Easy Monkey Bread Recipe

Introduction

Monkey Bread is a fun, delicious, and irresistible dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Known for its pull-apart goodness, it features soft, fluffy dough coated in a buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture, then baked until golden and sticky. Each piece of the bread is easily torn off, making it a great treat for sharing. Whether you’re baking it for a weekend brunch, a family gathering, or a holiday celebration, this Easy Monkey Bread Recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home.

In this version, we’ve kept the recipe simple, using basic ingredients and no complicated steps. Plus, it’s completely Halal, meaning it doesn’t contain pork, bacon, wine, or alcohol. The result? A sweet, sticky, and gooey dessert that everyone—regardless of dietary preferences—can enjoy.

Perfect for:

  • Weekend brunch
  • Holiday celebrations
  • Family gatherings
  • Casual get-togethers
  • Dessert lovers

Why You’ll Love This Easy Monkey Bread Recipe

Here’s why this Easy Monkey Bread Recipe will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen:

  • Simple Ingredients: Made with just a handful of pantry staples, this recipe is so easy to put together.
  • Incredibly Delicious: The combination of cinnamon, sugar, and butter creates a rich, indulgent flavor that’s hard to resist.
  • Pull-Apart Fun: Each piece of the monkey bread pulls apart easily, making it fun to share with friends and family.
  • Quick to Make: With minimal prep time and only about 30 minutes in the oven, this recipe doesn’t take hours to prepare.
  • Customizable: Feel free to add your own twist—whether it’s nuts, raisins, or a glaze on top, this recipe can be personalized to suit your taste.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Baking Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Servings: 8-10 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients for Easy Monkey Bread Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious, sticky, and irresistible Easy Monkey Bread:

Dough:

  • 2 cans (16 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough (Halal-certified)
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Caramel Sauce:

  • ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons milk (or a non-dairy substitute like almond or oat milk)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredient Highlights

  • Refrigerated Biscuit Dough: Using pre-made dough makes this recipe so much quicker and easier, without sacrificing flavor.
  • Cinnamon and Sugar: The classic combo of cinnamon and sugar gives this bread its signature warm, sweet, and comforting flavor.
  • Butter: Butter adds richness to the dough and the caramel sauce, giving the monkey bread its melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Brown Sugar: The brown sugar in the caramel sauce helps create a gooey, sticky coating that’s key to the “monkey bread” experience.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Monkey Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Dough

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray, or use butter to prevent the dough from sticking.
  2. Cut the Biscuits: Open the cans of refrigerated biscuit dough and separate each biscuit. Cut each biscuit into quarters (you should get four pieces per biscuit).
  3. Coat the Biscuit Pieces: In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Toss the quartered biscuit pieces in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until each piece is well-coated.

Step 2: Prepare the Caramel Sauce

  1. Make the Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, and stir until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
  2. Pour Over the Biscuit Pieces: Once the caramel sauce is ready, pour it evenly over the coated biscuit pieces in the bundt pan. This will create the gooey, sticky texture that makes monkey bread so addictive.

Step 3: Bake the Monkey Bread

  1. Assemble the Bread: Arrange the cinnamon-sugar-coated biscuit pieces evenly in the greased bundt pan. Don’t worry about making it perfect—just pile them in so they’re loosely packed. The dough will expand as it bakes.
  2. Bake: Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is cooked through. You can check doneness by inserting a toothpick or knife into the center of the bread—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
  3. Cool: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes. Letting it cool slightly helps the caramel sauce firm up a bit and makes it easier to remove from the pan.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Turn Out the Monkey Bread: After allowing the bread to cool for a few minutes, carefully flip the bundt pan onto a serving plate or large platter. The sticky caramel sauce will drip down, creating a beautiful, gooey effect.
  2. Serve: Allow the bread to cool for a few more minutes before serving. The bread is best enjoyed warm, but it’s still delicious at room temperature.

How to Serve Easy Monkey Bread Recipe

Monkey Bread is a treat that’s fun to serve and eat. Here are some ideas for serving it:

  • With Whipped Cream: Serve warm pieces of monkey bread with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
  • With Ice Cream: Top each serving with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for an extra decadent treat.
  • For Breakfast or Brunch: Serve monkey bread alongside coffee or tea for a sweet and satisfying breakfast or brunch option.
  • As a Party Dessert: Serve the bread on a large platter at your next get-together. It’s a fun way to get people to share and enjoy dessert together.
  • Gift Idea: Package leftover pieces of monkey bread in a cute box or jar as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.

Additional Tips for Easy Monkey Bread Recipe

Here are some tips to help you get the best results with this Easy Monkey Bread Recipe:

  • Use Halal Ingredients: Always check that your biscuit dough and other ingredients are Halal-certified, especially if you’re following dietary restrictions.
  • Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the bread while it’s in the oven. Overbaking can result in dry dough, so once it’s golden brown and cooked through, take it out of the oven right away.
  • Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to 5 days if you want to extend the shelf life.
  • Make It Your Own: Add in extras like chopped nuts (e.g., pecans or walnuts), raisins, or even chocolate chips to make this recipe your own.
  • Serve Immediately: This bread is best served warm and fresh, so try to serve it right after it comes out of the oven for the gooey, sticky experience.

Recipe Variations of Easy Monkey Bread Recipe

Here are some fun and delicious variations to try with your Easy Monkey Bread Recipe:

  1. Nutty Monkey Bread: Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the cinnamon-sugar coating for a crunchy contrast to the soft, chewy dough.
  2. Chocolate Monkey Bread: Stir in a handful of mini chocolate chips along with the cinnamon-sugar for a sweet and chocolatey twist.
  3. Apple Cinnamon Monkey Bread: Dice up an apple and toss it in with the cinnamon-sugar mixture to add a fruity, autumnal flavor.
  4. Caramel Pecan Monkey Bread: Add caramel bits or drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top, then sprinkle with chopped pecans for a rich, nutty version.
  5. Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread: For a fall twist, add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon to the dough mixture, and stir in a couple of tablespoons of canned pumpkin puree.
  6. Blueberry Lemon Monkey Bread: Add fresh or frozen blueberries and a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a fruity, citrusy twist.
  7. Coconut Monkey Bread: Stir in shredded coconut for a tropical twist on the classic.
  8. Almond Joy Monkey Bread: Add chopped almonds and small pieces of chocolate along with shredded coconut for a candy bar-inspired treat.
  9. Maple Monkey Bread: Replace the brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a natural sweetness and a rich flavor.
  10. Banana Monkey Bread: Mash a ripe banana and add it to the dough for a sweet, fruity twist that complements the cinnamon and sugar.

Freezing and Storage for Easy Monkey Bread Recipe

  • Freezing: You can freeze any leftover monkey bread for up to 3 months. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container. When ready to eat, thaw it at room temperature and reheat in the microwave or oven.
  • Storage: Keep leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but it will stay soft and delicious for a few days.

Special Equipment for Easy Monkey Bread Recipe

Here are some equipment items that can help make this Easy Monkey Bread Recipe even easier:

  1. Bundt Pan: A bundt pan is ideal for creating that signature ring shape and ensuring even baking.
  2. Electric Mixer: While you can mix by hand, an electric mixer makes mixing the dough and sugar coating faster and more efficient.
  3. Silicone Spatula: A silicone spatula helps with gently folding the biscuit pieces into the sugar mixture.
  4. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure the right balance of cinnamon, sugar, and other ingredients.
  5. Oven Mitts: Don’t forget a good pair of oven mitts to safely remove the hot bundt pan from the oven.
  6. Cooling Rack: A cooling rack allows the monkey bread to cool evenly, preventing it from becoming soggy.
  7. Pastry Brush: A pastry brush helps to evenly coat the bundt pan with butter, ensuring the bread doesn’t stick.
  8. Toothpick: Check the bread’s doneness with a toothpick to ensure it’s cooked all the way through.
  9. Tongs: Use tongs to gently remove pieces of monkey bread from the pan once it’s cooled a bit.
  10. Parchment Paper: If you’re concerned about the bread sticking, lining the pan with parchment paper can make removal easier.

FAQ Section about Easy Monkey Bread Recipe

  1. Can I use homemade dough instead of canned biscuits?
    Yes, you can make homemade dough if you prefer, but using canned biscuits saves time and effort for an easier recipe.
  2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
    Yes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative and use non-dairy milk for the caramel sauce.
  3. Can I make monkey bread ahead of time?
    Yes, you can prepare the dough and assemble the bread the night before, then refrigerate it overnight. Bake it fresh the next day.
  4. Can I use a different pan instead of a bundt pan?
    You can use a regular round cake pan or a loaf pan, but the baking time may vary. Check for doneness with a toothpick.
  5. What can I do if my monkey bread is too sticky?
    If the bread is too sticky, it may have been overbaked. Try reducing the baking time slightly next time, or let the bread cool for a longer period before serving.
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Easy Monkey Bread Recipe


  • Author: Rayne
  • Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:

  • 2 cans (16 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough (Halal-certified)
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

For the Caramel Sauce:

  • ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons milk (or a non-dairy substitute like almond or oat milk)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredient Highlights

  • Refrigerated Biscuit Dough: Using pre-made dough makes this recipe so much quicker and easier, without sacrificing flavor.
  • Cinnamon and Sugar: The classic combo of cinnamon and sugar gives this bread its signature warm, sweet, and comforting flavor.
  • Butter: Butter adds richness to the dough and the caramel sauce, giving the monkey bread its melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Brown Sugar: The brown sugar in the caramel sauce helps create a gooey, sticky coating that’s key to the “monkey bread” experience.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Dough

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray, or use butter to prevent the dough from sticking.
  2. Cut the Biscuits: Open the cans of refrigerated biscuit dough and separate each biscuit. Cut each biscuit into quarters (you should get four pieces per biscuit).
  3. Coat the Biscuit Pieces: In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Toss the quartered biscuit pieces in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until each piece is well-coated.

Step 2: Prepare the Caramel Sauce

  1. Make the Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, and stir until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
  2. Pour Over the Biscuit Pieces: Once the caramel sauce is ready, pour it evenly over the coated biscuit pieces in the bundt pan. This will create the gooey, sticky texture that makes monkey bread so addictive.

Step 3: Bake the Monkey Bread

  1. Assemble the Bread: Arrange the cinnamon-sugar-coated biscuit pieces evenly in the greased bundt pan. Don’t worry about making it perfect—just pile them in so they’re loosely packed. The dough will expand as it bakes.
  2. Bake: Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is cooked through. You can check doneness by inserting a toothpick or knife into the center of the bread—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
  3. Cool: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes. Letting it cool slightly helps the caramel sauce firm up a bit and makes it easier to remove from the pan.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Turn Out the Monkey Bread: After allowing the bread to cool for a few minutes, carefully flip the bundt pan onto a serving plate or large platter. The sticky caramel sauce will drip down, creating a beautiful, gooey effect.
  2. Serve: Allow the bread to cool for a few more minutes before serving. The bread is best enjoyed warm, but it’s still delicious at room temperature.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 250
  • Fat: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Protein: 3g

Conclusion of Easy Monkey Bread Recipe

This Easy Monkey Bread Recipe is a simple and delicious way to satisfy your sweet cravings. With its sticky, cinnamon-sugar crust and soft, pull-apart interior, it’s an irresistible dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s completely Halal, making it suitable for everyone. Whether you’re baking it for a family gathering, holiday party, or just as a weekend treat, this monkey bread will be a hit every time! Enjoy!

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