If you’re looking for a warm, irresistibly sweet treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert, this Easy Monkey Bread Recipe will quickly become your new go-to. Imagine pulling apart soft, cinnamon-sugar coated bites of buttery biscuit dough melting in your mouth with every pinch—no forks or knives required. It’s that nostalgic, cozy combo of cinnamon and sugar wrapped in tender dough, all baked to golden perfection in a bundt pan. Whether you’re serving it for a crowd or just your family, this recipe brings joy to any morning or afternoon with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Monkey Bread Recipe keeps it simple, using a handful of everyday ingredients that each play a starring role. From the melt-in-your-mouth biscuit dough to the rich brown sugar glaze, every component works harmoniously to deliver the perfect balance of soft, sweet, and buttery goodness.
- 2 (16 oz) cans refrigerated biscuit dough: The base of the bread, providing soft pillowy bites that pull apart easily.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds a sweet, crunchy coating when combined with cinnamon.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Brings the warm, classic spice flavor that defines monkey bread.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Melted for the rich, moist butter glaze that seeps into every nook and cranny.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Gives a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the glaze.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle warmth and rounds out the sugary glaze’s flavor.
- Optional pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Keeps the monkey bread from sticking to the bundt pan for perfect serving.
How to Make Easy Monkey Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your bundt pan generously with nonstick cooking spray. This is essential because the sticky glaze can make the bread hard to release if you miss this step. Then, cut each biscuit into quarters; these smaller pieces help create those signature pull-apart chunks.
Step 2: Coat the Biscuit Pieces
In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Toss in all the biscuit pieces, seal the bag, and shake vigorously until each piece is beautifully coated in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This step is what delivers that addictive crisp, sugary crust once baked.
Step 3: Arrange and Prepare the Glaze
Layer the coated biscuit quarters evenly into the prepared bundt pan to ensure even baking. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract, cooking the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes smooth and melded together. This luscious glaze will soak into the biscuit layers, creating that gooey, caramelized texture monkey bread is famous for.
Step 4: Bake the Monkey Bread
Pour the warm butter and brown sugar glaze evenly over the biscuit pieces in the pan. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is a gorgeous golden brown and the center is cooked through. When the timer’s up, let it cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes – this brief rest makes flipping it over a breeze without any mess.
Step 5: Unmold and Serve
Carefully invert the bundt pan onto a serving plate, and watch your Easy Monkey Bread Recipe come to life as the toasty, sticky goodness releases perfectly from the pan. Serve it warm and encourage everyone to pull apart the individual pieces—fun, friendly, and utterly delicious.
How to Serve Easy Monkey Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Easy Monkey Bread Recipe even more special, consider some simple garnishes. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze adds an elegant touch of sweetness and visual appeal. Chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top before baking also add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the gooey cinnamon sugar.
Side Dishes
This pull-apart bread shines as a standalone treat but pairs wonderfully with creamy breakfast classics. A side of freshly whipped cream, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a bowl of mixed berries creates a nice contrast in textures and flavors. For brunch gatherings, serve alongside scrambled eggs or crispy bacon to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your Easy Monkey Bread Recipe on a rustic wooden board or a large round serving platter to make it inviting and shareable. Break it apart into mini portions and place in small colorful bowls for a fun party platter. For a whimsical twist, serve alongside a hot chocolate bar or coffee station so everyone can customize their breakfast treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them tightly covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator. The monkey bread will stay moist and soft for 2 to 3 days. To keep the best texture, avoid storing in direct contact with plastic wrap by wrapping loosely or using a bread box.
Freezing
You can freeze your Easy Monkey Bread Recipe after baking and cooling completely. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil or place it in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. It will keep for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To relive that fresh-from-the-oven feeling, reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warm and soft. Avoid microwaving for long periods as this can make the bread soggy. A quick toast in the oven helps bring back the crisp edges and gooey center.
FAQs
Can I use homemade biscuit dough for this Easy Monkey Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! While refrigerated biscuit dough saves time, homemade biscuit dough works beautifully and lets you customize flavors or add-ins like herbs or cheese for a savory twist.
What if I don’t have a bundt pan?
A bundt pan is ideal for this recipe to get the classic shape and texture, but you can use a deep oven-safe dish or cake pan. Just keep in mind it might change the baking time and appearance slightly.
Can I add nuts or fruit to the monkey bread?
Yes! Adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or even raisins between the biscuit layers adds texture and flavor. Just sprinkle them as you layer the dough pieces in the pan.
Is this recipe very sweet?
This Easy Monkey Bread Recipe has a perfect balance of sweetness from the cinnamon-sugar coating and buttery brown sugar glaze, but you can adjust sugar quantities to your taste or add a glaze on top for extra sweetness.
How do I keep the monkey bread from sticking to the pan?
Greasing the bundt pan generously with nonstick cooking spray is key. You can also lightly dust it with flour after spraying to create an extra barrier and help with easy removal.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Easy Monkey Bread Recipe inspires you to create moments of sweet joy at your next breakfast or brunch. It’s such an approachable, heartwarming dish that brings out smiles and satisfying “mmm” sounds with every pull-apart bite. Once you try it, I bet it’ll become a beloved staple in your kitchen just like it is in mine. So grab your bundt pan, gather your ingredients, and get ready for warm, gooey bites of cinnamon happiness you won’t want to share… but probably will!
Print
Easy Monkey Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy monkey bread recipe features soft, cinnamon-sugar coated biscuit pieces baked together into a pull-apart treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. Coated in a buttery brown sugar glaze, this American classic is quick to prepare and delightful to serve warm with optional nuts or a sweet glaze.
Ingredients
Biscuit Dough
- 2 (16 oz) cans refrigerated biscuit dough
Sugar Coating
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Butter Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional pinch of salt
Other
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Cut each biscuit into quarters for even coating and layering.
- Coat the Biscuit Pieces: In a large zip-top bag, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Add the biscuit quarters to the bag, seal, and shake well until each piece is thoroughly coated in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Layer in Pan: Arrange the coated biscuit pieces evenly in the prepared bundt pan, spreading them out to fill the entire pan surface for consistent baking.
- Make Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the packed brown sugar and vanilla extract. Cook this mixture for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is smooth and combined. Add a pinch of salt if desired to enhance flavor.
- Pour Sauce and Bake: Pour the warm butter and brown sugar sauce evenly over the layered biscuit pieces, ensuring all pieces receive some coverage. Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the monkey bread to cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes after baking to let the sauce set slightly. Carefully invert the bundt pan onto a serving plate. Serve the monkey bread warm by pulling apart pieces as desired for a perfect comforting treat.
Notes
- For a delicious twist, add chopped pecans or walnuts between the biscuit layers for added texture and flavor.
- After baking, drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze to enhance sweetness and presentation.
- Use a bundt pan to get the classic monkey bread shape and ensure even baking.
- Serve shortly after baking to enjoy the warm gooey texture at its best.
