Monkey Bread is the ultimate indulgent treat, with warm, gooey biscuit dough coated in sweet cinnamon-sugar, baked until golden and bubbling. The combination of buttery richness and cinnamon sweetness is absolutely irresistible.
This dessert is perfect for cozy mornings or holiday gatherings. The pull-apart style allows for easy sharing, making it a fun and interactive treat. Whether you’re serving it at brunch, as an afternoon snack, or for a festive celebration, this Monkey Bread will be the star of the show
Full Recipe:
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2 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough
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1 cup granulated sugar
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2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1/2 cup packed brown sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan with butter or non-stick spray.
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In a medium bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
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Open the biscuit dough cans and cut each biscuit into quarters.
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Toss the biscuit pieces in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating each piece evenly.
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Arrange the coated biscuit pieces in layers inside the bundt pan.
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In a separate small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until combined.
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Pour the butter-sugar mixture evenly over the biscuit pieces.
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Sprinkle chopped pecans on top if desired.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
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Let cool for 5 minutes before inverting onto a serving platter. Serve warm and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal per serving | Servings: 8 servings
Monkey Bread: The Ultimate Comfort Dessert
Monkey bread is a warm, gooey, and utterly irresistible treat that has become a staple at family gatherings and holiday brunches. Imagine a perfectly golden, sweet, and sticky dessert that’s as fun to eat as it is to make. With its tender, buttery dough coated in cinnamon-sugar and bathed in a caramel glaze, this pull-apart bread is simply the best part of a cinnamon roll—without the need to roll or shape the dough. This monkey bread recipe, made using store-bought biscuit dough, is not only incredibly easy to prepare but also allows for endless variations and creative twists.
The Story Behind Monkey Bread
Monkey bread has been a beloved dessert for decades, often making an appearance during family gatherings, holidays, and brunches. The name “monkey bread” comes from the way people eat it—pulling off pieces of the bread with their hands, much like how monkeys might pull apart their food. This interactive and fun way of eating has made it a favorite for both children and adults alike. The sticky, cinnamon-coated pieces, when baked together in a bundt pan, create a pull-apart dessert that is both visually appealing and deeply satisfying. Despite its simple ingredients and preparation, monkey bread manages to capture the essence of indulgence, offering a comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why Canned Biscuit Dough?
One of the key factors that make this recipe so easy and accessible is the use of store-bought biscuit dough. While many monkey bread recipes require making dough from scratch, this version skips that step, allowing you to focus on the fun parts: the gooey cinnamon-sugar and the buttery glaze. Canned biscuit dough is the perfect base for this dessert, as it bakes up fluffy and tender, creating those irresistible pockets of sweet, cinnamon-laden goodness. You won’t even notice the difference between homemade dough and the store-bought version, making this a great option for busy mornings or last-minute dessert prep.
Preparing Monkey Bread: The Simple Steps
Monkey bread is not only easy to make, but it also requires very little effort. To begin, simply cut the biscuit dough into bite-sized pieces, toss them in cinnamon and sugar, and then arrange them in a greased bundt pan. The magic happens when the dough is covered in a rich mixture of melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract, which creates the signature sticky coating as it bakes. As the bread bakes, the cinnamon-sugar mixture caramelizes, enveloping the dough in a golden, sweet crust that is both crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. The result is a warm, gooey dessert that’s perfect for serving family and friends.
Customization and Variations: Make It Your Own
While this monkey bread recipe is fantastic on its own, it also offers plenty of room for creativity. One of the best parts about this dessert is that you can easily customize it to fit your preferences or dietary needs. For those who love a little extra flavor, you can add spices like nutmeg or cardamom in place of cinnamon. If you’re a fan of nuts, try adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or even hazelnuts to the cinnamon-sugar coating for added texture and crunch. For a fruity twist, consider adding raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dates to the dough. These simple swaps and additions can elevate your monkey bread, giving it a unique and personal touch.
Storing and Reheating Monkey Bread
If you happen to have leftovers (though that’s unlikely, considering how delicious monkey bread is!), storing it is easy. You can cover it and keep it at room temperature for up to one day, or refrigerate it for up to four days. To reheat, simply place the bread in the oven at 300°F until it is warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings for a quick and convenient option. While it’s best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, monkey bread can still be a treat when reheated, so don’t worry if you have a little leftover.
The Perfect Breakfast or Dessert for Any Occasion
Monkey bread is versatile enough to be served at any time of the day. It works wonderfully as a breakfast treat, especially when paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Its sweetness and richness make it ideal for brunches, where guests can help themselves to pull-apart pieces while enjoying the company of family and friends. And let’s not forget that monkey bread makes a fantastic dessert. Its gooey, sticky nature and decadent flavor make it an instant crowd-pleaser, and it’s perfect for sharing at parties, potlucks, or any celebratory gathering.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Monkey Bread
In conclusion, monkey bread is the ultimate comfort dessert that combines simplicity, flavor, and fun. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, preparing a special breakfast for your family, or just craving a sweet treat, this recipe delivers. The ease of using store-bought biscuit dough means you can make this treat with minimal effort and still achieve that homemade taste. Plus, its customizable nature ensures that you can make it your own with spices, nuts, and fruit. Monkey bread is an easy-to-make, shareable, and irresistible dessert that will undoubtedly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven or reheating it the next day, this sticky, cinnamon-sugar coated bread is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and bring a smile to everyone’s face. Don’t forget to serve it warm for the best experience—after all, there’s no better way to enjoy this gooey, sweet treat than when it’s piping hot from the oven.
Monkey bread may be simple in its preparation, but its deliciousness speaks for itself. Try it today and see why this pull-apart dessert has earned a permanent place in many kitchens and hearts.
