Ultimate Gooey Monkey Bread (Easy & Irresistible)

There’s something undeniably comforting about the warm, sticky, cinnamon-sweet pull of monkey bread. Whether it reminds you of holiday mornings, potluck gatherings, or simply lazy weekends at home, monkey bread is a timeless favorite. Made from soft dough pieces coated in sugar and spice, then drenched in a buttery brown sugar glaze, it’s a treat that’s easy enough for beginner bakers but impressive enough to serve guests.

This recipe simplifies the process by using refrigerated biscuit dough—no yeast, kneading, or rising time needed. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have an irresistible dessert or brunch centerpiece in under an hour. Best of all, this version contains no pork, ham, or bacon, making it a sweet option that fits a wide range of dietary preferences.

Ingredients and Preparation

This recipe yields a beautifully golden, gooey monkey bread that serves about 10 to 12 people. Gather your ingredients and tools before starting to keep the process smooth and efficient.

Ingredients

• 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (flaky or buttermilk style, 16 oz each)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¾ cup unsalted butter (1½ sticks)
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• Nonstick spray or softened butter (for greasing the pan)

Equipment Needed

• Bundt pan (10 to 12 cup capacity)
• Sharp knife or kitchen scissors
• Gallon-size zip-top bag or large mixing bowl
• Medium saucepan
• Heat-resistant spatula or spoon
• Oven mitts
• Serving plate or cake stand

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to make your monkey bread turn out tender on the inside, golden on the outside, and soaked in buttery cinnamon goodness.

1. Preheat and Grease the Pan

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Generously grease your bundt pan with nonstick spray or softened butter. Make sure to get into all the crevices to prevent sticking.

2. Cut the Dough

• Open the biscuit dough cans and separate each biscuit.
• Cut each biscuit into four equal pieces using a knife or scissors.
• Place all dough pieces into a large mixing bowl or gallon-size zip-top bag.

3. Coat the Dough in Cinnamon Sugar

• In a small bowl, mix together:
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• Add the cinnamon sugar to the bag or bowl containing the biscuit pieces.
• Shake or toss until each piece is well coated with the mixture.

Tip: Coating the dough evenly ensures each bite has just the right amount of cinnamon sweetness.

4. Layer the Dough in the Bundt Pan

• Place the sugar-coated dough pieces into the greased bundt pan.
• Scatter them in layers without packing them too tightly.
• It’s okay if the pieces fall unevenly—they’ll bake into a beautiful, rustic pull-apart loaf.

5. Make the Butter and Brown Sugar Sauce

• In a medium saucepan, melt together:
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• Stir continuously over medium-low heat until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.
• Remove from heat once fully combined—do not boil.

6. Pour the Sauce Over the Dough

• Pour the warm sauce evenly over the biscuit pieces in the pan.
• Let it settle naturally between the layers. The sauce will bubble up during baking and coat the dough inside and out.

Note: This step creates the signature sticky texture that monkey bread is known for.

7. Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

• Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven.
• Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until:
  • The top is deep golden brown
  • The caramel is bubbling
  • A skewer inserted in the center comes out with only a little caramel (not raw dough)

8. Cool Slightly, Then Invert

• Remove the pan from the oven and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes on a wire rack.
• Carefully place a large serving plate over the bundt pan and flip it upside down.
• Lift the pan slowly to allow the bread to slide out gently.

Important: Don’t wait too long to invert or the sugar will harden and stick to the pan.

Beginner Tips and Notes

Even though this is an easy recipe, a few tips can help you get perfect results every time.

• Use the right dough:
  • Refrigerated biscuit dough is quick and convenient.
  • Avoid using doughs with extra additives or flavorings.
• Even coating matters:
  • Toss dough pieces in batches to ensure full coverage with cinnamon sugar.
• Don’t over-pack the pan:
  • Allow the dough room to expand while baking to avoid dense results.
• Watch the caramel:
  • Keep the brown sugar-butter sauce smooth and fluid.
  • Stir constantly and remove from heat before it boils.
• Invert while warm:
  • Waiting more than 15 minutes to invert may cause the caramel to harden and stick.
• Store leftovers properly:
  • Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.

Print

Serving Suggestions

Monkey bread is a crowd-pleaser with many serving possibilities. Here are several ideas for how to enjoy it:

• Classic brunch side:
  • Serve with fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, or pancakes.
• Holiday centerpiece:
  • Dress it up with a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle of icing.
• Dessert option:
  • Serve warm slices with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
• Special occasion treat:
  • Present it on a cake stand for birthdays or parties.
• Dipping sauces (optional):
  • Offer a bowl of vanilla glaze, chocolate sauce, or caramel on the side.

Tip: Monkey bread is best enjoyed warm when the caramel is gooey and the bread is fluffy.

Final Thought

Monkey bread is proof that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. With its soft, doughy layers and sticky-sweet coating, it’s a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable. This easy recipe uses no pork, no bacon, and no complicated baking techniques—just reliable ingredients and satisfying results.

Whether you’re baking for your family on a weekend morning, bringing a dish to a potluck, or starting a new holiday tradition, monkey bread is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Its sweet aroma, beautiful presentation, and unforgettable texture make it a favorite that transcends age and occasion.

So preheat your oven, grab a few pantry staples, and enjoy the magic of monkey bread—warm, gooey, and made with love.