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5 Ingredient Easy Monkey Bread Recipe

5 ingredient easy monkey bread recipe with refrigerated biscuits or cinnamon rolls is easier than you think! You can even defrost Rhodes frozen rolls and use those to bake Add apples, berries and a drizzle of frosting for the ultimate breakfast.

monkey bread with biscuits

This easy monkey bread recipe with biscuits is much simpler than I thought! We make at home all the time now with a lot of variations. You only need a few ingredients too, which is my kinda’ recipe. My family loves quick easy dessert recipes. (affiliate links present)

What is Monkey Bread?

Doesn’t this look fantastic??! This comfort food in a bundt pan uses cut up biscuits or refrigerated cinnamon rolls that are dipped in butter and then cinnamon and sugar. Placed in a bundt pan and baked it creates a pull apart sweet treat for breakfast or dessert. You can use a muffin pan too to make smaller monkey bread muffins too!

It’s so pretty too. My family loves money bread and it’s perfect for Easter brunch or Christmas morning! Here is what you will need to make this basic easy monkey bread recipe. You can add lots of toppings beyond the initial loaf.

biscuit monkey bread

What is monkey bread made out of?

If made from scratch you’d use pieces of sweet yeast dough. This method uses refrigerated biscuits instead. They’re baked in a bundt pan after first being individually covered in melted butter, cinnamon, sugar, and other goodies.

Whether you make it in a bundt pan or air fryer monkey bread in a small pan, it’s made the same basic way. Bake time is cut down though with a bundt and it does cook more evenly because the middle isn’t as thick. I’d highly recommend this shape for that reason and because of the way it looks, super pretty.

Can you Make Monkey Bread with Cinnamon Rolls?

Yes, that is even better and doesn’t change anything. Reason it obvious, there is already sweetness added into the dough. They are a bit messier to slice into 1/4ths but don’t worry if they kinda’ fall apart, keep dipping and layering. You could use cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls or defrosted, previously frozen Rhodes cinnamon rolls work too.

monkey bread with frozen cinnamon rolls

We used buttermilk biscuit style refrigerated regular size for this one seen. You could use cinnamon rolls instead for added flavor. They are about the same size so you would use the same number of tubes for this size.

Monkey Bread with Biscuits Ingredients

  1. Bundt pan
    1. a loaf pan doesn’t do the job well, you need a bundt to cook evenly
    2. non stick spray is a necessity too
  2. 3 cans of refrigerated biscuits dough
  3. Butter and brown sugar
  4. Sugar and cinnamon

with cocoa powder

You can transition this with some cocoa for chocolate monkey bread if you want too. For any variety you will use a small bowl for the mixture to dip it in, or freezer bags can be used to shake on the cinnamon and sugar on the outside. It’s one of our favorite few ingredient recipes we make for breakfast all the time because it is oh so simple to do!

monkey bread with biscuits

How do you make monkey bread without a bundt pan?

If you didn’t have one of these, first off I encourage you to get one. I use it all the time to bake cakes and all sorts of things with it. In the meantime you could use a 9×9 square baking pan. This will make it thick, and it will rise quite a bit but with 2 cans will fit. 1.5 cans prepared will barely fit in a 8×8″ pan, like our Monkey Bread in a Smoker. Using a 9×13″ pan will just make it thinner.

What can you add to monkey bread to make it better?

Items possibly used as monkey bread toppings are many but I mean let us tell you what we have used in the past that have been a hit with many;
1. Melted cream cheese frosting drizzled over the top
2. You could add a bit more cinnamon and sugar mixture
3. Berries go well for a fresh element
4. Caramel sauce with some chopped nuts are great during the Fall

I have integrated other items within the bread mixture itself like caramel bits and diced apples, like our apple monkey bread with biscuits too. ANYTHING is really possible if you start with a good base like this one. From there you can use your imagination! I personally like drizzling melted frosting over the top because it makes it pretty and a bit gooier. Your choice but that is a cheap and easy addition.

monkey bread using biscuits

How to Make Pillsbury Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

  1. Now we’re ready to cut our refrigerated biscuit pieces into quarters. So 4 pieces per biscuit. You could use cinnamon rolls instead.
  2. Get your melted butter and brown sugar ready now too. Either use the stovetop or microwave for this. This will make the overall preparation process very quick and easy.
  3. In another bowl combine your cinnamon and sugar.
  4. Now you’re ready to cover each piece and place into the bottom of the bundt pan. Spread out evenly.
  5. You can coat all your pieces well by either dipping each one. I use a large storage bag. Just dump your cut pieces in with your sugar mixture and shake.
  6. Once all your biscuit coated pieces are in your bundt pan you’ll pour your brown sugar melted butter mixture over the top. 

    How long do you bake money bread at 325?

    Make sure your oven is preheated to 325 before placing your pan inside so it bakes evenly the whole time. Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until it is golden brown on top. Times will vary slightly depending on your altitude and oven in general.

    How do you know when monkey bread is done?

    The edges will be browned and the middle will be golden and starting to pull away from the pan. You want to ensure the middle is no longer sticky. You can pull out a middle piece and check. Allow this to sit and cool for at least 5 minutes before attempting to put a large plate on top and flipping it over. You want your monkey bread to stay in tact and this is a good way to do that.

    monkey bread recipe pillsbury
    easy monkey bread recipe 2

    Cooling time also allows it to pull away from the sides of the pan too so it will slide out nicely. Ensuring your pan is sprayed generously with non stick spray is key too. Pour melted frosting on top once it’s flipped over and sliced berries are nice too.

    You can print recipe below, and nutrition information is listed too. (just enjoy it though, ignore those If you love this easy monkey bread recipe we have a several other monkey bread recipes you’ve got to try next!

    Can monkey bread be frozen?

    If you wrap it tightly you can freeze it for up to a couple of months. Just thaw it at room temperature and reheat before serving. Other breakfast brunch menu ideas.

    Why is it called monkey bread?

    While the exact origin of the name “monkey bread” remains unknown, it is most likely linked to the method of eating the bread. Where pieces are picked apart with fingers in a manner reminiscent what a monkey does daily. The name adds to the fun experience of enjoying this delicious, pull-apart treat.

    Where did monkey bread originate from?

    Hungary! Which totally makes sense because when you see any type of easy monkey bread don’t you get so hungary??!! 😉 It can changed over the years with add ins and what is used as the dough in America but the same basic steps have stayed the same.

    How long is monkey bread good for?

    If you store it at room temperature it saves best to maintain it’s freshness. If you intend to eating it within a couple of days, store what’s left inside a freezer storage bag and out of direct sunlight. Make sure you get all of the air out of the bag before zipping it so it doesn’t dry out. The bag minimizes moisture loss and keeps the bread soft and supple for about two days.

    How do you reheat leftover monkey bread?

    You can reheat leftovers on a plate for 15-30 seconds in your microwave. Do it in short stints as overheating it will dry it out. I recommend adding some frosting at the beginning to moisten up the outsides as it is heated too.

    Printable recipe below for you. We have included nutritional information in it too including calories, saturated fat count and carbs.  Amounts will vary if you add any other items into the mix of course, and just enjoy y’all!

    easy monkey bread

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    ***** If you LOVED this recipe give it 5 Stars below and let everyone know what you thought about it. 😉

    the typical mom
    monkey bread with biscuits
    Print Pin
    5 from 10 votes

    5 Ingredient Easy Monkey Bread Recipe

    5 ingredient easy monkey bread recipe with refrigerated biscuits or cinnamon rolls from Pillsbury is here. Cinnamon and sugar pull apart bread baked in a bundt pan.
    Course Breakfast, Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Keyword berry, breakfast, easy, monkey bread
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 35 minutes
    Total Time 45 minutes
    Servings 8
    Calories 940kcal
    Author The Typical Mom

    Equipment

    Ingredients

    • 3 cans refrigerated biscuits cut into fourths
    • 1 c sugar white
    • 1/2 c butter melted
    • 1 c brown sugar
    • 2 tbsp cinnamon

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 325 degrees and grease your bundt pan. 
    • Cut all the biscuits into quarters. In a bowl combine your white sugar and cinnamon, mix.
    • Dip each biscuit piece into the cinnamon mixture and into your pan. Do this until no pieces remain.
    • Melt your butter and brown sugar over the stovetop or in the microwave so sugar dissolves.
    • Pour this brown sugar mixture over your uncooked biscuits.
    • Put pan into the oven for 30-35 minutes or until top is golden brown. Remove and allow to cool for at least 5 minutes.
    • Put a plate on top of bundt pan and gently flip over. Then add toppings to top if desired like melted frosting and berries.

    Video

    Nutrition Facts
    5 Ingredient Easy Monkey Bread Recipe
    Amount Per Serving (4 oz)
    Calories 940 Calories from Fat 360
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 40g62%
    Saturated Fat 11g69%
    Cholesterol 32mg11%
    Sodium 1741mg76%
    Potassium 433mg12%
    Carbohydrates 137g46%
    Fiber 3g13%
    Sugar 57g63%
    Protein 10g20%
    Vitamin A 355IU7%
    Calcium 131mg13%
    Iron 6.1mg34%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    easy monkey bread recipe
    5 from 10 votes (2 ratings without comment)
    Recipe Rating




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    Anjali

    Wednesday 3rd of January 2024

    I had no idea you could make monkey bread using premade biscuit dough!! This turned out so well - just like my favorite bakery's monkey bread, and it was so easy to make!

    Gianne

    Wednesday 3rd of January 2024

    It's so simple to make and the end result is irresistibly delicious. The combination of cinnamon and gooey caramel is absolutely heavenly.

    Lima Ekram

    Wednesday 3rd of January 2024

    So easy and simple! Loved this quick recipe.

    Lauren

    Wednesday 3rd of January 2024

    This recipe was so easy using the canned bisquicks. It tasted great - my kids especially loved it!

    The Typical Mom

    Wednesday 3rd of January 2024

    so glad

    Elisa

    Wednesday 3rd of January 2024

    Love this Easy monkey bread recipe, super delicious and easy to make. My fav recipe for my sweet tooth. Thanks for sharing :)

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