Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the sheer joy of making monkey bread! There’s something so magical about pulling apart those sweet, sticky pieces of dough that are just bursting with flavor. I remember the first time I made it; my kitchen filled with the warm aroma of cinnamon and sugar, and I couldn’t wait to dive in. It’s like a big, cozy hug in dessert form! Perfect for brunch or a family gathering, monkey bread is not just a treat—it’s an experience. Trust me, once you pull that golden-brown beauty out of the oven, everyone will be gathered around, ready to dig in. You’re going to love it!
What is Monkey Bread?
Monkey bread, also known as pull-apart bread, is a delightful sweet pastry that’s become a cherished staple in American cuisine. Made from pieces of biscuit dough rolled in a lovely mixture of cinnamon and sugar, it’s baked together in a bundt pan, resulting in a sticky, gooey treat that’s impossible to resist. The name “monkey bread” comes from the fun way you pull apart the pieces with your fingers, just like a monkey! It’s often served warm and is perfect for sharing during family gatherings, brunches, or even cozy evenings at home. Trust me, it’s a true crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients for Monkey Bread
Let’s gather everything we need to whip up this delicious monkey bread! You’ll be amazed at how simple it is. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cans of refrigerated biscuit dough: This is the base of our monkey bread. You can use any brand you like, but I prefer the flaky kind for that perfect pull-apart texture.
- 1 cup of granulated sugar: This sweetens our dough and adds to that gooey goodness!
- 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon: The star of the show! It brings warmth and that cozy flavor we all love.
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted: This adds richness and helps the sugar mix stick to the dough. Just make sure to let it cool slightly before pouring!
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar: This will give our monkey bread that wonderful caramel-like flavor and extra moisture.
Having everything prepped and ready to go makes the process so much smoother. Trust me, you’ll want to keep these ingredients handy for when that sweet craving hits!
How to Prepare Monkey Bread
Preheat and Prepare
Let’s get this monkey bread party started! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important, so don’t skip it! While that’s heating up, grab your biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. It’s so satisfying to see those little pieces ready to soak up all that deliciousness!
Mixing and Layering
Now, in a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Give it a good stir until it’s all mixed together—this is the magic dust! Next, take each quarter of dough and dip it into the cinnamon sugar mixture, making sure they’re well-coated. Then, layer those sugary pieces into a greased bundt pan. Don’t worry about making it perfect; the more random, the better! Just keep stacking until you’ve got all your dough pieces in there.
Baking Instructions
Alright, let’s take it up a notch! In a saucepan over medium heat, melt your unsalted butter and brown sugar together. Stir until it’s all combined and bubbly—oh, the smell is heavenly! Once melted, pour this luscious mixture evenly over the dough in the bundt pan. It’s going to create that glorious sticky topping! Now, pop it in the oven and bake for about 30-40 minutes. You’re looking for that gorgeous golden-brown color, so keep an eye on it. When it’s done, let it cool for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a plate. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Tips for Success with Monkey Bread
To achieve that perfect monkey bread, here are a few of my favorite tips! First, keep an eye on the baking time. Every oven is a bit different, so start checking around the 30-minute mark. You want that beautiful golden color, but be careful not to overbake it, or it can dry out. When serving, I like to drizzle a little extra melted butter on top for added richness—so good! And don’t forget, monkey bread is best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. It’s perfect for sharing, but trust me, you might want to keep a piece just for yourself. Enjoy the sticky goodness and watch it disappear!
Variations of Monkey Bread
Getting creative with monkey bread is half the fun! One of my favorite twists is adding chocolate chips—just sprinkle a handful between the layers for a decadent surprise. You can also mix in chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a delightful crunch that complements the softness of the dough. If you’re in the mood for something fruity, toss in some fresh blueberries or sliced strawberries before baking. And for a seasonal touch, why not add a hint of pumpkin spice or maple syrup? The possibilities are endless, so feel free to let your imagination run wild!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious monkey bread is super easy! Just keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to make it last a little longer, you can refrigerate it for about a week. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is in the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place the monkey bread on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This will help bring back that lovely gooeyness. Trust me, it’s worth the little effort to revive those flavors! Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Each serving of monkey bread (that’s about one piece) packs around 200 calories, which feels just right for such a sweet treat. You’ll find 10g of fat, with 5g of that being saturated fat. It also contains 3g of protein and 25g of carbohydrates, including 10g of sugar—just enough to satisfy your sweet tooth! There’s a little cholesterol (15mg) and 300mg of sodium in there too. Remember, these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of the deliciousness you’re indulging in. Enjoy every sticky, sweet bite!
FAQ About Monkey Bread
Can I use homemade dough instead of refrigerated biscuit dough? Absolutely! If you have a favorite dough recipe, feel free to use it. Just make sure to cut it into small pieces like you would with the biscuit dough.
What’s the best way to serve monkey bread? Serve it warm, right out of the oven! I love to pair it with a side of cream cheese frosting or a drizzle of caramel for an extra indulgent treat.
How do I know when my monkey bread is done? You’ll know it’s ready when it’s golden brown on top and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center. Just keep an eye on it after 30 minutes!
Can I make monkey bread ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare it the night before, cover it, and leave it in the fridge overnight. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? The oven is your best friend! Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place the monkey bread on a baking sheet, and warm it for about 10-15 minutes. It’ll taste almost as good as fresh!
Print
Monkey bread: 7 Irresistibly Sweet Ways to Delight Your Tastebuds
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Monkey bread is a sweet, sticky pastry made from pieces of dough rolled in cinnamon sugar and baked together.
Ingredients
- 2 cans of refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut the biscuit dough into quarters.
- In a bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon.
- Dip each piece of dough in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Layer the dough pieces in a greased bundt pan.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar together.
- Pour the butter mixture over the layered dough.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes before inverting onto a plate.
Notes
- Serve warm for best flavor.
- Can add nuts or chocolate chips for variation.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Monkey bread, dessert, pastry