Easy Monkey Bread Recipe

Easy Monkey Bread Recipe: The Ultimate Sticky, Sweet Pull-Apart Treat

If you’ve never had monkey bread before, prepare to meet your new favorite comfort food.

Sticky, sweet, buttery, and enjoyable to eat, monkey bread is a pull-apart pastry made with bite-sized pieces of dough rolled in cinnamon sugar and drenched in a gooey caramel glaze.

Why You Should Make It Today!

It’s the kind of treat that brings people together literally because everyone grabs pieces straight from the pan.

It’s perfect for Christmas morning, weekend brunch, or anytime you want to feed a crowd (or a bunch of hungry teenagers!).

But what exactly is monkey bread? Where did it get its name? And how do you make this gloriously sticky creation? Let’s dive in!

What Is Monkey Bread?

Monkey bread is a pull-apart pastry made by layering small balls of dough in a bundt pan and coating them with butter, cinnamon, and sugar.

As it bakes, the pieces stick together, creating a golden, caramelized loaf that can be torn apart by hand. The texture is soft and fluffy inside with a sweet, slightly crunchy outside.

Despite the name, there are no actual monkeys involved, just loads of flavor and fun!

Why Is It Called Monkey Bread?

Monkey bread gets its name from the way it’s eaten. Just like monkeys picking at their food, people pull off chunks of this bread with their fingers.

It’s a casual, shareable treat that encourages communal snacking—and maybe a few primitive noises of delight as well.

What Is Monkey Bread Made Of?

This easy recipe uses a few pantry staples:

• 3 cans of refrigerated buttermilk biscuits (non-flaky variety)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2–3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 2 sticks of unsalted butter (1 cup)

The biscuit dough is cut into quarters, tossed in cinnamon sugar, layered into a pan, and drizzled with melted brown sugar butter before baking.

Recipe: How to Make Monkey Bread Step by Step

Ingredients:

• 3 cans of buttermilk biscuits
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2–3 teaspoons cinnamon
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cut biscuits into quarters.
• Mix sugar and cinnamon in a large zip-top bag.
• Toss the biscuit pieces in the cinnamon sugar until they are evenly coated.
• Layer biscuits in a greased Bundt pan.
• Melt butter and brown sugar together over medium heat and pour over the biscuit dough.
• Bake for 30–40 minutes, until golden brown.
• Cool slightly, then invert onto a plate and serve warm.

Pull apart with your hands or serve with a fork if you’re feeling fancy!

Can You Make the Bread with Crescent Rolls?

Absolutely! Crescent roll dough works great as a soft, buttery alternative to biscuit dough. Just make sure to pinch the seams closed before cutting the dough into pieces.

How to Make the Bread Without a Bundt Pan

No Bundt pan? No problem!

• Use a tube pan (like for angel food cake).
• Or try a muffin tin to make mini monkey bread servings.
• A loaf pan or deep baking dish will work too—just adjust the baking time and check doneness with a toothpick.

Do You Need to Grease the Pan for the Bread?

You can, but with all that butter in the glaze, greasing is usually optional. Still, for extra peace of mind, a light coating of baking spray won’t hurt.

How to Serve

Monkey bread is best served warm, right out of the oven. Turn it out onto a plate or cake stand and let everyone dig in. The gooey caramel makes it irresistible!

Should You Refrigerate?

Nope! Just cover any leftovers and store at room temperature for 2–3 days. Refrigeration tends to dry it out. You can also freeze monkey bread for up to 1 month—just wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap.

How to Reheat

• Microwave: Heat individual portions for 20–30 seconds.
• Oven: Cover with foil and warm at 300°F until heated through.

Pillsbury Monkey Bread Recipe Hack

If you’re short on time, Pillsbury’s canned biscuit dough is your best friend for making monkey bread fast. Pop open the cans, coat the dough, pour the glaze, and bake—it’s almost too easy.

Cheesy Monkey Bread with Biscuits

Want a savory version? Swap the cinnamon sugar for garlic butter, chopped herbs, and shredded cheese. The result is an ooey-gooey, cheesy pull-apart bread perfect for appetizers or game day snacks.

Pop Open a Can of Biscuits for Ree Drummond’s Easy Monkey Bread

This recipe was inspired by Ree Drummond (a.k.a. The Pioneer Woman), who shared her friend’s take on this iconic dish. It’s proof that great recipes don’t have to be complicated.

A few simple ingredients and one Bundt pan later, you’ve got a show-stopping treat that’s hard to resist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Pan Is Best for the Bread?

A classic Bundt pan works great, but you can also use a tube pan, loaf pan, or even a muffin tin for mini portions.

Can I Make the Bread Ahead of Time?

Yes! Assemble everything the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Just bring it to room temperature before baking.

Is the Bread a Dessert or a Breakfast?

Both! It’s sweet enough for dessert but is often served for breakfast or brunch, especially during holidays.

Best Monkey Bread Recipe for Beginners

If this is your first time making monkey bread, don’t worry. It’s nearly foolproof. The steps are simple, the ingredients are basic, and the results are always amazing.

Trust me, once you smell that cinnamon-butter aroma coming from your oven, you’ll understand the hype.