Monkey Bread – Gooey Pull-Apart Sweet Treat

Monkey Bread is a sticky, sweet, pull-apart treat that melts in your mouth. Layers of soft dough coated in cinnamon sugar and baked to golden perfection make it irresistible for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Easy to make and fun to share, this Monkey Bread recipe will become your new family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Soft, gooey, and caramelized bite-sized pieces
  • Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a sweet snack
  • Easy to make with minimal ingredients
  • Fun pull-apart presentation for sharing
  • Aroma fills your kitchen with cinnamon and sugar

Ingredients

Top-down view of monkey bread ingredients including biscuit dough, cinnamon, sugars, butter, and nuts

  • 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (16.3 oz each)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
  • Optional glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar + 2–3 tablespoons milk

Step-by-Step Instructions

Collage showing four steps to make monkey bread: coating dough, layering, adding butter, and pulling apart

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan thoroughly.
  2. Cut biscuits into quarters.
  3. In a bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. Toss biscuit pieces in the mixture to coat.
  4. In a small saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar together over medium heat. Stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Optional: Sprinkle chopped nuts in the bottom of the bundt pan.
  6. Layer coated biscuit pieces into the pan, pouring half of the butter-brown sugar mixture over the first layer. Repeat with remaining biscuits and syrup.
  7. Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  8. Allow to cool for 5–10 minutes, then invert onto a plate.
  9. Optional: Drizzle with powdered sugar glaze before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • Use store-bought biscuit dough for faster preparation
  • Lightly grease pan with cooking spray and butter to prevent sticking
  • Add mini chocolate chips or raisins for variation
  • Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds
  • Serve warm for maximum gooeyness and flavor
  • Experiment with pumpkin spice or apple pie filling for seasonal versions

Storage & Freezer Instructions

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
  • Reheat in oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes to refresh gooey texture
  • Freeze baked Monkey Bread (without glaze) for up to 1 month; thaw overnight before reheating
  • Glaze is best added just before serving

Serving & Pairing Ideas

Golden sticky monkey bread in a round dish with cinnamon sugar glaze and optional nuts

  • Serve with a drizzle of vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting
  • Pair with coffee, hot chocolate, or a milkshake
  • Perfect for brunch spreads or holiday breakfasts
  • Garnish with extra nuts or cinnamon sugar for presentation
  • Serve on a platter for easy sharing at parties

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Monkey Bread ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dough in the pan and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning for a gooey, warm treat.

Do I need to use canned biscuit dough?

No, you can use homemade yeast dough, but baking time may vary. Canned dough makes it quick and reliable.

Can I add chocolate or fruit?

Absolutely! Mini chocolate chips, chopped apples, or dried cranberries work wonderfully. Layer them with the coated biscuits.

How do I prevent it from sticking to the pan?

Grease the bundt pan well with butter and cooking spray, and allow the bread to cool slightly before inverting.

Ready to Make It?

Monkey Bread is a crowd-pleasing, gooey, cinnamon-sugar treat that’s easy to make at home. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it’s fun to share and perfect for any occasion.

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Golden pull-apart monkey bread coated with cinnamon sugar in a round baking dish

Monkey Bread


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  • Author: Myla
  • Total Time: 55 mins
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Gooey, cinnamon-sugar pull-apart Monkey Bread perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.


Ingredients

Scale

2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (16.3 oz each)

1 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts

Optional glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar + 2–3 tablespoons milk


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease bundt pan

2. Cut biscuits into quarters

3. Toss biscuit pieces in cinnamon-sugar mixture

4. Melt butter and brown sugar, stir in vanilla

5. Optional: sprinkle nuts in bundt pan

6. Layer biscuits in pan, pour half syrup, repeat

7. Bake 35–40 mins until golden

8. Cool 5–10 mins, invert onto plate

9. Optional: drizzle with glaze before serving

Notes

Use canned biscuit dough for convenience

Grease pan well to prevent sticking

Add mini chocolate chips or raisins for variation

Substitute nuts as desired

Serve warm for best flavor and gooey texture

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 40 mins
  • Category: Breakfast/Brunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 piece
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

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