If you’re looking for a show-stopping breakfast treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, Overnight Monkey Bread is your new secret weapon. This irresistible pull-apart bread starts with simple ingredients, transforms overnight in the fridge, and then gets baked into gooey, golden perfection. Whether you’re planning a lazy Sunday brunch with friends or want a ready-to-bake dessert for a busy holiday morning, Overnight Monkey Bread delivers big on comfort, flavor, and sweet nostalgia—one sticky, tender bite at a time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about Overnight Monkey Bread is that the ingredient list is approachable, but each element is absolutely crucial for getting that signature soft, caramelized texture. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you dive in:
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: The shortcut star here, it ensures the bread is tender, fluffy, and perfectly pull-apart every time.
- Granulated sugar: Rolled over every biscuit piece, it creates the signature sweet crust that caramelizes as it bakes.
- Ground cinnamon: This spice brings the warm, cozy flavor you expect from classic Monkey Bread—don’t skimp!
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter ensures richness and a decadent caramel sauce throughout the bread.
- Brown sugar: Dark or light, it melts into the butter for that iconic sticky, gooey finish.
- Optional: vanilla extract: A splash takes the aroma to new heights (highly recommended if you have it on hand).
- Nonstick spray: Greasing your bundt pan thoroughly sets you up for the perfect release—no sticky disasters here!
How to Make Overnight Monkey Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Bundt Pan
Give your bundt pan a very generous coating of nonstick spray, reaching into every nook and cranny. Trust me, this makes the difference between a stunning Overnight Monkey Bread and a sticky situation! If you want extra insurance, sprinkle in a little sugar after spraying for extra crunch and insurance against sticking.
Step 2: Cut and Coat the Dough
Pop open your refrigerated biscuit cans and cut each biscuit into quarters. Toss each piece in a zip-top bag along with the granulated sugar and cinnamon, giving everything a really good shake. You want every bit fully coated for that cinnamon-sugar crust—this is where your Overnight Monkey Bread gets its signature flavor.
Step 3: Layer the Pan
Layer the cinnamon-sugar dough pieces evenly in your prepared pan, distributing them to fill in the shape. Don’t worry if it looks a little haphazard; the magic happens as it rises and bakes! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can sneak in a handful of chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips at this stage for a fun twist.
Step 4: Pour Over the Buttery Sauce
Melt your butter and brown sugar together, either in a saucepan or in the microwave. Stir in a splash of vanilla extract if you like. Pour this luscious, molten mixture evenly over the biscuit pieces—watch as it seeps into every crevice, promising impossibly gooey results after baking.
Step 5: Chill Overnight
Tightly cover your pan with plastic wrap and set it in the fridge overnight. This step gives the biscuits time to soak up all the flavors and rise slowly. By morning, your Overnight Monkey Bread will be ready to bake straight from the fridge—no early-morning prep needed!
Step 6: Bake to Caramelized Perfection
In the morning, preheat your oven and place the pan directly from the fridge onto the center rack. Bake until the top is deeply golden, bubbling at the edges, and the kitchen smells absolutely incredible. Let it cool for a few minutes, then invert carefully onto a plate and revel in the sticky, gorgeous reveal.
How to Serve Overnight Monkey Bread
Garnishes
For that final flourish, dust your Overnight Monkey Bread with a little extra cinnamon-sugar or a snowy shower of powdered sugar. A simple vanilla glaze or a handful of toasted nuts scattered over top also add a bit of drama and crunch. Even a drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel will set hearts fluttering at the table.
Side Dishes
Monkey bread is indulgence central, so partner it with something bright and fresh! Serve alongside bowls of mixed berries or a tangy fruit salad to balance the richness. A pot of fresh coffee, spiced chai, or glasses of cold milk are perfect accompaniments to cut through the sweetness with every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t feel tied to the classic bundt shape—mini bundt pans, muffin tins, or even a deep cake pan all work beautifully for Overnight Monkey Bread. For parties, bake in individual ramekins, letting guests pull apart their own portion. You can also layer in extras like berries, nuts, or chocolate chips and finish with colorful sprinkles for holiday or birthday celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If your crowd somehow leaves you with leftovers, simply cover the cooled Overnight Monkey Bread tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to two days. The pieces will stay soft and gooey, making snacking irresistible any time of day.
Freezing
Monkey bread freezes like a dream! After baking and cooling fully, wrap individual portions or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, or pop into a low oven to refresh when you’re ready for more sweet goodness.
Reheating
To reheat, simply place the desired portion on a microwave-safe plate and warm in 10-15 second bursts until soft and steamy. Larger portions or a whole loaf can be reheated in a 300°F oven, covered loosely with foil to prevent over-browning, for about 10–15 minutes until gooey and warm once more.
FAQs
Can I use homemade dough for Overnight Monkey Bread?
Absolutely! If you’d rather not use canned biscuit dough, a homemade yeast dough or even bread dough will work. Just allow for the same overnight chill so flavors meld and the dough rises slowly.
What if I forget to prep it overnight?
No worries at all! While the slow overnight rise gives extra flavor, you can assemble and chill the monkey bread for just an hour or two, then bake as usual. It’ll still deliver that delectable texture and taste.
Is Overnight Monkey Bread suitable for vegans?
If you use plant-based biscuit dough and dairy-free butter, you can absolutely make a vegan version. Just double check that all your ingredients fit your dietary needs, and you’ll enjoy the same gooey, pull-apart results.
Can I add extras like nuts or chocolate?
Yes! Overnight Monkey Bread is practically begging for add-ins. Try chopped pecans or walnuts, mini chocolate chips, or even swirls of cream cheese for extra layers of flavor and texture—make it your own signature creation.
What’s the best way to get monkey bread out of the pan?
Let it cool for just 5–10 minutes, then invert it onto a big serving plate. If you generously greased your pan, it should release beautifully. If it sticks a little, gently run a knife along the edge to help it along before unmolding.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about sharing a plate of warm, sticky Overnight Monkey Bread with the people you love. Each bite is packed with sweet nostalgia and the promise of a delicious day ahead. Give this make-ahead treat a try—you’ll be amazed how quickly it steals the show at any breakfast or brunch (and don’t be surprised when there’s nothing left but crumbs!).
Print
Overnight Monkey Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Overnight Monkey Bread is a gooey, caramelized pull-apart bread made with refrigerated biscuit dough, perfect for a sweet, easy breakfast or dessert that bakes to golden perfection.
Ingredients
- 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- Nonstick spray
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan generously with nonstick spray. For extra crunch, sprinkle a little sugar after spraying.
- Cut each biscuit into quarters and toss them in a zip-top bag with granulated sugar and cinnamon until fully coated.
- Layer the cinnamon-sugar dough pieces evenly in the prepared pan, adding any optional add-ins like chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
- Melt the butter and brown sugar together (either in a saucepan or microwave). Stir in vanilla extract if using. Pour this mixture evenly over the dough pieces.
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the dough to rise and absorb the flavors.
- In the morning, preheat the oven and bake the bread for 50–60 minutes, or until golden and bubbly. Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before inverting onto a plate to serve.
Notes
- If you’re in a rush, you can refrigerate the dough for just 1-2 hours before baking for a quicker version.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based biscuit dough and dairy-free butter.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or berries can be layered in for extra flavor.
- For extra presentation, dust the bread with powdered sugar or drizzle with a vanilla glaze.
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