This Monkey Bread with a Twist is a fun treat that features soft, sweet dough pieces covered in cinnamon sugar. It’s baked until golden and gooey, making it perfect for sharing!
The best part? You can sneak some chocolate or nuts in between the dough for a delicious surprise! I love having this warm for breakfast or dessert—just be ready for the sticky fingers! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit dough: Refrigerated biscuit dough is a time-saver! You could swap it for homemade dough if you’re feeling adventurous or use frozen dough balls. Just make sure to thaw them first!
Sugar: Granulated sugar is key for sweetness, but you could use coconut sugar for a different flavor. If you’re watching sugar intake, consider a sugar substitute, but the taste may vary.
Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch, but feel free to leave them out for a nut-free version, or switch them for almonds or hazelnuts if preferred.
Chocolate chips: These are optional but tasty! Dark chocolate chips add richness, while white chocolate offers a sweet contrast. You might also try caramel chips for a twist!
Butter: Unsalted butter helps control the saltiness of the dish. If you need a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute.
How Do You Get That Gooey Texture?
The key to achieving that wonderful gooey texture lies in the baking process and the butter-sugar mixture. This mixture creates a glaze that soaks into the dough while baking.
- Make sure to melt the butter and brown sugar together to combine flavors fully; simmer for just a couple of minutes to thicken.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the biscuit layers in the bundt pan. The more evenly dispersed, the better your bread will turn out!
- Don’t skip letting it rest after baking; this helps it set, so the sticky, gooey goodness stays intact when you flip it over.
Remember, every oven is different, so keep an eye on your bread as it bakes. You want it golden on top, soft in the middle, and absolutely divine when served warm! Enjoy your baking adventure!
Delicious Monkey Bread with a Twist
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Monkey Bread:
- 3 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (about 7.5 oz each)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional twist)
- 1 cup chocolate chips or chunks (optional twist)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cooking spray
How Much Time Will You Need?
This wonderful dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake. Add another 10 minutes for it to cool before serving. In roughly an hour, you’ll have a delightful dessert that’s perfect for sharing!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Bundt Pan:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, spray a bundt pan generously with cooking spray to ensure your monkey bread comes out easily after baking.
2. Mix Sugar and Cinnamon:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir them together until mixed well—this will be the sweet coating for your biscuit pieces.
3. Cut and Coat Biscuit Dough:
Take each biscuit from the cans and cut it into quarters. Toss these dough pieces into your sugar and cinnamon mixture. Make sure every piece is well coated for that delicious cinnamon flavor.
4. Add Optional Twists:
If you’re feeling adventurous, mix in chopped pecans or walnuts, and/or chocolate chips with the biscuit pieces. This adds a fun crunchy texture and a delightful surprise in every bite!
5. Layer in the Bundt Pan:
Start layering half of the coated biscuit pieces at the bottom of the prepared bundt pan. If you’re using nuts and chocolate, sprinkle half of them over this layer. Then, add the rest of the biscuit pieces and finish with the remaining nuts and chocolate.
6. Make the Glaze:
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the packed brown sugar and vanilla extract. Let it come to a simmer and cook for about 2-3 minutes until it’s smooth and slightly thickened.
7. Pour the Glaze:
Carefully pour this buttery, sweet mixture evenly over the layered biscuit dough in the bundt pan. Make sure to cover all the pieces for that perfect gooey finish!
8. Bake:
Place the bundt pan in your preheated oven and bake for around 35-40 minutes. You want the top to be golden brown and the dough in the center to be cooked through. Keep an eye on it as baking times can vary!
9. Cool and Invert:
Once baked, take the monkey bread out of the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This waiting time helps it set. When ready, carefully invert the bundt pan onto a serving plate. The monkey bread should come out easily, covered in its sticky glaze!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm, gooey monkey bread immediately. Gather around with family and friends, and enjoy pulling apart the delicious, cinnamon-sugared pieces. This treat is perfect for any gathering or cozy weekend breakfast!
With the delightful added textures and flavors, this Monkey Bread with a Twist is bound to be a crowd-pleaser. Dig in and enjoy the fun of sharing this sweet masterpiece!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Biscuit Dough?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, there are several brands that offer gluten-free refrigerated biscuit dough. Just check the packaging for baking instructions, as they may vary slightly.
Can I Make Monkey Bread in Advance?
You can prepare the monkey bread in advance by assembling it up to the baking stage. Cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven.
How Should I Store Leftover Monkey Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like it to last longer, you can refrigerate it, but it’s best when eaten fresh. Reheat it gently in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that gooey goodness.
What Other Fillings Can I Use?
Get creative! You can use various fillings like dried fruits, caramel bits, or peanut butter chips for a different twist. Just ensure any additions are evenly distributed among the dough pieces to get an exciting surprise in every pull-apart!
