Homemade Monkey Bread

Homemade monkey bread is a soft, gooey pull-apart bread coated in cinnamon sugar and finished with a buttery brown sugar glaze. Drizzled with vanilla icing, this fun and indulgent treat is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it transforms simple yeast dough into a sweet, sticky masterpiece. Each bite-sized piece is coated in cinnamon sugar, baked together into a golden Bundt, and topped with a rich glaze. It’s interactive, shareable, and irresistibly delicious—ideal for holidays, gatherings, or cozy weekends at home.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the dough:

• 1 1/2 cups whole milk, warmed (about 110°F/43°C)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast (1 standard packet)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup (5 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 5 cups all-purpose flour

For the coating:

• 3/4 cup (12 tbsp) unsalted butter, divided
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 2/3 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the vanilla icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 3 tbsp whole milk
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Directions

1. Prepare the dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes. Add eggs, melted butter, salt, and 1 cup of flour. Mix until combined. Add remaining flour and mix until a dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
2. First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (about 1–2 hours).
3. Prepare coating: Melt 1/2 cup butter. In a separate bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon.
4. Shape the dough: Punch down dough and divide into 40–45 small balls (about 1.25 inches each). Dip each ball in melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar. Arrange in a greased 10–12 cup Bundt pan. Cover and let rest 20 minutes.
5. Preheat oven: Set rack to lower position and preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
6. Finish coating: Melt remaining 1/4 cup butter. Stir in brown sugar and vanilla. Pour over dough balls in the Bundt pan.
7. Bake: Bake 35–45 minutes, until golden brown. Cover with foil if top browns too quickly. Cool for 5–10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate.
8. Make icing: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over warm monkey bread.
9. Serve: Slice or pull apart pieces for the classic monkey bread experience.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 12–14 people.
Preparation time: 30 minutes (plus 1 1/2–2 hours rising)
Baking time: 35–45 minutes
Total time: about 2 1/2–3 hours

Variations

• Add chopped pecans or walnuts between the dough layers.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce instead of vanilla icing.
• Mix mini chocolate chips into the cinnamon sugar for extra sweetness.
• Add orange zest to the dough or icing for a citrus twist.
• Use brown sugar in the coating for a deeper flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Monkey bread is best served fresh the same day. Store leftovers tightly covered at room temperature for 1 day or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes or microwave individual portions for 15–20 seconds until warm and gooey.

FAQs

Can I make monkey bread ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dough balls in the pan, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next morning.

Can I freeze monkey bread?

Yes, freeze baked monkey bread (without icing) for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before glazing.

Do I need a Bundt pan?

A Bundt pan works best, but a 9×13-inch baking dish can be used—bake time may vary.

Why is it called monkey bread?

Because it’s meant to be pulled apart and eaten with your fingers, similar to how monkeys pick at food.

Can I use pre-made biscuit dough?

Yes, refrigerated biscuit dough is a shortcut, but homemade dough gives the best flavor and texture.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The top should be golden and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Can I make it without yeast?

Traditional monkey bread requires yeast for rise, but a biscuit dough version can be made without it.

What other glazes work well?

Cream cheese glaze, maple glaze, or even a chocolate drizzle are delicious options.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based butter and milk substitutes.

How do I keep the bread from sticking to the pan?

Grease the Bundt pan thoroughly with nonstick spray or butter.

Conclusion

Homemade monkey bread is a sweet, sticky, and shareable treat that’s perfect for gatherings or indulgent mornings. With its cinnamon-sugar coating, buttery glaze, and soft pull-apart texture, it’s guaranteed to disappear quickly. Whether you make it for holidays or weekend brunch, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves comforting baked goods.

Print