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Home » Recipes » Desserts

Monkey Bread

Published: May 14, 2025 by Janet · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Monkey Bread is a nostalgic favorite that’s both fun to eat and share. Using canned biscuits makes it incredibly easy and convenient—no dough rising or complicated preparation required. The combination of cinnamon sugar and buttery caramel creates a perfect balance of crispy edges and soft, gooey center bites. It’s an ideal crowd-pleaser for gatherings or cozy mornings at home.

Ingredients

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

  • 2 cans biscuit dough (16.3 ounces each)

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar

  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon

  • ¾ cup packed brown sugar

  • 1 stick salted butter

Directions

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

  2. Open the cans of biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters.

  3. In a bowl, mix together granulated sugar and cinnamon until well combined.

  4. Roll each biscuit piece in the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating thoroughly.

  5. Place the coated biscuit pieces evenly in the greased bundt pan.

  6. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

  7. Stir in the brown sugar until it dissolves completely and forms a caramel-like mixture.

  8. Pour the butter and brown sugar mixture evenly over the biscuit pieces in the bundt pan.

  9. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

  10. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for about 20 minutes.

  11. Invert the bundt pan onto a serving plate to release the monkey bread, allowing the caramelized sugar to create a gooey topping.

  12. Slice and serve warm. Optionally, add caramel sauce or ice cream for extra indulgence.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 8

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes

  • Cook Time: 40 minutes

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

  • Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.

  • Mix in raisins or dried cranberries with the biscuit pieces for a fruity twist.

  • Swap cinnamon sugar for pumpkin pie spice during fall for a seasonal flavor.

  • Use cream cheese or flavored dipping sauces alongside for added richness.

  • For a less sweet option, reduce the amount of brown sugar or use light brown sugar.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover monkey bread covered tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds or warm in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through and gooey again.

FAQs

What type of biscuit dough works best for monkey bread?

Canned biscuit dough is perfect due to its softness and ease of use. Avoid pre-baked biscuits.

Can I make monkey bread without a bundt pan?

Yes, use a deep oven-safe dish or a loaf pan, but the traditional bundt pan shape helps caramel distribute evenly.

Is it possible to prepare monkey bread ahead of time?

You can assemble the monkey bread and refrigerate it overnight, then bake fresh the next day.

Can I freeze monkey bread?

Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.

How do I prevent monkey bread from sticking to the pan?

Grease the bundt pan well with butter or non-stick spray before adding the dough.

What is the best way to serve monkey bread?

Serve warm, plain or with toppings like caramel sauce, icing, or ice cream for extra flavor.

Can I use a sugar substitute?

You can try using sugar substitutes but results may vary, especially with caramelization.

How do I make monkey bread less sweet?

Reduce the brown sugar or use unsalted butter and adjust cinnamon sugar coating to taste.

Can I add flavors to the dough?

Yes, adding vanilla extract to the butter mixture or incorporating nutmeg in the sugar mix works well.

Is monkey bread gluten-free?

Traditional recipes use wheat-based biscuits, but gluten-free biscuit dough alternatives can be substituted.

Conclusion

This Easy Monkey Bread recipe is a deliciously comforting treat that’s simple enough for any home cook. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll enjoy warm, gooey bites bursting with cinnamon sugar and caramel flavor. Perfect for sharing or indulging on your own, monkey bread is sure to become a favorite go-to recipe in your kitchen.

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Monkey Bread

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This Easy Monkey Bread Recipe uses canned biscuit dough coated in a cinnamon sugar blend, baked with a rich brown sugar and butter caramel sauce. It’s quick and simple to prepare, delivering a warm, gooey, and irresistibly sweet treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

  • Author: Janet
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

2 cans biscuit dough (16.3 ounces each)

¾ cup granulated sugar

½ teaspoon cinnamon

¾ cup packed brown sugar

1 stick salted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan.
  2. Open the cans of biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters.
  3. In a bowl, mix together granulated sugar and cinnamon until well combined.
  4. Roll each biscuit piece in the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating thoroughly.
  5. Place the coated biscuit pieces evenly in the greased bundt pan.
  6. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  7. Stir in the brown sugar until it dissolves completely and forms a caramel-like mixture.
  8. Pour the butter and brown sugar mixture evenly over the biscuit pieces in the bundt pan.
  9. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
  10. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for about 20 minutes.
  11. Invert the bundt pan onto a serving plate to release the monkey bread, allowing the caramelized sugar to create a gooey topping.
  12. Slice and serve warm. Optionally, add caramel sauce or ice cream for extra indulgence.

Notes

  • Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
  • Mix in raisins or dried cranberries with the biscuit pieces for a fruity twist.
  • Swap cinnamon sugar for pumpkin pie spice during fall for a seasonal flavor.
  • Use cream cheese or flavored dipping sauces alongside for added richness.
  • For a less sweet option, reduce the amount of brown sugar or use light brown sugar.
  • Store leftover monkey bread covered tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Reheat individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm in oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: ⅛ of monkey bread
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

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Hi, I’m Janet! Welcome to Recipes by Janet, where I share simple, delicious, and reliable recipes for every meal.

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