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

- 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

- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan thoroughly.
- Cut biscuits into quarters.
- In a bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. Toss biscuit pieces in the mixture to coat.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar together over medium heat. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Optional: Sprinkle chopped nuts in the bottom of the bundt pan.
- 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.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Allow to cool for 5–10 minutes, then invert onto a plate.
- 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

- 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.
You Might Also Like
- Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars – Soft, gooey bakery-style bars perfect for dessert or a snack.
- Homemade Fig Newtons – Soft fig-filled cookies that make a nostalgic treat.
- Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread – Moist quick bread with chocolate chips and a hint of zucchini.
- Sweet Potato Pancakes – Flavorful, soft pancakes perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Monkey Bread
- 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
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