Easy Monkey Bread Recipe

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing treat that’s irresistibly sweet, gooey, and fun to eat, this Easy Monkey Bread Recipe is the answer. It’s a simple, nostalgic dessert that’s perfect for sharing at brunch, family gatherings, or anytime you want a warm hug in food form. Using fluffy buttermilk biscuit dough, a cinnamon-sugar coating, and a rich buttery glaze, this monkey bread pulls apart effortlessly, making every bite pure joy. Trust me, once you try this, it will become your go-to comfort recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you—each one plays a vital role in creating that perfect texture and mouthwatering flavor. They’re easy to find and come together seamlessly to make this Easy Monkey Bread Recipe a total winner.

• Granulated sugar: Combines with cinnamon to give the classic sweet-spiced coating.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth that balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Pillsbury Grands!™ Southern Homestyle Buttermilk Biscuits (2 cans): The base dough that creates soft, fluffy layers in every pull-apart piece.
• Unsalted butter: Melts into a rich, golden glaze that binds everything together and keeps the bread moist.
• Brown sugar: Provides a deep caramel sweetness that perfectly complements the buttery coating.
• Pure vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness with a lovely aromatic note in both the glaze and icing.
• Powdered sugar: Forms the smooth, sweet icing drizzled on top for that irresistible finishing touch.
• Milk: Lightens the powdered sugar icing to the perfect pourable consistency.

How to Make Easy Monkey Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 10-cup Bundt pan generously with butter or oil. This ensures the monkey bread won’t stick and will release beautifully after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar

In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. This simple mixture is the magic dust that coats each biscuit piece, giving you that signature sweet and spicy crunch.

Step 3: Prepare the Biscuit Dough

Open the cans of buttermilk biscuits and place them on a cutting board. Cut each biscuit into quarters, then roll each piece into a little ball. This is where the fun begins—rolling these little dough balls helps them bake evenly and makes the pull-apart texture possible.

Step 4: Coat and Layer the Dough Balls

Roll each biscuit ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated, then place them snugly into the prepared Bundt pan. Sprinkle any leftover cinnamon sugar over the top to ensure every bite has flavor.

Step 5: Make the Brown Sugar Butter Glaze

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then stir in the brown sugar and cook until well combined—about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove the pan from heat, stir in the vanilla extract, and pour this luscious mixture evenly over the coated biscuit balls in the pan.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Puffed

Bake your monkey bread for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top turns a heavenly golden brown and the biscuits are cooked through without any doughy centers. The kitchen will fill with a comforting aroma that’s hard to resist.

Step 7: Prepare the Vanilla Icing

While the bread bakes, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. This icing adds the perfect sweet drizzle that elevates every bite.

Step 8: Cool and Invert

Let your monkey bread cool in the pan for about 5 to 10 minutes—just enough so it’s not piping hot but still warm enough to hold its shape. Then, carefully invert it onto a serving platter, revealing the beautiful golden layers.

Step 9: Drizzle and Serve

Pour the vanilla icing generously over the warm monkey bread and watch it gently cascade between the pull-apart pieces. Serve it warm for the ultimate gooey, sweet experience that everyone will adore.

How to Serve Easy Monkey Bread Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch of flavor and texture, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking, or add a handful of mini chocolate chips inside the coated biscuit balls. Fresh berries served alongside can add a lovely pop of freshness that complements the rich sweetness beautifully.

Side Dishes

Because this Easy Monkey Bread Recipe is delightfully sweet, pairing it with savory sides like scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or fresh fruit salads balances the meal perfectly for brunch. A steaming cup of coffee or chai tea also makes a lovely companion for this sticky, comforting dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking the monkey bread in individual muffin tins for personal-sized pull-apart treats—perfect for parties or grab-and-go snacks. You can also layer in different spices like nutmeg or add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top for a decadent twist that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any monkey bread left over, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and delicious for about 2 to 3 days, making it a perfect next-day treat that tastes nearly as good as fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover monkey bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer-safe bag. When wrapped properly, it keeps well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring your monkey bread back to life, warm it gently in a 300°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes until heated through. This helps restore that lovely soft texture and melty glaze without drying out the bread.

FAQs

Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of canned?

Absolutely! Using homemade biscuit dough can make the monkey bread even more special. Just make sure the dough is fresh and can be easily portioned into small balls for coating.

What if I don’t have a Bundt pan?

If you don’t have a Bundt pan, a springform or a deep cake pan will do in a pinch. Just be sure to grease it well and adjust the baking time slightly as needed.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the recipe?

Yes! Adding chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips between the biscuit balls adds great texture and flavor. Just sprinkle them in as you layer the dough in the pan.

Is monkey bread supposed to be very sweet?

Monkey bread is traditionally sweet and sticky, but you can adjust the sugar levels to your liking by slightly reducing the brown sugar or cinnamon sugar mixture.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

To make a vegan version, you can substitute vegan butter and use a plant-based milk for the icing. Look for biscuit dough that is dairy-free or make your own vegan biscuit dough at home.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Monkey Bread Recipe is such a warm, comforting treat that brings people together with every pull and bite. It’s simple enough for a weekday indulgence but special enough for celebrations. I hope you’ll give it a try soon—once you do, it’ll quickly earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection and your heart.

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