Pull Apart Monkey Bread

This warm and gooey Pull Apart Monkey Bread has been my go-to recipe whenever I need to impress guests or treat my family to something special. The pillowy biscuit pieces coated in cinnamon sugar create an irresistible aroma throughout the house as they bake into a sticky, sweet masterpiece.

I first made this monkey bread for a holiday brunch gathering and it disappeared within minutes. Now it has become our Sunday morning tradition when we want something indulgent to enjoy while lounging in pajamas.

Ingredients

• Pillsbury Biscuits tubes: serve as our time-saving base allowing you to focus on flavor rather than making dough from scratch
• Granulated sugar: creates that classic crunch and sweetness that coats each piece perfectly
• Cinnamon: adds that warm aromatic spice that makes this treat irresistible
• Butter: provides richness and helps create that sticky caramelized texture
• Brown sugar: deepens the flavor with its molasses notes and creates the gooey texture
• Powdered sugar: forms the base of our simple glaze adding a touch of sweetness
• Milk: thins the glaze to the perfect consistency for drizzling
• Vanilla extract: adds depth and complexity to the simple glaze
• Salt: balances all the sweetness and enhances overall flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Your Setup:

Preheat your oven to exactly 325°F which allows for even baking without burning the sugars. Thoroughly coat your fluted tube pan with non-stick spray ensuring you reach all the crevices to prevent sticking later.

Prepare The Biscuits:

Open each tube of biscuits carefully and separate them. Cut each biscuit into quarters using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors. The smaller pieces create more surface area for the delicious cinnamon sugar coating.

Create The Cinnamon Coating:

Combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a large zip close bag and shake vigorously to distribute the spice evenly. Add the biscuit pieces in batches ensuring each piece gets fully coated without overcrowding the bag.

Arrange And Prepare The Caramel:

Place your coated biscuit pieces evenly throughout the prepared pan. In a microwave safe bowl melt the butter completely then immediately stir in the brown sugar until smooth. Pour this decadent mixture evenly over the arranged biscuits.

Bake To Perfection:

Bake for a full 50 minutes until the top is deeply golden brown and the center is completely cooked through. Use a skewer to check the center pieces are no longer doughy.

Cool And Flip:

Allow the monkey bread to cool in the pan for exactly 10 minutes. This critical resting period lets the caramel set slightly while still remaining fluid enough to release from the pan. Place your serving platter upside down over the pan and carefully flip to release.

Glaze The Masterpiece:

Whisk together the powdered sugar milk vanilla and salt until you achieve a thick yet pourable consistency. Using a spoon drizzle the glaze generously over the warm bread allowing it to cascade down the sides.

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This recipe reminds me of Saturday mornings at my grandmother's house where the smell of cinnamon would wake us up better than any alarm clock. She always said the secret was in letting the caramel sauce fully coat every piece before baking.

Make Ahead Options

Preparing this monkey bread ahead of time is a game changer for busy mornings or when hosting guests. You can assemble everything up to the point of baking cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning simply remove from the refrigerator while your oven preheats then bake as directed adding about 5 extra minutes to the baking time since the dough will be cold. This method actually enhances the flavor as the cinnamon sugar has more time to infuse into the biscuit pieces.

Creative Variations

While this classic version is absolutely delicious you can easily customize your monkey bread to suit different occasions or preferences. Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts between layers for extra crunch. For a fruity twist add small pieces of diced apple or raisins. Chocolate lovers can toss in mini chocolate chips or spread Nutella between layers. During fall I love adding a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a seasonal twist. Each variation maintains the beloved pull apart texture while introducing new flavor dimensions.

Serving Suggestions

This monkey bread shines as the centerpiece of a breakfast or brunch spread. Serve it warm alongside fresh fruit fresh brewed coffee and a savory egg dish for balance. For a dessert presentation add a scoop of vanilla ice cream while the bread is still warm. When hosting larger gatherings I sometimes make individual portions using muffin tins reducing the baking time to about 15 minutes. The bread can be elegant enough for special occasions yet comforting enough for casual family gatherings making it incredibly versatile.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your monkey bread comes out doughy in the center despite the top looking golden it likely needs more time in the oven. Cover the top loosely with foil to prevent over browning and continue baking until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Having trouble with sticking? Make sure to use a quality non-stick spray and consider lining the bottom of your pan with parchment paper. For the perfect glaze consistency start with less milk than called for and add more gradually until you reach your desired thickness. Remember that the glaze will thin slightly when it hits the warm bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I prevent the bread from sticking to the pan?

Ensure the pan is thoroughly coated with non-stick spray, and allow the bread to cool for 10 minutes before turning it out.

→ Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of Pillsbury biscuits?

Yes, you can substitute homemade biscuit dough, ensuring it has a similar texture for the best results.

→ What can I use if I don’t have a fluted tube pan?

A bundt pan works well as an alternative, providing similar results for this pull apart bread.

→ Can leftovers be stored and reheated?

Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to restore softness.

→ How can I customize the glaze flavor?

Experiment with adding vanilla extract, almond extract, or even citrus zest to the glaze for a unique twist.