monkey bread with buttermilk biscuits

Category: Sweet Endings

Soft chunks of buttermilk biscuit dough are rolled in cinnamon sugar and stacked loosely in a bundt pan to create irresistible pull-apart layers. After baking in a rich brown sugar and butter glaze, each piece turns golden outside and stays tender inside, while the sauce becomes gooey and caramel-like. Once inverted, the bread reveals its sticky, cinnamon-drenched exterior, perfect for sharing and best enjoyed warm straight from the oven. Minimal prep makes this a favorite for gatherings or cozy breakfasts, with flavors reminiscent of cinnamon rolls in every bite.

A woman in a chef's outfit poses for a picture.
Updated on Thu, 15 May 2025 21:10:35 GMT
A slice of monkey bread on a plate. Pin
A slice of monkey bread on a plate. | applefoodie.com

This classic monkey bread is pure comfort food that wins smiles every single time It combines pillowy biscuit dough with a luscious buttery cinnamon sugar sauce and bakes into the softest sticky treat perfect for sharing with family and friends I first fell for this recipe after making it during a holiday brunch and it quickly became my go to when I want something fun and foolproof

I remember bringing monkey bread to our Sunday gatherings and watching it disappear before the coffee even finished brewing There is something about breaking apart those soft sticky bites that feels like a celebration

Ingredients

  • Refrigerated buttermilk biscuits: Choose high quality name brand biscuits for the fluffiest texture I look for ones without artificial flavors for the best taste
  • Granulated white sugar: This is the base of the cinnamon sugar coating Make sure your sugar is fresh to guarantee that classic caramelized crust
  • Ground cinnamon: Always use fresh aromatic cinnamon since it adds warmth and depth to the bread A little goes a very long way
  • Salted butter: Opt for real butter with a deep yellow hue for a richer sauce I avoid butter substitutes here for the best flavor
  • Brown sugar: Choose soft moist brown sugar that packs easily into the cup This brings the caramel flavor to life and makes the sticky sauce extra gooey

Step by Step Instructions

Prep the Oven and Baking Pan
Heat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit Use a generous amount of nonstick spray to coat every part of your bundt pan making sure you reach into all the curves for easy release once baked
Coat the Biscuits
Separate each biscuit then cut them into quarters In a large mixing bowl blend together white sugar and cinnamon Roll each piece of dough in the cinnamon sugar making certain all sides get a thick even coat Add the sugar coated dough to your prepared bundt pan gently stacking the pieces without pressing them together
Heat the Butter Sauce
Place the butter in a small saucepan and melt it over medium high heat When melted stir in brown sugar along with any extra cinnamon sugar Mix gently for thirty seconds until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is thick Pour the warm sauce evenly over the dough in the pan letting it seep into every nook
Bake
Bake the pan uncovered for about forty minutes or until the top is beautifully golden brown and springs back when touched Place the pan on a rack and let it cool for at least five minutes Using oven mitts carefully place a plate over the pan and invert it so the bread falls onto the plate with all the gooey goodness on top
Serve
Monkey bread is at its very best served warm soon after baking so everyone can pull apart delicious soft pieces while the glaze is still sticky
A slice of Monkey Bread on a plate. Pin
A slice of Monkey Bread on a plate. | applefoodie.com

The brown sugar is my favorite part since it melts into the biscuits creating little caramel rivers that everyone fights over Every Christmas morning my family shares this bread while opening presents and the sweet aroma always fills the house with excitement

Storage Tips

If you have any leftovers wrap them tightly and keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days Warm slices in the microwave for ten seconds to bring back that gooey softness For longer storage freeze well wrapped portions and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap in homemade biscuit dough if you prefer just make sure it is a soft and fluffy recipe For extra flavor try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar or tossing in chopped pecans between the layers of dough Use unsalted butter and a small pinch of salt if that is what you have on hand

Serving Suggestions

Monkey bread shines as a brunch centerpiece with fresh fruit coffee and eggs It also makes a fun dessert for parties or sleepovers Serve with a drizzle of cream cheese glaze or a side of whipped cream for added indulgence For breakfast leftovers slice and toast lightly then spread with a little extra butter

A slice of Monkey Bread. Pin
A slice of Monkey Bread. | applefoodie.com

Cultural and Historical Context

Monkey bread traces its roots to Hungarian coffee cakes that were brought to America in the mid twentieth century Its playful pull apart style became hugely popular in the US during the 1950s The name likely comes from the way people use their hands to pull off pieces similar to how monkeys eat

Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ What type of biscuits work best?

Refrigerated buttermilk biscuits are ideal for their soft texture and easy handling. Avoid flaky layers for best cohesion.

→ Can I use homemade biscuit dough?

Yes, homemade dough adds a personal touch and works well. Be sure to cut it into uniform pieces for even baking.

→ How do I prevent sticking in the pan?

Generously mist the bundt pan with cooking spray to ensure the bread releases easily after baking.

→ Is it possible to make ahead?

You can assemble the dough pieces and cover the pan overnight in the refrigerator. Bake fresh when ready to serve.

→ What are some serving suggestions?

Serve warm from the oven. For extra indulgence, drizzle with a simple glaze or pair with fresh fruit on the side.

monkey bread cinnamon buttermilk biscuits

Warm, gooey, cinnamon-sugar pull-apart bread with soft buttermilk biscuits and a buttery caramel glaze.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cook Time
40 min
Total Time
55 min
By: Ava

Category: Desserts

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 Serves (1 bundt pan)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Dough Components

01 908 grams refrigerated buttermilk biscuit dough (2 x 454 g cans, large size)

→ Sugar Mixture

02 100 grams granulated white sugar
03 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

→ Butter Sauce

04 113 grams salted butter
05 220 grams packed brown sugar

Steps

Step 01

Preheat oven to 175°C. Generously grease a bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 02

Separate the biscuit dough into individual biscuits, then cut each into quarters.

Step 03

In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon. Roll each dough piece in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated and layer loosely in the prepared bundt pan.

Step 04

In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the salted butter. Add packed brown sugar and any remaining cinnamon sugar, stirring for approximately 30 seconds until dissolved. Pour the sauce evenly over the dough pieces to coat.

Step 05

Bake uncovered for 40 minutes or until the top is lightly golden and springs back when touched. Transfer to a wire rack. After 5–10 minutes, carefully invert onto a serving plate using oven mitts.

Step 06

Serve immediately while still warm and sticky.

Notes & Tips

  1. For best texture, avoid overpacking the dough pieces in the pan to ensure even baking and separation.

Necessary Equipment

  • Bundt pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Small saucepan
  • Wire rack
  • Oven mitts
  • Serving plate

Allergy Information

Always double-check ingredient labels for allergens and consult a healthcare professional if you’re unsure.
  • Contains gluten, dairy, and egg (may be present in prepared biscuit dough).