If you’ve been searching for a fun and delicious treat that’s as easy to make as it is to eat, this easy monkey bread recipe is exactly what you need. You’ll love the sweet, gooey texture and the way it pulls apart in soft, cinnamon-scented bites. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert.
This recipe is designed to be straightforward and foolproof, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker. Once you try it, monkey bread might just become a new favorite for your family gatherings and cozy weekend mornings.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
- Quick to prepare with minimal hands-on time.
- Soft, tender dough coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar glaze.
- Perfect for sharing—pull-apart style makes serving easy.
- Versatile enough for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Ingredients
Gather these everyday ingredients to create your easy monkey bread that’s bursting with flavor and irresistible texture.
- 3 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Non-stick cooking spray for greasing the pan
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 10
- Calories: Approximately 320 per serving
How to Make Easy Monkey Bread recipe – You'll Love
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 10-inch Bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Open the biscuit cans and cut each biscuit into quarters.
- Toss the biscuit pieces in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are fully coated, then set aside.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and bring to a gentle boil, then remove from heat.
- Layer a handful of the coated biscuit pieces in the Bundt pan, sprinkle some chopped nuts if using, then drizzle a few spoonfuls of the butter-brown sugar mixture over them. Repeat layering until all pieces, nuts, and butter mixture are used.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dough is cooked through. You can test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Allow the monkey bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then carefully invert it onto a serving plate.
- Serve warm for the best gooey texture, pulling apart the bread with your fingers to enjoy each sticky, sweet bite.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use refrigerated biscuit dough for convenience and consistent texture.
- Don’t skip the cinnamon sugar coating—it’s key to that classic monkey bread flavor.
- If you want an extra gooey center, add a little extra butter and brown sugar mixture between layers.
- Let the bread cool slightly before inverting to prevent it from breaking apart.
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or substitute with mini chocolate chips for a fun twist.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to one month.
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or place the whole loaf in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make monkey bread from scratch instead of using biscuit dough?
Absolutely! You can prepare homemade yeast dough if you prefer, but using refrigerated biscuit dough saves time and still yields a soft, delicious result.
Is monkey bread gluten-free?
This traditional recipe uses regular biscuit dough, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free biscuit dough available at many stores.
Can I add other flavors or mix-ins?
Yes! You can add mini chocolate chips, dried fruit, or different nuts to customize the flavor. Just fold them into the cinnamon sugar-coated dough pieces before layering.
How do I prevent monkey bread from sticking to the pan?
Grease the Bundt pan thoroughly with non-stick spray or butter and dust lightly with flour to make sure the bread releases easily after baking.
