Pillsbury Monkey Bread Recipe: There’s just something nostalgic and cozy about monkey bread, right? Sticky, gooey, soft pull-apart bites loaded with cinnamon and brown sugar—that’s what dreams are made of. Now, if you’ve ever craved a homemade monkey bread but didn’t want to make dough from scratch, Pillsbury’s ready-to-bake biscuits are your golden ticket.
This recipe is perfect for weekend mornings, holiday brunches, or even as a quick dessert. Whether you’re a kitchen pro or a beginner, this easy monkey bread recipe using Pillsbury biscuits will become your go-to. Let’s dive in, because once you make it, your house will smell like a bakery!
What Is Monkey Bread?
Monkey bread is one of those timeless recipes that brings people together. Think of it like a sweet pull-apart bread, made of bite-sized dough balls coated in cinnamon sugar and drenched in buttery caramel glaze. The best part? You eat it with your hands—no utensils needed! It’s fun, messy, and delicious.
It’s believed to have Hungarian roots, often associated with “arany galuska” (golden dumpling), but in the U.S., it gained popularity in the 1950s and has been a breakfast and brunch staple ever since. Whether you call it pull-apart bread, sticky bread, or bubble bread, one thing’s for sure—it’s dangerously addictive.
Why Use Pillsbury Biscuits for Monkey Bread?
The secret weapon for stress-free baking? Pillsbury Grands!™ biscuits. Here’s why they’re a game-changer:
- No yeast needed – Forget about waiting for dough to rise.
- Consistent results – Each biscuit is perfectly portioned and fluffy.
- Super convenient – You just pop the can, cut, coat, and bake.
- Tastes homemade – Nobody will know you used store-bought dough (unless you tell them!).
Pillsbury biscuits create a rich, tender texture that absorbs all that buttery cinnamon glaze beautifully. It’s basically the shortcut every baker needs.
List of Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we get into the process, make sure you’ve got everything ready to go. You probably already have most of these in your kitchen!
Classic Monkey Bread Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for the traditional version:
- 2 cans of Pillsbury Grands!™ Flaky Layers biscuits
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2–3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- Non-stick cooking spray or butter (for greasing the pan)
Optional Add-Ons for a Twist
Want to take it up a notch? Try these optional ingredients:
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- Pinch of nutmeg for added warmth
- Drizzle of vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting for topping
These little additions can transform your monkey bread into a signature family recipe.
Essential Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
To make life easier, gather these tools before you start:
- Bundt pan (the traditional choice)
- Sharp knife or kitchen scissors
- Mixing bowls
- Small saucepan (for making glaze)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula or spoon
- Cooling rack
If you don’t have a Bundt pan, no worries—you can use a tube pan or even a loaf pan, but baking times may vary slightly.
Preparing Your Kitchen – Pre-Bake Tips
Before diving into the recipe, set yourself up for success with these quick tips:
- Take out all your ingredients first. Room temperature butter melts easier and spreads better.
- Spray your Bundt pan generously. Sticky sugar + dough = major mess if you forget this step.
- Preheat your oven early. You want it fully hot when the monkey bread goes in—don’t rush it.
- Have your workspace clean and organized. It’ll make the whole process smoother.
This prep takes just a few minutes but makes a big difference.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pillsbury Monkey Bread
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff—making the monkey bread! Follow these steps carefully for gooey, pull-apart perfection.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Monkey bread bakes best in a fully preheated oven to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
Step 2: Prepare the Bundt Pan
Grease a Bundt pan generously with butter or nonstick spray. Make sure to coat all crevices to prevent sticking when flipping the monkey bread out later.
Step 3: Cut the Biscuits
Open your Pillsbury biscuit cans and separate the dough. Cut each biscuit into quarters for bite-sized, pull-apart pieces.
Step 4: Mix Sugar and Cinnamon
In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon. This creates the sweet, fragrant coating classic to monkey bread.
Step 5: Coat the Biscuit Pieces
Toss the biscuit pieces in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until each piece is evenly coated. The coating adds flavor and helps build the caramelized exterior.
Step 6: Layer the Biscuits in the Pan
Arrange the coated biscuit pieces evenly in the greased Bundt pan. You can sprinkle chopped nuts or raisins between layers if desired.
Step 7: Make the Brown Sugar Glaze
In a saucepan, melt butter with brown sugar over medium heat. Stir until smooth and combined. This rich glaze will seep between the dough pieces as it bakes.
Step 8: Pour the Glaze Over the Dough
Slowly pour the warm glaze evenly over the layered biscuit dough. Make sure to cover as much surface as possible for even caramelization.
Step 9: Bake the Monkey Bread
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dough is cooked through. If it browns too fast, cover lightly with foil.
Step 10: Cool and Flip
Let the monkey bread cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes. Then carefully invert it onto a serving platter. Serve warm and enjoy the gooey, pull-apart goodness!
Pro Tips for Perfect Monkey Bread
Want to elevate your monkey bread from good to legendary? These insider tricks will help:
- Don’t skip the coating: Fully coat each dough piece in cinnamon sugar. That’s where the flavor magic happens.
- Even layering is key: Spread the pieces out evenly so the dough bakes uniformly.
- Let it cool a bit before flipping: If you flip it too soon, the glaze might be too runny and pool at the bottom.
- Use real butter: Margarine won’t give you that rich, indulgent flavor.
- Add a pinch of salt to the glaze: It enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
Bonus tip: If you want to impress guests, drizzle a little vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting over the top just before serving. It’s a total showstopper.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though this recipe is super simple, a few common pitfalls can trip you up:
- Underbaking: If your monkey bread is still doughy in the middle, it needs more time. Always check with a toothpick.
- Overfilling the pan: The dough will rise, so leave a bit of space at the top to prevent overflow.
- Using cold ingredients: Room temperature butter and biscuits make everything mix and bake more evenly.
- Forgetting to grease the pan: This is the biggest mistake! Nothing is worse than your masterpiece sticking to the pan.
- Cutting corners with the glaze: The butter-brown sugar glaze is what makes monkey bread ooey-gooey. Don’t skip or skimp on it.
Variations to Try
Monkey bread is incredibly versatile. Once you’ve nailed the classic version, experiment with these crowd-pleasing twists.
Caramel Pecan Monkey Bread
- Add a layer of chopped pecans and a drizzle of store-bought caramel sauce between biscuit layers.
- Top with extra pecans before baking for a rich, nutty crunch.
Chocolate Chip Monkey Bread
- Mix mini chocolate chips into the cinnamon-sugar coating or sprinkle them between the layers.
- Drizzle with chocolate ganache after baking for an indulgent finish.
Savory Garlic Monkey Bread
Craving something savory?
- Replace the cinnamon sugar with a mix of garlic powder, Parmesan, dried herbs, and melted butter.
- Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar between the dough pieces.
It’s the perfect side dish for pasta or soups!
Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips
Need to plan ahead? No problem!
- Make-ahead option: Assemble the monkey bread in the pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
- Freezing: Bake as directed, cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a 300°F oven for 15–20 minutes.
You can even freeze unbaked, assembled monkey bread. Just be sure to bake it directly from frozen (add about 10–15 extra minutes to the baking time).
Serving Suggestions
Monkey bread is delicious on its own, but why stop there? Here are some tasty ideas to level up your serving game:
- Drizzle with glaze: Mix powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk for a quick glaze.
- Serve with dipping sauces: Chocolate sauce, caramel, or even fruit preserves.
- Add fresh fruit: Strawberries, blueberries, or banana slices on the side.
- Pair with drinks: Coffee, hot cocoa, chai tea, or even a sweet mimosa for brunch.
And hey, don’t be shy—monkey bread is totally acceptable for breakfast, dessert, or even midnight snacks. No judgment here.
How to Store Leftovers
If you somehow manage to have leftovers (rare, but it happens), here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Room temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate: Lasts up to 5 days, but warm it before eating.
- Reheat: Microwave individual servings for 15–20 seconds or reheat the whole pan in the oven at 300°F until warmed through.
Tip: Cover leftovers with foil when reheating to keep them moist and gooey.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Here’s a rough estimate for one serving (based on 12 servings per recipe):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350–400 |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 55g |
| Sugar | 30g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Sodium | 500mg |
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
FAQs about Pillsbury Monkey Bread Recipe
1. Can I make monkey bread without a Bundt pan?
Yes! You can use a loaf pan, cake pan, or even a muffin tin for mini versions. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.
2. Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of Pillsbury?
Absolutely. If you prefer to make your own dough, go for it! But Pillsbury makes this recipe much quicker and easier.
3. Is monkey bread supposed to be eaten hot or cold?
It’s best enjoyed warm when it’s soft, gooey, and aromatic. That said, it still tastes great at room temperature.
4. How do I know when monkey bread is done baking?
The top should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted should come out clean (no raw dough). You’ll also see the glaze bubbling slightly.
5. Can I make a gluten-free version?
Yes, just use gluten-free refrigerated biscuit dough and double-check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Conclusion
Monkey bread is the kind of treat that turns an ordinary day into something special. It’s simple, nostalgic, and ridiculously tasty. Using Pillsbury biscuits makes the process effortless—no kneading, no rising, just sweet, pull-apart perfection every time.
So whether you’re making it for a weekend breakfast, a family get-together, or just because you’re craving something cozy, this recipe is your new secret weapon. Try the variations, experiment with toppings, and most importantly—enjoy every gooey bite.
Now go preheat that oven and treat yourself—you deserve it!
