Monkey Bread

My easy monkey bread is a sweet indulgence that melts in your mouth! I love making it for lazy weekend mornings or as a delicious holiday treat.

My Family’s Favorite Recipe for Monkey Bread

What is Monkey Bread?

Monkey bread, also known as pull-apart bread, is an irresistible treat made from dough balls rolled in butter and sugar, then baked to a caramelized perfection. It has a sweet, sticky texture that’s perfect for sharing! 

Making monkey bread with biscuits like Pillsbury Grands is the key to a super easy monkey bread recipe like mine. It’s ready to eat in under an hour!

Monkey Bread Recipe Ingredients 

• Refrigerated biscuit dough — I use the Pillsbury Grands rolls
• Sugar
• Cinnamon
• Butter
• Sugar
• Milk — I also have used heavy cream to create a thicker glaze

How to Make Monkey Bread

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and liberally grease a 10 to 12-cup bundt pan.

STEP TWO: Unroll the tube of biscuits and place them on the cutting board, cutting them into quarters with a sharp knife.

STEP THREE: Transfer the biscuits to a large Ziploc bag, then add the granulated sugar and cinnamon.

STEP FOUR: Seal the bag securely and shake until all the biscuits are coated in the sugar mixture.

STEP FIVE: Scatter the biscuits in the bundt pan, making sure they are even.

STEP SIX: Add the butter and brown sugar to a small saucepan and heat over medium heat until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved. Once the mixture starts to bubble, remove the pan from the heat and whisk until smooth and the butter is no longer separated.

STEP SEVEN: Pour the hot caramel over the biscuits, making sure to coat them evenly.

STEP EIGHT: Place the bundt pan in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 

STEP NINE: Let the bundt pan cool on a wire rack for five minutes.

STEP TEN: While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. The consistency should be slightly thick but still pourable.

STEP ELEVEN: Place a round serving platter over the top of the bundt pan and carefully flip it to release the cake from the pan.

STEP TWELVE: While the cake is still warm, slowly pour the glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides.

Tips for an Easy Monkey Bread Recipe 

• Grease the bundt pan really well to prevent sticking. I find this works the best for the monkey bread to slide right out!
• Shake the biscuit pieces in the freezer bag with cinnamon and sugar until all the pieces are evenly coated for maximum flavor. I love doing this more than mixing them in a bowl because it coats it more evenly
• Watch the caramel as it cooks and remove it as soon as it starts to bubble to avoid burning.
• Let the bread cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before turning it out to avoid crumbling or sticking to the pan. I’ve flipped it right away and it’s not only super hot, but way too fragile.
• Serve monkey bread while it’s still warm for the stickiest, most delicious experience!

Monkey Bread with Biscuits Variations and Substitutions

• Sprinkle in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts if you like a crunchy texture in your monkey bread recipes.
• Make the glaze thicker by using 1 1/4 cups of powdered sugar and 3 tablespoons of heavy cream.
• Try using maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a rich flavor twist. I do this in the spring for maple syrup season here in NY.
• Add chocolate chips between the layers of biscuits for a chocolatey twist. The kids go crazy when I make this version!
• Sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg in the freezer bag along with the cinnamon for extra warmth. I think this adds extra holiday flair!
• Toss in some fruit like blueberries or raspberries for an additional burst of flavor. I’ve used strawberries and blueberries.

What to Serve with Monkey Bread

I love to serve my monkey bread alongside other breakfast staples like these crispy hash browns and my son’s favorite breakfast food, air fryer bacon.

Monkey Bread FAQs 

Can I Refrigerate Leftover Monkey Bread?

I usually store any leftover monkey bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 5 days, although it rarely lasts that long in my house!

I recommend reheating any of the leftover monkey bread recipe in the oven at 300 degrees F for about 10 minutes or until it’s warm and the sugar begins to melt again.

What is the Best Pan to Use For Monkey Bread?

I always recommend using a bundt pan to make this recipe for monkey bread. The circular shape with a hole in the center helps it cook evenly.

A standard 10 to 12-cup bundt pan gives the dough enough space to expand and cook without overflowing.

More Easy Recipes

• Sweet potato casserole
• Peanut butter balls
• Jello salad
• 3 ingredient banana pudding
• Pineapple dump cake
• Cornbread stuffing
• Grape salad
• Fruit dip recipe
• Apple turnover