Name: Classic Monkey Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; ½ cup packed brown sugar; Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts; 2 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; Nonstick cooking spray

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate pull-apart treat that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, look no further than Classic Monkey Bread. This irresistible dessert combines soft, cinnamon-sugar coated biscuit pieces with a gooey, caramel-like glaze—all baked up golden in a Bundt pan. It’s the kind of nostalgic, hands-on treat that disappears as fast as you can set it on the table, perfect for brunches, holidays, or any morning that needs a little extra joy.

Classic Monkey Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Classic Monkey Bread lies in its simple, familiar ingredients that transform into something extraordinary. Every item plays a key role, from the fluffy biscuit dough to the rich swirl of cinnamon and sugar. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Refrigerated biscuit dough: The shortcut star—these biscuits bake up pillowy-soft and make prep a breeze.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens each bite and helps create that signature crunchy coating.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth, spice, and that classic monkey bread aroma you can’t resist.
Unsalted butter, melted: Soaks into the dough and marries the sugar and cinnamon into a gooey, golden glaze.
Packed brown sugar: Deepens the caramel notes in the sauce, making everything extra luscious.
Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): For a nutty crunch and flavor boost—totally up to your preference!
Nonstick cooking spray: Essential for an easy release from the Bundt pan (no one likes a stuck monkey bread!).

How to Make Classic Monkey Bread

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven

Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 12-cup Bundt pan with nonstick spray, making sure to coat every nook and cranny. This step is crucial for that glorious, intact unmolding moment later on.

Step 2: Cut and Coat the Biscuits

Pop open your biscuit cans and cut each biscuit into quarters—you’ll end up with lots of bite-sized pieces, perfect for pulling apart later. In a large zip-top bag, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Add the biscuit pieces in batches, sealing the bag and giving it a good shake each time. This ensures every morsel is evenly coated in sweet, spicy goodness.

Step 3: Layer with Nuts (Optional)

If you’re using pecans or walnuts, sprinkle half into the bottom of your prepared Bundt pan. This creates a crunchy, flavorful base. Layer in the cinnamon-sugar biscuit pieces, sprinkling with the remaining nuts as you go. The nuts aren’t required, but they add a lovely contrast in texture and flavor.

Step 4: Pour on the Buttery Sauce

In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Slowly pour this rich mixture evenly over the biscuit pieces in the pan. It’ll seep down and create a gooey, caramelized coating as the bread bakes.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is deeply golden and the center is cooked through. The aroma will be downright irresistible. After baking, let the monkey bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes (this helps it set and makes unmolding easier).

Step 6: Unmold and Serve

Carefully invert the Bundt pan onto a serving plate. The Classic Monkey Bread should slide right out, revealing those beautiful, caramelized edges. Serve it warm, letting everyone pull off their own sweet, sticky pieces—it’s half the fun!

How to Serve Classic Monkey Bread

Garnishes

For an extra-special touch, drizzle your Classic Monkey Bread with a simple vanilla glaze or creamy cream cheese frosting. A dusting of powdered sugar also looks gorgeous and adds a final kiss of sweetness.

Side Dishes

This treat pairs well with fresh fruit, a bowl of berries, or even a tangy fruit salad to balance out the richness. If you’re hosting brunch, serve alongside savory favorites like scrambled eggs or crispy breakfast potatoes for a satisfying spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Classic Monkey Bread shines at the center of the table, but you can also portion it into individual ramekins for personal servings, or bake in mini Bundt pans for adorable, single-serve treats. Add festive sprinkles or chopped nuts on top if you’re celebrating a holiday!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Classic Monkey Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you’d like it to stay fresher longer, pop it in the fridge—just be sure to reheat before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Classic Monkey Bread! Once cooled, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, reheat slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds, or cover the whole bread with foil and warm in a 300°F oven until gooey and soft. Don’t skip this step—nothing beats monkey bread served warm!

FAQs

Can I make Classic Monkey Bread the night before?

Absolutely! Prep everything up to the baking step, cover tightly, and store in the fridge overnight. In the morning, bake as directed—just add a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.

What can I use instead of refrigerated biscuit dough?

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can use homemade biscuit dough or even thawed frozen bread dough. Each option creates a slightly different texture, but all result in delicious pull-apart bread.

Is Classic Monkey Bread kid-friendly?

Definitely! Kids love both making and eating monkey bread. The pull-apart nature makes it fun for little hands, and you can let them help shake the dough pieces in cinnamon sugar.

Can I add other flavors or mix-ins?

Yes! Try mixing in mini chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even a sprinkle of orange zest with the sugar for a fun twist. The recipe is super adaptable to your favorite flavors.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The top should be golden brown, and the center should feel set when pressed lightly. If you’re unsure, insert a skewer into the middle—if it comes out mostly clean, your Classic Monkey Bread is ready.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about sharing Classic Monkey Bread with people you love. Give this recipe a try, and watch it disappear piece by sticky, cinnamon-scented piece. I promise, it’ll become a fast favorite on your table too!

Classic Monkey Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Classic Monkey Bread is a sweet, pull-apart dessert made with cinnamon-sugar coated biscuit dough pieces baked in a Bundt pan with a rich brown sugar and butter glaze. This delicious treat is perfect for gatherings or a special breakfast and can be customized with nuts for added texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ cup packed brown sugar
Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Main Ingredients

2 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Nonstick cooking spray

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 12-cup Bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Cut biscuit dough: Cut each biscuit into quarters to create bite-sized pieces for even baking and easy pulling apart.
Coat biscuit pieces: In a large zip-top bag, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. Add biscuit quarters in batches, shaking the bag to thoroughly coat each piece with cinnamon sugar.
Layer nuts if using: If desired, sprinkle half of the chopped nuts evenly into the bottom of the prepared Bundt pan for added crunch.
Arrange biscuit pieces: Layer the cinnamon-sugar-coated biscuit pieces into the Bundt pan. Sprinkle the remaining nuts evenly over the top if using.
Prepare butter glaze: In a small bowl, combine melted butter and brown sugar, stirring until mixed well. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered biscuit pieces.
Bake the monkey bread: Place the Bundt pan in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the monkey bread is golden brown and cooked through in the center.
Cool and serve: Let the monkey bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate. Serve warm, pulling apart the pieces with your fingers or using a fork.

Notes

For extra gooeyness, add a drizzle of vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting on top after baking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate to keep fresh longer.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American