Easy Cinnamon Sugar Monkey Bread: A Sticky Pull-Apart Breakfast Treat

Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Monkey Bread

This irresistible monkey bread recipe transforms simple canned biscuits into a gooey, pull-apart breakfast masterpiece that’s perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or anytime you crave something sweet. The sticky cinnamon-sugar coating creates caramelized pieces that are impossible to resist pulling apart one by one!

Why You’ll Love This Pull-Apart Monkey Bread

There’s something magical about monkey bread that brings people together around the table. Perhaps it’s the interactive nature of pulling apart those sticky, sweet pieces, or maybe it’s just the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and sugar that fills your kitchen as it bakes. Either way, this recipe is:

• Simple to make – Uses convenient canned biscuits
• Kid-friendly – Little hands love helping roll the dough in cinnamon sugar
• Crowd-pleasing – Perfect for feeding a hungry family
• Customizable – Easy to add nuts, raisins, or other mix-ins

Ingredients for Easy Monkey Bread

• 3 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough
• 1 cup granulated white sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 9 or 10-inch Bundt pan or tube pan
• Medium mixing bowl
• Small saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Kitchen scissors or knife (for cutting biscuits)

How to Make the Best Monkey Bread From Scratch

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9 or 10-inch Bundt pan or tube pan.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the white sugar and cinnamon until well combined.
3. Open the cans of biscuits and cut each biscuit into quarters (you can use kitchen scissors or a knife).
4. Roll each biscuit piece in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated, then arrange them in the prepared pan. If using nuts, sprinkle some between layers as you go.
5. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir until dissolved, about 1-2 minutes. If using vanilla, stir it in now.
6. Pour the butter-sugar mixture evenly over the biscuit pieces in the pan.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the bread is no longer doughy in the center.
8. Allow to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate. Serve warm.

Pro Tips for Perfect Monkey Bread

• Even coating: Make sure each biscuit piece gets thoroughly coated with the cinnamon-sugar mixture for the best flavor in every bite.
• Don’t overcrowd: Leave a little space between biscuit pieces in the pan so the bread can expand as it bakes.
• Timing is everything: Be careful not to overbake, as the caramel can harden too much. The bread should be golden and set but still tender.
• Serving suggestion: For an extra special touch, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

Delicious Variations to Try

• Apple Pie Monkey Bread: Add diced apples and apple pie spice to the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
• Chocolate Monkey Bread: Add mini chocolate chips between the layers of dough.
• Savory Monkey Bread: Skip the sugar and use herbs, garlic, and cheese for a dinner side dish.
• Pumpkin Spice: Replace cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for a fall-themed treat.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

This monkey bread is best enjoyed fresh from the oven while it’s still warm and gooey. However, if you have leftovers:

• Room temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds before serving.
• Freezer: Wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Monkey Bread

Can I make monkey bread without a Bundt pan?

Yes! You can use a regular cake pan, loaf pan, or even a muffin tin for individual servings. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough pieces and arrange them in the pan the night before. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. In the morning, pour the butter-sugar mixture over the top and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Why is it called monkey bread?

The name comes from the way people eat it—picking it apart with their fingers, similar to how monkeys pick at their food!

Nutrition Information

The Perfect Occasions for Serving Monkey Bread

This gooey, pull-apart treat is ideal for:

• Christmas morning breakfast
• Weekend family brunches
• Birthday celebrations
• Potluck gatherings
• After-school snacks

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a special brunch, this classic monkey bread recipe is sure to become a favorite tradition that everyone will request again and again!

Recipe inspired by AllRecipes