Sticky Monkey Bread Recipe for Pull Apart Fun
Sticky Monkey Bread Recipe introduces pure joy to any breakfast table or weekend gathering with its pull-apart goodness and sweet, gooey coating.
Originally a favorite at family brunches and holiday mornings, it has become a beloved comfort food that works beautifully for casual get-togethers or lazy Sunday mornings at home.
Whether serving a crowd or treating loved ones to something special, this baked delight never fails to impress and create memorable moments around the table.
It’s simple enough for relaxed mornings yet impressive enough when company comes over unexpectedly.
When you want something that feels both indulgent and homey, few options compete with its universal appeal and crowd-pleasing nature.
Perfect for celebrations, lazy weekends, or anytime you need a little extra warmth and sweetness in the day, it brings out satisfaction in every bite.
Reasons to Bake Sticky Monkey Bread
What This Monkey Bread Is Made Of
Base Dough:Coating Components:Binding Ingredient:What Tools Are Needed for Monkey Bread
Sticky Monkey Bread Baking Instructions
Prepare the Workspace
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grab a 9-inch bundt pan and generously coat it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Create Cinnamon Sugar Coating
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons cinnamon until completely mixed. This will be your magical flavor dust.
Prep the Dough
Open the 16-ounce package of pre-made biscuit dough. Slice each biscuit into quarters, then roll each piece into a small ball using your hands.
Butter and Coat the Dough
Melt 1/2 cup butter in a small bowl. Roll each dough ball through the butter, then immediately coat in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Make sure every inch gets covered.
Layer the Dough Balls
Carefully arrange the coated dough balls in the prepared bundt pan. Distribute them evenly, creating delicious layers.
Optional Flavor Boost
If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle some extras between the layers:
Let the Dough Rest
Place the pan in a warm spot in your kitchen. Let the dough sit for 30 minutes to help it rise and become puffy.
Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the pan into the preheated 350°F oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown.
Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully flip onto a serving plate. Pull apart the sticky, sweet pieces and dig in while it’s warm.
Top Tips for Sticky Monkey Bread
Different Takes on Sticky Monkey Bread
Best Ways to Serve Monkey Bread
Storage Guide for Sticky Monkey Bread
Monkey Bread Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make monkey bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before baking to let it come to room temperature.
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
Check your yeast’s expiration date. Ensure your warm spot isn’t too hot, which can kill the yeast. Warm 85-90°F is perfect for rising.
Can I freeze monkey bread?
Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes.
How do I prevent sticking to the pan?
Generously grease your bundt pan with butter or cooking spray. Some bakers also dust the greased pan with flour for extra insurance.
What biscuit dough works best?
Refrigerated tube biscuits are perfect. Avoid flaky layers – they won’t hold together as well. Buttermilk or homestyle biscuits work great.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Swap butter for coconut oil or plant-based margarine. The texture and flavor will remain deliciously similar.
Sticky Monkey Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes – 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 1x
Description
Monkey bread delivers pure comfort straight from your kitchen, with gooey cinnamon-sugar coated dough pieces that pull apart perfectly. Warm from the oven, this sweet breakfast treat brings smiles and happiness to your morning table.
Ingredients
Primary Ingredients:
- 16 ounces pre-made biscuit dough
Coating Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
Liquid Ingredients:
- ½ cup melted butter
Instructions
- Warm your oven to 350°F and thoroughly coat a 10-inch bundt pan with cooking spray.
- Combine 1 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons cinnamon in a medium mixing bowl, stirring until completely blended.
- Pour ½ cup melted butter into a separate shallow dish for coating the dough.
- Tear open the 16-ounce biscuit dough package and slice each biscuit into 4 equal quarters.
- Roll each quarter between your palms to create small, uniform dough balls.
- Dunk each dough ball first into the melted butter, ensuring complete coverage.
- Immediately roll the buttered ball through the cinnamon-sugar mixture, rotating to coat every surface.
- Carefully place the coated dough balls into the greased bundt pan, creating layers.
- Optional: Sprinkle ¼ cup chopped pecans or chocolate chips between dough ball layers for extra texture.
- Allow the assembled monkey bread to rest in a warm kitchen spot for 25-30 minutes.
- Slide the pan into the preheated 350°F oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until tops are deep golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let the monkey bread cool inside the pan for 10 minutes.
- Carefully invert the pan onto a serving plate, allowing the bread to release completely.
- Pull apart the sticky, sweet sections and serve while still warm.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for easier coating and smoother dough ball rolling.
- Refrigerated biscuit dough works best for quick preparation and consistent texture.
- Sprinkle extra cinnamon-sugar mixture between layers for more intense flavor and caramelization.
- Let the bread cool slightly before serving to prevent burning your fingers when pulling apart the sticky, delicious pieces.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Breads
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 to 6
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg


Madison Wyman
Recipe Developer & Food Storyteller
Expertise
Recipe Research and Adaptation, Food Writing and Cultural Storytelling, Sustainable and Ethical Sourcing, Dietary Adaptations (e.g., gluten-free, plant-based)
Education
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland Community College
Madison’s passion for flavor and culture ignited amidst the rich Southern cooking traditions of her upbringing, where cherished family recipes told delicious tales.
Armed with a Master’s in Food Systems and Society from Oregon Health & Science University and a Culinary Arts Certificate from Portland Community College, Madison truly excels at transforming rich, intricate flavors into dishes that are both approachable and heartfelt.
For her, cooking is a vibrant blend of science, art, and heritage – a powerful way to connect us to our roots and each other. Her recipes invite you to delve deeper, uncovering the fascinating stories woven into every ingredient.