Sweet, sticky, and incredibly addictive—Monkey Bread is one of those classic comfort treats that brings everyone to the kitchen before it’s even out of the oven. Growing up, this was the go-to dish for lazy Sunday mornings and family get-togethers. It’s not just a recipe, it’s a memory-maker. The aroma of cinnamon and caramelized sugar wafting through the house is enough to pull even the sleepiest person out of bed.

What I love about Monkey Bread is how unpretentious it is. There’s no need for fancy skills or complicated techniques. If you can tear up biscuit dough and shake it in cinnamon sugar, you’re halfway there. Whether you’re baking for brunch, a holiday breakfast, or a sweet snack to share, this pull-apart bread wins hearts every single time.

Why I Love This Recipe

Monkey Bread is magic in a bundt pan.

It’s one of those nostalgic recipes that instantly brings warmth and joy. There’s something incredibly satisfying about pulling apart each soft, gooey chunk and savoring the cinnamon-sugar coating. But what really makes this recipe shine is its simplicity and versatility.

At its core, Monkey Bread is made from refrigerated biscuit dough, butter, cinnamon, and sugar—ingredients most of us already have in the kitchen. And yet, the result tastes like you spent hours in a bakery. The outside is golden and caramelized, the inside is soft and pillowy, and the gooey glaze melts in your mouth.

It’s also a fantastic recipe for getting the whole family involved. Kids love rolling the dough balls and shaking them in cinnamon sugar. It’s a fun, tactile way to bond in the kitchen. And when it bakes? Instant crowd-pleaser. I’ve taken this to brunches, potlucks, and even holiday dinners, and there’s never a crumb left.

It’s a classic with staying power—and for good reason.

Ingredients for Monkey Bread

Let’s talk about the heart of this recipe—ingredients that transform pantry staples into something irresistible.

To make a truly indulgent Monkey Bread, you’ll need:

Refrigerated biscuit dough: This is the foundation. You can use store-bought dough like Pillsbury Grands or a similar brand. They’re fluffy, tender, and perfectly portioned.
Granulated sugar + cinnamon: These two team up to coat each dough ball in a sweet-spicy hug. The sugar caramelizes as it bakes, adding that signature crunchy layer.
Butter: Melted butter not only helps the cinnamon sugar stick but also combines with brown sugar to form the gooey glaze.

Brown sugar: This is what gives the sticky sauce its deep caramel flavor. It melts into the butter and infuses the bread with richness.

Optional additions include chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a little crunch, or even a cream cheese drizzle for extra indulgence.

This recipe doesn’t need anything fancy—but using good-quality butter and fresh cinnamon really makes a difference in flavor.

How Much Time Will You Need

Making Monkey Bread is pretty hands-off, and you don’t need a full morning to enjoy this treat.

Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
Bake Time: 35–40 minutes

Cooling Time: 10 minutes before removing from the pan

From start to finish, you’re looking at just under an hour. That’s faster than most coffee shop runs—and way more satisfying.

How to Make This Monkey Bread

This recipe is all about easy steps with big payoff. Here’s how to make it, one delicious step at a time:

Step – 1: Preheat and prep your pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan generously with butter or nonstick spray. Make sure to get into all the grooves—Monkey Bread is sticky by nature, and a well-greased pan ensures a clean release.

Step – 2: Mix cinnamon sugar

In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons cinnamon. Stir well until fully combined. Set aside.

Step – 3: Cut biscuit dough

Take 2 cans (16.3 oz each) of refrigerated biscuit dough. Cut each biscuit into quarters using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife. This gives you the perfect bite-sized pieces.

Step – 4: Coat dough balls

Drop the dough pieces into the cinnamon sugar mixture a few at a time. Toss until well coated, then place them evenly into the greased bundt pan. Repeat until all the dough pieces are coated and layered into the pan.

Step – 5: Make the butter-brown sugar glaze

In a small saucepan, melt 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in 1 cup of packed brown sugar. Whisk until smooth and combined. Let it simmer for a minute, then pour evenly over the dough in the pan.

Step – 6: Bake

Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the glaze is bubbling. The dough should be cooked through and no longer doughy in the center.

Step – 7: Cool and invert

Let the Monkey Bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes—just enough for the glaze to set slightly but not harden. Place a large plate or serving dish over the top of the bundt pan and invert to release the bread. Be careful—the pan will still be hot!

Step – 8: Serve warm

Monkey Bread is best enjoyed warm when it’s at peak gooeyness. Just pull apart and devour—no knives necessary.

Substitutions

Want to mix things up? Here are some delicious variations and substitutions to suit your taste:

Homemade dough: If you prefer to skip the store-bought biscuits, use your favorite yeast dough recipe instead. It takes longer but gives you more control over flavor.
Spice blends: Instead of plain cinnamon, try pumpkin spice or apple pie spice for a seasonal twist.
Add-ins: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or even mini chocolate chips between the dough layers for extra texture and flavor.

Vegan version: Use plant-based butter and dairy-free biscuit dough to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
Less sugar: If you’re watching sugar intake, reduce the amount of brown sugar in the glaze by ¼ cup without compromising too much on taste.

This recipe is very adaptable—so have fun making it your own.

Best Side Dish of Monkey Bread

Monkey Bread is rich and sweet on its own, but pairing it with something complementary can turn it into a complete brunch spread. Here are a few tasty side ideas:

Fresh fruit salad: A bowl of chilled mixed berries or citrus segments cuts through the sweetness and adds a fresh, tangy note.
Scrambled eggs or egg casserole: A savory egg dish balances out the sugar and makes it a heartier meal.

Greek yogurt with honey: Creamy yogurt with a drizzle of honey (and maybe a sprinkle of granola) adds protein and a light contrast to the gooey bread.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Make Monkey Bread the star of your brunch table.

Monkey Bread is as visually impressive as it is delicious. Its golden, sticky exterior naturally draws attention, and when served warm, the gooey interior practically invites everyone to dig in.

Here are a few presentation tips to elevate the experience:

Use a cake stand or large platter to serve. The height and shape of a bundt pan–baked Monkey Bread makes it perfect for displaying. A white or wooden cake stand creates a beautiful contrast with the golden caramel glaze.
Garnish lightly with powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze. This adds a touch of elegance and a hint of extra flavor.

Serve with small forks or toothpicks if you’re hosting a gathering. It keeps things tidy and lets guests pull apart pieces without mess.

For an extra cozy touch, serve it warm with coffee or a cinnamon-spiced latte. It’s pure comfort on a plate.

Tips and Tricks to Make This Recipe Even Better

This recipe is beginner-friendly, but a few expert touches can elevate your Monkey Bread from good to unforgettable.

Don’t skip the glaze simmer: Letting the brown sugar and butter bubble briefly in the pan before pouring over the dough ensures a smoother, richer sauce.
Layer strategically: If you’re adding nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits, layer them between the biscuit pieces to ensure even distribution.
Use fresh cinnamon: Old, stale spices can dull the flavor. Use high-quality, fresh ground cinnamon for the most vibrant taste.

Let it rest just right: Too long in the pan and the glaze hardens. Not long enough, and the bread may fall apart when inverted. Ten minutes is the sweet spot.
Serve warm: Reheat leftovers for a few seconds in the microwave to bring back that soft, gooey texture.

These little details go a long way in making this dish memorable.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these pitfalls to keep your Monkey Bread soft, sticky, and delicious every time.

Overbaking: Dry bread is the enemy. Stick to the 35–40 minute bake time and check doneness by pulling a center piece gently apart with a fork.
Undercoating the pan: A well-greased bundt pan is essential. Miss a spot and you risk the bread sticking and tearing when you try to invert it.

Skipping the glaze simmer: Pouring unmelted sugar and butter into the pan can result in a grainy texture. Simmering helps emulsify and smooth the glaze.
Cutting the biscuits too large: Smaller pieces cook evenly and give more surface area for the cinnamon-sugar coating.
Not cooling long enough before inverting: Letting the Monkey Bread rest helps the structure firm up and ensures a cleaner release from the pan.

Stay mindful of these issues and you’ll get perfect results every time.

How to Store It

Monkey Bread is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store and reheat it with great results.

Room temperature: Store tightly wrapped or in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Refrigeration: It can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days, but note that the texture may become slightly firm.
Freezing: Wrap well in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat before serving.
Reheating: Microwave individual portions for 15–30 seconds, or place the entire bundt (wrapped in foil) in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes.

Add a drizzle of fresh glaze or a pat of butter before serving to bring back that just-baked shine and softness.

FAQ

Can I make Monkey Bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the bread and refrigerate it overnight. Just let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking the next day.

Can I use homemade dough instead of canned biscuits?
Absolutely. Homemade sweet yeast dough works wonderfully, though it adds more prep time.

Is Monkey Bread a breakfast or dessert?
It’s both! It’s traditionally served as a sweet breakfast or brunch treat, but it also makes a fun dessert for gatherings.

What if I don’t have a bundt pan?
You can use a loaf pan or even a 9×13-inch baking dish. Just be sure to grease well and adjust the baking time slightly.

Can I add fruit or chocolate?
Definitely. Chopped apples, raisins, or chocolate chips can be mixed in for a creative twist.