Monkey bread is one of those treats that makes every holiday brunch extra special. At my family’s get-togethers, we always place this gooey, cinnamon-sugar delight in the center of the table. The best part? We get to pull apart the warm, buttery pieces with our fingers, enjoying each moment together. There’s something about this recipe that screams comfort, and it’s always the first to disappear.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply craving a sweet breakfast, monkey bread is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s incredibly easy to make and doesn’t require any advanced baking skills. Thanks to the use of canned buttermilk biscuit dough, this recipe is both quick and foolproof. If you’re looking to skip the rising time of homemade dough, this shortcut will save you plenty of time while delivering all the flavor.
You’ll love how this monkey bread comes together with minimal effort. The dough balls are coated in cinnamon and sugar before being drenched in a buttery brown sugar syrup that bakes into a warm, sticky masterpiece. It’s like the best part of a cinnamon roll—without the need to roll anything! So, grab a Bundt pan, and let’s make this easy yet irresistible treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Monkey bread is a showstopper for any gathering. Its irresistible combination of soft dough, cinnamon sugar, and gooey caramel is hard to beat. The best part? It’s super easy to make. With only a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy this delicious treat with no hassle. Whether for a holiday brunch or a lazy weekend breakfast, this dish never disappoints.
Ingredients Overview
This recipe uses canned buttermilk biscuit dough, making it the perfect option when you need to whip up something quick. While the dough is the base, it’s the cinnamon sugar and buttery brown sugar glaze that turn this into something extraordinary. You can customize it by adding chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a touch of other warm spices. The best part? You don’t need any special equipment, just a Bundt pan, and you’re good to go.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 12-cup Bundt pan generously with butter or non-stick spray. Set it aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together ½ cup of granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon.
Step 3: Separate the canned biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into 6 equal pieces.
Step 4: Add the biscuit pieces to the cinnamon-sugar mixture and toss until each piece is coated evenly.
Step 5: Transfer the coated dough pieces into the prepared Bundt pan, making sure to distribute them evenly.
Step 6: In a small saucepan, melt ¾ cup of unsalted butter with ¾ cup of packed light brown sugar over medium heat. Stir until smooth and combined. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Step 7: Pour the butter mixture evenly over the biscuit dough in the Bundt pan, making sure it covers the pieces well.
Step 8: Bake for 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the caramel is bubbling around the edges.
Step 9: Let the monkey bread cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then carefully flip it onto a plate or platter. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Recipe
- Be sure to coat the dough thoroughly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to ensure each bite is packed with flavor.
- If you want an extra touch of crunch, try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the dough before baking.
- For a fruitier version, toss in some dried cranberries or raisins to add a bit of sweetness.
Variations to Try
- Spice it up by swapping out the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice or adding a pinch of nutmeg for a different flavor profile.
- Add a handful of chopped apples or pears for a fruity twist.
- For a nutty crunch, add walnuts or pecans to the dough before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use homemade biscuit dough for this recipe?
Yes, you can use homemade dough, but store-bought buttermilk biscuit dough is quicker and easier, especially for a brunch with many dishes. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Monkey bread is best served fresh, but you can prepare it the night before and refrigerate it unbaked. Bake it in the morning for a warm, freshly made treat. - How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored at room temperature for 1 day or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F or microwave individual servings. - Can I add other spices to the cinnamon sugar?
Yes, try adding a little nutmeg, cardamom, or even pumpkin pie spice for a unique twist on the traditional cinnamon flavor. - Is there a way to make monkey bread without a Bundt pan?
If you don’t have a Bundt pan, you can use a regular round cake pan or a loaf pan, though the baking time may vary slightly.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Monkey bread is best enjoyed fresh and warm. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate them for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the bread in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes until warm, or heat individual servings in the microwave for a few seconds.
Conclusion
Monkey bread is the ultimate treat for any occasion, whether it’s a family brunch or a casual get-together. With its irresistible combination of cinnamon, sugar, and butter, it’s hard not to devour it as soon as it’s out of the oven. The pull-apart, gooey texture makes it a fun and delicious dish to share with loved ones.
Not only does this recipe taste amazing, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. Thanks to the use of canned biscuit dough, you don’t need to worry about dough rising or complicated techniques. It’s a foolproof recipe that guarantees a sweet success every time you make it.
Be sure to follow me on Pinterest @Wendy Recipes for more tempting recipes like this. Your next brunch or breakfast just got a whole lot sweeter with this simple yet delightful monkey bread.
