the glaze is bubbling. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-baking.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes. This allows the glaze to set slightly. Place a large plate or serving platter over the bundt pan, then carefully invert it to release the Monkey Bread. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for Making This Recipe

Use a non-stick bundt pan: This ensures the Monkey Bread comes out easily and in one piece.
Don’t over-mix the glaze: Stir just until the brown sugar dissolves to avoid a grainy texture.
Add a pinch of salt: If you’re using unsalted butter, a pinch of salt in the glaze can balance the sweetness.
Experiment with flavors: Try adding a dash of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar for a unique twist.
Serve it warm: Monkey Bread is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when it’s gooey and irresistible.
Store leftovers properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to restore its gooey texture.

FAQs

Can I make Monkey Bread from scratch?
Yes! If you prefer not to use canned biscuit dough, you can make your own dough using a simple sweet dough recipe. Just allow extra time for the dough to rise.

Can I make Monkey Bread ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the Monkey Bread the night before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it. Bake it in the morning for a fresh, warm treat.

Can I freeze Monkey Bread?
Yes, Monkey Bread freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven before serving.

What can I use instead of a bundt pan?
If you don’t have a bundt pan, you can use a regular cake pan or even a loaf pan. Just adjust the baking time as needed.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free biscuit dough or make your own gluten-free dough. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

How do I prevent the glaze from sticking to the pan?
Make sure to grease the pan thoroughly, and let the Monkey Bread cool for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a plate. This allows the glaze to set slightly and reduces sticking.

Enjoy making and sharing this delightful Monkey Bread recipe! It’s sure to become a favorite in your household.