Monkey bread is a delightful, pull-apart treat that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. This gooey, sweet bread is made from pieces of biscuit dough rolled in cinnamon and sugar, then baked in a bundt pan with a buttery brown sugar glaze. It's a fun and easy recipe that the whole family will love.
Most of the ingredients for monkey bread are common pantry staples, but you might need to pick up a few items if you don't have them on hand. Refrigerated biscuit dough is typically found in the dairy section of the supermarket. Make sure to get the right size cans. Ground cinnamon and brown sugar are usually found in the baking aisle. If you don't already have granulated sugar and butter, you'll find them in the baking and dairy sections, respectively.

Ingredients for Monkey Bread Recipe
Refrigerated biscuit dough: This is the base of the monkey bread, providing the doughy texture.
Granulated sugar: Used to coat the dough balls, adding sweetness and helping to create a caramelized crust.
Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy flavor to the sugar coating.
Melted butter: Combines with the brown sugar to create a rich, gooey glaze.
Brown sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness to the glaze.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing biscuit dough for monkey bread, ensure that each piece is evenly coated with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This helps create a consistent flavor throughout the dish. Additionally, when pouring the butter and brown sugar mixture over the dough balls, make sure to distribute it evenly to ensure every piece gets a rich, caramelized coating.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
refrigerated biscuit dough - Substitute with homemade biscuit dough: Making your own dough allows for more control over ingredients and can be a healthier option.
refrigerated biscuit dough - Substitute with canned crescent roll dough: This dough has a similar texture and can be used in a pinch.
granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a slight caramel flavor.
granulated sugar - Substitute with maple sugar: Maple sugar provides a unique flavor and is less processed.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: This blend includes cinnamon along with other spices like nutmeg and cloves, adding more depth of flavor.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with apple pie spice: Similar to pumpkin pie spice, this blend includes cinnamon and complements the sweetness of the dish.
melted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a dairy-free alternative that adds a subtle coconut flavor.
melted butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine is a non-dairy option that can mimic the texture and flavor of butter.
packed brown sugar - Substitute with date sugar: Date sugar is made from dried dates and provides a similar sweetness with added nutrients.
packed brown sugar - Substitute with molasses and granulated sugar: Mixing molasses with granulated sugar can replicate the moisture and flavor of brown sugar.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Recipe
- To keep your monkey bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay delicious for up to 2 days.
- If you want to extend its shelf life, you can refrigerate it. Place the monkey bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. It will last for up to a week in the fridge.
- For longer storage, freezing is a great option. Wrap the monkey bread tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- When you're ready to enjoy your frozen monkey bread, let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- To reheat, preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Place the monkey bread on a baking sheet and cover it with aluminum foil. Warm it in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- For a quicker option, you can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place a piece of monkey bread on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on medium power for 20-30 seconds, or until warm.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Place the leftover monkey bread in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
- Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. The cinnamon-sugar mixture should be gooey again, and the biscuit dough should be soft.
Microwave Method:
- Place a portion of the monkey bread on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist.
- Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Check if it's warm enough; if not, continue heating in 10-second intervals until desired warmth is achieved.
Stovetop Method:
- Use a non-stick skillet and set it over low heat.
- Place the monkey bread in the skillet and cover with a lid.
- Heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even warming. This method helps maintain the caramelized sugar texture.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C).
- Place the monkey bread in the air fryer basket. You can line it with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- Heat for 3-5 minutes, checking frequently to ensure it doesn’t overcook. The dough balls should be warm and slightly crispy on the outside.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the monkey bread at the specified temperature until it is golden brown and cooked through.
Bundt pan: A special type of baking pan with a hole in the middle, used to shape the monkey bread.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, as well as to toss the dough balls in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Knife: Used to cut the biscuit dough into quarters.
Small bowl: Used to mix the melted butter and brown sugar together.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the ground cinnamon.
Spatula: Used to help layer the coated dough balls in the bundt pan and to pour the butter-sugar mixture evenly over the dough balls.
Cooling rack: Used to let the monkey bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a plate.
Plate: Used to serve the monkey bread once it has been inverted from the bundt pan.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Pre-cut the dough: Cut the biscuit dough into quarters and roll them into balls ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container until ready to use.
Use a large mixing bowl: Combine the cinnamon and sugar in a large bowl to coat more dough balls at once, speeding up the process.
Pre-mix the butter and sugar: Prepare the melted butter and brown sugar mixture in advance and keep it ready to pour over the dough balls.
Grease the pan well: Ensure the bundt pan is well-greased to prevent sticking, making it easier to invert the monkey bread.

Monkey Bread
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans Refrigerated biscuit dough 16.3 oz each
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- ½ cup Butter Melted
- 1 cup Brown sugar Packed
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan well.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Cut the biscuit dough into quarters and roll each piece into a ball. Toss the dough balls in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well-coated.
- Layer the coated dough balls in the prepared bundt pan.
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and brown sugar. Pour this mixture evenly over the dough balls in the bundt pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
- Let the monkey bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a plate. Serve warm.
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