Sticky, sweet, and simple, Monkey Bread is the perfect breakfast treat that everyone will love! This delightful dish is not just for special occasions; it’s ideal for holiday mornings or a cozy family brunch. The combination of gooey biscuits coated in cinnamon sugar makes it an absolute crowd-pleaser, sure to bring smiles to both kids and adults alike!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up this delicious treat in no time.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids will enjoy helping to cut the biscuits and shake them in cinnamon sugar, making it a fun family activity.
- Perfect for Sharing: The pull-apart nature of Monkey Bread makes it a great dish for gatherings or brunches.
- Versatile Flavor Options: Feel free to experiment with different spices or additions like nuts or chocolate chips!
- Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: While it’s perfect for breakfast, it also serves as an irresistible dessert option.
Tools and Preparation
Making Monkey Bread requires some essential tools to ensure the best results. Below are the must-haves for this recipe.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Bundt pan
- Mixing bowl
- Zip-top bag
- Saucepan
Importance of Each Tool
- Bundt pan: This unique shape allows the Monkey Bread to bake evenly while creating a beautiful presentation.
- Zip-top bag: Using a zip-top bag simplifies coating the biscuit pieces in sugar and cinnamon without making a mess.
- Saucepan: A saucepan is perfect for melting butter and brown sugar together smoothly, enhancing the flavor of your Monkey Bread.
Ingredients
To prepare this delicious Monkey Bread, gather the following ingredients:
Dough Ingredients
- 2 tubes refrigerated biscuit dough (8 biscuits each)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Topping Ingredients
- ¾ cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
How to Make Monkey Bread
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it heats up, liberally grease a 9-cup bundt pan to ensure easy removal later.
Step 2: Prepare the Biscuits
Remove the biscuits from their packaging. Cut each biscuit into four equal pieces.
Step 3: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
Place the biscuit pieces into a large zip-top bag. Add the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Seal the bag securely and shake until all pieces are evenly coated in the mixture.
Step 4: Assemble in Bundt Pan
Carefully add the coated biscuit pieces into your prepared bundt pan, spreading them out evenly.
Step 5: Prepare Butter Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt together the butter and brown sugar. Stir often until smooth and fully combined. Once ready, pour this mixture generously over the biscuit pieces in the bundt pan.
Step 6: Bake
Place your bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes or until you can insert a toothpick into the center without any doughy residue.
Step 7: Cool Slightly
After baking, let your Monkey Bread cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then carefully flip it onto a serving dish.
Step 8: Serve
Allow it to cool for another 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your warm, gooey Monkey Bread!
How to Serve Monkey Bread
Monkey bread is a delightful breakfast treat that can be served in various ways to enhance its sweet, sticky goodness. Whether you’re sharing it at a family gathering or enjoying it on a cozy morning, these serving suggestions will elevate your monkey bread experience.
Classic Serving
- Warm and Fresh: Serve the monkey bread warm right from the oven for the best gooey texture and flavor.
With Dipping Sauces
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Cream Cheese Icing: A tangy cream cheese icing pairs beautifully with the cinnamon sugar flavors.
Fruit Pairing
- Sliced Bananas: Add fresh banana slices on the side for a fruity contrast.
- Mixed Berries: Serve with a bowl of mixed berries for a refreshing touch.
Beverage Suggestions
- Coffee: A cup of hot coffee complements the sweetness of monkey bread perfectly.
- Milk: Offer cold milk for a classic pairing that both kids and adults enjoy.
How to Perfect Monkey Bread
To ensure your monkey bread turns out perfect every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always check your biscuit dough expiration date for the best rise and texture.
- Control Your Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated correctly; an accurate temperature ensures even baking.
- Don’t Overmix Dough: When cutting and shaking the biscuits, avoid overmixing to keep them fluffy and tender.
- Use Quality Cinnamon: High-quality cinnamon enhances flavor and aroma; it’s worth investing in good spices.
- Allow Cooling Time: Letting it cool slightly before flipping helps maintain its shape and prevents breakage.
Best Side Dishes for Monkey Bread
Monkey bread can shine even brighter when paired with complementary side dishes. Here are some excellent options that will complete your breakfast spread.
- Scrambled Eggs: Light and fluffy eggs balance the sweetness of monkey bread.
- Bacon Strips: Crispy bacon adds a savory crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft texture of monkey bread.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a refreshing side that adds creaminess.
- Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits brings freshness and acidity to complement the sweetness.
- Smoothies: Serve alongside a berry or green smoothie for a healthy boost to your meal.
- Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns provide a hearty, savory option that pairs well with sweet treats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Monkey Bread can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
Skipping the greasing step: Failing to grease the bundt pan can lead to sticking and tearing when you flip the bread out. Always use plenty of cooking spray or butter.
Not cutting the biscuits evenly: Cutting the biscuit dough into uneven pieces can cause uneven baking. Aim for uniform 4-piece cuts for consistent results.
Overbaking the bread: Baking for too long can lead to a dry texture. Keep an eye on it and check for doneness around the 30-minute mark.
Ignoring the cooling time: Flipping the Monkey Bread too soon might result in a mess. Allow it to cool for at least 5 minutes before inverting it onto a plate.
Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or dough can affect how well your Monkey Bread rises. Allow your ingredients to reach room temperature beforehand.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Monkey Bread in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Monkey Bread
- Wrap Monkey Bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Monkey Bread
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered with foil for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual pieces on medium power for 20-30 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place pieces in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Monkey Bread:
What is Monkey Bread?
Monkey Bread is a sweet, sticky pastry made from small pieces of biscuit dough coated in cinnamon sugar, baked together, and often served pull-apart style.
Can I customize my Monkey Bread?
Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to make your Monkey Bread unique and cater it to your taste.
How do I know if my Monkey Bread is done?
Check if it’s golden brown and cooked through by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when fully baked.
Is Monkey Bread suitable for breakfast?
Yes! This delightful treat is perfect as a breakfast option or brunch addition that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Monkey Bread is not only easy to make but also offers endless customization options to suit any occasion. Its warm, sticky sweetness makes it a beloved choice for breakfast or dessert. Try this recipe today and enjoy its comforting delight!
Monkey Bread
Indulge in the delightful sweetness of Monkey Bread, a beloved breakfast treat that brings joy to every gathering. This gooey, pull-apart bread is made from biscuit dough coated in cinnamon sugar and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for cozy family brunches or festive mornings, Monkey Bread is not only easy to make but also a fun activity for kids. With its warm, sticky goodness and endless customization options—think chocolate chips or nuts—this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy it fresh from the oven, paired with dipping sauces like caramel or cream cheese icing for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 tubes refrigerated biscuit dough (8 biscuits each)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-cup bundt pan.
- Cut each biscuit into four pieces and place them in a zip-top bag with granulated sugar and cinnamon. Shake until coated.
- Layer the coated biscuit pieces evenly in the bundt pan.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat until smooth, then pour over the biscuits.
- Bake for about 35 minutes until golden brown; check doneness with a toothpick.
- Cool for 5 minutes before flipping onto a serving dish; let cool another 10 minutes before enjoying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (60g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
