Name: Simple Monkey Bread for Breakfast or Brunch
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup warm milk; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup caramel sauce (for topping)

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Simple Monkey Bread for Breakfast or Brunch 🍌🍞✨

1. Introduction

If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing, irresistibly sweet bread, look no further than this simple monkey bread. Also known as easy monkey bread or a delicious pull-apart bread, this warm, gooey treat is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a dessert. Its soft, tender layers coated in cinnamon sugar make it a delightful addition to any breakfast table. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this easy monkey bread recipe is straightforward enough to pull together in no time, turning out a sweet bread loaded with flavor and charm.

2. Ingredients You’ll Need

3 cans of refrigerated biscuit dough (or homemade dough if preferred)
1 cup of unsalted butter, melted
1 cup of granulated sugar
2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon
1 cup of light brown sugar
Optional: chopped nuts, raisins, or other add-ins

3. How to Make Easy Monkey Bread – Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a bowl until well combined. This mixture will coat the dough pieces, giving the bread its signature sweet and spicy flavor.

Coating the Biscuit Pieces

Cut the biscuit dough into small pieces. Dip each piece into the melted butter, then toss it into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Set aside for layering.

Layering in the Baking Pan

Grease a bundt pan or a deep baking dish. Arrange the coated biscuit pieces in layers, sprinkling with optional nuts or raisins if desired. The layers will melt together as it bakes, creating that pull-apart effect.

Adding the Brown Sugar and Butter Mixture

Pour the remaining melted butter over the layered biscuit pieces. Then evenly sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over the top. This will caramelize during baking, creating a sticky, decadent result.

Baking the Monkey Bread

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. The bread should be bubbly and fragrant, inviting everyone to dig in.

Cooling and Serving

Allow the monkey bread to cool for a few minutes before flipping it onto a serving platter. Serve warm for the best experience, paired with fresh fruit or a drizzle of glaze for extra sweetness.

4. Storage Tips for Leftover Monkey Bread

Store any leftover sweet bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it fresh longer, refrigerate and reheat slices gently in the oven or microwave. For those who love at-home baking, this pull-apart bread also freezes well—wrap tightly and reheat for a quick breakfast treat.

5. Serving Suggestions

This easy monkey bread is fantastic served as is, but you can elevate the experience by adding a drizzle of glaze, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For brunch gatherings, pair it with fresh fruit, bacon, or a hot cup of coffee for a well-rounded meal that everyone will love.

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make monkey bread ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the layers and refrigerate covered overnight. Bake in the morning for a freshly baked treat. Just allow a few extra minutes in the oven if baking directly from the fridge.

Can I substitute the biscuit dough with homemade dough?

Absolutely. Using homemade dough offers a customized taste and texture, but refrigerated biscuit dough is the fastest and most convenient option for this simple monkey bread.

Is monkey bread suitable for special diets?

This recipe can be adapted for gluten-free or dairy-free diets by choosing appropriate substitutions for the biscuit dough and butter. Check out our vegetarian and vegan options for inspiration.

How long does it take to prepare monkey bread?

The total prep time, including layering and baking, is approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour. It’s an effortless recipe with impressive results!

7. Kitchen Tools That You Might Need for This Recipe

Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer: Perfect for reheating individual slices or baking smaller portions of this sweet bread without heating up the whole oven.
T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set: Ensures easy cooking and cleanup when preparing the biscuit dough or melting butter.
Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer Combo: A versatile tool for reheating leftovers or making variations of this monkey bread.
KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer: Ideal for making homemade dough if you want to skip the canned biscuit dough.

8. Variations to Make This Monkey Bread Even Better

Add chopped nuts or dried fruit for extra texture.
Swirl in chocolate chips or caramel sauce before baking for a decadent twist.
Sprinkle a little sea salt on top before baking to balance the sweetness.

9. Conclusion

This simple monkey bread is a wonderfully easy, sweet pull-apart bread that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch. Its gooey texture, fragrant cinnamon sugar coating, and effortless preparation make it a favorite among family and friends. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or reheated later, this dessert bread promises a warm, comforting start to any day. Give it a try and make your mornings merrier with this irresistible treat!

Simple Monkey Bread for Breakfast or Brunch