Delicious Monkey Bread Recipe: Sweet, Gooey, and Irresistible!
Monkey Bread is a beloved, gooey, and sweet pull-apart treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Made from bite-sized pieces of dough coated in cinnamon sugar and baked in a buttery syrup, it’s a fun, shareable dish that everyone will love.
The irresistible aroma as it bakes fills your kitchen, and the tender, sticky pieces melt in your mouth with every bite. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or simply treating yourself, Monkey Bread is sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Monkey Bread Recipe?
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a delicious dessert or breakfast treat in no time.
- Perfectly Sweet and Sticky: The gooey cinnamon-sugar coating gives each piece a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Fun to Serve: The pull-apart nature of the bread makes it a fun, interactive treat that’s great for sharing with family and friends.
- Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins, such as nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit, to create your own twist on the classic recipe.
- Great for Special Occasions: Ideal for holidays, weekend brunches, or whenever you need a sweet indulgence.
Ingredients For Monkey Bread
For this Monkey Bread recipe, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients that come together to create a sweet, gooey masterpiece:
For the Dough:
- 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (each can about 16 oz)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Syrup:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins (for extra flavor):
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
Step By Step Instruction To Make Monkey Bread
Follow these simple steps to make the best Monkey Bread:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Open the biscuit dough cans and cut each biscuit into quarters. Set the pieces aside.
Step 2: Coat the Biscuit Pieces
- In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll each biscuit piece into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. If you’re adding nuts or other mix-ins, you can toss the biscuit pieces in with the nuts to coat them as well.
Step 3: Prepare the Syrup
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is smooth and combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Monkey Bread
- Grease a bundt pan generously with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- Layer the cinnamon-coated biscuit pieces into the bundt pan, arranging them evenly. If using optional add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, sprinkle them between the layers of dough.
- Once all the dough is in the pan, pour the warm butter and sugar syrup evenly over the top, ensuring all the dough pieces are soaked.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the Monkey Bread is golden brown and bubbly. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted into the center.
- Let the Monkey Bread cool for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. The syrup will begin to drip down the bread, creating a glossy, gooey finish.
PRO TIP: For an extra level of sweetness, drizzle some more caramel sauce or melted chocolate on top just before serving.
FAQs or Tips Section
Here are some commonly asked questions and helpful tips for making Monkey Bread:
Can I use frozen dough instead of refrigerated biscuit dough?
Yes, you can use frozen dough, but you’ll need to thaw it before cutting and coating the pieces. The texture may be slightly different, but it will still turn out delicious!
Can I make Monkey Bread in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the Monkey Bread up to the point of baking. After assembling the dough in the bundt pan and pouring over the syrup, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, simply bake it as usual. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
How long will Monkey Bread keep?
Monkey Bread is best enjoyed the day it’s made, as it can lose some of its gooey texture. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat individual pieces in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked feel.
Can I freeze Monkey Bread?
Yes, you can freeze Monkey Bread! After baking and cooling, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes to warm it up.
Variations or Serving Suggestions
You can easily customize your Monkey Bread to suit your tastes and make it your own:
- Add Fruits: Incorporate fresh berries, sliced apples, or banana slices between the layers of dough for a fruity twist.
- Use Different Sugars: Swap brown sugar for white sugar or try using maple syrup instead of the usual sugar syrup for a unique flavor.
- Chocolate Lover’s Monkey Bread: Add chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the bread once it’s baked for a chocolatey indulgence.
- Make It Savory: For a savory version, omit the cinnamon and sugar and instead use garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and herbs like rosemary or thyme. This is perfect for a brunch or appetizer.
Serve your Monkey Bread with a side of fresh fruit, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat.
Nutrition + Summary
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (one piece of Monkey Bread):
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280–350 |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 20g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
Monkey Bread is a fun, sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Its gooey, cinnamon-sugar goodness is irresistible, and it’s easy to make with a few basic ingredients. Whether you’re preparing it for a special gathering or just for a cozy breakfast, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the warm, sticky goodness that comes with every pull-apart bite!
Disclaimer: Nutritional information on this blog is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and portions. We are not nutritionists and recommend consulting a professional for specific dietary advice.