Pull Apart Monkey Bread
Pull Apart Monkey Bread is a deliciously sticky, sweet, and soft treat that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. Made with 48 ounces of Pillsbury Biscuits, this recipe transforms simple dough into golden, cinnamon-sugar coated bites that you can pull apart piece by piece. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert, this easy-to-make bread is sure to become a favorite. With its buttery, cinnamon-infused layers and a drizzle of powdered sugar glaze, this Pull Apart Monkey Bread delivers comfort in every bite.
What Sets This Recipe Apart
This recipe stands out because it uses convenient Pillsbury Biscuits as the base, making it incredibly quick and fuss-free compared to traditional monkey bread recipes that require homemade dough. The balance of cinnamon and granulated sugar coating the dough balls, combined with the rich melted butter and brown sugar mixture, creates a perfect caramelized crust that’s irresistibly flavorful.
Unlike other pull-apart breads that can be dense or dry, this Pull Apart Monkey Bread stays soft and moist inside, thanks to the biscuit dough. The finishing touch—a simple powdered sugar glaze—adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the cinnamon notes. Plus, this recipe is easily customizable for different tastes and dietary preferences, giving you a versatile dessert or snack option everyone will love.
Shopping List
- 48 oz Pillsbury Biscuits (about 3 tubes)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark, based on preference)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (any variety you prefer)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
Before You Start: Equipment
- Bundt pan or tube pan: Essential for shaping the monkey bread and allowing it to bake evenly.
- Mixing bowls: For combining the cinnamon sugar and the glaze ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To get the ingredient quantities just right.
- Whisk or fork: For mixing the glaze.
- Tongs or fork: To dip biscuit dough pieces in the butter mixture.
- Cooling rack: For letting the monkey bread cool slightly before glazing.
Pull Apart Monkey Bread, Made Easy
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your bundt pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray to ensure the monkey bread comes out easily.
Step 2: Mix Cinnamon Sugar
In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This aromatic mixture will coat the biscuit dough pieces and give that classic monkey bread flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Biscuit Dough
Open the 3 tubes of Pillsbury Biscuits and separate each biscuit. Cut each biscuit into quarters to create bite-sized pieces that will pull apart easily after baking.
Step 4: Dip and Coat Dough Pieces
Using tongs or a fork, dip each biscuit piece into the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. Place the coated pieces evenly in the greased bundt pan, layering as you go.
Step 5: Make the Brown Sugar Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, stir together the remaining melted butter and brown sugar. Once blended, pour this mixture evenly over the biscuit pieces in the bundt pan. This will melt and caramelize during baking, creating the gooey, rich coating monkey bread is known for.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The top will be bubbly and golden brown, and you’ll smell the wonderful aroma of cinnamon and caramelized sugar.
Step 7: Cool and Prepare Glaze
Remove the monkey bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. While it cools, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until smooth.
Step 8: Invert and Drizzle
Carefully invert the monkey bread onto a serving plate. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the top while still warm, allowing it to seep into the cracks and enhance every bite.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Pull apart the monkey bread with your hands or a fork and enjoy warm. This treat is perfect alongside coffee or tea or as a shareable dessert.
Variations for Dietary Needs
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and use a non-dairy milk for the glaze.
- Reduced Sugar: Use a sugar substitute like erythritol for the cinnamon sugar and brown sugar mixture, and adjust the glaze accordingly.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free biscuit dough available in many stores or make your own gluten-free biscuit dough from scratch.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts between the biscuit layers for added crunch and flavor.
- Fruit-Infused: Toss in mini chocolate chips, raisins, or dried cranberries with the biscuit pieces before baking.
Author’s Commentary
This Pull Apart Monkey Bread recipe is one of my go-to choices when I want a crowd-pleaser that’s straightforward yet indulgent. Using the Pillsbury Biscuits dramatically cuts down on prep time, making it ideal for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings. The buttery and cinnamon sugar combination is a classic flavor pairing that never disappoints.
One tip I always recommend is greasing the bundt pan very well. It makes a huge difference when it’s time to flip the bread out, ensuring all those caramelized layers come out intact and looking picture-perfect.
If you love experimenting with pull-apart breads, you might also enjoy trying Butter Board Biscuit Pull Aparts With Herb Honey for a savory twist or the soft, fluffy Roasted Garlic Herb Parker Rolls No Knead that offer a different flavor profile altogether.
Save It for Later
This recipe is perfect for bookmarking or printing out and keeping in your recipe collection. It reheats beautifully too—just pop leftover pieces in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven softness.
Monkey bread also freezes well. After baking and cooling, separate into portions and freeze in an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and warm gently before glazing.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I make Pull Apart Monkey Bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and assemble the biscuit pieces the night before, cover the bundt pan with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh the next morning for the best texture and flavor.
What can I use instead of Pillsbury Biscuits?
If you prefer, you can use homemade biscuit dough or a similar pre-made dough like crescent roll dough. Just keep in mind the texture and baking time might vary slightly.
How do I store leftover monkey bread?
Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat gently before serving to restore softness.
Can I add toppings like nuts or glaze flavors?
Yes! Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch. You can also customize the glaze by adding a pinch of cinnamon, a splash of cream cheese, or even drizzle with caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Hungry for More?
If you love the concept of pull-apart breads and quick, flavorful recipes, exploring different variations can be so rewarding. From sweet to savory, these recipes bring people together around the table with minimal effort. Keep experimenting with your favorite flavors and enjoy the fun of sharing delicious food that everyone can grab and enjoy.
Pull Apart Monkey Bread is a timeless treat that’s incredibly easy to make, irresistible in taste, and perfect for any occasion where you want to impress without the stress. Whether it’s a weekend breakfast, holiday brunch, or casual dessert, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and again. So grab those biscuit tubes, gather your ingredients, and make your kitchen smell like warm cinnamon heaven!
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Pull Apart Monkey Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your bundt pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Open the 3 tubes of Pillsbury Biscuits and separate each biscuit. Cut each biscuit into quarters.
- Using tongs or a fork, dip each biscuit piece into the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. Place the coated pieces evenly in the greased bundt pan, layering as you go.
- In a small bowl, stir together the remaining melted butter and brown sugar. Pour this mixture evenly over the biscuit pieces in the bundt pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Carefully invert the monkey bread onto a serving plate. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the top while still warm.
- Pull apart and enjoy warm, perfect with coffee or tea.
Notes
- Grease your bundt pan very well to ensure the monkey bread comes out easily and intact.
- Leftovers can be stored at room temperature for 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze portions after baking and thaw before reheating for convenient future treats.
- Try adding chopped nuts or dried fruit to the biscuit layers for extra flavor and texture.
- For dairy-free versions, substitute butter with plant-based margarine and milk with non-dairy alternatives.
