Monkey Bread Recipe
Monkey bread recipe is the ultimate treat for those cozy mornings or festive gatherings! This delightful pull-apart bread is made with fluffy dough balls coated in cinnamon sugar and drizzled with a luscious buttery glaze. Each bite is a warm hug, bursting with sweet, gooey goodness that will have everyone reaching for more. Perfect for sharing, this easy-to-follow recipe ensures that even beginners can whip up this crowd-pleaser in no time. Get ready to create a delicious masterpiece that will fill your home with irresistible aromas and smiles all around!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents

Monkey Bread Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Bundt pan Greased for easy removal of monkey bread.
- 1 Large bowl For mixing dry ingredients.
- 1 Separate bowl For mixing wet ingredients.
- 1 Small saucepan For melting butter and brown sugar.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour Base for the dough.
- 1 tablespoon Baking powder Leavening agent.
- 1 teaspoon Salt Enhances flavor.
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup Milk For moisture.
- 1/4 cup Melted butter Adds richness.
- 1/4 cup Sugar Sweetens the dough.
Coating Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Sugar For coating dough balls.
- 2 teaspoons Cinnamon Adds flavor.
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar For the sauce.
- 1/2 cup Butter For the sauce.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your monkey bread bakes evenly and comes out perfectly fluffy.
- In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir well to combine.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of melted butter, and 1/4 cup of sugar. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Knead gently for about 1 minute until smooth. Roll into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup of sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. This will give your monkey bread that sweet, spicy flavor!
- Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. Place them in a greased bundt pan, stacking them as you go.
- In a small saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of butter with 1/2 cup of brown sugar over medium heat. Stir until combined and bubbly.
- Pour the warm butter-brown sugar mixture over the dough balls in the bundt pan. Make sure to cover them evenly!
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
- Let the monkey bread cool for about 10 minutes in the pan. Then, invert it onto a serving plate. Pull apart and enjoy this sweet treat with family and friends!
Why You’ll Love This Monkey Bread Recipe
- It’s a fun, hands-on treat that brings everyone together.
- Each bite is a delightful explosion of cinnamon and sugar.
- Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any special occasion.
- Easy to customize with your favorite add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.
- You’ll impress your friends and family with minimal effort!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category: | Dessert |
| Cuisine: | American |
| Prep Time: | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 30 minutes |
| Total Time: | 50 minutes |
| Dietary: | Vegetarian |
| Serves: | 8-10 |
| Best Served: | Warm |
Ingredients for Monkey Bread Recipe
- Biscuits – The base of your monkey bread; use refrigerated biscuit dough for convenience.
- Sugar – Sweetens the dough and adds a delightful caramelization.
- Cinnamon – Provides that warm, comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with sugar.
- Butter – Adds richness and helps create a gooey texture; use unsalted for better control over saltiness.
- Brown Sugar – Enhances the sweetness and gives a deeper flavor profile; light or dark works well.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds a lovely aroma and flavor; opt for pure vanilla for the best taste.
- Nutmeg – A pinch adds warmth and complexity to the flavor; use sparingly.
- Optional Toppings – Consider nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.

How to Make the Monkey Bread Recipe
Get ready for a fun baking adventure! Follow these simple steps to create your delicious monkey bread.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your monkey bread bakes evenly and comes out perfectly fluffy.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of melted butter, and 1/4 cup of sugar. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Knead gently for about 1 minute until smooth. Roll into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
Step 5: Prepare the Coating
In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup of sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. This will give your monkey bread that sweet, spicy flavor!
Step 6: Coat the Dough Balls
Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. Place them in a greased bundt pan, stacking them as you go.
Step 7: Make the Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of butter with 1/2 cup of brown sugar over medium heat. Stir until combined and bubbly.
Step 8: Pour the Sauce
Pour the warm butter-brown sugar mixture over the dough balls in the bundt pan. Make sure to cover them evenly!
Step 9: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Let the monkey bread cool for about 10 minutes in the pan. Then, invert it onto a serving plate. Pull apart and enjoy this sweet treat with family and friends!

Pro Tips for Making the Monkey Bread Recipe
•Use refrigerated biscuit dough for a quick and easy base that saves time.
•For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sugar mixture.
•Make sure to coat each piece of dough thoroughly in butter and sugar for maximum sweetness.
•Let the monkey bread cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burns.
•Serve warm with a side of cream cheese frosting for a delightful dip!
How to Serve Monkey Bread Recipe
Get ready to elevate your monkey bread experience with these fun serving suggestions!
- Serve warm, straight from the oven for that gooey goodness.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
- Drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.
- Enjoy with a side of fresh fruit for a refreshing balance.
- Try it with a dollop of whipped cream for a creamy texture.
- Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
- Make it a brunch centerpiece with a fruit salad on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing leftovers properly ensures you can enjoy your monkey bread later without losing its deliciousness.
Storing Leftovers
• Allow the monkey bread to cool completely before storing.
• Place leftovers in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing
• Wrap the cooled monkey bread tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• For best quality, freeze individual portions if possible.
Reheating
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the monkey bread in a baking dish, covered with foil.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• For a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes.
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FAQs
What is monkey bread?
Monkey bread is a delicious, pull-apart bread made from pieces of dough rolled in cinnamon sugar. It’s often baked in a bundt pan, resulting in a sweet, gooey treat that’s perfect for sharing!
Can I make monkey bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and assemble the monkey bread the night before. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. In the morning, let it come to room temperature before baking for the best results.
What can I use instead of butter?
If you’re looking for a substitute for butter, you can use coconut oil or a plant-based margarine. Both options will still give you that rich flavor and texture you love in monkey bread.
How do I store leftover monkey bread?
Store any leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You can also refrigerate it for longer freshness, but be sure to warm it up before serving for that gooey goodness!
