Monkey bread is the ultimate indulgence, combining gooey dough, cinnamon-sugar sweetness, and a golden-brown crust that’s irresistible. This easy monkey bread recipe is a breeze to make and results in a delightful pull-apart treat that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any special occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family brunch or an afternoon snack, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this easy monkey bread because it’s quick, simple, and packed with flavor. It requires minimal ingredients and no special skills to prepare—just a few cans of biscuit dough, butter, cinnamon, and sugar. The pull-apart nature makes it a fun and interactive treat, perfect for sharing with friends or family. With a buttery cinnamon glaze drizzled over the top, this warm, sweet treat will have everyone asking for more.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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2 cans biscuit dough
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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1/8 cup ground cinnamon
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1/4 cup sugar
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3/4 cup butter (use 1/2 cup butter if you want less)
For the glaze:
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1/4 cup powdered sugar
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1 tbsp milk
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Break the biscuits into small balls, about 3 tablespoons per ball.
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Grease a deep-dish loaf pan or bundt pan with butter or cooking spray.
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In a medium bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar. Stir to mix.
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Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
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Layer the dough balls in the prepared pan, then sprinkle 1/8 cup of brown sugar over the first layer. Add the second layer of dough balls and sprinkle the remaining brown sugar on top.
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Melt the butter and pour it over the top of the dough balls. Sprinkle some leftover cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top.
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Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dough is fully cooked. Check with a toothpick to ensure it is baked through.
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While the bread is baking, mix together the powdered sugar and milk to create a smooth glaze.
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Once baked, remove the monkey bread from the oven, let it cool slightly, and drizzle the glaze over the top before serving.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 6 people
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 40 minutes
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Total time: 50 minutes
Variations
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Pizza Dough Monkey Bread: For a savory twist, you can substitute the biscuit dough with pizza dough.
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Add-ins: Feel free to add nuts, such as chopped pecans or walnuts, between the dough layers for a crunchy texture.
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Fruit: For a fruity twist, you could add small pieces of apple or berries along with the dough balls.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store any leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: To reheat, place the monkey bread in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warm. You can also microwave individual pieces for 20-30 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use other types of dough for monkey bread?
Yes! While this recipe uses biscuit dough, you can also make monkey bread with pizza dough, croissant dough, or even cinnamon rolls.
Can I make monkey bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and layers the night before. Cover it tightly and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, bake it as directed.
Can I freeze monkey bread?
Yes, monkey bread freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake it in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes after thawing.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, the glaze can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before drizzling over the monkey bread.
What can I do if my monkey bread is undercooked?
If your monkey bread is undercooked, simply return it to the oven and bake it for an additional 5-10 minutes. Make sure the top is golden and the dough is fully cooked through.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While butter gives the best flavor, margarine can be substituted if needed. However, the taste and texture may differ slightly.
What type of pan should I use for monkey bread?
You can use either a deep-dish loaf pan or a bundt pan. Both work well, but a bundt pan gives the bread a traditional shape and allows for better caramelization.
Can I add frosting instead of the glaze?
Yes, you can add cream cheese frosting or even chocolate frosting if you prefer a richer topping.
How do I know when monkey bread is done baking?
Your monkey bread is done when it is golden brown on top and no longer doughy in the center. You can test it by inserting a toothpick into the center and checking for any wet dough.
Can I use a smaller or larger pan?
Yes, you can adjust the size of the pan. Just be sure to watch the baking time closely, as a smaller pan may require less time and a larger pan may need a bit more.
Conclusion
This easy monkey bread recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves sweet, gooey desserts that are easy to make and sure to please a crowd. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, this dish is perfect for busy mornings, family gatherings, or just a cozy treat. Whether you serve it for breakfast or dessert, it’s a delicious and fun way to enjoy a beloved classic.
Print
Easy Monkey Bread
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Monkey Bread Recipe combines gooey dough, cinnamon-sugar sweetness, and a golden-brown crust that’s irresistible. It’s a pull-apart treat that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any special occasion, made with minimal ingredients.
Ingredients
2 cans biscuit dough
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/8 cup ground cinnamon
1/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup butter (use 1/2 cup for less butter)
For the glaze:
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Break the biscuits into small balls, about 3 tablespoons per ball.
- Grease a deep-dish loaf pan or bundt pan with butter or cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, combine cinnamon and sugar, then stir to mix.
- Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Layer the dough balls in the prepared pan, sprinkling 1/8 cup of brown sugar over the first layer. Add the second layer of dough balls and sprinkle the remaining brown sugar on top.
- Melt the butter and pour it over the dough balls. Sprinkle any leftover cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Check with a toothpick to ensure it’s baked through.
- While the bread is baking, mix powdered sugar and milk to create the glaze.
- Once baked, remove from the oven, cool slightly, and drizzle the glaze over the top before serving.
Notes
For a savory twist, substitute the biscuit dough with pizza dough.
For added crunch, include chopped pecans or walnuts between the dough layers.
Add small pieces of apple or berries along with the dough balls for a fruity variation.
If storing leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
To reheat, place the monkey bread in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or microwave individual pieces for 20-30 seconds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
