Bananas Foster Monkey Bread is a sweet, pull-apart treat that combines gooey banana goodness with yummy cinnamon rolls. It’s like a dessert and breakfast love child!
With each bite, you get a delicious mix of bananas and caramel, making this a perfect shareable snack. I just love how easy it is to make—no fancy skills needed here!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cinnamon Rolls: The base of this monkey bread is refrigerated cinnamon rolls. They are super convenient! If you want to go homemade, you can use your favorite recipe for cinnamon roll dough.
Bananas: Ripe bananas are key for that sweet flavor. If you don’t have bananas, you could substitute with diced apples or pears, though they will change the flavor a bit.
Brown Sugar: This is essential for that caramel-like taste. You can use coconut sugar or white sugar mixed with a little molasses as an alternative if you’re out of brown sugar.
Dark Rum: Adds depth to the sauce but is optional. Feel free to omit it if you prefer a non-alcoholic version, or substitute with a splash of vanilla extract for added flavor.
Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch. If you have nut allergies or just want a nut-free version, feel free to skip this ingredient altogether.
How Do You Get That Perfect Pull-Apart Texture?
Getting the perfect pull-apart texture is all about layering and cooking time. Here’s how to ensure your monkey bread comes out just right:
- Make sure you coat all dough pieces in the caramel sauce to prevent dryness and ensure a gooey result.
- Don’t rush the baking. This recipe takes about 30-35 minutes, depending on your oven. Look for golden brown on top and a toothpick should come out clean!
- Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set a bit. This helps keep that shape when you invert it.
- Serve warm for maximum gooeyness! The flavors meld beautifully when fresh out of the oven.
Bananas Foster Monkey Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cans (8 oz. each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing, separated into individual rolls and dough torn into chunks
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced about 1/4-inch thick
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup dark rum (optional, for authentic Bananas Foster flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Butter or non-stick spray for greasing the bundt pan
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30-35 minutes to bake, totaling just under an hour. After baking, let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. So, make sure you have enough time to enjoy the delicious aroma filling your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to grease a 10-inch bundt pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Caramel Sauce:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the packed brown sugar, light corn syrup, and ground cinnamon. Keep stirring until the mixture just comes to a boil and is nice and smooth. Then, remove it from heat.
3. Add the Rum (Optional):
If you’re opting for the rum, carefully stir it into the caramel sauce. If you do this, return the saucepan to heat and let it cook for about 1 minute to cook off the alcohol. Then, take it off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Prepare the Bundt Pan:
Spread half of your caramel sauce evenly in the bottom of the greased bundt pan. This will create a nice, gooey layer at the bottom.
5. Mix Dough with Bananas:
In a mixing bowl, toss the cinnamon roll dough chunks with half of the sliced bananas and any nuts you’re using. This will help distribute all that deliciousness throughout the bread.
6. Layer the Ingredients:
Now, layer half of the dough mixture on top of the caramel sauce in the pan. Drizzle some of the caramel sauce over this layer for extra flavor.
7. Add More Layers:
Repeat this process with the remaining dough, bananas, and nuts. Finally, drizzle the rest of the caramel sauce on top.
8. Bake:
Pop the bundt pan into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You want it to be golden brown on top and fully cooked through.
9. Cool and Invert:
Once done, let the monkey bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert the pan onto a serving plate. The Bananas Foster monkey bread should slide out beautifully, dripping with caramel and banana pieces.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the monkey bread warm. Tear it apart into pieces to enjoy the gooey, banana-caramel cinnamon goodness. Optionally, drizzle with the icing that came with the cinnamon rolls for a sweet finishing touch!
This recipe results in an irresistible pull-apart treat, perfect for sharing at brunch or serving as a delightful dessert. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Bananas?
Yes! While bananas are traditional for this recipe, you can substitute with diced apples, pears, or even berries. Just keep in mind the flavors will change a bit, but it will still be delicious!
Is It Possible to Make This Recipe Without Rum?
Absolutely! The rum adds a unique flavor, but you can simply omit it. For extra flavor, you might want to increase the vanilla extract or add a splash of apple juice instead.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm in the oven until heated through.
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the monkey bread up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking it to ensure even cooking.