This fun Monkey Bread with a Twist is a gooey treat! It features bites of dough rolled in cinnamon and sugar, all baked together for a pull-apart delight, with a surprise filling inside!
You’ll love how easy it is to make this sweet treat! It’s perfect for sharing at brunch or any gathering. Just be prepared—everyone will want seconds, and let’s be honest, who can blame them? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: The foundation of this recipe is refrigerated biscuit dough. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can use homemade biscuit dough instead for a softer texture. Gluten-free biscuit dough is also a good substitute.
Granulated Sugar: This is essential for coating the biscuit pieces. You could use coconut sugar for a more natural option or a sugar substitute if you’re watching your sugar intake.
Ground Cinnamon: This spice gives Monkey Bread its delicious flavor. If you’re not a fan, you can replace it with nutmeg or a premade pumpkin spice mix for a different twist.
Butter: Unsalted butter helps control the saltiness. However, if you want a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative.
Nuts: Walnuts and pecans add a nice crunch. If you have nut allergies, you can skip them or use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
Optional Fillings: Chocolate chips and cream cheese make great surprises! You could also use peanut butter or fresh fruits like bananas for a unique touch.
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Cooked Monkey Bread?
Getting that gooey, pull-apart texture can be tricky. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results:
- Layering: Make sure to layer the dough pieces evenly in the pan and don’t overpack. This allows for even baking.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on your monkey bread. If it looks dark but is still raw inside, you can cover it loosely with foil and continue baking until cooked through.
- Cooling: Letting it cool briefly will help it set and make it easier to remove from the pan without falling apart.
- Inverting: When flipping, be gentle to avoid breaking the bread. Give it a slight shake to help release it after placing the platter on top.
Take your time with the steps, and you’ll have beautiful, delicious Monkey Bread to share!
Delicious Monkey Bread with a Twist
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Optional twist fillings (choose one or mix):
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 cup cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup caramel bits or sauce
- 1 cup chopped dried fruits (raisins, cranberries)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious Monkey Bread takes about 20 minutes to prep and 40 to 45 minutes to bake. Including cooling time, you’re looking at about an hour total before it’s ready to serve and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping Your Tools:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan generously with butter or non-stick spray. This will help ensure your monkey bread comes out easily after baking.
2. Mixing the Cinnamon Sugar:
In a large bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined. This will give your monkey bread the warm, spicy flavor it’s known for!
3. Cutting the Biscuit Dough:
Take each biscuit and cut it into quarters. If you’re adding delicious twist fillings like cream cheese or chocolate chips, place a small piece inside each quarte and pinch the dough around it to seal it.
4. Coating the Dough:
Roll each piece of dough in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, making sure each piece is well-coated for maximum flavor.
5. Layering in the Pan:
Layer half of the coated dough pieces evenly in the bottom of the greased bundt pan. Next, sprinkle half of the chopped nuts on top of these dough pieces.
6. Completing the Layers:
Repeat the process with the remaining dough pieces and nuts. Be sure to layer them evenly so each bite is delicious!
7. Preparing the Topping:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar together over medium heat, stirring constantly. You want this mixture smooth and bubbly! Once it’s ready, remove it from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
8. Adding the Brown Sugar Mixture:
Pour that delightful hot butter and brown sugar mixture evenly over the dough pieces in your pan. It will create that sticky, gooey goodness we love about monkey bread!
9. Baking:
Pop your bundt pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dough bubbles up around the edges.
10. Cooling and Inverting:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for about 10 to 15 minutes. Carefully run a knife around the edges to loosen the bread, then place a serving platter on top and inversely flip it to release your monkey bread.
11. Serving:
Serve the monkey bread warm. Pull apart pieces to enjoy all the gooey, cinnamon-sugar-coated pieces, with that delightful twist surprise inside! For extra indulgence, drizzle it with caramel or add a dollop of cream cheese frosting.
Enjoy your delicious monkey bread with a twist! It’s a treat that everyone will be raving about! 🍞✨
Can I Use Frozen Biscuit Dough for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen biscuit dough! Just make sure to thaw it completely before using. This can be done by placing it in the refrigerator overnight or allowing it to sit at room temperature until soft.
What Can I Substitute for Nuts?
If you have nut allergies or prefer not to use nuts, you can simply omit them or substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds, or even crispy cereal for added crunch!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Just allow it to come to room temperature before baking, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat pieces in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to enjoy them warm again!