Gooey Homemade Monkey Bread Recipe: A Sweet Family Treat

Warm, gooey, and irresistibly delicious, this classic monkey bread recipe will have everyone gathering around the table with excitement.

Pillowy soft dough coated in cinnamon sugar creates a heavenly pull-apart treat that’s pure comfort.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth, making this dessert a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

The magic happens when buttery, caramelized edges meet tender, soft centers that practically melt in your mouth.

Generations have loved this nostalgic breakfast or dessert that brings pure joy to the kitchen.

Prepare to be the hero of your next brunch or family gathering with this simple yet spectacular dish that promises smiles and second helpings.

Why This Monkey Bread Recipe Is a Crowd Favorite

• Perfect for bringing everyone together with a playful, interactive dessert that lets each person pull and enjoy their own tasty piece.
• Prepare the ingredients in advance and assemble quickly, making this recipe a stress-free option for busy families or last-minute gatherings.
• Requires minimal baking skills with simple steps, making it an excellent recipe for beginner bakers or children learning to cook.
• Delivers an irresistible combination of gooey caramel, warm cinnamon, and soft biscuit pieces that appeals to all ages and taste preferences.

What You Need for the Monkey Bread Recipe

• Refrigerated Biscuits: Convenient pre-made dough that serves as the foundation of the Monkey Bread.
• Granulated Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Provides a sweet and warm flavor layer that enhances the overall taste of the bread.
• Butter, Brown Sugar: Creates a rich, gooey caramel sauce that binds the bread pieces and adds deep sweetness.
• Powdered Sugar: Can be sprinkled on top for additional sweetness and decorative appearance.

Making the Monkey Bread Recipe Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Heat the oven to 350°F.

Generously coat a Bundt pan with butter or non-stick spray to ensure easy release.

Step 2: Break Down Biscuits

Grab refrigerated biscuit tubes and slice each biscuit into four equal chunks.

This creates perfect bite-sized pieces for easy pulling and sharing.

Step 3: Create Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Toss biscuit pieces into a large zip-top bag.

Sprinkle sugar and cinnamon inside.

Seal and shake vigorously until every piece is completely covered in the sweet, spicy mixture.

Step 4: Layer Biscuit Pieces

Scatter the cinnamon-coated biscuit pieces into the prepared Bundt pan.

Distribute them randomly for a rustic, uneven look that adds visual appeal.

Step 5: Craft Caramel Sauce

• Butter
• Brown sugar

Melt butter and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat.

Stir continuously until the mixture transforms into a smooth, glossy caramel sauce.

Step 6: Drench in Caramel

Pour the warm caramel sauce evenly over the biscuit pieces, ensuring every nook gets a delicious coating.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 35 minutes.

Watch for a golden-brown top and a fully cooked center.

A clean toothpick indicates it’s ready.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the Monkey Bread rest in the pan for 5 minutes.

Carefully invert onto a serving plate.

Wait another 10 minutes before pulling apart and enjoying the gooey, caramel-covered treat.

Tips for Soft, Gooey Monkey Bread Recipe Success

• Cut biscuits into uniform quarters to ensure consistent baking and perfect caramel sauce absorption throughout each piece.
• Generously grease the Bundt pan with butter or non-stick spray for easy removal and clean slicing of the monkey bread.
• Stir butter and brown sugar constantly over medium heat, watching carefully to create a smooth sauce without burning.
• Use a zip-top bag to evenly coat biscuit pieces with cinnamon-sugar, guaranteeing maximum flavor in every bite.
• Insert a toothpick into the center to confirm the bread is fully baked, ensuring no raw dough remains in the middle of the dessert.

How to Keep Monkey Bread Recipe Fresh for Longer

• Store cooled Monkey Bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Place individual portions or the entire bread in a freezer-safe container. Wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw frozen Monkey Bread in the refrigerator overnight. Warm at 300°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning. Remove foil for the last 2-3 minutes to crisp the top.
• Warm individual servings for 15-20 seconds. Add a small pat of butter before microwaving to restore moisture and enhance flavor. Check temperature and avoid overheating to maintain soft texture.

Delicious Pairings for the Monkey Bread Recipe

• Pair with Creamy Vanilla Latte: Smooth, rich espresso with vanilla undertones perfectly complements the sweet cinnamon and caramel notes of the Monkey Bread, creating a luxurious breakfast or dessert experience.
• Serve Alongside Fresh Berry Compote: Tart, vibrant mixed berries cut through the richness of the caramel sauce, adding a refreshing contrast and balancing the dessert's sweetness with bright, fruity flavors.
• Match with Cinnamon Whipped Cream: Soft, light whipped cream infused with extra cinnamon enhances the bread's spicy undertones, providing a silky texture that elevates each delectable pull-apart bite.
• Enjoy with Cold Milk Chaser: Classic, cold milk helps cleanse the palate between sticky, sweet bites, creating a nostalgic and comforting pairing that brings out the warmth of the cinnamon and caramel.

Monkey Bread Recipe Variations You Should Try

• Gluten-Free Monkey Bread: Replace traditional biscuits with gluten-free biscuit dough or use almond flour-based biscuit mix for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Caramel Monkey Bread: Swap butter with coconut oil and use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar. Utilize plant-based biscuit dough for a dairy-free alternative.
• Low-Sugar Monkey Bread: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use sugar-free caramel sauce and reduce overall sweetness while maintaining delicious flavor.
• Nutty Protein Monkey Bread: Add chopped pecans or walnuts between biscuit layers for extra crunch and protein. Sprinkle crushed nuts on top before baking for additional texture and nutrition.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for Monkey Bread?

The key ingredients are refrigerated biscuits, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, butter, and brown sugar. These simple pantry staples combine to create a deliciously sweet and sticky pull-apart bread.

• Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of refrigerated ones?

Yes, you can use homemade biscuit dough. Just ensure the dough is similar in consistency to store-bought refrigerated biscuits and cut it into comparable-sized pieces for even baking.

• Why do I need to shake the biscuit pieces in a zip-top bag with cinnamon and sugar?

Shaking the pieces in the bag ensures an even and complete coating of cinnamon-sugar, which creates a consistent sweet flavor and helps develop a delicious caramelized crust on each piece of bread.

• How do I know when the Monkey Bread is fully baked?

The Monkey Bread is done when the top is golden brown, the center is no longer doughy, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This typically takes about 35 minutes in a 350°F oven.

Monkey Bread Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 10 1x

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Description

Gooey, pull-apart monkey bread brings warm cinnamon comfort straight from Southern kitchens. Sticky caramel glaze and pillowy dough create an irresistible breakfast treat you cannot resist savoring with morning coffee.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 tubes refrigerated biscuit dough (8 biscuits each)
• 3/4 cup (177 ml) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240 ml) brown sugar
• 3/4 cup (170 g) butter

Spices and Flavoring:

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 9-cup Bundt pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent adhesion.
2. Extract biscuits from cans and slice each into four uniform segments to guarantee even baking and optimal caramel absorption.
3. Transfer biscuit pieces into a large sealable bag, add granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, then vigorously shake to create a complete cinnamon-sugar coating that enhances flavor and develops a crispy exterior.
4. Distribute the cinnamon-coated biscuit pieces evenly throughout the prepared Bundt pan, ensuring comprehensive sauce penetration across all layers.
5. Combine butter and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a smooth, glossy caramel sauce. Carefully drizzle the warm sauce uniformly over the biscuit pieces.
6. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes, monitoring until the surface achieves a rich golden-brown color and the interior becomes fully cooked. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center, which should emerge clean.
7. Allow the Monkey Bread to rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate. Let it cool an additional 10 minutes to permit the caramel sauce to slightly stabilize, creating an easily pull-apart texture.

Notes

• Use refrigerated biscuit dough at room temperature for easier cutting and more uniform pieces.
• Ensure each biscuit piece is evenly coated with cinnamon-sugar for consistent flavor throughout the bread.
• Let the bread cool slightly before inverting to prevent burning and allow caramel sauce to set.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute regular biscuits with gluten-free biscuit dough or make homemade dough using alternative flour blends.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 10
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 33 g
• Sodium: 570 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg