There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of cinnamon and sugar wafting through the kitchen, especially on a lazy weekend morning. I remember the first time I made monkey bread for a family brunch; it instantly became a treasured tradition. This delightful sticky treat transforms simple buttermilk biscuits into a warm, gooey masterpiece that you can easily pull apart with your fingers. Perfect for cozy gatherings, holiday celebrations, or even just a sweet escape from fast food, it’s all about minimal effort for maximum joy.
What’s even better? You can customize it to suit your preferences by switching up the spices or adding fun ingredients like chocolate chips or nuts. Join me in creating this delightful cinnamon monkey bread that promises to impress everyone at the table, including yourself! Let’s dive into this comforting recipe that captures the essence of home-cooked goodness.
Why is Monkey Bread a Family Favorite?
Irresistible Aroma: The tantalizing scent of cinnamon and sugar fills the air, instantly bringing a sense of warmth and comfort to your home.
Easy to Make: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can create this delicious treat without stress.
Customizable Delight: Explore variations by using pumpkin pie spice or even tossing in chocolate chips for added flavor.
Perfect for Sharing: This pull-apart bread is designed for communal enjoyment, making it ideal for family gatherings and brunches.
Memorable Experience: The joy of pulling apart gooey pieces brings back heartwarming memories, creating new traditions with each delightful bite!
Monkey Bread Ingredients
For the Dough
• Buttermilk Biscuits – The backbone of this monkey bread, choose non-flaky varieties for the best texture.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds the sweetness essential for a comforting base.
• Cinnamon – The star spice that gives monkey bread its iconic flavor; feel free to swap for pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice for a twist.
For the Sauce
• Butter – Contributes to the rich, gooey caramel-like sauce that enhances the overall indulgence.
• Brown Sugar – Deepens the flavor, creating that irresistibly sticky glaze; both light and dark varieties work beautifully.
Enjoy crafting your very own monkey bread masterpiece that fills the room with warmth and sweetness!
How to Make Monkey Bread
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures a perfectly baked monkey bread, so don’t skip it!
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Cut the buttermilk biscuits into quarters. Use kitchen scissors for an easy, messy-free approach to create bite-sized pieces.
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Combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in a zip-top bag. Next, add the biscuit quarters, seal the bag tightly, and give it a good shake to coat the pieces evenly.
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Spread the coated biscuit pieces into a Bundt pan. Layer them nicely to ensure even cooking and that every piece soaks in the goodness.
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Melt butter and brown sugar together in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir until the mixture is fully combined and bubbly, then pour it over the biscuits in the pan.
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Bake for 30-40 minutes, until the top is a deep, golden brown. The aroma will be delightful! Let the monkey bread cool for 15-30 minutes; this helps it set for easy serving.
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Monkey Bread
Room Temperature: Store any leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain its gooey texture.
Fridge: If you want to extend its freshness, refrigerate the monkey bread in an airtight container for up to 5 days, although the texture might change slightly.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Let thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, place pieces in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through, ensuring the delightful gooeyness returns.
Make Ahead Options
These delightful monkey bread morsels are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the biscuit pieces and coat them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store them in a zip-top bag in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can assemble the entire dish in the Bundt pan (after pouring the butter and brown sugar mixture) and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just remember to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to maintain its freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake straight from the fridge—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time for a delightful, gooey experience that tastes just as wonderful!
Monkey Bread Variations
There’s always room to get creative in the kitchen, and this recipe is no exception! Embrace the possibilities with these delightful twists that will elevate your monkey bread experience.
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Pumpkin Spice: Swap out cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice to embrace the flavors of fall. The warm notes of nutmeg and ginger will invigorate your taste buds!
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Chocolate Lovers: Add in some semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a delicious surprise. These melty morsels bring a decadent richness that pairs beautifully with the sweetness.
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Nutty Crunch: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the mix to introduce a delightful crunch. This twist adds texture and depth, making every bite irresistibly satisfying.
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Fruit Infusion: Toss in some diced apples or sliced bananas before baking for a fruity twist. The fruit caramelizes and adds a natural sweetness that complements the sugary goodness.
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Maple Bliss: Drizzle maple syrup into the butter and brown sugar mixture for a sweet, aromatic upgrade. It adds an earthy sweetness that transforms your monkey bread into a breakfast dream!
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Savory Side: For a twist on the classic, sprinkle in a dash of garlic powder and Italian seasoning before baking. The result is a savory pull-apart bread that pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes.
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Coconut Flake: Mix in sweetened shredded coconut for a tropical flair. This addition elevates the flavor profile, creating a delightful contrast with the cinnamon.
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Cheesy Goodness: Add small cubes of cream cheese in between the biscuit pieces for a creamy, gooey surprise. Once baked, the cheese melts into each pull-apart section, creating a decadent treat.
Dive into these creative variations to keep your monkey bread adventure exciting!
Expert Tips for Monkey Bread
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Thorough Mixing: Ensure to mix the cinnamon with sugar thoroughly in the bag to avoid clumping, which can lead to uneven flavor.
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Cooling Time: Allowing the monkey bread to cool briefly before inverting helps to prevent it from falling apart, maintaining its glorious shape.
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Non-Greased Pan: Use a non-greased Bundt pan—the butter will create a naturally non-stick environment for an easy release.
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Check Doneness: Keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is different. Look for a deep brown top to indicate it’s done.
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Gooey Goodness: For extra gooeyness, consider slightly under-baking the monkey bread by a few minutes; the residual heat will keep it warm and soft.
What to Serve with Cinnamon Monkey Bread?
Warm cinnamon monkey bread creates a cozy and inviting breakfast or brunch experience that calls for delightful pairings.
- Fresh Fruit Medley: A colorful assortment of fruits adds a refreshing contrast, balancing the sweetness of the monkey bread. Think crisp apples, juicy berries, and sliced bananas.
- Creamy Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt, either plain or flavored, provides a tangy element that cuts through the sweetness and enhances the overall meal.
- Savory Bacon: Crispy bacon gives a satisfying crunch and savory bite, perfectly contrasting the soft, gooey texture of the bread. It adds a heartiness that makes the meal feel complete.
- Maple Syrup Drizzle: For those who adore extra sweetness, a warm drizzle of maple syrup elevates the experience and pairs beautifully with the cinnamon flavor.
- Nutty Granola: Serving a small bowl of crunchy granola adds another texture dimension, enticing those who love to mix and match flavors.
- Flavorful Coffee: A freshly brewed cup of coffee complements the warm spices of the monkey bread, enhancing the cozy morning vibe—and a lightly sweetened latte is a lovely touch!
- Chai Tea: For something different, serve with chai tea; its warming spices echo the flavors in the bread and offer a soothing experience.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Turn breakfast into dessert by serving warm monkey bread alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream; the melting ice cream creates an indulgent treat.
- Nut Milk or Hot Chocolate: For a cozy drink option, consider steaming nut milk or a creamy hot chocolate that pairs wonderfully with the sweet notes of your monkey bread.
Monkey Bread Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right buttermilk biscuits for monkey bread?
Absolutely! For the best results, opt for non-flaky buttermilk biscuits. Look for canned varieties that are labeled as “homestyle” or “refrigerated” rather than frozen, as they provide a better texture for pulling apart after baking.
How should I store leftover monkey bread?
You can store any leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it fresh a little longer, consider refrigerating it; it will last for up to 5 days. Just be aware that refrigeration may slightly alter the texture.
Can monkey bread be frozen?
Yes, you can! To freeze monkey bread, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What should I do if my monkey bread is too gooey or soggy?
If you find your monkey bread is too gooey, it may be a sign that it was undercooked. Make sure to bake it until the top is deep golden brown, which usually takes 30-40 minutes. Each oven is unique, so keep an eye on it and consider adding a few extra minutes if needed.
What spices can I use instead of cinnamon in monkey bread?
Very! While cinnamon is the classic choice, you can substitute it with pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice for a seasonal twist. Alternatively, consider adding a touch of nutmeg or even cardamom for a unique flavor profile. Don’t hesitate to experiment!
Is monkey bread safe for pets or those with allergies?
I recommend caution! Monkey bread contains ingredients such as sugar and butter, which can be harmful to pets. Additionally, make sure to check for any allergies to dairy or gluten in your household before serving. It’s always best to enjoy this delightful treat yourself!
Cinnamon Monkey Bread: Your Easy, Gooey Family Favorite
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut the buttermilk biscuits into quarters.
- Combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in a zip-top bag, then add the biscuit quarters and shake to coat evenly.
- Spread the coated biscuit pieces into a Bundt pan, layering nicely.
- Melt butter and brown sugar together in a saucepan over medium-high heat, then pour over the biscuits in the pan.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for 15-30 minutes before serving.