Easy Monkey Bread Recipe

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Update : December 27, 2025

Deliciously sticky and easy homemade monkey bread

Easy Monkey Bread Recipe

Monkey bread is a delightful, sticky dessert that brings joy to many. It is especially popular at family gatherings, breakfast tables, and cozy brunches. This easy monkey bread recipe is a crowd-pleaser, known for its delicious flavor and gooey texture. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a sweet treat that everyone will love. Let’s dive in!

Why Make This Recipe

There are several reasons to make monkey bread. Firstly, it is incredibly easy to prepare. If you’re short on time or baking experience, this recipe is perfect for you. Using pre-made biscuit dough cuts down on preparation time significantly, making it accessible for beginners.

Secondly, monkey bread has a fun, shareable quality. It is made up of small, pull-apart pieces, making it a great dish for groups. Friends and family can gather around and enjoy breaking off their own pieces, which adds to the experience.

Additionally, monkey bread is versatile. You can customize it according to your taste preferences. Whether you like it sweet, spicy, or even savory, you can alter the ingredients and flavors to make it your own. With a warm, gooey center and a slightly crispy exterior, it satisfies a wide range of cravings.

Lastly, the delicious smell that fills your kitchen while baking will have everyone excited. Your home will be filled with warm, cinnamon aromas that will draw people in, making it an excellent choice for gatherings.

How to Make Easy Monkey Bread

Ingredients

To make your easy monkey bread, gather the following 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 butter if you want less)
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp milk

These ingredients are easy to find at most grocery stores. If you want to add a twist, consider adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor!

Directions

  1. Break the Biscuits: Start by opening the two cans of biscuit dough. Take each biscuit and break it into small balls of dough. Aim for pieces that are about the size of a golf ball.

  2. Roll the Dough: Once you have your pieces, roll each one in your palms to create a smooth, round ball. Each ball should be roughly 3 tablespoons in size.

  3. Grease the Pan: Take your deep-dish loaf pan and grease it thoroughly with butter. If you don’t have a loaf pan, a bundt pan works just as well. You can also use cooking spray to make the process easier.

  4. Mix Cinnamon and Sugar: In a medium bowl, combine 1/8 cup of ground cinnamon with 1/4 cup of sugar. Stir until evenly mixed. This will be the coating for your dough balls.

  5. Coat the Dough Balls: Take each dough ball and roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. This adds a scrumptious layer of flavor.

  6. Create the First Layer: Place a single layer of the coated dough balls into the bottom of the greased pan. After laying the balls down, sprinkle 1/8 cup of the brown sugar over this layer. Reserve the other 1/8 cup of brown sugar for the next layer.

  7. Add a Second Layer: Continue to add more dough balls on top of the first layer. Once again, sprinkle some brown sugar over this second layer. Depending on the size of your pan, you should have enough dough to create two layers. It’s okay if you have some dough left over.

  8. Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan or microwave, melt the 3/4 cup of butter. Once melted, pour it evenly over the top of the dough balls in the pan.

  9. Sprinkle with Cinnamon-Sugar Mix: Take any leftover cinnamon and sugar mixture and sprinkle it over the dough balls.

  10. Bake the Monkey Bread: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake your monkey bread in the oven for approximately 45 minutes. To ensure it cooks through, keep an eye on it. The top should turn golden brown when it’s ready.

  11. Check for Doneness: It’s essential to cook the monkey bread all the way through. If it looks golden on the outside but seems doughy on the inside, it needs more time.

  12. Make the Glaze: While the monkey bread is baking, you can prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of milk. Stir until smooth.

  13. Serve: Once baking is complete and your monkey bread is a beautiful golden brown, take it out of the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before pouring the glaze over the top. This extra step adds sweetness and makes it even more delicious!

How to Serve Easy Monkey Bread

Monkey bread is best served warm. Let people pull apart their pieces for a fun, interactive dessert experience. You can offer it on a large platter or simply serve it straight from the baking pan. Some people might enjoy it with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. Fresh fruit, like strawberries or bananas, can also complement the dish well.

If you’re serving it for breakfast, it pairs beautifully with coffee or tea. The warm, sweet flavors of the bread make it an excellent way to start the day.

How to Store Easy Monkey Bread

If you have any leftovers, you can store them to enjoy later. Allow the monkey bread to cool down fully before placing it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.

To reheat, simply place individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. You can also warm it in the oven at a low temperature. This way, it will regain some of its gooey goodness.

Tips to Make Easy Monkey Bread

  • Choose the Right Biscuits: For the best results, use flaky biscuit dough. The flaky layers will help create that soft and gooey texture that monkey bread is known for.

  • Experiment with Extras: Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the dough balls. It’s a great way to make the recipe your own.

  • Don’t Skip the Glaze: The glaze adds an extra touch of sweetness and makes the monkey bread feel special. It is very simple to make, so don’t skip it!

  • Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Each oven is different, so check your monkey bread around the 30-minute mark. If it’s browning too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil and let it finish baking.

Variations

While this recipe is classic and delicious on its own, you can try some fun variations for different flavors. Here are a few ideas:

  • Apple Cinnamon Monkey Bread: Add small pieces of apple to the dough balls for a delicious fall-inspired dessert.

  • Chocolate Chip Monkey Bread: Mix in chocolate chips with the dough for a sweeter twist. You could also drizzle melted chocolate instead of a glaze.

  • Savory Monkey Bread: For a savory version, use garlic powder or herbs instead of sugar and cinnamon. Add cheese for a tasty party appetizer.

FAQs

Can I use homemade biscuit dough?

Yes! You can definitely make your own biscuit dough if you prefer. Just ensure it is flaky enough to create that soft texture.

How do I know when the monkey bread is done?

The monkey bread is done baking when it is golden brown on the top and cooked through. You can also insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, it is ready.

Can I freeze monkey bread?

Yes, you can freeze monkey bread. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to two months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it in the oven.

Now you’re ready to create and enjoy this delicious easy monkey bread! Invite friends over and make memories while sharing this delightful treat. Happy baking!

Print
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Easy Monkey Bread


  • Author: jena
  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A delightful, sticky dessert that’s perfect for family gatherings and brunches, featuring a gooey texture and customizable flavors.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans biscuit dough
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/8 cup ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 3/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp milk

Instructions

  1. Open the two cans of biscuit dough and break each biscuit into small balls.
  2. Roll each piece into a smooth ball, about the size of a golf ball.
  3. Grease the deep-dish loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.
  4. In a medium bowl, mix the ground cinnamon with sugar.
  5. Coat the dough balls in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  6. Place a single layer of coated dough balls in the greased pan and sprinkle with brown sugar.
  7. Add a second layer of dough balls and sprinkle more brown sugar on top.
  8. Melt 3/4 cup of butter and pour it over the dough balls in the pan.
  9. Sprinkle any leftover cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top.
  10. Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for 45 minutes, checking for doneness.
  11. Mix 1/4 cup of powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of milk to create the glaze.
  12. Once baked, pour the glaze over the monkey bread and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Monkey bread is best served warm and is perfect for sharing.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: monkey bread, dessert, easy recipes, baking, gooey bread

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