How to Create Buttery Cinnamon Sugar Monkey Bread: A Simple Guide
Monkey bread is one of those treats that everyone loves. It’s sweet, sticky, buttery, and full of cinnamon sugar goodness. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you feel like indulging, this pull-apart bread is fun to make and even more fun to eat. The best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients or expert baking skills. In this blog, I’m going to show you how to create buttery cinnamon sugar monkey bread with simple instructions anyone can follow.
What is Monkey Bread?
Monkey bread is a soft, sweet bread made up of small dough balls rolled in cinnamon sugar and baked together in a bundt pan. Once it’s baked, the dough balls become gooey and caramelized, forming a delectable pull-apart bread. The name “monkey bread” comes from the way you eat it, using your fingers to grab pieces of the dough, much like a monkey might.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make buttery cinnamon sugar monkey bread, you’ll need a handful of basic ingredients:
- For the dough balls:
- 2 cans of refrigerated biscuit dough (about 16 small biscuits)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
-
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
-
For the buttery caramel coating:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), melted
-
1 cup packed brown sugar
-
Optional:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for added flavor
- A pinch of salt to balance the sweetness
Tools You’ll Need
- A bundt pan (preferred for its shape, but a cake pan works too)
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A large resealable plastic bag (for easy cinnamon sugar coating)
- A spoon or spatula for mixing
- Non-stick spray or butter for greasing the pan
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Monkey Bread
Let’s dive right into the process! It’s easy and fun, so feel free to get the kids or other family members involved.
Step 1: Prepare the Bundt Pan
Before anything else, grease your bundt pan well with non-stick cooking spray or butter. This will ensure the monkey bread doesn’t stick to the pan when it’s time to serve. Make sure to coat the sides and bottom thoroughly.
Step 2: Cut the Biscuit Dough
Open the cans of refrigerated biscuit dough and separate the biscuits. Cut each biscuit into four equal pieces to create small dough balls. These bite-sized pieces will form the base of your monkey bread.
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
In a large resealable plastic bag, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of cinnamon. Shake the bag until the mixture is well blended.
Step 4: Coat the Dough Balls
Place the biscuit dough pieces into the plastic bag with the cinnamon sugar mixture. Seal the bag tightly and shake until all the dough pieces are coated. This step is super fun and easy, even for little helpers!
Step 5: Layer the Dough Balls in the Pan
Once the dough balls are coated, start layering them in the prepared bundt pan. Spread them out evenly so they bake nicely. If you have extra cinnamon sugar mixture left, feel free to sprinkle it over the dough in the pan for extra flavor.
Step 6: Make the Buttery Caramel Sauce
In a mixing bowl, melt 2 sticks of unsalted butter (you can use the microwave or stovetop). Stir in 1 cup of packed brown sugar until it’s smooth and glossy. If you like, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra depth of flavor. Pour the buttery caramel sauce evenly over the dough balls in the bundt pan.
Step 7: Bake the Monkey Bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bundt pan in the oven and bake the monkey bread for about 30-35 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and the dough balls are cooked through. You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into one of the dough balls; if it comes out clean, your monkey bread is ready.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the monkey bread cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes. Carefully invert the pan onto a serving plate and tap gently to release the monkey bread. Serve warm—you won’t be able to resist the gooey, buttery cinnamon goodness.
Tips for Perfect Monkey Bread
- Don’t skip greasing the pan: Monkey bread is sticky and gooey, so greasing your pan is crucial for easy cleanup.
- Use fresh biscuit dough: Fresh dough makes soft, pillowy dough balls that taste amazing.
- Experiment with add-ons: You can mix in chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- Serve with a drizzle: If desired, you can drizzle icing or caramel sauce over the monkey bread for an extra touch of sweetness.
Final Thoughts
Making buttery cinnamon sugar monkey bread is simple, fun, and incredibly rewarding. With a little effort and a few basic ingredients, you can whip up a treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a family breakfast, brunch with friends, or satisfying your sweet tooth, monkey bread is a great choice. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the magic of pulling apart this delightful creation—you’ll feel like a baking pro in no time!
Happy baking!
