Okay, picture this: What is the Is it Christmas morning, you’re practically vibrating with excitement, and the first thing you do is to smile.? What is the smell of a cinnamon monkey bread? What was your childhood like?What is a monkey bread recipe?isn’t just a recipe; it’s reminiscence of those cozy, joyful moments. Is it easier to throw together than a cinnamon roll casserole? What are some of the best pull-apart foods that everyone loves? I swear, this stuff vanishes faster than I can make it! Is caramelized sugar bad for you?
What is monkey bread?
So, what *is* monkey bread, exactly? Think of it as a bunch of little dough balls, all snuggled together and coated in a glorious mixture of butter, cinnamon, and sugar. It’s essentially a giant, shareable cinnamon roll that you pull apart with your fingers (hence the “monkey” part, I guess!). I always thought it got the name because you’re pulling it apart like a little monkey! There are tons of variations out there, but at its heart, monkey bread is all about that gooey, sweet, and slightly messy experience. It’s comfort food at its finest, and it’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. It’s impossible to eat it and not smile, trust me on this one!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Let me tell you why this particular monkey bread recipe is a winner. First, the flavor is out of this world! It’s got that perfect balance of sweet and spicy from the cinnamon, plus a rich, buttery depth that makes it totally irresistible. What I love most about this is how unbelievably *easy* it is to make. Seriously, even if you’re a beginner baker, you can nail this. We’re talking simple ingredients, minimal fuss, and a huge payoff. And let’s not forget how budget-friendly it is. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. This one is a lifesaver on busy nights when you need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It’s also surprisingly versatile. You can serve it for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even a late-night snack. I’ve even seen people make savory versions (though I’m a purist when it comes to monkey bread!). Comparing this to other sweet treats, it’s less finicky than donuts, not as heavy as a cake, and way more fun to eat than plain old toast. Plus, my kids ask for this all the time, and that’s a pretty good endorsement in my book!
How do you make monkey bread?
Quick Overview
Making this monkey bread is surprisingly simple. You basically cut biscuit dough into pieces, toss them in cinnamon sugar, layer them in a bundt pan, and drench it all in melted butter and brown sugar. Then, you bake it until it’s golden brown and bubbly. The hardest part is waiting for it to cool down enough to eat! Seriously, it’s easier than making pancakes, and the results are far more impressive. Don’t be intimidated – I promise you’ll impress everyone!
Ingredients
For the Main Bread:
* 2 cans (16. I usually use the flaky kind, but any will work.
* ½ cup granulated sugar
* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (make sure it’s fresh! It makes a difference)
How do I make Gooey Sauce?
* ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 cup packed light brown sugar
* 12 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but adds a nice touch)
How do I follow
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup bundt pan *really* well. I always do this even if my pan is non-stick because monkey bread is notorious for sticking. Dusting it with flour after greasing is also a good idea. This will help the monkey bread release cleanly after baking. Don’t skip this step!
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar
In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Set aside. Whisk it together until it’s evenly mixed. How do you make sure every little dough ball gets coated? What are some good cinnamon-su I always make a little extra because my kids like to snack on it while I’m preparing the bread!
Step 3: Cut and Coat the Dough
Open the cans of biscuit dough. Cut each biscuit into quarters. Roll each quarter into a small ball. What should I do if I want them to be roughly the same size? How do you toss a dough ball into the cinnamon-sugar mixture? I usually use my hands for this, it’s just easier. Plus, I’m kinda fun!
Step 4: Layer in the Pan
Arrange the coated dough balls in the prepared bundt pan. How do you create layers? The more random, the better, because that creates all those delicious nooks and crannies in the universe.
Step 5: Make the Gooey Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract (if using). Whisk until the brown sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Make sure the butter isn’t too hot, or it will melt the sugar instead of dissolving it. I sometimes warm it up a little in the microwave to ensure it’s properly melted before adding the water. I usually add it to my smoothies.
Step 6: Pour the Sauce
What is the gooey butter mixture on top of the dough balls? Try to get it in between all the layers so that every single piece of dough is saturated. What creates that caramel crust on the bottom (or top)? ) of the monkey bread.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dough is smooth. Is it cooked through How do you test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the monkey bread? If it comes out clean, it’s done. Is it safe to burn a cake at the end of baking time?
Step 8: Cool and Invert
Let the monkey bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This allows the sauce to set up a bit, which makes it easier to invert. After 10 minutes, carefully invert the pan onto a serving plate. If any pieces stick, gently loosen them with a knife or spatula. I always hold my breath during this step, hoping it comes out in one piece!
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the monkey bread warm. Pull apart the pieces with your fingers and enjoy! I like to sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top, just for good measure. This is best enjoyed with friends and family, but I won’t judge if you eat the whole thing yourself!
What to serve it with?
What are some ideas for making monkey bread? Breakfast: Serve it with scrambled eggs and bacon. What a perfect combination of sweet and savory! For brunch, dress it up with some fresh fruit and a mimosa. What makes for a delicious spread? As a dessert, serve it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. What is the best combination of ice cream and monkey bread? What’s a good snack to serve with hot cocoa or apple cider? My family and I always make this for Christmas movie nights. It’s become a tradition!
How do you make a perfect Monkey Bread?
Here are some of my top tips for making the best monkey bread ever. First, make sure your bundt pan is *really* well-greased and floured. This is the key to getting the monkey bread to release cleanly. Don’t skimp on the butter! The butter is what makes the sauce so rich and gooey. Use a good quality butter for the best flavor. If you want to add a little extra flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mixture. You can also customize the sauce by adding a tablespoon of bourbon or rum. It adds a nice warmth to the flavor. Make sure you bake the monkey bread until it’s fully cooked through. Nobody wants to bite into raw dough! If the top starts to get too brown, you can tent it with foil to prevent it from burning. I also like to let the monkey bread cool slightly before inverting it onto a serving plate. This allows the sauce to set up a bit, which makes it easier to handle. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try making a savory monkey bread with cheese, herbs, and garlic. The possibilities are endless! Honestly, this recipe is super forgiving so don’t be intimidated, you can play around with a little!
Storing and Reheating Tips
What’s the best way to store leftover monkey bread? At room temperature, monkey bread will stay fresh for about 2-3 days if stored in an airtight container. In the refrigerator, it will last for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to reheat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. If you want to reheat monkey bread, you can either microwave it for a few seconds or bake it in the preheated oven. At 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. If you’re reheating it from frozen, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. What is the best way to reheat is always the oven to get that same fresh taste back, it brings it back to life. How do I prevent my skin from becoming soggy? I recommend only glazing the monkey bread you intend to eat immediately, since the glaze can make it more flavorful. Soggy during storage.
What are the most frequently asked questions on
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my Grandma’s famous monkey bread recipe! It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a taste of home, a warm hug in a bite, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine. If you’re looking for other fun and easy baking recipes, be sure to check out my other posts! And if you try this one, let me know how it turns out in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear what you think! Happy baking!
Monkey Bread Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup packed brown sugar
- 0.25 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the sugars and oil. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, and flour. Gradually add to the creamed mixture and mix until just combined.
- Stir in the cinnamon and nuts.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.
