Homemade Monkey Bread Is Fluffy, Gooey, and Downright Delicious

What Is Monkey Bread?

Monkey bread is a deliciously sweet, pull-apart bread that has become a favorite among home bakers and brunch enthusiasts. Originating in the United States, this treat is made from soft pieces of dough coated in cinnamon sugar, stacked in layers, and baked to perfection with a buttery caramel glaze. Sometimes referred to as pull-apart bread or bubble bread, monkey bread is a dessert you’ll find served at holiday gatherings, weekend brunches, and even as a fun family breakfast.

What makes monkey bread stand out is its irresistible combination of gooey, syrupy sweetness and soft, tender dough. It’s both a visual and culinary delight as everyone can grab their little chunk of chewy goodness, making it perfect for any occasion that’s all about sharing and enjoying comfort food. If you’ve been wondering, “What is monkey bread?” the best way to understand it is to make it and enjoy every sticky, sweet bite!

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Monkey Bread

This homemade monkey bread recipe checks every box for flavor, ease, and fun! Here’s why it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen:

• Soft and fluffy dough that practically melts in your mouth.
• Gooey caramel glaze that adds a delightful sweetness with every bite.
• Quick prep time, thanks to convenient canned biscuits.
• Versatility—perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any celebratory meal.
• Family-friendly fun, where kids can help assemble the dough pieces.

You’ll fall in love with how easy it is to make “monkey bread with canned biscuits,” and your family and guests will rave about the delicious results!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Base Ingredients

• Canned biscuits (or homemade biscuit dough, if you prefer). Pillsbury biscuits or Grands biscuits work best for this recipe.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1.5 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 cup butter
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Optional Add-Ins

• Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
• Cream cheese cubes for a rich and decadent twist.
• Caramel drizzle or chocolate chips for indulgent toppings.

These simple pantry staples come together to craft an easy monkey bread recipe that’s both foolproof and unforgettable.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Dough Balls

1. Cut the biscuits into four quarters using a sharp knife. Each quarter will form one dough ball.
2. Combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in a plastic bag or bowl.
3. Add dough ball pieces to the bag or bowl and toss until they’re evenly coated in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Layer in the Pan

4. Grease a bundt pan generously with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
5. Layer the cinnamon-sugar-coated dough balls in the pan, adding optional toppings like cream cheese cubes or nuts between the layers.

Make the Gooey Sauce

6. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar until smooth and combined.
7. Pour the caramel-like sauce evenly over the dough balls in the bundt pan.

Bake and Cool

8. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30–40 minutes, until the caramel bubbles and the top is golden brown.
9. Allow the monkey bread to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate to reveal the sticky, caramel-coated layers.

That’s it! Now you know how to make monkey bread from start to finish. Simple steps, outstanding results.

Tips for the Perfect Monkey Bread

• Use flaky biscuits like Pillsbury Grands for a softer texture and great layering.
• Avoid overbaking to keep the caramel gooey and the dough soft. Watch for bubbling caramel as a sign it’s ready.
• Grease your bundt pan generously to make sure the bread releases easily.
• Make ahead: Assemble the monkey bread and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning for a quick breakfast treat!

Recipe Variations

Get creative with these fun twists on classic monkey bread:

Sweet Variations

• Apple Cinnamon Monkey Bread

Add diced apples and a sprinkle of nutmeg for a fall-inspired version.

• Blueberry Monkey Bread

Toss in fresh or frozen blueberries for an unexpected fruity burst.

Savory Variations

• Garlic Cheddar Monkey Bread

Swap out sugar for garlic powder and shredded cheddar cheese for a savory version perfect for dinner.

• Pizza Monkey Bread

Add marinara sauce, pepperoni, and shredded mozzarella cheese for a pizza-inspired pull-apart bread.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2–3 days.
• To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or reheat the entire loaf in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.
• To freeze, wrap the cooled monkey bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven when ready to enjoy.

FAQs About Monkey Bread

Q. Can I use homemade dough instead of canned biscuits?

Absolutely! While canned biscuits make this recipe faster, homemade biscuit dough works wonderfully for a from-scratch option.

Q. What kind of pan is best?

A bundt pan works best to create the classic shape, but a tube pan or loaf pan work in a pinch.

Q. Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dough and cover it in the pan. Refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh in the morning.

Q. Is monkey bread a dessert or breakfast?

Both! It’s versatile enough to be served as a gooey dessert or a sweet breakfast treat.

Printable Recipe Card

Homemade Monkey Bread Recipe

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 cans (16 oz) of refrigerated biscuits
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1.5 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 cup butter
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• Optional add-ins (nuts, cream cheese cubes, caramel drizzle)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cut biscuits into quarters and coat in cinnamon-sugar.
3. Grease a bundt pan and layer dough pieces with optional add-ins.
4. Melt butter with brown sugar and pour over dough.
5. Bake for 30–40 minutes. Cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Final Thoughts

Homemade monkey bread is the perfect combination of gooey, fluffy, and downright delicious. Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s incredibly easy to make. With endless variations and pantry-friendly ingredients, you’ll want to make this recipe again and again.

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review and share your thoughts!