If you’re looking for a show-stopping breakfast or brunch treat, the Caramel-Pecan Monkey Bread Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful pull-apart bread features soft, pillowy biscuit dough pieces drenched in a luscious buttery brown sugar caramel sauce, with toasted pecans adding that perfect crunchy contrast. Whether it’s a holiday morning, a weekend brunch with friends, or just a cozy day at home, this recipe bursts with irresistible flavors that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients come together beautifully to create the perfect harmony of sweet, buttery, and nutty notes. Each plays a vital role in delivering the classic texture and rich flavor that makes this Caramel-Pecan Monkey Bread Recipe so tasty and comforting.
- 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough, quartered: The base of the bread, offering soft, fluffy pieces that bake up perfectly pull-apart style.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Imparts deep, caramel-like sweetness and helps form that gooey sauce coating every bite.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds rich buttery flavor and creates the caramel sauce’s smooth texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Used to coat the biscuit pieces, balancing sweetness with a little sparkle.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Gives a warm, aromatic spice that complements the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: Provides a delicious crunchy element and nutty flavor contrast.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the caramel sauce depth with its sweet, fragrant notes.
How to Make Caramel-Pecan Monkey Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing a bundt pan is a must for easy release and to make sure all that heavenly caramel sauce stays inside the bread and doesn’t stick. The bundt pan’s shape also helps create those iconic pull-apart pieces.
Step 2: Coat the Biscuit Pieces
Take your quartered biscuit dough pieces and toss them thoroughly in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon. This step ensures each biscuit chunk gets a lovely sweet-spiced crust once baked—trust me, it’s the bite you can’t stop reaching for!
Step 3: Layer Biscuits and Pecans
Now, evenly layer half of the sugared biscuit pieces in the prepared bundt pan, sprinkle half of the chopped pecans on top, then repeat with the remaining biscuit pieces and pecans. This layering makes sure every forkful has that perfect distribution of soft dough and nutty crunch.
Step 4: Make and Pour the Caramel Sauce
In a bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour this rich caramel mixture evenly over the biscuit and pecan layers, letting it seep down and coat all those pieces. This is the magic that transforms the monkey bread into a golden, caramel-dripping masterpiece.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the bundt pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips, then bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the top is beautifully golden and bubbly. That caramel sauce will thicken and soak into the dough, creating irresistible pockets of sweetness.
Step 6: Cool and Invert
Allow the monkey bread to cool for about 10 minutes after removing from the oven. Then, carefully invert onto a serving plate. Get ready to marvel at your warm, gooey creation ready to be torn apart!
How to Serve Caramel-Pecan Monkey Bread Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, sprinkle some chopped pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. A drizzle of warm caramel sauce or even a dollop of whipped cream can elevate each bite into a decadent experience.
Side Dishes
This monkey bread pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples to balance the richness. A strong cup of coffee or a fruity mimosa also makes a delightful companion for a brunch spread featuring this sweet treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Make individual servings by baking in mini bundt pans or muffin tins for a fun twist. You can also use colorful muffin liners as liners for easy handling or even add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top to turn it into a stunning dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Caramel-Pecan Monkey Bread tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. It keeps well at room temperature for up to two days, which is perfect if you want to savor a little treat the next morning.
Freezing
You can freeze this monkey bread either before baking or after cooling. To freeze before baking, assemble in the bundt pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to a month. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as usual. For freezing after baking, cool completely, wrap well, and freeze. Reheat gently before serving for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftover monkey bread in a 325°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes until warm and soft. You can also microwave individual portions for about 20 seconds but be cautious not to overdo it or it may become chewy.
FAQs
Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of canned?
Absolutely! Homemade biscuit dough works wonderfully and adds your personal touch. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold together during baking for that classic monkey bread texture.
What type of pecans work best?
Fresh, raw pecans are ideal for this recipe. Toasting them lightly before mixing in adds extra flavor and crunch but is optional if you’re short on time.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
You can swap the unsalted butter for a dairy-free alternative and use dairy-free biscuits to make this recipe suitable for dairy-free diets. The flavor will still be deliciously rich and sweet.
Can I prepare this recipe the night before?
Yes! You can assemble the monkey bread in the bundt pan, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning for a quick and impressive breakfast.
What’s the best way to prevent the monkey bread sticking to the pan?
Generously greasing the bundt pan is key. Some like to also sprinkle a bit of sugar or flour after greasing to create a barrier that helps with easy release.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about pulling apart warm, gooey pieces of caramel-pecan heaven with friends and family. This Caramel-Pecan Monkey Bread Recipe promises delightful flavors, simple ingredients, and a crowd-pleasing wow factor. I can’t wait for you to try it and watch it become your new favorite breakfast or brunch tradition!
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Caramel-Pecan Monkey Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Caramel-Pecan Monkey Bread is a delicious pull-apart breakfast treat featuring soft biscuit dough pieces baked in a rich, buttery brown sugar caramel sauce with crunchy pecans. It’s perfect for holidays, brunch gatherings, or sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough, quartered
Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Coat Biscuit Pieces: In a large bowl, toss the quartered biscuit dough pieces with granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until they are evenly coated.
- Layer Ingredients: Arrange half of the coated biscuit pieces evenly in the bundt pan, sprinkle half of the chopped pecans over them, then repeat with the remaining biscuit pieces and pecans, layering evenly.
- Make Caramel Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
- Pour Sauce: Evenly pour the caramel sauce mixture over the layered biscuit pieces and pecans in the bundt pan, ensuring the sauce covers as much surface as possible.
- Bake: Place the bundt pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the monkey bread is golden brown and the caramel sauce is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Carefully invert the bundt pan onto a serving plate to release the monkey bread. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Place the bundt pan on a baking sheet to catch any caramel drips and avoid an oven mess.
- Best served warm to enjoy the gooey caramel and soft dough texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
