Classic Monkey Bread Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of a warm, sticky, cinnamon-scented treat that pulls apart in perfect little bites, then you’re going to adore this Classic Monkey Bread Recipe. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for breakfast or dessert, transforming simple biscuit dough into golden nuggets of sweet, buttery goodness. Every time I make this, the irresistible aroma fills the kitchen and turns casual mornings into celebrations. This recipe strikes that perfect balance of gooey richness and cinnamon-spiced charm—making it a cozy favorite you’ll want to share with family and friends again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is like assembling a dream team for flavor and texture—you’ll find that each one plays a key role in turning ordinary biscuits into a luscious, pull-apart masterpiece.
- Refrigerated biscuit dough (3 cans, 7.5 ounces each): The foundation of this recipe, providing soft, pillowy bites that soak up all the delicious flavors.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds a sweet crunch when combined with cinnamon, creating that signature outside coating.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Infuses cozy warmth and spice into every piece, making it impossible to resist.
- Packed brown sugar (1 cup): Brings deep caramel notes and a lovely gooey texture under the biscuit pieces.
- Unsalted butter, melted (3/4 cup): Adds richness and helps create that glossy, sticky finish monkey bread is known for.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet flavors with its subtle, aromatic touch.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures your monkey bread releases effortlessly from the pan every time.
How to Make Classic Monkey Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and generously greasing a 12-cup Bundt pan with nonstick spray—this is crucial to prevent sticking. Then, cut each biscuit into four quarters, which will give you bite-sized pieces perfect for layering and sharing.
Step 2: Coat the Biscuit Pieces
In a large zip-top bag, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Working in batches, add the biscuit quarters to the bag and shake to coat each piece thoroughly. This cinnamon-sugar sprinkle is the secret to that perfect sweet and slightly crunchy exterior that sets this Classic Monkey Bread Recipe apart.
Step 3: Layer in the Bundt Pan
Evenly layer the coated biscuit pieces into the prepared Bundt pan, making sure each bite has a chance to soak up the buttery, caramel flavors that will come next.
Step 4: Make and Pour the Butter Mixture
Whisk together the melted butter, packed brown sugar, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until completely smooth and combined. Then pour this luscious mixture evenly over the biscuit pieces in the pan, letting it seep in between the layers to create that irresistible gooey texture.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the monkey bread for 35 to 40 minutes or until the top is a gorgeous golden brown and the center is fully cooked. Once out of the oven, allow it to cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate—the moment you lift that Bundt pan is pure magic!
How to Serve Classic Monkey Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Finish it off with a generous drizzle of powdered sugar glaze, a sprinkle of chopped nuts for crunch, or a dusting of extra cinnamon. These little touches not only make the monkey bread look inviting but add delightful layers of flavor and texture.
Side Dishes
Classic Monkey Bread Recipe pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salad or a dollop of creamy yogurt to balance the sweetness. For brunch, consider serving alongside scrambled eggs or crispy bacon for a well-rounded meal that satisfies every craving.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, serve the monkey bread in individual ramekins to give each guest their own pull-apart portion. Or, add colored sugars or mini chocolate chips between layers before baking to make it even more playful and exciting for kids and adults alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (and trust me, that’s a good problem to have), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh and tasty for up to two days, though they’re best enjoyed warm on day one.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked monkey bread in the Bundt pan before baking by covering it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to one month, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as usual. This is a huge time-saver for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings.
Reheating
To bring your monkey bread back to its fresh-from-the-oven glory, reheat it in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. If reheating individual pieces, a microwave for 20 seconds works perfectly—just be sure not to overdo it and dry out that precious buttery goodness.
FAQs
Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of canned?
Absolutely! Homemade biscuit dough works wonderfully if you want that fresh-from-scratch touch. Just cut your dough into bite-sized pieces and follow the same coating and layering steps. The texture might be slightly different but no less delicious.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, using a gluten-free biscuit dough substitute will keep the whole treat gluten-free. Just be sure to check the other ingredients, especially baking sprays and extracts, to confirm they’re gluten-free as well.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
For sure! Chopped pecans or walnuts mixed into the layers add a wonderful crunch. You can also experiment with mini chocolate chips or even dried fruit to add different bursts of flavor and texture.
How do I prevent the monkey bread from sticking to the pan?
Generously spraying the bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray is essential. Using a pan with good nonstick properties helps, too, and letting the bread cool for about 10 minutes before inverting makes release easier.
Can I make the Classic Monkey Bread Recipe vegan?
Definitely! Swap butter for a plant-based alternative, use a vegan vanilla extract, and find dairy-free biscuit dough. The flavor and texture may vary slightly but it will still be just as delightful.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Monkey Bread Recipe is one of those feel-good dishes that brings people together, whether for a lazy weekend breakfast or a sweet snack to brighten the day. It’s simple, sweet, and utterly addictive—the kind of recipe that becomes a beloved tradition. I can’t wait for you to try it yourself and see how something so easy can taste so incredible!
Print
Classic Monkey Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Monkey Bread is a sweet, pull-apart treat made from cinnamon-coated biscuit dough baked with a rich brown sugar and butter glaze. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this easy-to-make recipe delivers warm, gooey, and flavorful bites that everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3 cans (7.5 ounces each) refrigerated biscuit dough
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Brown Sugar Butter Sauce
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Other
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 12-cup Bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare biscuit pieces: Cut each biscuit from the refrigerated dough into quarters, creating small pieces for coating.
- Coat biscuit pieces: In a large zip-top bag, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Add the biscuit pieces in batches, seal the bag, and shake well until all pieces are evenly coated with cinnamon sugar.
- Arrange in pan: Layer the coated biscuit pieces evenly into the prepared Bundt pan, distributing them uniformly for even baking.
- Make brown sugar butter sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together melted unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Pour sauce over biscuits: Evenly pour the brown sugar butter mixture over the biscuit pieces in the Bundt pan, ensuring the sauce covers the dough thoroughly.
- Bake: Place the Bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the monkey bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully invert the pan onto a serving plate. Serve warm by pulling apart pieces with your fingers or using a fork for a delicious, gooey treat.
Notes
- This recipe can be prepared the night before—assemble the monkey bread, cover, and refrigerate; then bake fresh in the morning for convenience.
- For extra texture and flavor, add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the brown sugar butter mixture before pouring it over the biscuit pieces.
- Drizzle with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk or cream cheese frosting for a decadent variation.
- Best served fresh and warm to enjoy the gooey texture and rich flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
