Monkey Bread with a Twist is a fun and gooey treat that’s perfect for sharing! This sweet, pull-apart bread is made with soft dough, rolled in cinnamon sugar, and drizzled with a yummy glaze!
What I love most is how easy it is to pull apart. It’s like a game at the table! Just be ready for some sticky fingers, and don’t forget to have napkins on hand! 😂
This delightful dish is so simple to make, and the best part? You can add your favorite twists like chocolate chips or nuts. Yum! Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: You can use refrigerated biscuit dough for ease, but if you prefer homemade, any soft bread dough will work. For a healthier option, look for whole wheat biscuits or gluten-free dough if needed.
Chopped Nuts: I love using pecans for their rich, buttery flavor, but walnuts are a great substitute. If nuts aren’t your thing, you can skip them or add mini chocolate chips for a sweeter twist!
Butter: Unsalted butter gives control over the saltiness. If you’re watching your cholesterol, try using a butter substitute or a mix of applesauce and butter for a healthier alternative.
Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar adds moisture and richness. If you run out, you can use white sugar instead, but the flavor won’t be quite the same. A mix of white sugar and molasses can mimic brown sugar if you need a quick fix!
How Do You Ensure Your Monkey Bread is Perfectly Baked?
A common challenge is making sure the center of the monkey bread is properly baked without drying out the edges. Here are my top tips to help you nail it:
- Check the oven temperature with a thermometer. Sometimes ovens can be off by quite a bit!
- Use a toothpick to test the center. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cover the top with foil if it starts browning too quickly during baking. This will help the center cook evenly.
- Let it cool for about 10 minutes before inverting. This helps set the bread just enough to hold its shape.
Enjoy your baking, and remember that the best part is pulling it apart with family and friends!
Monkey Bread with a Twist
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough or 2 lbs homemade dough, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for the twist)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 cup cream cheese frosting or glaze for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Monkey Bread takes about 15 minutes to prep and 40-45 minutes to bake, plus a cooling time of about 10 minutes. In total, you’re looking at roughly 1 hour for a sweet, gooey treat that’s perfect for sharing!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping Your Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a Bundt pan and grease it generously with butter or a nonstick spray to make sure the monkey bread releases easily after baking.
2. Mixing Sugar and Cinnamon:
In a large ziploc bag or a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. This mixture will coat the biscuit pieces and give them that classic monkey bread flavor!
3. Coating the Dough:
If you’re using pre-made biscuit dough, cut it into 1-inch pieces. Toss these pieces in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they are nicely coated. This is where the magic starts!
4. Adding the Nuts:
Add half of the chopped pecans or walnuts to the coated dough. Toss them together lightly and set the remaining nuts aside for later.
5. Layering in the Pan:
Start layering the coated dough pieces and nuts in your prepared Bundt pan. Make sure to spread them evenly for even baking. The layers create the best pull-apart effect!
6. Making the Butter Sauce:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar until it fully dissolves into a smooth mixture. This will create a delicious sauce that will soak into the dough. Remove from the heat and add the vanilla extract.
7. Pouring the Sauce:
Evenly pour the warm butter and brown sugar mixture over the dough in the Bundt pan. This will add all that gooey sweetness that makes monkey bread so irresistible!
8. Baking Time:
Place the Bundt pan in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, you’re all set!
9. Cooling Off:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps the bread set and makes it easier to remove.
10. Inverting the Bread:
Carefully invert the Bundt pan onto a serving plate to release the monkey bread. Give it a little shake if needed to help it come out!
11. Final Touch:
While the monkey bread is still warm, sprinkle the remaining nuts on top. This adds an extra crunch and beautiful topping!
12. Optional Drizzle:
If you want to make it extra special, drizzle some cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar mixed with a bit of milk and vanilla over the top.
13. Serving:
Now it’s time to pull-apart and enjoy your gooey, nutty Monkey Bread with a twist! Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dessert!
Happy baking!
Can I Use Homemade Dough Instead of Store-Bought Biscuit Dough?
Absolutely! Homemade dough works wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure to allow it to rise properly before cutting into pieces. You can use any soft bread dough recipe you like!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and coat it in cinnamon sugar a day in advance. Simply store it in the fridge and then proceed with the recipe by baking it the next day. Just allow the dough to come to room temperature before baking for even cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. Just reheat slices in the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying!
What’s the Best Way to Serve Monkey Bread?
Monkey bread is best served warm and fresh out of the oven. It’s perfect as a dessert or a sweet treat for brunch! Optionally, serve it with extra frosting or a side of fruit for an added touch.
