Brown Sugar Cinnamon Monkey Bread

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If you’re looking for a sweet, gooey, and utterly irresistible treat that’s perfect for sharing, then Brown Sugar Cinnamon Monkey Bread is your new best friend. This pull-apart bread is a delightful combination of soft dough balls coated in a luscious brown sugar cinnamon glaze, baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it’s sure to become a family favorite that everyone will rave about. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make at home, even if you’re new to baking!

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Monkey bread is a classic comfort food that’s fun to eat and even more fun to make. What makes this version stand out is the rich, caramel-like coating made from brown sugar and cinnamon that melts into the soft dough balls, creating layers of flavor in every bite. It’s like cinnamon rolls and sticky toffee pudding had a delicious baby!

This recipe is incredibly versatile and perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to lazy weekend mornings. The aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is enough to make you drool. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser, so whether you’re feeding a family or a group of friends, it’s a guaranteed hit. And it’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand, making it a convenient treat to whip up on a whim.

Ingredients

• 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (choose a brand)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts)

How To Make Brown Sugar Cinnamon Monkey Bread

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan generously with butter or non-stick spray to ensure the monkey bread doesn’t stick when it’s time to serve.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough Balls

Open your cans of biscuit dough and separate the biscuits. Using your hands, cut each biscuit into quarters to create small dough balls. This size allows the monkey bread to bake evenly and makes it easy to pull apart.

Step 3: Mix Sugar and Cinnamon

In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This mixture will coat the dough balls, giving them that signature cinnamon sugar flavor.

Step 4: Coat the Dough Balls

Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. Make sure every nook and cranny is covered so that every bite bursts with cinnamon goodness.

Step 5: Layer the Dough Balls

If you’re using nuts, sprinkle a few into the bottom of the bundt pan first. Then, add a layer of the coated dough balls. Continue layering dough balls and nuts (if using) until all the dough is used.

Step 6: Make the Brown Sugar Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter and packed brown sugar. Pour this mixture evenly over the dough balls in the pan. This sauce will bubble up during baking, creating that sticky, caramelized coating.

Step 7: Bake

Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dough is cooked through. You can check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center — it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the monkey bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, invert it onto a serving plate. The gooey, sticky sauce will drizzle down the sides, and the pull-apart bread will be ready to enjoy warm.

Expert Tips

• Be sure to grease your bundt pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
• Use refrigerated biscuit dough for convenience, but you can also make your own dough from scratch if you prefer.
• For extra gooeyness, add a splash of heavy cream or milk to the brown sugar butter mixture.
• If you want to add a glaze, mix powdered sugar with a little milk and drizzle over the cooled monkey bread.
• Don’t skip the cinnamon sugar coating — it’s the key to the irresistible flavor.
• Let the monkey bread cool slightly before removing from the pan to keep it intact.

Variations and Customizations

• Chocolate Chip Monkey Bread: Add mini chocolate chips between the dough balls for a chocolatey surprise.
• Apple Cinnamon Monkey Bread: Toss small apple chunks in cinnamon sugar and layer them with the dough balls.
• Nut-Free Version: Simply omit nuts to make it allergy-friendly.
• Maple Pecan Monkey Bread: Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar and add toasted pecans.
• Vegan Version: Use vegan biscuit dough, plant-based butter, and brown sugar.

How to Store Leftovers

Monkey bread is best enjoyed warm and fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. To reheat, warm individual pieces in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. Avoid refrigerating as it can dry out the bread. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the monkey bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

FAQ

Can I make this monkey bread from scratch without biscuit dough?

Absolutely! You can use your favorite homemade bread dough or cinnamon roll dough recipe to make monkey bread from scratch. Just roll the dough into small balls and follow the same steps for coating and baking. Homemade dough might require slightly different baking times, so keep an eye on it as it bakes.

Is it possible to make monkey bread without nuts?

Yes! Nuts are completely optional in this recipe. If you or your guests have nut allergies or simply prefer it without nuts, just leave them out. The monkey bread will still be deliciously sweet and gooey.

How do I prevent the monkey bread from sticking to the pan?

Greasing your bundt pan well with butter or non-stick spray is essential. You can also dust the pan lightly with flour after greasing to create an extra barrier. Allowing the monkey bread to cool for about 10 minutes before inverting it helps ensure it comes out cleanly.

Can I prepare monkey bread ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the coated dough balls in the bundt pan, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as directed. This makes it perfect for prepping ahead for special occasions.

Conclusion

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Monkey Bread is the ultimate sweet treat that combines simplicity with indulgence. Its tender dough, enveloped in a sticky brown sugar and cinnamon glaze, creates a comforting and delightful experience in every bite. Whether you’re treating yourself, your family, or friends, this recipe is sure to bring smiles and satisfied sighs all around. Easy to make with pantry staples and endlessly customizable, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your baking rotation forever. So go ahead, pull apart a piece, savor the gooey sweetness, and enjoy the magic of monkey bread!