Monkey Bread with Glaze

Monkey bread with glaze is a soft, pull-apart pastry made of bite-sized dough pieces coated in cinnamon sugar, baked until golden, and finished with a warm, sweet glaze. Served fresh from the oven, it’s a beloved classic perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun, pull-apart format makes it ideal for sharing
• Sticky cinnamon-sugar coating and tender dough create irresistible flavor and texture
• Quick to prepare, especially with pre-made dough
• Perfect for holidays, brunch tables, or cozy weekend mornings
• Customizable with optional additions like nuts or cream cheese

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough

• Refrigerated biscuit dough or homemade yeast dough
• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Unsalted butter, melted

For the Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Milk or heavy cream
• Vanilla extract
• Optional: pinch of salt or a spoonful of cream cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan generously.
2. Cut biscuit dough into 1 to 1½-inch pieces.
3. In a large bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon.
4. Dip each dough piece in melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
5. Layer the coated dough pieces into the prepared bundt pan.
6. Pour any remaining butter and sugar mixture over the dough.
7. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown and dough is fully cooked.
8. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving plate.
9. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
10. Drizzle glaze over warm monkey bread and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8 to 10
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 30 to 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Cream cheese filling: Add small cubes of cream cheese between dough layers
• Nutty version: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts between layers before baking
• Chocolate chip monkey bread: Toss mini chocolate chips into the dough mixture
• Caramel version: Replace glaze with a simple homemade caramel sauce
• Pumpkin spice: Use pumpkin spice mix instead of cinnamon for a seasonal twist

Storage/Reheating

• Room temperature: Store covered at room temp for up to 2 days
• Refrigerate: Keep in an airtight container up to 4 days
• Reheat: Microwave individual portions for 10–15 seconds or warm in a low oven at 300°F for 5–10 minutes
• Freeze: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw in refrigerator before reheating

FAQs

What type of dough works best?

Refrigerated biscuit dough is most convenient, but homemade yeast dough gives a richer flavor and texture.

Why is it called monkey bread?

The name comes from the way it’s eaten—by picking apart small chunks with your fingers, similar to how monkeys pick food.

Can I prepare monkey bread the night before?

Yes. Assemble in the pan, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature before baking.

How do I keep the center from being undercooked?

Ensure the pan is not overcrowded and bake until deeply golden. You may also tent with foil halfway through if the top browns too fast.

Is it better served warm or cold?

Warm is ideal. The glaze melts slightly into the bread, and the interior stays soft and tender.

Can I use cinnamon rolls instead of biscuit dough?

Yes. It adds extra flavor but can make the dish sweeter overall.

What kind of pan should I use?

A bundt pan is traditional and helps the bread bake evenly. A tube pan can also work.

Can I double the glaze?

Absolutely, especially if you prefer a heavily glazed finish.

Is this a breakfast or dessert?

Both. It’s commonly served for breakfast or brunch but works beautifully as a dessert.

Can I make individual servings?

Yes. Use muffin tins and reduce bake time to 15–18 minutes.

Conclusion

Monkey bread with glaze is a warm, gooey, and delightful treat that’s easy to prepare and always a crowd favorite. Whether you’re making it for a special breakfast, a brunch buffet, or a sweet ending to a meal, this sticky pull-apart bread is guaranteed to impress with both flavor and fun.

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