Easy Monkey Bread Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping, shareable treat that’s ridiculously easy to throw together, Easy Monkey Bread is about to become your new best friend. This beloved pull-apart bread is all sorts of gooey, sticky, sweet, and lightly spiced, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Made with handy shortcuts and simple ingredients, it bakes up golden and gorgeous every time, with a caramelized cinnamon-sugar crust that’s completely irresistible. Let’s dive in and see why Easy Monkey Bread is a must-bake in every kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Easy Monkey Bread comes from just a handful of classic ingredients, each playing an important role in flavor and texture. It’s all about the sweet spice, the buttery richness, and, of course, those fluffy biscuit layers that make this treat so delightfully pull-apart and fun.

• Refrigerated buttermilk biscuit dough: The secret shortcut for effortless, pillowy layers that bake up beautifully every single time.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that delightful crunchy caramel on the outside.
• Ground cinnamon: Delivers the signature warming spice that’s absolutely essential in monkey bread.
• Unsalted butter: Melts into every nook and cranny, giving the bread its rich, gooey pull-apart perfection.
• Packed light brown sugar: Deepens the caramel flavors with a lovely hint of molasses-like sweetness.

How to Make Easy Monkey Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your Easy Monkey Bread bakes up evenly from the very first moment it goes in. Generously grease your bundt pan with butter or non-stick spray—don’t skimp, because you want all those caramelized bits to release beautifully later on!

Step 2: Mix Cinnamon and Sugar

Grab a large zip-top bag and pour in your granulated sugar along with the ground cinnamon. Seal the bag and give it a good shake to blend everything together—this mix creates that classic sweet-and-spicy coating for every piece of biscuit dough.

Step 3: Cut & Coat the Dough

Slice each biscuit into quarters, then add a few chunks at a time into your cinnamon-sugar bag. Seal it up and shake until every piece is fully coated. This step is wonderfully hands-on and fun—kids love helping out here!

Step 4: Layer in the Bundt Pan

Evenly arrange all of your cinnamon-sugar biscuit pieces in the greased bundt pan, stacking them loosely. This ensures each piece bakes perfectly and soaks up just the right amount of gooey sauce later.

Step 5: Make the Buttery Caramel Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the packed light brown sugar and let the mixture come to a bubbly simmer—just a couple of minutes. This caramel sauce is what transforms the monkey bread into a sticky-sweet masterpiece.

Step 6: Pour and Bake

Pour the hot butter-brown sugar mixture evenly all over the biscuit pieces in your pan, letting that golden goodness drip into all the crevices. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the bread is puffed, golden brown, and bubbling. Test with a toothpick to make sure the dough is cooked through in the center.

Step 7: Cool, Invert, and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, let your Easy Monkey Bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes—this helps the caramel set a bit, making unmolding easier. Place a plate over the pan and carefully invert; your masterpiece should release in one glorious, golden mound. Serve warm, and let everyone pull apart pieces to their heart’s content!

How to Serve Easy Monkey Bread

Garnishes

For that extra wow factor, try dusting your Easy Monkey Bread with a bit of powdered sugar, a drizzle of simple vanilla glaze, or even sprinkling some toasted nuts on top. Fresh berries or a light zest of orange can make it even more festive and eye-catching.

Side Dishes

Easy Monkey Bread pairs beautifully with savory breakfast staples like scrambled eggs, bacon, or a simple yogurt parfait. For brunch, balance the sweetness with fresh fruit plates, coffee, or a mimosa on the side to please all palates.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, try pulling apart the bread and arranging the pieces in a basket lined with parchment, or serve mini versions baked in muffin tins. Stack extra-high and insert a festive cake topper for special occasions, or turn it into an over-the-top dessert sundae with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Monkey Bread keeps surprisingly well! Simply cover the cooled bread tightly with foil or plastic wrap and leave at room temperature for up to two days. If you plan to keep it longer, pop it in the fridge for up to a week—just be sure it’s sealed well to prevent drying out.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Easy Monkey Bread! After cooling completely, wrap the bread (or individual portions) tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, reheat slices or the whole bread in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, loosely covered with foil. You can also microwave individual pieces for 15-20 seconds for quick snacking. Either way, that gooey texture comes right back!

FAQs

Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! While the classic Easy Monkey Bread recipe calls for refrigerated dough to keep things fuss-free, a homemade version works just as well and adds a touch of personalized flavor. Just make sure your dough is soft and not too sticky for easy handling and even baking.

Why is my monkey bread sticking to the pan?

This usually happens if the pan isn’t greased generously enough. Make sure to cover every nook and cranny with butter or non-stick spray before adding the dough. Letting it cool for 10 minutes after baking also helps the bread release more easily.

Can I add extra fillings like nuts or chocolate?

Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, mini chocolate chips, or even small bits of dried fruit can be mixed in with the biscuit pieces before baking. These add delicious texture and flavor twists to your Easy Monkey Bread.

What’s the best way to serve this for a party?

For parties, consider pre-pulling some of the bread so guests can grab and go, or bake in individual portions using a muffin tin. Serve on a large platter with small forks and napkins for a fun, interactive dessert experience.

Is Easy Monkey Bread better served warm or at room temperature?

Warm is the way to go! Serving Easy Monkey Bread while it’s freshly baked or gently reheated ensures that gooey, caramel texture shines. That said, it’s still delicious at room temp if you’re serving a crowd over several hours.

Final Thoughts

No matter the occasion, Easy Monkey Bread brings a joyful, nostalgic, and utterly irresistible treat to your table. Gather your favorite people, bake up a golden batch, and watch every piece disappear. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe front and center in your kitchen rotation!

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