This Easter Brunch Monkey Bread is a fun and tasty treat! It’s made with fluffy dough balls coated in cinnamon sugar, baked to perfection, and drizzled with sweet icing. Who wouldn’t love that?
Monkey bread is perfect for sharing, and let’s be honest, pulling apart those warm pieces is the best part! I love serving it fresh from the oven, and everyone always wants seconds. 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: Buttermilk biscuits are the classic choice for monkey bread due to their fluffy texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can substitute with crescent roll dough for a flakier result or even homemade biscuit dough if you have the time.
Sugars: Both granulated and brown sugar are key for this recipe. If you’re looking to reduce refined sugars, coconut sugar can be a good alternative for brown sugar. Just keep in mind, it may slightly change the flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling salt content. If you want a dairy-free version, use coconut oil or vegan butter. They melt similarly and work well in baking.
Spices: Cinnamon is the star here, but you could also add nutmeg or cardamom for a unique flavor twist if you like. If you need a caffeine boost, a bit of espresso powder can elevate the taste too!
Glaze: The glaze uses powdered sugar and milk for creaminess. If you prefer a non-dairy option, almond milk or oat milk will do the trick, and they add a nice flavor too. The almond extract is optional, but it brings a lovely depth to the glaze.
How Can I Ensure My Monkey Bread Bakes Evenly?
To bake your monkey bread perfectly, follow these steps carefully. First, preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) is essential for an even bake. Also, before adding your dough pieces to the bundt pan, ensure they’re well-coated in the cinnamon sugar mix for consistent flavor throughout.
- Layer your dough pieces without packing them too tightly for better air circulation.
- Make sure your brown sugar butter sauce is bubbly and smooth; this helps create a sticky, caramelized effect.
- Check doneness by inserting a toothpick; if it comes out clean, your monkey bread is ready!
- Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set before inverting to prevent breakage.
How to Make Easter Brunch Monkey Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Monkey Bread:
- 3 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough (buttermilk biscuits)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- Optional: 1/2 tsp almond extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful monkey bread will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30-35 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll want to let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving, adding up to roughly 1 hour total from start to finish. It’s an easy, festive treat perfect for your Easter brunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep and Preheat:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important for an even bake. While the oven is heating, lightly grease a bundt cake pan to make it easy to remove the monkey bread once it’s baked.
2. Prepare Dough Pieces:
Next, take each can of biscuit dough and cut each biscuit in half or into quarters, depending on how big you like your pieces. You want them to be bite-sized, so keep that in mind!
3. Coat Dough in Cinnamon Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Toss the biscuit pieces into this mixture, ensuring each piece is fully coated in the sweet, cinnamon goodness. This will give the monkey bread its delicious flavor!
4. Arrange in Pan:
Carefully layer the cinnamon-sugar-coated biscuit pieces evenly in your prepared bundt pan. Try not to pack them too tightly, as they will expand during baking.
5. Make Brown Sugar Butter Sauce:
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the melted butter, packed brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves and everything is smooth and bubbly. This sauce is going to make the monkey bread sweet and gooey!
6. Pour Sauce Over Dough:
Now, evenly pour your warm brown sugar butter sauce over the biscuit pieces in the bundt pan. Make sure to cover them well, as this will help create that irresistible sticky exterior.
7. Bake:
It’s time to bake! Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Enjoy the lovely aroma filling your kitchen!
8. Cool & Invert:
Once baked, allow the monkey bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, run a butter knife around the edges to loosen it. Carefully invert the bundt pan onto a serving plate to release the monkey bread.
9. Prepare Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk, adding the milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach a smooth, drizzly consistency. If you want, you can also add almond extract for a delightful extra flavor!
10. Drizzle Glaze:
Drizzle the glaze over the warm monkey bread, letting it soak in slightly for added sweetness. This glaze adds a nice finishing touch!
11. Serve:
Serve the monkey bread warm at your Easter brunch as a beautiful centerpiece. For an extra treat, consider serving it with a side of butter or a cream cheese dipping sauce. Enjoy every delicious bite!
This soft, sweet, and sticky monkey bread is not only delicious but festive, making it a perfect addition to your Easter celebration. Enjoy your baking!
Can I Use Other Types of Biscuit Dough?
Absolutely! While buttermilk biscuits are traditional, you can substitute them with crescent roll dough for a flakier version or even homemade biscuit dough if you prefer. Just keep in mind that baking times may vary slightly.
What Should I Do If My Monkey Bread Is Too Sticky?
If your monkey bread turns out too sticky, reduce the amount of brown sugar and butter sauce next time, or bake it a little longer until the top is golden brown and the middle is fully cooked. Letting it cool a bit before serving can also help it set up.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover monkey bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for about a week. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the biscuit pieces and coat them in the cinnamon sugar mixture the night before. Just cover them tightly and refrigerate. The next day, take them out, layer them in the bundt pan, pour the sauce over, and bake as instructed. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if they’re cold from the fridge.
