Monkey Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Monkey Bread is a gooey, pull-apart pastry made from soft dough pieces coated in cinnamon sugar and baked with a buttery caramel glaze. It’s the ultimate shareable treat—perfect for brunch, holidays, or casual gatherings. With its sticky-sweet exterior and tender interior, every bite is irresistibly delicious.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

refrigerated biscuit doughgranulated sugarbrown sugarground cinnamonunsalted buttervanilla extractcooking spray or melted butter for greasing the pan

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a Bundt pan generously.

Cut each biscuit into quarters and set aside.

In a bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. Toss the biscuit pieces in this mixture until fully coated.

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in brown sugar and vanilla extract. Cook until smooth and slightly thickened, about 2–3 minutes.

Layer the cinnamon-coated biscuit pieces in the Bundt pan.

Pour the warm butter-sugar mixture evenly over the biscuit pieces.

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dough is cooked through.

Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 8–10 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesBaking time: 35–40 minutesCooling time: 10 minutesTotal time: 60–65 minutes

Variations

Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.

Mix in raisins or dried cranberries for a fruity twist.

Use homemade yeast dough for a more traditional texture.

Add a drizzle of cream cheese glaze for extra indulgence.

storage/reheating

Store leftover Monkey Bread covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm the whole loaf in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–15 minutes.

FAQs

What is Monkey Bread made of?

It’s made of biscuit dough coated in cinnamon sugar and baked with a caramelized butter and brown sugar mixture.

Why is it called Monkey Bread?

The name comes from the way it’s eaten—by pulling apart pieces with your fingers, similar to how monkeys groom each other.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it the night before, refrigerate, and bake it the next morning.

Can I use homemade dough?

Absolutely, homemade dough works great for a more traditional flavor and texture.

Do I need a Bundt pan?

A Bundt pan gives it the classic shape, but you can also use a loaf or tube pan.

How do I prevent sticking?

Make sure to grease the pan thoroughly with cooking spray or melted butter.

Is Monkey Bread a breakfast or dessert?

Both! It’s often served as a breakfast treat, especially on holidays, but it works great as a dessert too.

Can I freeze Monkey Bread?

Yes, freeze after baking. Wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

What’s the texture like?

Soft and fluffy inside with a sticky, caramelized crust on the outside.

Can I add frosting?

Yes, cream cheese glaze or a simple powdered sugar glaze adds a sweet finishing touch.

Conclusion

Monkey Bread is a fun and flavorful treat that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re sharing it with family for breakfast or bringing it to a potluck, its sticky-sweet charm is sure to be a hit. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.

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