This Maple Bacon Monkey Bread is a fun and tasty treat! It combines soft, sweet dough with crispy bacon and a drizzle of maple syrup—what’s not to love?
Every bite is a delightful mix of sweet and salty. It’s perfect for brunch or a special breakfast. You might want to make extra because it disappears fast! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: Refrigerated biscuit dough is the star here for its convenience. If you prefer homemade, you can use your favorite biscuit recipe or even use crescent roll dough as a fun twist!
Bacon: I love using thick-cut bacon for extra crunch and flavor. If you want a healthier option, turkey bacon or veggie bacon can work too, though they may not be as crispy.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and depth. If you’re out of brown sugar, you can substitute with white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses (1 tablespoon molasses per cup of sugar) for a similar taste.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup elevates the flavor, but if you have pancake syrup, it will still taste great! Consider using honey for a different sweet touch.
Cinnamon: This is optional, but I love adding a pinch for warmth. It complements the sweetness of the maple perfectly!
How Do You Properly Assemble Monkey Bread?
Assembling monkey bread is a crucial step, and it’s all about layering flavors. Here’s how you can make it foolproof:
- After cutting the dough, coat each piece well in the brown sugar mixture to ensure sweetness throughout.
- Layer half the biscuits first in your pan, followed by half the bacon. This way, the flavors marry beautifully!
- Repeat for a thick, rich bread. By pouring the remaining syrup on top, you ensure that the bottom stays gooey and delicious.
Watch the baking time closely. You want it to be golden brown with that perfect pull-apart texture. If it looks too dark, cover it loosely with foil. Enjoy pulling apart those gooey bites!
Maple Bacon Monkey Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Monkey Bread:
- 2 (12 oz) cans refrigerated biscuit dough
- 8 slices bacon
For the Sweet Coating:
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Optional: pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake. After baking, allow it to cool for 10 minutes before serving, so the gooey goodness can set. In total, expect about 1 hour from start to finish before it’s ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, take a bundt pan or tube pan and grease it thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. This step is super important for easy removal later!
2. Cook the Bacon:
Next, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. Once it’s cooked, drain it on a paper towel and let it cool for a few minutes. After cooling, chop it into small bits and set it aside for later.
3. Prepare the Biscuit Dough:
Now, open the cans of biscuit dough. Using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, cut each biscuit into quarters. This makes it easier to coat and layer the dough in the pan.
4. Make the Sweet Sauce:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar and maple syrup. Keep stirring until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture becomes bubbly. If you’re using vanilla extract, add it in after removing the saucepan from heat for an extra burst of flavor!
5. Assemble Your Monkey Bread:
Take each biscuit piece and dip it into the sweet sauce, ensuring it’s well-coated. Layer half of the coated biscuit pieces into the greased bundt pan. Sprinkle half of the chopped bacon evenly over the top. Then repeat the process with the remaining biscuit pieces and bacon for a delicious layered effect.
6. Add the Final Touch!
Carefully pour any remaining sweet sauce over the biscuit and bacon layers in the pan, drizzling it down the sides to soak into the dough for extra flavor.
7. Bake It Up:
Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the biscuits are fully cooked. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning; once you see that golden color, it’s almost ready!
8. Cool Then Invert:
Once done, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. After it’s cooled slightly, place a serving plate on top of the bundt pan and carefully flip it over to invert the monkey bread onto the plate.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve the monkey bread warm, allowing the sweet maple glaze to drizzle down over the top. Enjoy pulling apart those gooey, sticky, sweet, and savory bites—they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering!
This recipe yields a wonderfully sticky, sweet-and-savory treat that combines soft pull-apart bread with crispy bacon chunks and luscious maple glaze. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a delightful dessert!
Can I Use Frozen Biscuit Dough Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen biscuit dough! Just make sure to thaw it completely according to package instructions before cutting it into quarters for this recipe.
How Do I Store Leftover Monkey Bread?
Any leftover monkey bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week, but it may lose some texture.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can assemble the monkey bread the night before and store it in the fridge covered. Just let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking, or pop it straight into the oven from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What Can I Substitute for Bacon?
If you’re looking for a bacon substitute, consider using turkey bacon, pancetta, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian alternative. Just be mindful of cooking times, as different substitutes may require different preparation techniques.