This easy cinnamon monkey bread is a delightful pull-apart treat that combines soft, buttery dough with a sweet cinnamon sugar coating. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, it’s a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort.
The recipe uses refrigerated biscuit dough, making it quick to prepare. You can customize it with nuts or chocolate chips for added flavor.
What is Monkey Bread?
Monkey bread is a delightful treat that brings a sense of nostalgia to many. This sweet, pull-apart bread is typically made from biscuit dough, rolled in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar, then baked to golden perfection.
The name “monkey bread” comes from the way people eat it—pulling apart pieces with their fingers, much like how monkeys might share food. This makes it a fun and interactive dessert or breakfast option for gatherings.
Ingredients That Make It Special
The simplicity of the ingredients is one of the reasons monkey bread is so appealing. Using refrigerated biscuit dough means you can whip it up quickly without any complicated preparations.
Key ingredients include granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter, which create that irresistible sweet coating. Optional additions like nuts or chocolate chips can elevate the flavor, allowing for personal touches that cater to different tastes.
Preparation Steps
Preparing monkey bread is straightforward and can be done in just a few steps. Start by preheating your oven, which sets the stage for baking.
Next, cut the biscuit dough into quarters and roll each piece in melted butter followed by the cinnamon sugar mixture. Layer these pieces in a bundt pan, adding nuts or chocolate chips if desired. A sweet brown sugar sauce poured over the top before baking adds an extra layer of flavor.
Baking to Perfection
Baking monkey bread typically takes about 30 to 35 minutes. The result is a beautifully golden-brown loaf that fills the kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma.
Once baked, allow it to cool slightly before inverting onto a serving plate. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect pull-apart texture.
The Finishing Touch: Glaze
No monkey bread is complete without a drizzle of glaze. A simple mixture of powdered sugar and milk creates a smooth, sweet topping that enhances the overall experience.
Drizzling the glaze over the warm bread allows it to seep into the crevices, making each bite even more delightful. This final touch transforms the monkey bread into a visually appealing centerpiece for any table.
Serving Suggestions
Monkey bread is versatile and can be enjoyed at any time of day. Serve it warm for breakfast alongside a cup of coffee, or present it as a sweet treat for dessert.
Pairing it with fresh fruit or whipped cream can add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness. Whether for a family gathering or a cozy brunch, this pull-apart bread is sure to impress and satisfy.
Simple Monkey Bread Recipe
This monkey bread features bite-sized pieces of dough rolled in cinnamon sugar, baked until golden brown, and drizzled with a sweet glaze. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare and serves 8 people.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips (optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Dough: Open the biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon.
- Coat the Dough: Dip each biscuit piece into melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Place them in a greased bundt pan, layering with nuts or chocolate chips if desired.
- Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the brown sugar and remaining butter together until bubbly. Pour this mixture over the dough in the bundt pan.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Let it cool for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a bowl, mix powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the warm monkey bread before serving.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 45g