Easy Monkey Bread Recipe

The first time I tried Easy Monkey Bread, I didn’t even know what it was called. I just knew it smelled like sweet cinnamon heaven and tasted like a warm hug.

This bread pulls apart so easily with sticky, gooey layers of cinnamon sugar. It’s soft in the middle, a little crisp on the outside, and full of buttery sweetness.

Making this at home fills your kitchen with a smell that makes everyone come running. And when you take that first bite? It’s warm, soft, and full of joy. I love it for weekends or lazy mornings.

If you like fun recipes like this, you might also enjoy my Chicken Fingers Recipe.

Why I Love This Easy Monkey Bread

This Easy Monkey Bread recipe is one of my favorite go-to treats. It’s fun to make and even more fun to eat. I can pull it apart with my hands, and every bite is full of cinnamon sugar. It reminds me of cozy mornings, old-school kitchens, and laughing with people I care about.

Here’s why it means so much to me:

• Fast and simple: Just a few easy steps and it’s ready to bake.
• No special skills: You don’t need to be a pro. If I can do it, you can too.
• Kid-friendly: My kids love helping me roll the dough in sugar.
• Tastes amazing: Sweet, buttery, and cinnamon-y in every bite.
• Looks fun: It’s a pull-apart treat that everyone enjoys together.

Every time I bake this, the whole house smells amazing. It’s hard not to eat it straight from the oven, but I always wait just enough to not burn my fingers. This bread brings smiles every single time.

Easy Monkey Bread Ingredients

Here’s what you need for this Easy Monkey Bread Recipe. Each ingredient is simple, and I’ll explain why it matters:

• Refrigerated Biscuit Dough (2 cans, 16 oz each): I use canned biscuits like Pillsbury Grands because they’re soft, fluffy, and save time. You don’t need to make dough from scratch, which makes this recipe so easy.
• Granulated Sugar (¾ cup): This adds sweetness to the dough balls. Regular white sugar works best for a classic taste.
• Ground Cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Cinnamon gives that warm, cozy flavor. It pairs perfectly with sugar for that classic monkey bread taste.
• Butter (½ cup, melted): Melted butter makes the bread rich and helps the sugar-cinnamon stick to the dough. Unsalted butter is my pick for balanced flavor.
• Brown Sugar (¾ cup): Brown sugar creates the gooey, caramel-like sauce. Light or dark works, but I love dark for a deeper flavor.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon, optional): A splash of vanilla adds a sweet, warm note to the sauce. It’s not a must, but I think it makes it extra special.

Helpful Swaps

If you’re missing something, don’t worry! Here are some swaps that work for this Easy Monkey Bread Recipe:

• Biscuit Dough: No canned biscuits? Make your own dough with flour, baking powder, salt, butter, and milk. It takes more time, but it’s just as tasty.
• Butter: Margarine or coconut oil can replace butter. Coconut oil adds a slight tropical flavor, which can be fun!
• Brown Sugar: Out of brown sugar? Mix ¾ cup white sugar with 1 tablespoon molasses for a quick substitute.
• Cinnamon: Try pumpkin pie spice for a fall twist. It has cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a cozy vibe.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

You don’t need fancy tools to make this Easy Monkey Bread Recipe. Here’s what I use:

• Bundt Pan: A 10-inch Bundt pan gives the bread its classic ring shape. A loaf pan works if you don’t have one.
• Small Bowl: For mixing sugar and cinnamon.
• Medium Bowl: To melt butter and mix with brown sugar.
• Microwave or Stove: To melt the butter. I use a microwave for speed.
• Knife or Scissors: To cut the biscuit dough into pieces.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate amounts of sugar, cinnamon, and butter.
• Oven Mitts: To safely handle the hot pan.
• Spatula: Helps get the bread out of the pan without sticking.

How To Make Easy Monkey Bread

Let’s make this Easy Monkey Bread Recipe! I’ll walk you through each step so even beginners can follow along. It’s fun and simple, I promise!

Step 1 | Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your Bundt pan with butter or cooking spray so the bread doesn’t stick.

Step 2 | Prepare the Dough

Open the biscuit cans and cut each biscuit into four pieces. I use a knife or kitchen scissors. You’ll get small dough chunks, perfect for pulling apart later.

Step 3 | Coat the Dough

In a small bowl, mix ¾ cup granulated sugar with 2 teaspoons cinnamon. Toss the dough pieces in this mix. I do a few at a time to coat them evenly. The sugar-cinnamon makes them sweet and spicy.

Step 4 | Arrange in Pan

Place the coated dough pieces in the greased Bundt pan. Spread them out evenly so they bake uniformly. It doesn’t need to be perfect—just fill the pan.

Step 5 | Make the Sauce

In a medium bowl, melt ½ cup butter (I microwave it for 30 seconds). Stir in ¾ cup brown sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla (if using). Mix until it’s smooth and syrupy.

Step 6 | Pour the Sauce

Drizzle the butter-sugar mix over the dough in the pan. Make sure it gets into all the nooks and crannies for that gooey texture.

Step 7 | Bake

Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The top should be golden brown, and the dough will feel firm. If it looks too dark, cover with foil for the last 10 minutes.

Step 8 | Cool and Flip

Let the bread cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes. Then, place a plate over the pan and carefully flip it to release the bread. It should come out easily if you greased the pan well.

Step 9 | Serve Warm

Pull apart the warm, sticky pieces and enjoy! It’s best fresh from the oven, but you can reheat leftovers.

Recipe Tips for Success

Here are some extra tips to make your Easy Monkey Bread Recipe perfect:

• Don’t Overpack the Pan: Leave a little space for the dough to rise and bake evenly.
• Check Dough Doneness: If you’re unsure it’s done, poke a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean.
• Use Fresh Cinnamon: Old cinnamon loses flavor, so use fresh for the best taste.
• Grease Well: A good coat of butter or spray prevents sticking, making flipping easier.
• Work Fast: Coat and layer dough quickly so it doesn’t sit too long before baking.

Make Ahead Tips

Want to save time? This Easy Monkey Bread Recipe can be prepped ahead. I love making it the night before for a stress-free morning.

After coating the dough in sugar-cinnamon and placing it in the pan, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. You can keep it there for up to 12 hours. When ready, make the butter-sugar sauce fresh and pour it over the dough. Then bake as usual.

The cold dough might need an extra 5 minutes in the oven, so check for a golden top. This trick is great for breakfast or brunch when you want to sleep in a bit but still serve something warm and delicious!

What Can Serve With Easy Monkey Bread

This Easy Monkey Bread Recipe is awesome on its own, but pairing it with sides makes it even better. Here are some ideas:

• Fresh Fruit: Strawberries or bananas add a fresh, juicy contrast.
• Coffee or Hot Chocolate: A warm drink balances the sweet, sticky bread.
• Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on warm monkey bread is dreamy.
• Bacon or Sausage: A savory side makes it a full breakfast spread.

How to Store Easy Monkey Bread

Got leftovers from your Easy Monkey Bread Recipe? No problem! Let the bread cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or put it in an airtight container.

It stays fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, pop it in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, microwave a few pieces for 15-20 seconds or warm the whole thing in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.

I don’t recommend freezing because the texture can get soggy, but if you must, wrap it well and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This way, you can enjoy that gooey goodness again!

Easy Monkey Bread Recipe FAQs

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

Yes! Homemade dough works great, but it takes more time. Mix 3 cups flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, ⅓ cup butter, and 1 cup milk. Knead until smooth, then cut into small pieces like the canned biscuits. It tastes just as good, but I stick with canned for speed. Follow the same steps for coating and baking.

2. Can I make this recipe without a Bundt pan?

Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch baking dish or a loaf pan. The shape won’t be a ring, but it’ll taste the same. Grease well and layer the dough evenly. Check for doneness at 30 minutes, as baking time might vary slightly. You’ll still get that sticky, pull-apart goodness.

3. How do I know when the monkey bread is done?

The top should be golden brown and firm to the touch. If you’re unsure, insert a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean. If it’s doughy, bake for 5 more minutes. Covering with foil prevents over-browning if it needs extra time. Trust your nose—the sweet smell is a good clue!

4. Can I add nuts or other toppings?

Yes, nuts like pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch. Sprinkle ½ cup over the dough before adding the sauce. You can also try raisins or chocolate chips for extra flavor. I’ve added pecans before, and my family loved the texture. Just don’t overdo it, so the bread stays the star.

5. Is there a way to make it less sweet?

If it’s too sweet, cut the granulated sugar to ½ cup and the brown sugar to ½ cup. The bread will still be sticky but less intense. You can also skip the vanilla for a simpler flavor. I’ve tried this for a friend who prefers less sugar, and it was still delicious.

Did you make this Easy Monkey Bread Recipe? Please leave a ⭐ rating and review!