When I think about comfort food, nothing quite compares to the deliciousness of monkey bread. This delightful treat is not only a crowd-pleaser but also incredibly easy to make, thanks to the simplicity of pre-made biscuit dough. My Easy Monkey Bread Recipe simplifies this classic treat into a fun and hands-on experience, perfect for families or gatherings. The combination of warm, cinnamon-sugar-coated dough balls pulls apart beautifully, making it both visually appealing and utterly irresistible.
The best part? It takes only about an hour to assemble, allowing you to savor the process without spending endless hours in the kitchen. This recipe is perfect for brunches, holiday gatherings, or just a sweet treat while curled up on the couch with a good book. With layers of sweet gooeyness and a buttery, cinnamon-sugar flavor, it’s a recipe that never fails to impress.
Why you’ll love this
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy mornings.
- Comforting flavors that everyone loves.
- Minimal cleanup required—just one pan!
- Customizable with various add-ins like nuts or vanilla.
- Great for sharing; everyone can grab a piece.
"This monkey bread is a family favorite—simple and delicious!"
Preparing it: quick look
Making monkey bread involves breaking biscuit dough into small pieces, rolling them in a cinnamon-sugar mixture, layering them in a greased pan, and pouring melted butter over the top. Once baked, it transforms into a golden brown, pull-apart delight that’s both fun and delicious!
Key ingredients
- 2 cans biscuit dough
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/8 cup ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup butter (use 1/2 cup butter if you want less)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
Ingredient notes & swaps
- Biscuit dough: You can use flaky or buttery dough based on your taste preferences.
- Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is essential, but consider adding a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
- Sugar: Using less sugar can make the recipe slightly less sweet, while the brown sugar gives a lovely caramel flavor.
- Butter: To reduce calories, you can cut back on the butter without compromising the recipe too much.
How to make it
This quick recipe consists of preparing your dough, layering, and baking. Once baked, you can glaze it for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Break the biscuit dough into small balls, about 3 tablespoons per ball.
- Grease an entire deep-dish loaf pan or a bundt pan with butter. You can also use cooking spray for easy cleanup.
- In a medium bowl, combine the sugar and ground cinnamon; mix thoroughly.
- Roll each ball of dough in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated.
- Add a single layer of dough balls to the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle 1/8 cup of brown sugar over this layer and retain the remaining 1/8 cup for the next layer.
- Continue layering until all dough balls are placed in the pan, finishing off with the leftover brown sugar on the top layer.
- Melt the butter and pour it evenly over the layered dough and brown sugar.
- Sprinkle on the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture for an additional flavor boost.
- Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Check doneness while baking; the inside should not be wet or doughy.
- To make the glaze, mix 1/4 cup powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon milk until smooth.
- Pour the glaze over the monkey bread before serving.
Helpful cooking tips
- If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding nuts or chocolate chips between the layers for added flavor and texture.
- Make sure to check the internal cooking of the monkey bread; you want it to be fully baked to avoid any doughy sections.
- Greasing the pan generously will help with the removal of the monkey bread once it’s baked.
- Allow it to cool slightly in the pan before inverting onto a serving plate to avoid it falling apart.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serve monkey bread warm, straight from the oven or let it rest for a few minutes. It’s lovely on its own, but you can offer it with coffee or cocoa for a delightful breakfast treat. Consider serving it with fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream for dessert.
How to store & freeze
After enjoying leftovers, store them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to get that gooey texture back. If you want to freeze your monkey bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months.
How to fix common issues
- Doughy inside: If your monkey bread comes out undercooked, it may need a bit more time in the oven, or the temperature may have been too high.
- Burnt outside: Cover the pan with foil if it’s browning too quickly, which will help it cook evenly without burning the top.
- Bland taste: If you find your monkey bread bland, try adding more cinnamon or even a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
Creative twists
- Incorporate flavored syrups or extracts like vanilla or almond in the glaze for an extra layer of flavor.
- Add fruit pieces such as chopped apples or bananas in the layers for a fruity twist.
- You can swap some of the biscuit dough for a cinnamon roll dough for additional sweetness.
Common questions
Can I make monkey bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and layer it in the pan, then cover and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before placing it in the oven.
Can I use homemade biscuit dough?
Absolutely! If you prefer to make your own biscuit dough, that works beautifully in this recipe too.
How do I know when monkey bread is done baking?
The monkey bread is done when it’s golden brown on top and firm to the touch. Test the inside with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
What if I don’t have a bundt pan?
A deep-dish loaf pan works great for this, but any oven-safe, deep dish can be used. Just adjust the baking time if you’re using a smaller or larger pan.
Is monkey bread good for breakfast?
For sure! Monkey bread is a delightful sweet treat to serve at breakfast or brunch, combining perfectly with coffee or tea.
Easy Monkey Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Break the biscuit dough into small balls, about 3 tablespoons per ball.
- Grease an entire deep-dish loaf pan or a bundt pan with butter, or use cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, combine the sugar and ground cinnamon; mix thoroughly.
- Roll each ball of dough in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated.
- Add a single layer of dough balls to the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle 1/8 cup of brown sugar over this layer and retain the remaining 1/8 cup for the next layer.
- Continue layering until all dough balls are placed in the pan, finishing off with the remaining brown sugar.
- Melt the butter and pour it evenly over the layered dough and brown sugar.
- Sprinkle on the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Check for doneness; the inside should not be wet or doughy.
- To make the glaze, mix 1/4 cup powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon milk until smooth.
- Pour the glaze over the monkey bread before serving.