Monkey bread is a delightful pull-apart bread made from soft, sweet dough pieces coated in cinnamon and sugar. This recipe utilizes a bundt pan to create a beautifully shaped loaf that’s perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a sweet treat at home.
The preparation is simple and involves rolling dough pieces in a cinnamon-sugar mixture before arranging them in the bundt pan. This results in a warm, gooey, and irresistible dessert that everyone will love.
What is Monkey Bread?
Monkey bread is a delightful treat that brings a sense of nostalgia and comfort to many. This pull-apart bread is made from soft, sweet dough pieces that are coated in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
Traditionally baked in a bundt pan, it takes on a beautiful shape that is perfect for gatherings or simply enjoying at home. The gooey, warm texture makes it an irresistible dessert that appeals to both young and old alike.
Why Use a Bundt Pan?
The bundt pan not only enhances the visual appeal of monkey bread but also ensures even baking. The unique shape allows for more surface area, which means more delicious caramelization and a delightful crust.
When inverted, the bundt shape creates an inviting centerpiece for any table. The presentation alone makes it a favorite for celebrations and casual get-togethers.
Preparation Made Simple
Making monkey bread is straightforward and requires minimal ingredients. Start with refrigerated biscuit dough, which saves time and effort compared to making dough from scratch.
Simply cut the dough into quarters, roll them in a cinnamon-sugar mixture, and layer them in the bundt pan. A drizzle of melted butter adds richness and flavor, ensuring every piece is coated in sweetness.
Perfect for Sharing
This recipe serves 8-10 people, making it ideal for parties or family gatherings. The fun of pulling apart the pieces adds an interactive element to the experience, encouraging everyone to dig in together.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch or looking for a cozy dessert, monkey bread is sure to be a hit. Its warm, gooey nature invites everyone to enjoy a piece (or two) without hesitation.
Serving Suggestions
Monkey bread can be served warm, straight from the oven, or at room temperature. For an extra touch, consider drizzling a sweet glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the top just before serving.
Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat, or serve it as a dessert after a hearty meal. The versatility of monkey bread makes it suitable for any occasion.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days. To enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
This ensures that the bread remains soft and the flavors stay intact, allowing you to savor the deliciousness even after the initial bake.
Easy Monkey Bread in a Bundt Pan
This monkey bread recipe features tender dough pieces rolled in cinnamon and sugar, baked until golden brown, and drizzled with a sweet glaze. The recipe takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish and serves 8-10 people.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (16 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan with non-stick spray or butter.
- Prepare the Dough: Open the biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon. Roll each dough piece in the mixture until well coated.
- Layer in Bundt Pan: Place half of the coated dough pieces in the bundt pan. Drizzle half of the melted butter over the dough. Repeat with the remaining dough and butter.
- Add Brown Sugar: Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top of the dough in the pan.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
- Cool and Glaze: Allow the monkey bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk to make the glaze, then drizzle over the warm monkey bread.
- Serve: Pull apart the pieces and enjoy warm.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 8-10 servings
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 16g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 42g