Monkey Bread
Warm, gooey, pull-apart bread made from biscuit dough, generously coated in cinnamon-sugar and baked in a rich, buttery brown sugar sauce. An irresistible treat for brunch or dessert that's incredibly easy to make!
For 8 servings
9 steps. 5 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- a.Generously grease a 10-inch (12-cup) Bundt pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray, ensuring you coat all the crevices to prevent sticking.
- 2
Step 2
- a.In a large zip-top plastic bag, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Seal the bag and shake well to mix.
- 3
Open the cans of biscuit dough and separate the biscuits
- a.Using a knife or kitchen shears, cut each biscuit into quarters. Place the dough pieces into the bag with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Seal and shake until all pieces are evenly coated.
- 4
Arrange the coated dough pieces evenly in the prepared Bundt pan
- a.If using pecans, sprinkle them between the layers of dough for even distribution.
- 5
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter
- a.Stir in the packed brown sugar and salt. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Carefully pour the hot brown sugar mixture evenly over the dough balls in the Bundt pan.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is a deep golden brown and the center is cooked through. A long wooden skewer inserted into the center should come out clean.
- 8
Step 8
- a.Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool for exactly 10 minutes. This step is crucial; cooling for less time may cause it to fall apart, while cooling for longer can make the caramel harden and stick to the pan.
- 9
Place a large serving plate or platter upside down over the Bundt pan
- a.Using oven mitts, carefully and quickly flip the pan and plate together. Gently lift the pan away. If any pieces remain in the pan, use a spatula to place them back on top of the bread. Serve warm.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For easy cleanup, place the Bundt pan on a baking sheet before baking to catch any potential drips from the caramel sauce.
- 2Ensure your refrigerated biscuit dough is cold when you start. It's much easier to cut and handle.
- 3Don't overbake. The bread will continue to cook slightly from residual heat after being removed from the oven.
- 4If you don't have a Bundt pan, a 9x13 inch baking dish or two loaf pans can be used, but you may need to adjust the baking time.
- 5For an extra decadent treat, drizzle with a simple cream cheese glaze after the bread has cooled slightly.
Adapt it for your goals.
Chocolate Chip
Sprinkle 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips in between the layers of dough along with the pecans.
Spiced AppleSpiced Apple
Add 1 cup of finely diced apple (like Granny Smith) and 1/2 teaspoon of apple pie spice to the layers.
Nut FreeNut-Free
Simply omit the pecans. The recipe is just as delicious without them.
Cream Cheese StuffedCream Cheese Stuffed
Cut 4 ounces of cream cheese into small cubes. Wrap each piece of dough around a cube of cream cheese before rolling in the cinnamon-sugar.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Provides Quick Energy
The carbohydrates and sugars in Monkey Bread provide a rapid source of energy, making it a satisfying treat when you need a quick boost.
Comfort Food for Well-being
Enjoying a warm, sweet, and nostalgic treat like Monkey Bread can have a positive impact on mood and mental well-being, offering a sense of comfort and satisfaction.
Source of Healthy Fats (with Pecans)
If you include pecans, you'll add a source of monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and essential minerals like manganese and copper to this indulgent dessert.
Frequently asked questions
Monkey Bread is an indulgent treat best enjoyed in moderation. It is high in sugar, fat, and refined carbohydrates, making it more of a dessert or special occasion breakfast than a health food.