Monkey bread is a delightful pull-apart bread that's perfect for breakfast or dessert. It's made with pieces of biscuit dough coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture, then baked with a buttery brown sugar sauce that caramelizes to perfection.
Most of the ingredients for monkey bread are common pantry staples. However, you might need to pick up refrigerated biscuit dough from the supermarket, which is usually found in the refrigerated section near the dairy products. Make sure to get the right type of biscuit dough for the best results.
Ingredients For Monkey Bread Recipe
Refrigerated biscuit dough: Pre-made dough that simplifies the process of making monkey bread. White sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a caramelized coating. Ground cinnamon: Provides a warm, spicy flavor that complements the sweetness. Butter: Adds richness and helps create the caramel sauce. Brown sugar: Adds a deeper, molasses-like sweetness and helps create the sticky, caramelized coating.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When cutting the biscuit dough into quarters, use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to ensure clean cuts. This helps the dough pieces to cook evenly and absorb the sugar-cinnamon mixture better. Additionally, make sure the butter and brown sugar mixture reaches a full boil for at least one minute to achieve a rich, caramel-like consistency that will coat the biscuits perfectly.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
refrigerated biscuit dough - Substitute with homemade biscuit dough: You can make your own dough using flour, baking powder, salt, butter, and milk. This allows for more control over the ingredients and can result in a fresher taste.
refrigerated biscuit dough - Substitute with refrigerated crescent roll dough: Crescent roll dough has a similar texture and can be used in a pinch, though it may have a slightly different flavor.
white sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a slight caramel flavor, making it a healthier alternative.
white sugar - Substitute with maple sugar: Maple sugar provides a unique flavor and is less processed than white sugar.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: This blend includes cinnamon along with nutmeg, ginger, and allspice, adding a more complex flavor profile.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with apple pie spice: Similar to pumpkin pie spice, this blend includes cinnamon and other spices like nutmeg and allspice, enhancing the overall flavor.
butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a dairy-free alternative, though it may slightly alter the flavor.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a healthier fat and adds a subtle coconut flavor, which can complement the sweetness of the dish.
packed brown sugar - Substitute with turbinado sugar: Turbinado sugar has larger crystals and a mild molasses flavor, making it a good alternative.
packed brown sugar - Substitute with date sugar: Date sugar is made from dried dates and provides a natural sweetness with a hint of caramel, making it a healthier option.
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How to Store or Freeze This Dish
- Allow the monkey bread to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make the dessert soggy.
- Wrap the monkey bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps to maintain its freshness and prevent it from drying out.
- Place the wrapped monkey bread in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This adds an extra layer of protection against air and moisture.
- Store the monkey bread at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep it longer, consider refrigerating or freezing it.
- To refrigerate, place the wrapped monkey bread in the fridge. It can be stored for up to a week. Before serving, warm it up in the microwave or oven to restore its gooey texture.
- For freezing, wrap the monkey bread in an additional layer of aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. Label it with the date to keep track of its storage time.
- Freeze the monkey bread for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat the thawed monkey bread in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This will help to revive its delightful, sticky goodness.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Place the leftover monkey bread in an oven-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
- Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the monkey bread is warmed through.
- Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes if you want a slightly crispy top.
Microwave Method:
- Place a portion of the monkey bread on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist.
- Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds.
- Check the temperature and heat in additional 10-second intervals if needed.
Toaster Oven Method:
- Preheat your toaster oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Place the monkey bread on a piece of aluminum foil or a small baking tray.
- Heat for about 10 minutes, checking halfway to ensure it doesn't overcook.
Stovetop Method:
- Use a non-stick skillet and set it over low heat.
- Place the monkey bread in the skillet and cover with a lid.
- Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even warming.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C).
- Place the monkey bread in the air fryer basket.
- Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway to ensure it doesn't burn.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) to bake the monkey bread.
Bundt pan: Grease this to hold the biscuit dough and shape the monkey bread.
Plastic bag: Use this to mix the white sugar and cinnamon with the biscuit pieces.
Knife: Cut the refrigerated biscuit dough into quarters.
Small saucepan: Melt butter with brown sugar over medium heat in this.
Stove: Use this to heat the small saucepan and melt the butter and brown sugar.
Measuring cups: Measure out the white sugar, brown sugar, and butter.
Measuring spoons: Measure out the ground cinnamon.
Mixing spoon: Stir the butter and brown sugar mixture in the saucepan.
Plate: Turn out the monkey bread onto this after cooling in the pan.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Pre-cut the biscuits: Cut the biscuit dough into quarters ahead of time and store them in an airtight container.
Use pre-mixed sugar and cinnamon: Prepare the sugar-cinnamon mix in bulk and store it in a jar for future use.
Melt butter in the microwave: Save time by melting the butter in the microwave instead of a saucepan.
Line the bundt pan: Use parchment paper to line the bundt pan for easier cleanup.
Quick cooling: Place the baked monkey bread on a wire rack to cool faster.
Monkey Bread Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan.
- Mix white sugar and cinnamon in a plastic bag. Cut biscuits into quarters. Shake 6 to 8 biscuit pieces in the sugar-cinnamon mix. Arrange in the pan.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter with brown sugar over medium heat. Boil for 1 minute. Pour over biscuits.
- Bake for 35 minutes. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a plate.
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