This fun Monkey Bread with a Twist features gooey pieces of dough that are coated in cinnamon sugar and baked to golden perfection. The best part? It has a surprise filling inside!
Who can resist pulling apart this soft, sweet goodness? I love how each piece is like a little gift waiting to be unwrapped. Grab a napkin—things might get sticky! 😂
Making this twisty treat is easy and perfect for sharing. I like to serve it warm straight from the oven, so everyone can enjoy it fresh and melty. Perfect for gatherings or a family snack!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: I love using refrigerated biscuit dough for its convenience. If you’re looking for a homemade option, you can make your own dough. Alternatively, crescent roll dough works too for a different texture!
Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: The combo of both sugars is key for that perfect sweet flavor. If you prefer a healthier option, coconut sugar can be a good substitute. Just remember it might change the color a bit!
Nuts: I use chopped walnuts for their crunch, but pecans are a great swap. You can even skip nuts altogether to make it nut-free or use sunflower seeds for a similar crunch!
Caramel Sauce: Store-bought caramel is a time-saver! If you prefer homemade, it’s simple with sugar, butter, and cream. You can also use chocolate sauce if you want to give it a different twist.
Surprise Filling: Cream cheese is my favorite filling because it adds creaminess. If you’re not a fan, consider using fruit preserves or even peanut butter for a nutty twist!
How Do I Get the Perfect Pull-Apart Texture?
To achieve that ooey-gooey texture, there are some important steps. It’s all about coating the dough and layering it right.
- Cut the biscuit dough into quarters and make sure to coat each piece well in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Layer the coated dough pieces in the Bundt pan, adding the nuts in between layers for extra crunch.
- Don’t rush the baking! Bake until golden; if it’s browning too fast, just cover it with foil to avoid burning.
Letting it cool in the pan before inverting is key too! This helps all that gooey goodness stick together. Enjoy pulling apart those delicious bites!
Monkey Bread with a Twist
Ingredients:
- 3 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (about 10 oz each)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for caramel sauce or dough coating)
- Optional twist: small pieces of cream cheese or chocolate chips to stuff inside dough pieces
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Monkey Bread takes about 15 minutes to prep and 35 to 40 minutes to bake. Including the cooling time, you’re looking at just under an hour for a delicious treat that’s perfect for sharing!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a Bundt pan and grease it generously with butter or non-stick spray. This will help the monkey bread come out easily once it’s baked!
2. Mix Your Sugars:
In a shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix well with a fork or whisk until it’s nice and blended. This mixture will add sweetness and spice to your dough!
3. Cut & Fill the Biscuit Dough:
Take each biscuit and cut it into quarters. For the twist, flatten each piece slightly, place a small piece of cream cheese or a few chocolate chips inside, and fold the dough around the filling to seal it up snugly.
4. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar:
Roll each filled piece of dough in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they are thoroughly coated. Don’t be shy—this sugary goodness is what makes it yummy!
5. Arrange in the Pan:
Layer the coated dough pieces in your prepared Bundt pan, adding layers of chopped walnuts or pecans as you go. This adds a lovely crunch and flavor to every bite!
6. Make the Brown Sugar Sauce:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter together with brown sugar. Stir it until it’s smooth and bubbly—about 3 to 4 minutes. If you like, you can stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavor!
7. Pour the Sauce Over Dough:
Pour the warm brown sugar butter sauce evenly over the dough balls in the Bundt pan, ensuring everything is nicely covered.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through. If you notice the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil!
9. Cool It Down:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This cooling time helps the dough set, making it easier to invert.
10. Invert and Serve:
Carefully invert the monkey bread onto a serving plate. It should come out easily, but if you find some bits stuck, gently coax them out with a spatula.
11. Add the Final Touch:
While it’s still warm, drizzle your favorite caramel sauce over the top. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and a beautifully glossy finish.
12. Enjoy!
Serve it warm and watch everyone pull apart those gooey, sweet pieces filled with delightful surprises. Perfect for gatherings or a special treat any time!
This recipe creates a sticky, sweet pull-apart bread with a delightful crunch from nuts and a luscious caramel topping. The twist comes from the optional fillings like cream cheese or chocolate inside the dough pieces, adding a gooey surprise to every bite. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Biscuit Dough?
Yes! You can use frozen biscuit dough, but be sure to thaw it completely before cutting and coating it. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
How Can I Store Leftover Monkey Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Reheat it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to bring back that warm, gooey texture!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free biscuit dough instead. Many brands offer gluten-free options that should work well in this recipe.
What Other Fillings Can I Use?
The possibilities are endless! You can use fruit preserves, mini marshmallows, or even Nutella for a fun twist. Just make sure that the filling is small enough to fit inside the biscuit pieces without bursting!