If you’re searching for a warm, sweet, and utterly irresistible treat, this Classic Monkey Bread Recipe is your answer. Perfectly soft, pull-apart biscuit pieces coated in cinnamon sugar and baked to a gooey golden finish, this dish always brings smiles at breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate — delightfully simple yet packed with flavor that everyone will love. Once you try this Classic Monkey Bread Recipe, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the perfect ingredients is the first step toward that iconic gooey and cinnamon-sweet flavor. These simple essentials work together beautifully to create the perfect texture and taste, from tender biscuit dough pieces to that rich, caramel-like brown sugar glaze.
- 3 cans refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into quarters: This forms the soft, fluffy base that pulls apart effortlessly when cooked.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds a sweet crunch that clings to each dough piece.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Infuses every bite with warm, aromatic spice.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness and helps create that luscious glaze.
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar: Melts into sticky, caramel-like goodness that holds the whole bread together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and a subtle sweet aroma that enhances the cinnamon sugar flavor.
How to Make Classic Monkey Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Mix the Cinnamon Sugar
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and generously greasing a 10-inch bundt pan — butter or nonstick spray both work wonders here. While the oven heats, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a large bowl, blending these two simple ingredients to create that cherished cinnamon sugar coating. This mixture is the key to that addictive crunch and spice in the finished bread.
Step 2: Coat the Biscuit Pieces
Cut your refrigerated biscuit dough into quarters, then toss all the pieces in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Be sure every piece is thoroughly coated for even sweetness and flavor throughout the monkey bread. This bit of hands-on mixing is a fun and satisfying step that helps build anticipation!
Step 3: Arrange the Dough in the Bundt Pan
Once your biscuit quarters are evenly coated, layer them carefully in your prepared bundt pan. Aim for an even spread so the bread bakes uniformly, ensuring each bite will be soft, gooey, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Step 4: Pour the Butter and Brown Sugar Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract. This luscious mixture will create that iconic sticky glaze as it bakes, infusing the bread with richness and a caramelized finish. Pour it evenly over the biscuit pieces, allowing it to seep into every nook and cranny.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Place the bundt pan on a baking sheet to catch any sugary drips and bake in your preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for a deep golden top and fully cooked dough in the center. When done, let the monkey bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set before carefully flipping it out onto a serving platter. Warm, sticky, and aromatic — it’s now ready to dive into!
How to Serve Classic Monkey Bread Recipe
Garnishes
While this classic monkey bread stands beautifully on its own, adding chopped pecans or walnuts between the biscuit layers can introduce a delightful crunch and a nutty dimension that complements the cinnamon sugar perfectly. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze also takes it to next-level indulgence.
Side Dishes
Classic Monkey Bread pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for balanced sweetness. For brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a truly crowd-pleasing spread. If enjoying as dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries makes an inviting contrast to the warm bread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your monkey bread in individual mini bundt pans for personal portions at gatherings, or slice it into wedges like a cake for a fun handheld treat. You can even create bite-sized pieces in muffin tins for easy snacking or add a splash of flavored syrup or caramel on the side for dipping and extra decadence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (and sometimes there won’t be!), place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The bread remains wonderfully soft but may lose some of its fresh-baked charm, so plan to enjoy it soon after making it.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover monkey bread to rescue later indulgence. Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to one month. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
To bring your leftover Classic Monkey Bread back to life, heat it briefly in the microwave for 15 to 30 seconds or warm it in an oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. This revives the gooey texture and caramel flavor without drying it out, making it taste freshly baked again.
FAQs
Can I use homemade biscuit dough for this Classic Monkey Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade biscuit dough can add a lovely fresh flavor and texture. Just ensure it’s sturdy enough to hold together when coated and baked, and cut it into bite-sized pieces for perfect pull-apart results.
What variations can I try with this recipe?
Feel free to mix in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, add mini chocolate chips between the layers, or sprinkle vanilla or almond extracts for unique flavors. Some even enjoy a cream cheese glaze drizzled on top for extra sweetness.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This Classic Monkey Bread Recipe uses only vegetarian-friendly ingredients, making it perfect for a vegetarian diet without sacrificing richness or flavor.
How long can I leave it out before serving?
For the best taste and texture, serve your monkey bread warm within a couple of hours of baking. If left out longer, cover it to keep it moist but plan to reheat slightly before serving to restore softness.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and choose a vegan biscuit dough if available. Also, ensure your brown sugar is vegan-friendly (some sugars are filtered with bone char). The vanilla extract and cinnamon sugar remain the same!
Final Thoughts
Making this Classic Monkey Bread Recipe is like opening a little box of happiness in your kitchen. Its irresistible pull-apart texture and warm cinnamon sugar sweetness make it an instant favorite for any occasion. Whether it’s a lazy weekend breakfast or a cozy dessert, don’t hesitate to give it a try—once you do, it might just become your go-to crowd-pleaser for years to come!
Print
Classic Monkey Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Monkey Bread is a delicious, pull-apart cinnamon sugar bread made from refrigerated biscuit dough coated in cinnamon sugar and baked with a buttery brown sugar glaze. Perfect for dessert or brunch, this easy-to-make treat delivers a warm, gooey, and sweet experience that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Monkey Bread Dough
- 3 cans refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into quarters
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Butter Glaze
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 10-inch bundt pan with butter or nonstick spray to ensure the monkey bread does not stick.
- Coat the Biscuit Dough: In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Add the biscuit dough quarters and toss them thoroughly until all pieces are evenly coated with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Arrange in Pan: Place the coated biscuit pieces evenly in the prepared bundt pan, spreading them out to form a compact layer.
- Make the Butter Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, packed light brown sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the butter and brown sugar mixture over the biscuit pieces in the pan, ensuring even coverage. Place the bundt pan onto a baking sheet to catch any potential drips and bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is deeply golden and the center is cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the monkey bread to cool for 10 minutes in the pan. Carefully invert the bundt pan onto a serving plate to release the monkey bread. Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For extra flavor and texture, consider layering chopped pecans or walnuts between the biscuit pieces before baking.
- Monkey bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated briefly in the microwave if desired.
