If you’ve ever longed for a sweet, pillowy treat that brings everyone together at the breakfast table or makes for a decadent dessert, then you absolutely need to try this Classic Monkey Bread Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of cinnamon, sugar, and buttery goodness, baked to golden perfection, and designed for sharing — a dish that’s as fun to eat as it is to make, guaranteed to become an instant favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, everyday ingredients is the first step to creating magic in your oven. Each component plays a crucial role in balancing flavor, texture, and that irresistible aroma that fills the house.
- 3 cans (7.5 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough: The foundation of our monkey bread, providing soft, pillowy bites that pull apart effortlessly.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: This adds the initial layer of sweetness and helps the cinnamon stick beautifully to the dough.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The warm spice that gives monkey bread its classic comforting flavor.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and creates that gooey, sticky texture on top.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (melted): Ensures every bite is rich and moist without overpowering sweetness.
- Optional 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty contrast to the soft bread.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Essential for greasing the pan to guarantee your monkey bread pops out effortlessly after baking.
How to Make Classic Monkey Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven
Kick things off by preheating your oven to a toasty 350°F (177°C). While it’s warming up, liberally grease a 12-cup bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray. This is absolutely crucial so that your monkey bread slides right out when it’s ready to impress.
Step 2: Coat the Biscuit Dough
Next, it’s time to add some sweetness and spice. Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a large zip-top bag. Cut each biscuit into quarters, then toss them into the bag. Give the bag a good shake to make sure every piece is evenly coated, creating the signature flavor-packed bites monkey bread is known for.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients in the Pan
If you’re going for the nutty option, sprinkle half of your chopped pecans or walnuts into the bottom of the prepared bundt pan. Then, layer half of your cinnamon-sugar-coated biscuit pieces on top. Follow with the remaining nuts, if using, and then the rest of the biscuit pieces. This layering technique makes sure every forkful has a bit of crunch and sweetness.
Step 4: Pour the Sticky Candy Coating
In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter and brown sugar until they form a glossy, smooth mixture. Pour this luscious mixture evenly over the layered dough pieces in the pan. This step is what transforms the bread into that irresistibly sticky, caramelized treat you’ll obsess over.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your pan into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll want to watch for a beautiful golden-brown color and a bubbling top — signs your Classic Monkey Bread Recipe is ready to wow everyone. Once done, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before confidently flipping it onto a serving plate. The anticipation as it lands, sticky and steaming, is half the fun!
How to Serve Classic Monkey Bread Recipe
Garnishes
While the monkey bread is fantastic on its own, you can jazz it up a bit with a drizzle of vanilla icing or cream cheese glaze. This adds an extra hit of sweetness and tang that balances the cinnamon and sugar wonderfully. Fresh berries on the side also bring a refreshing contrast to the rich bread.
Side Dishes
This Classic Monkey Bread Recipe shines as a star on its own or alongside fresh fruit salad, crisp bacon, or even a hearty cup of coffee or tea. It’s a brilliant centerpiece for brunch or a casual dessert that never feels too heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your monkey bread in individual mini bundt pans for personal portions at brunch parties. You could also sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top after baking to heighten the flavor, or add fun mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit for a unique spin each time you make it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve somehow got leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This helps preserve the fresh flavors while keeping the bread soft and delicious.
Freezing
Monkey bread freezes beautifully! Wrap your fully cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months, perfect for prepping ahead or saving a special treat for later.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers, reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 20 seconds or pop the whole loaf in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes until warm and gooey again. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven magic without any fuss.
FAQs
Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of canned?
Absolutely! Homemade dough can lend a more artisanal texture and flavor. Just be sure it’s rolled and cut into similar sizes so it bakes evenly within the Classic Monkey Bread Recipe.
What if I don’t have a bundt pan?
You can use a tube pan or even a well-greased loaf pan. The shape might differ, but the delicious layers of cinnamon sugar and buttery dough will still shine through beautifully.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the biscuit dough with a gluten-free version and ensuring your sugars and other ingredients are gluten-safe, you can enjoy this recipe without worry.
Is it okay to add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Nuts add a lovely crunch, and you can get creative with chocolate chips, raisins, or even small apple chunks to add flavor and texture variations.
How do I prevent the monkey bread from sticking to the pan?
Generous greasing with nonstick cooking spray is key. You can also lightly dust the pan with flour after greasing for extra assurance that your bread comes out cleanly.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something incredibly joyful about pulling apart warm, sticky pieces of monkey bread with your loved ones. This Classic Monkey Bread Recipe captures that spirit perfectly, with simple ingredients and straightforward steps delivering a mouthwatering treat every time. Trust me, once you make it, it will become your go-to for effortless gatherings, cozy mornings, or any moment that calls for a little sweet comfort. Go ahead, give it a try and watch the smiles multiply.
Print
Classic Monkey Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Monkey Bread is a sweet, pull-apart bread made with cinnamon sugar coated biscuit dough, layered with butter, brown sugar, and optional nuts for added texture and flavor. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this easy-to-make treat is golden, gooey, and irresistibly delicious served warm.
Ingredients
Dough and Coating
- 3 cans (7.5 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Syrup
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Other
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 12-cup bundt pan thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Coat Biscuit Dough: In a large zip-top bag, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Cut each biscuit into quarters and add the pieces to the bag. Shake the bag well until every piece is coated evenly with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Layer Nuts and Dough: If using nuts, sprinkle half of them into the bottom of the greased bundt pan. Then layer half of the coated biscuit dough pieces over the nuts. Sprinkle the remaining nuts on top of this layer, followed by the rest of the dough pieces to create layers.
- Prepare Syrup: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and packed brown sugar until smooth and combined. This creates the rich syrup that will soak into the bread as it bakes.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the butter and brown sugar mixture evenly over the layered dough inside the bundt pan. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the monkey bread is golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the monkey bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Afterward, invert the bundt pan onto a serving plate. Serve warm by pulling apart the soft, sticky pieces to enjoy.
Notes
- Best served fresh to enjoy the gooey texture and warm flavor.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave for a quick warm treat.
- Optional: Add a drizzle of icing or cream cheese glaze on top for extra sweetness and richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
