This Monkey Bread with a Twist is a fun and tasty treat! It’s made with fluffy dough balls, sweet cinnamon, and a drizzle of caramel for that extra yumminess. Kids love helping pull it apart!
I love how easy it is to make, and the best part? It’s perfect for sharing at parties, or for a cozy family night. Just don’t forget the napkins—it can get a little sticky! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: Refrigerated biscuit dough is the star here, providing that fluffy texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own dough from scratch. Just keep the measurements for flour, yeast, milk, and butter balanced.
Granulated Sugar: A foundational ingredient for sweetness. You could use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute for a healthier twist, although the flavor might change slightly.
Walnuts or Pecans: I adore walnuts for their crunch and flavor! Pecans work just as well if you prefer something a bit sweeter. If nuts are an issue, you can leave them out altogether.
Brown Sugar: It creates that rich caramel flavor we love. If you’re in a pinch, you can use white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses to mimic its taste.
How Do You Create the Perfect Gooey Texture?
The key to a gooey and sticky monkey bread is all in that sweet butter sauce. When melting the butter, make sure it doesn’t brown. You want it completely melted to mix well with the brown sugar.
- Combine butter and brown sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir until smooth and bubbly, then add vanilla extract.
- Pour evenly over the biscuit layers, ensuring every piece is coated for maximum gooeyness.
By following these tips, you’re sure to get that satisfying pull-apart texture we all love! Enjoy your baking! 🍞✨
How to Make Monkey Bread with a Twist
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 3 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (about 7.5 oz each, 30 biscuits total)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: pinch of salt
For the Toppings:
- 1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts (or pecans)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and about 35-40 minutes to bake. Once you factor in the cooling time (10-15 minutes), you can enjoy your warm Monkey Bread in about an hour! Perfect for a quick and tasty treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Bundt Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, take a bundt pan and grease it well with butter or non-stick spray to ensure the Monkey Bread releases easily later.
2. Mix the Sugar and Cinnamon:
In a large bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This will create that delicious flavor for the biscuit pieces!
3. Coat the Biscuit Pieces:
Next, cut each biscuit into quarters. Toss these pieces in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they’re fully coated. Make sure every piece gets some of that sweet goodness!
4. Layer the Ingredients:
Start by layering half of the coated biscuit pieces evenly in the prepared bundt pan. Then sprinkle half of the chopped walnuts over this layer. Next, add the remaining biscuit pieces on top, followed by the rest of the nuts.
5. Make the Gooey Sauce:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the brown sugar. Stir this mixture until it’s smooth and begins to bubble gently. Remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, plus a pinch of salt if you like.
6. Pour the Sauce Over the Biscuits:
Now, pour the warm butter and brown sugar mixture evenly over the biscuit and nut layers in the bundt pan. This step is key to achieving that gooey texture!
7. Bake the Monkey Bread:
Put the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The bread should be puffed and golden brown when it’s done. To check for doneness, you can insert a toothpick into a biscuit piece; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, allow the monkey bread to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a serving plate. Serve warm for the best gooey experience!
Enjoy your sticky, sweet Monkey Bread with a twist — it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert! 🍞✨
Can I Use Frozen Biscuit Dough Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen biscuit dough! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cutting and coating it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Thaw it in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it for longer, consider refrigerating it for up to a week. Just be sure to reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 20 seconds for that fresh, gooey texture!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Look for gluten-free biscuit dough at your local grocery store or use a homemade gluten-free dough recipe. The ingredients for the butter and brown sugar sauce will remain the same, ensuring the flavor stays intact.
What Other Flavor Combinations Can I Try?
Feel free to get creative! You can add chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even switch up the nuts. For a different spice profile, try using nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice in place of cinnamon for a seasonal twist!