Tips for Perfect Monkey Bread
- Grease the bundt pan very thoroughly (sides, center tube, and bottom) to minimize sticking.
- Place a sheet of foil or a baking sheet on the oven rack below the pan to catch any drips.
- Don’t overfill the pan; the biscuits puff and expand as they bake. If using extra biscuits, bake a few pieces separately.
- For extra gooey sauce, stir a tablespoon or two of brown sugar into the melted butter before pouring it over the biscuits.
- Monkey bread is best enjoyed warm from the oven for the softest pull‑apart texture. Reheat briefly if it cools down.
Storage, Freezing, and Make-Ahead
- Store: Keep leftover monkey bread covered or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a 250°F (120°C) oven for 5–8 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 5–10 seconds until soft and warm.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly in foil or place in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Make ahead: Assemble the coated biscuit pieces in the pan, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Let sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking so the center bakes through evenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different biscuit dough?
Yes. Most canned biscuit varieties work, but southern‑style buttermilk biscuits give a tender, fluffy texture and rich flavor. Avoid flaky‑layer biscuits if you prefer a more uniform pull‑apart texture.
Do I have to use a bundt pan?
A bundt pan gives the classic ring shape and helps heat circulate through the center. You can use a tube pan or even a deep loaf pan, but you may need to adjust bake time and be extra generous with greasing.
Can I add nuts or raisins?
You can sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts and/or raisins between layers of coated biscuit pieces before pouring on the butter sauce for extra texture and flavor.
Why is my monkey bread doughy in the center?
It likely needed a few more minutes in the oven or came straight from a very cold fridge. Make sure the oven is fully preheated, let refrigerated dough sit out briefly before baking, and check doneness by gently pulling apart a center piece to confirm it’s cooked through.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Monkey Bread is a cozy, crowd‑pleasing pull‑apart treat made from simple canned biscuits, cinnamon sugar, and butter, yet it bakes up into an impressive, sticky‑sweet bundt perfect for brunches, holidays, or casual dessert. With a well‑greased pan, thorough cinnamon‑sugar coating, and rich buttery sauce, every piece pulls away soft, caramelized, and irresistible.
When you bake this monkey bread, experiment with add‑ins like nuts, raisins, or a brown‑sugar boost in the sauce, and note whether your readers or family prefer it for breakfast, dessert, or snacking. Those small tweaks will help you shape a signature version that fits right into your comfort‑food repertoire.