Monkey bread is a delightful pull-apart treat that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. This gooey, sweet, and cinnamon-spiced bread is made from bite-sized pieces of biscuit dough that are coated in sugar and cinnamon, then baked to perfection with a rich butter and brown sugar sauce. It's a crowd-pleaser that's easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Most of the ingredients for this monkey bread recipe are common pantry staples, but you might need to pick up a couple of items from the supermarket. The refrigerated biscuit dough is typically found in the refrigerated section near the dairy products. Make sure to get the right size cans. The brown sugar and granulated sugar are usually found in the baking aisle, and ground cinnamon can be found with the spices.
Ingredients for Monkey Bread Recipe
Refrigerated biscuit dough: This is the base of the monkey bread, providing the soft and fluffy texture. Look for it in the refrigerated section of your grocery store.
Granulated sugar: Used to coat the dough pieces, adding sweetness and helping to create a caramelized crust.
Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the sugar.
Melted butter: Combines with the brown sugar to create a rich, gooey sauce that coats the dough pieces.
Brown sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness to the butter sauce, creating a sticky, caramel-like coating.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When cutting the biscuit dough into quarters, use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to ensure clean cuts. This helps the dough pieces maintain their shape and allows for even coating with the sugar and cinnamon mixture.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
refrigerated biscuit dough - Substitute with homemade biscuit dough: Making your own dough allows for more control over ingredients and can be tailored to dietary preferences.
refrigerated biscuit dough - Substitute with refrigerated crescent roll dough: Crescent roll dough has a similar texture and can be used in a pinch.
granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a slight caramel flavor.
granulated sugar - Substitute with maple sugar: Maple sugar provides a unique flavor profile and is less processed.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: This blend includes cinnamon along with other spices like nutmeg and cloves, adding complexity.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with apple pie spice: Similar to pumpkin pie spice, it offers a mix of spices that complement sweet dishes.
melted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a dairy-free alternative that adds a subtle coconut flavor.
melted butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee is clarified butter that has a higher smoke point and a rich, nutty flavor.
packed brown sugar - Substitute with date sugar: Date sugar is made from dried dates and adds a natural sweetness with a hint of caramel.
packed brown sugar - Substitute with molasses and granulated sugar: Mixing molasses with granulated sugar can mimic the moisture and flavor of brown sugar.
Other Alternative Recipes
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
- Allow the monkey bread to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make the dessert soggy.
- Wrap the monkey bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps to keep it fresh and prevents it from drying out.
- Place the wrapped monkey bread in an airtight container. This adds an extra layer of protection against air and moisture.
- Store the container at room temperature if you plan to consume the monkey bread within 2-3 days. For longer storage, place the container in the refrigerator, where it can last up to a week.
- For freezing, wrap the monkey bread in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness. Monkey bread can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, thaw the monkey bread in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C), place the monkey bread on a baking sheet, and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warm.
- Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions. Place a piece on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds or until heated through.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the monkey bread on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps maintain the bread's soft and gooey texture.
For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place a portion of the monkey bread on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out. Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds, checking to ensure it’s heated evenly.
If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 320°F (160°C). Place the monkey bread in the air fryer basket and heat for 3-5 minutes. This method can help restore some of the bread's original crispiness while keeping the inside soft.
For stovetop reheating, use a non-stick skillet over low heat. Place the monkey bread in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally to ensure even warming. This method can give the bread a slightly caramelized exterior.
If you prefer a steam method, place the monkey bread in a steamer basket over simmering water. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes. This method helps retain the bread's moisture and softness.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the monkey bread at the specified temperature of 350°F (175°C).
Bundt pan: A special pan with a hole in the middle, used to shape the monkey bread.
Large plastic bag: Used to combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon, and to coat the biscuit dough pieces.
Knife: Used to cut the refrigerated biscuit dough into quarters.
Small bowl: Used to mix the melted butter and brown sugar.
Mixing spoon: Used to stir the melted butter and brown sugar mixture.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the ground cinnamon.
Cooling rack: Used to cool the monkey bread in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a plate.
Plate: Used to serve the monkey bread after it has been turned out of the bundt pan.
Non-stick spray or butter: Used to grease the bundt pan to prevent the monkey bread from sticking.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Pre-cut the dough: Cut the biscuit dough into quarters in advance and store them in an airtight container.
Use a large bag: Shake the dough pieces with sugar and cinnamon in a large plastic bag for even coating and less mess.
Melt butter in microwave: Quickly melt the butter in the microwave instead of on the stove.
Pre-mix sugar and cinnamon: Combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon ahead of time and store in a jar.
Line the bundt pan: Use a non-stick spray or butter to grease the bundt pan for easy release.

Monkey Bread Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans Refrigerated biscuit dough 16.3 oz each
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- ½ cup Butter Melted
- 1 cup Brown sugar Packed
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a Bundt pan.
- In a large plastic bag, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon. Cut biscuit dough into quarters and shake in the bag to coat.
- Arrange the coated dough pieces in the Bundt pan.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter and brown sugar. Pour over the dough in the pan.
- Bake for 35 minutes or until golden brown. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a plate.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses
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