Ever find yourself needing a crowd-pleasing treat that’s fast, fun, and disappears quicker than you can say “Mamma mia!”? Well, this monkey bread recipe easy is your new best friend. It’s sweet, sticky, and perfect for lazy weekend mornings or as a fun dessert the kids can help make. Honestly, it’s right up there with another cozy, pull-apart treat like my Country Apple Fritter Bread when it comes to pure comfort.
What is Monkey Bread?
So, what’s the deal with monkey bread anyway? Picture this: little balls of dough, rolled in cinnamon-sugar, then drenched in a buttery brown sugar glaze and baked into a glorious, golden pull-apart loaf. It’s like a deconstructed cinnamon roll, but way more fun to eat – you just pick it apart with your fingers! My Nonna, bless her heart, never made this specific treat (it’s more of an American classic), but the sheer joy of shared, hands-on food? That was her love language. She always said the best food is made for sharing. For a deeper dive into its origins and some serious baking science, the folks at SeriousEats.com explain how to make amazing monkey bread with lots of great details.
Why This Recipe Works
Listen, I’m a busy mom. If a recipe isn’t simple, quick, and kid-approved, it’s not happening in my Portland kitchen. This monkey bread recipe easy checks all those boxes!
- Super Speedy: Thanks to store-bought biscuit dough, this comes together in a flash. We’re talking minimal prep for maximum deliciousness. This is a true easy monkey bread recipe with canned biscuits.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: My kids love helping shake the biscuit pieces in cinnamon sugar. It’s a little messy, sure, but that’s half the fun, right? (A little kitchen dance party to some Sinatra usually helps with cleanup motivation!)
- Pantry Staples: You probably have most of these ingredients already. It’s that perfect “pantry wizard” moment when you whip up something amazing from basics.
- Customizable: Don’t like nuts? Leave ‘em out. Want to add chocolate chips? Prego! Make it your own.
This recipe has quickly become a staple, joining the ranks of our family’s most requested treats, right up there with some of our other top-rated bread recipes. It’s a taste of that old fashioned monkey bread recipe goodness, but made simple for modern life.
Ingredients
What You’ll Need
This is all about keeping it simple, folks. No fancy stuff required!
- Refrigerated Biscuit Dough: 3 (12-ounce) packages. I usually grab Pillsbury Grands! Biscuits – they give the best flaky layers for this Pillsbury monkey bread recipe. You can find them in the refrigerated section of almost any grocery store.
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup. For that sweet, sweet coating.
- Ground Cinnamon: 2 teaspoons. Because what’s cinnamon monkey bread without the cinnamon?
- Butter: ½ cup (that’s one stick). Real butter, please! It makes all the difference in that gooey sauce.
- Packed Brown Sugar: 1 cup. Light or dark, either works beautifully for the caramel-y glaze.
- Optional Goodies:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans: For a little crunch.
- ½ cup raisins: For little bursts of sweetness.
It’s a straightforward list, much like when I’m whipping up my Libby’s Pumpkin Bread Recipe; simple is best when it comes to comforting baked goods.
Ingredient Swaps
Got dietary needs or just missing something? No problemo!
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free refrigerated biscuit dough. Baking times might vary slightly, so keep an eye on it.
- Dairy-Free/Vegan: Swap the butter for a good quality plant-based butter stick. Ensure your biscuit dough is also dairy-free (many are accidentally vegan!).
- No Biscuits? Try a Monkey Bread from Scratch: If you’re feeling ambitious and want to make monkey bread from scratch, you can use a simple sweet yeast dough. It takes longer, but hey, sometimes you’re in the mood for a project! For a monkey bread from scratch no yeast version, a quick biscuit dough recipe would also work.
- Different Spices: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or even a dash of pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon-sugar mix for a different flavor twist. Think cinnamon roll monkey bread vibes!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s make some magic! This is so easy, you’ll be wondering why you haven’t made it sooner.
- Prep Rally: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9- or 10-inch Bundt pan or tube pan. If you don’t have one, see my tips below for a monkey bread recipe without bundt pan options!
- Sugar Shake Showdown: In a large zip-top plastic bag (or a bowl, if you prefer controlled chaos), mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
- Biscuit Blitz: Open up those cans of biscuit dough. Pop! Love that sound. Separate the biscuits and cut each one into quarters.
- Coat ‘Em Up: Toss a handful of biscuit pieces (about 6-8 at a time) into the cinnamon-sugar bag. Seal it and shake, shake, shake! Make sure they’re all nicely coated. This is the part where little helpers earn their keep.
- Layer Game Strong: Arrange the coated biscuit pieces in the prepared pan. If you’re using nuts and raisins, sprinkle them in amongst the biscuit pieces as you go. Don’t pack them down too tightly; we want that gooey sauce to seep into all the nooks and crannies. Keep going until all your biscuit pieces are coated and in the pan. This is a key step for any good monkey bread recipe with biscuits.
- Sauce Boss: In a small saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar together over medium heat. Bring it to a boil and let it bubble for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Attenzione! It’s hot.
- Pour It On: Carefully pour this luscious, molten sauce evenly over the biscuit pieces in the pan. Try to get it all over.
- Bake to Perfection: Pop that pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until it’s beautifully golden brown and the dough in the center is cooked through. The top should be bubbly and irresistible.
- Cool Your Jets (Briefly!): Let the monkey bread cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. This is crucial – it allows the sauce to set up a bit so it doesn’t all run out when you flip it.
- The Grand Reveal: Place a large serving plate over the top of the Bundt pan. Take a deep breath, say a little prayer to the baking gods (just kidding… mostly), and confidently flip it over. Tap the bottom of the pan a few times, then gently lift it off. Voilà!
If you’re loving this gooey, easy vibe, you HAVE to try my Nutella Pastry Puff Recipe next! It’s another one of those “wow” desserts with minimal effort.
Ways to Enjoy Monkey Bread
This isn’t just breakfast, folks. This is an experience.
- Weekend Brunch Star: Serve it warm as the centerpiece of a lazy weekend brunch. Mimosas optional (but highly encouraged for the adults!).
- After-School Treat: Watch the kids’ eyes light up when they see this waiting for them. It’s definitely a “cool mom” move.
- Potluck Hero: Guaranteed to be the first thing to disappear at any gathering. People will be begging you for this cinnamon monkey bread recipe easy.
- Dessert with a Twist: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat.
- Movie Night Munchies: Forget popcorn (okay, maybe in addition to popcorn). Pulling pieces off while watching a family movie is pure cozy. It’s almost as fought-over as a fresh batch of those giant Subway Footlong Cookies in my house!
Time-Saving Tips
Because who has extra time? Not this mamma!
Shortcuts
- Pre-Chopped Nuts: Buy them! Saves you a step.
- One Bowl Sugar Mix: Instead of a bag, just use a bowl for the cinnamon sugar. Might be less “fun” for kids, but quicker cleanup for you.
- Delegate: If you have willing helpers (aka kids or a pun-loving husband), put them to work cutting biscuits or shaking them in sugar.
Pro Tips
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on it. You want it golden and cooked through, but not dry. A skewer inserted into the center should come out mostly clean. This is key for any old fashioned monkey bread recipe easy.
- Even Coating: Make sure each piece of biscuit is well-coated in the cinnamon-sugar. This helps prevent sticking and ensures maximum flavor.
- Sauce Distribution: When pouring the butter/brown sugar sauce, try to drizzle it as evenly as possible so every piece gets some love. My Nonna always said, “Generosity in the kitchen is generosity of the heart!”
Storage and Freezing Tips
- Storing: If you somehow have leftovers (highly unlikely!), store the monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to get that gooey magic back.
- Freezing: Yes, you can freeze it! Wrap cooled monkey bread tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil or a freezer bag. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
Easy Monkey Bread Recipe
Equipment
- 9- or 10-inch Bundt pan (or alternative: loaf pan, round cake pan, 9×13 dish)
- Large zip-top plastic bag (or large bowl)
- Knife or kitchen shears (for cutting biscuits)
- Small saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire rack
- Large serving plate
Ingredients
- 3 12-ounce packages Refrigerated Biscuit Dough (e.g., Pillsbury Grands! recommended for flaky layers)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
- ½ cup 1 stick Unsalted Butter
- 1 cup Packed Brown Sugar light or dark
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Optional: ½ cup raisins
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9- or 10-inch Bundt pan or tube pan.
- Mix Sugar Coating: In a large zip-top plastic bag (or bowl), combine granulated sugar and cinnamon.
- Prep Biscuits: Open biscuit dough. Separate biscuits and cut each one into quarters.
- Coat Biscuits: Add a handful of biscuit pieces (6-8 at a time) to the cinnamon-sugar bag. Seal and shake well to coat all pieces.
- Layer in Pan: Arrange coated biscuit pieces in the prepared pan. If using, sprinkle optional nuts and/or raisins amongst the biscuit pieces as you layer. Continue until all biscuit pieces are coated and in the pan. Do not pack them down too tightly.
- Make Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar together over medium heat. Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Pour Sauce: Carefully pour the hot brown sugar sauce evenly over the biscuit pieces in the pan.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and the dough in the center is cooked through (top should be bubbly).
- Cool Briefly: Let the monkey bread cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. This allows the sauce to set slightly.
- Invert & Serve: Place a large serving plate over the Bundt pan. Confidently flip it over. Tap the bottom of the pan a few times, then gently lift it off. Serve warm.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? I’ve got answers! These are a few things folks often ask about this monkey bread recipe easy.
What are the ingredients for monkey bread?
The basic crew for this easy version includes refrigerated biscuit dough (like Pillsbury!), granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter. For this specific pillsbury monkey bread recipe, we use 3 (12 oz) cans of biscuits, 1 cup white sugar, 2 tsp cinnamon, ½ cup butter, and 1 cup packed brown sugar. Optional bits like nuts or raisins add extra flair!
What can you use instead of a Bundt pan for monkey bread?
No Bundt, no problem! You can totally make this in a 9×5 inch loaf pan (you might need to halve the recipe or use two pans), a 9 or 10-inch round cake pan, or even a 9×13 inch baking dish for a flatter, more spread-out version. Just make sure it’s well-greased, and keep an eye on the baking time as it might change. This is a common question for those looking for a monkey bread recipe without bundt pan.
What biscuits are best for monkey bread?
I swear by Pillsbury Grands! or similar flaky, buttermilk refrigerated biscuits. They just have that perfect texture that pulls apart beautifully and soaks up all that cinnamon-sugar goodness. Generic brands can work, but for the ultimate monkey bread recipe with biscuits, go for the flaky layers!
Can you use pizza dough for monkey bread?
You absolutely can! If you have some pizza dough hanging around, cut it into small pieces, coat, and layer just like biscuit dough. The texture will be a bit chewier, more like a traditional yeast bread, and you might need to adjust baking time. It’s a great way to experiment and use what you have – true pantry wizard style! This also works if you’re aiming for a monkey bread recipe easy no yeast if you use a no-yeast pizza dough.
Final Thoughts
There you have it – a super simple, incredibly delicious monkey bread recipe easy enough for any day of the week. It’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the kitchen, fills your home with the most amazing cinnamon scent, and creates those sweet little moments of joy. It’s another one of those simple joys, kind of like a warm slice of Betty Crocker Banana Nut Bread.
Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out! I love hearing your kitchen stories and seeing your creations. Drop a comment below or tag BuonoRecipes on social media! Happy baking, everyone! Ciao for now!
