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Are you ready to dive into the warm, gooey delight of Classic Pull-Apart Monkey Bread? This comforting treat needs just a few simple ingredients, making it perfect for anyone, including beginners. With easy step-by-step instructions and tips, you’ll soon impress friends and family. Whether for brunch or a cozy night in, this recipe brings smiles and satisfaction. Let’s get started on this tasty journey together!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and simple steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Fun to Share: Pull-apart monkey bread is not just a treat; it’s an interactive experience that brings everyone together around the table.
- Versatile Options: You can customize it with your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or even chocolate chips to suit your taste.
- Warm and Comforting: There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked monkey bread wafting through your home, providing a sense of warmth and comfort.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 3 cans refrigerated biscuit dough
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
Optional Add-ins
– 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
– 1/2 cup raisins or chocolate chips
Equipment Needed
– Bundt pan
– Mixing bowls
– Measuring cups and spoons
The main ingredients for this monkey bread are simple and easy to find. You need three cans of refrigerated biscuit dough. This dough makes the bread soft and fluffy. The mix of granulated and brown sugar adds sweetness. Ground cinnamon gives it that warm, cozy flavor.
You can add some fun with optional ingredients. Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans give a nice crunch. Raisins or chocolate chips add extra sweetness. You can choose the mix that you like best.
For tools, a bundt pan is key. It shapes the monkey bread and helps it cook evenly. Mixing bowls, measuring cups, and spoons are also needed for prep. Make sure to have everything ready before you start. This will make the cooking process smooth and easy.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Grease a bundt pan with cooking spray or soft butter.
– In a bowl, mix 1 cup of sugar with 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon.
Biscuit Preparation
– Open the cans of refrigerated biscuit dough.
– Cut each biscuit into four equal pieces.
– Toss these biscuit pieces in the cinnamon-sugar mix until coated.
Assembling the Monkey Bread
– Layer half of the coated biscuit pieces in the bundt pan.
– Drizzle half of the melted butter and brown sugar mixture over them.
– Add the remaining biscuit pieces on top.
– Pour the rest of the butter and brown sugar mixture evenly over all.
Baking Instructions
– Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven.
– Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
– Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center.
– Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before inverting onto a plate.
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Easy Removal
To get your monkey bread out of the bundt pan, you need to grease it well. Use cooking spray or soften butter. Be generous with it. Coat every inch of the pan to avoid sticking. I always make sure to get into the crevices. It makes a huge difference when you flip the pan.
Handling sticky biscuit dough can be a bit tricky. If the dough sticks to your hands, try wetting them slightly. This simple trick helps keep the dough from clinging too much. You can also dust your workspace with a little flour.
Baking Perfect Monkey Bread
The oven temperature is key for baking. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before putting the pan inside. This helps the bread cook evenly. If the temperature is too low, your monkey bread may not rise well.
Check for doneness using a toothpick. Insert it in the center of the bread. If it comes out clean, your monkey bread is done. If not, give it a few more minutes and check again. This method ensures you avoid undercooked dough.
Presentation Suggestions
Dust the top of your monkey bread with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. This adds a sweet finish and looks great for serving.
For an extra treat, serve it with warm caramel sauce. It pairs well with the cinnamon-sugar flavor. Guests can dip their pieces, making it a fun and tasty experience.
Pro Tips
- Perfectly Coated Biscuits: Ensure each biscuit piece is fully coated in the cinnamon-sugar mixture for maximum flavor. Toss them gently but thoroughly to cover every surface.
- Butter Temperature Matters: Use freshly melted butter for the best results. If the butter is too cool, it won’t blend well with the brown sugar, affecting the caramelization.
- Baking Time Variations: Oven temperatures can vary, so check your monkey bread a few minutes early. Look for a golden-brown top and a toothpick should come out clean.
- Serving Suggestions: For an extra touch, serve your monkey bread with a side of warm caramel sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for added sweetness and presentation.

Variations
Flavor Twists
You can make your monkey bread even tastier. Adding spices like nutmeg or allspice can give it a warm twist. These spices add depth and a hint of holiday cheer. You can also use flavored biscuit dough. Try cinnamon rolls or apple-flavored dough for a fun change. These small tweaks can change the whole taste.
Unique Fillings
Get creative with your fillings! You can add toppings like fruit or chocolate spreads. Thinly sliced apples or berries can brighten the flavors. Chocolate hazelnut spread gives a sweet touch. You can also think about seasonal variations. Pumpkin spice in the fall or apple cinnamon in the winter can make it special for any occasion.
Healthier Alternatives
If you want a healthier version, consider using whole wheat or gluten-free biscuit dough. These options can add fiber and cater to dietary needs. You can also reduce sugar content. Try using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar. This keeps the flavor sweet while being a bit healthier.
Storage Info
Short-Term Storage
To keep your monkey bread fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Cover the bread with plastic wrap or foil. Place it in the refrigerator, and it will stay good for about three days. This method helps keep the bread moist and tasty.
Long-Term Storage
For long-term storage, freezing works well. First, let the monkey bread cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the bread in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This helps restore its soft texture and warm flavor.
Shelf Life
Monkey bread can last about three days in the fridge. If frozen, it can last for three months. Look for signs of spoilage, like an off smell, mold, or dryness. If any of these appear, it’s best to discard the bread. Enjoy your monkey bread fresh for the best taste!
FAQs
What is monkey bread?
Monkey bread is a sweet, pull-apart bread. It comes from the United States and is often served warm. The name “monkey bread” comes from how people pull pieces apart with their fingers. You use refrigerated biscuit dough for this recipe, which makes it easy to prepare. The dough gets coated in a mix of sugar and cinnamon, then baked in a bundt pan until golden brown.
Can I make monkey bread in advance?
Yes, you can prepare monkey bread ahead of time. To do this, follow the steps up to layering the biscuit pieces in the bundt pan. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. Bake it the next day, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This way, you can enjoy fresh monkey bread without any last-minute fuss.
How do I know when monkey bread is done baking?
To check if the monkey bread is done, look for a golden-brown top. Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean, the monkey bread is ready. If you see dough on the toothpick, bake it for a few more minutes. The bread should also feel firm and spring back when pressed lightly.
Can I use homemade biscuit dough?
You can use homemade biscuit dough for monkey bread. Just make sure it is a soft, fluffy dough. If you want to try a different flavor, you can add herbs or spices to the dough. This allows you to create a unique twist on the classic recipe.
In this post, we explored how to make delicious monkey bread. We covered ingredients, from biscuit dough to optional add-ins. You learned how to prepare, layer, and bake the bread for a tasty treat. With helpful tips, I showed you how to ensure perfect baking and easy removal.
Now, you can enjoy monkey bread with fun variations or healthier options. Remember, this dish brings comfort and joy, so get creativ
Classic Pull-Apart Monkey Bread
A delightful and fun-to-eat bread made from biscuit dough, coated in cinnamon and sugar, perfect for sharing.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 250 kcal
- 3 cans refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans - optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins or chocolate chips (optional)
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, take a bundt pan and generously grease it with cooking spray or soften butter to ensure easy removal of the bread later.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon thoroughly. Set this mixture aside for later use.
Carefully open the refrigerated cans of biscuit dough and separate each biscuit. Using a clean cutting board, cut each biscuit into four equal quarters.
Take the biscuit pieces and toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until each piece is fully coated, ensuring a deliciously sweet flavor in every bite.
In a separate bowl, pour in the melted butter and add the packed brown sugar. Stir this mixture until well combined and smooth.
If you opted for nuts and optional ingredients, sprinkle the bottoms of the greased bundt pan evenly with chopped nuts, followed by raisins or chocolate chips if using them. This will add extra texture and flavor.
Begin layering the monkey bread by placing half of the coated biscuit pieces into the bundt pan first. Then drizzle half of the butter and brown sugar mixture over this layer, allowing for a rich flavor infusion.
Next, add the remaining biscuit pieces on top, followed by pouring the rest of the butter and brown sugar mixture evenly over the entire bundt pan.
Carefully place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye out for a golden-brown top and check that the biscuits are fully cooked by inserting a toothpick through the center.
Once baked, remove the bundt pan from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes so it’s easier to handle. After cooling, invert the pan onto a large serving plate, allowing the monkey bread to gently fall out.
Serve the monkey bread warm, encouraging friends and family to pull apart the delicious pieces for a fun and delightful experience!
Consider dusting the top lightly with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance, and serve with a side of warm caramel sauce for dipping!
Keyword dessert, monkey bread, pull-apart bread
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