There’s something undeniably charming about Pull Apart Monkey Bread. This delightful treat invites you to dig in, pulling apart gooey, cinnamon-infused biscuit pieces that are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a fun snack. Made with simple ingredients, including Pillsbury Biscuits, this recipe is not only easy to whip up but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. You’ll find yourself reaching for just one more piece, and before you know it, the entire pan will be devoured!
Why I Love This Recipe
What’s not to love about Pull Apart Monkey Bread? It combines the comfort of freshly baked biscuits with the warm, sweet flavors of cinnamon and sugar. The melted butter adds a rich and decadent touch that makes each bite irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just treating yourself, this recipe is flexible and fun. Plus, it’s simple enough for even novice bakers to master. Each pull reveals a fluffy, buttery interior that’s just waiting to be enjoyed!
Ingredient Notes
To create your Pull Apart Monkey Bread, gather the following ingredients:
- 48 oz Pillsbury Biscuits – You’ll need about 3 tubes of these for the base of the bread.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – This will sweeten the dough and create a delightful coating.
- 2 tsp cinnamon – The star spice that adds warmth and flavor.
- 1 cup butter, melted – This gives the bread its richness and helps the biscuits stick together.
- ½ cup brown sugar – For a deeper sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.
- 2 cups powdered sugar – For the icing that will elevate your Pull Apart Monkey Bread.
- 2 tbsp milk – To thin out the icing and make it drizzle-ready.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds a lovely aroma and flavor to the icing.
- 1 pinch salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Prep & Cook Tools
Before you start making your Pull Apart Monkey Bread, gather these essential tools:
- Mixing Bowls – For combining the sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter.
- 9×13 inch Baking Dish – This is the perfect size for your monkey bread.
- Whisk – For mixing the icing ingredients smoothly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – Accurate measurements are key to delicious results.
- Oven mitts – To protect your hands when handling hot dishes.
Step-by-Step: Pull Apart Monkey Bread
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your Pull Apart Monkey Bread bakes evenly and achieves that perfect golden crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Biscuit Pieces
Open the tubes of Pillsbury Biscuits and cut each biscuit into quarters. This is where the fun begins! You can let your kids help with this step if you want to make it a family activity.
Step 3: Mix Sugar and Cinnamon
In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. This blend will coat your biscuit pieces and infuse them with flavor.
Step 4: Coat the Biscuit Pieces
Take each quartered biscuit piece and dip it into the melted butter, then roll it in the sugar-cinnamon mixture. Make sure each piece is well-coated for maximum flavor!
Step 5: Layer the Biscuit Pieces
Place the coated biscuit pieces into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. You can stack them haphazardly for that rustic, pull-apart look!
Step 6: Add Brown Sugar and Butter Mixture
In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter with the brown sugar until well combined. Drizzle this mixture over the layered biscuits. This step will create a delicious caramel-like topping during baking.
Step 7: Bake the Monkey Bread
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the biscuits are cooked through. Your kitchen will fill with the most amazing aroma!
Step 8: Make the Icing
While your Pull Apart Monkey Bread is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a bowl until smooth. This icing will add a sweet finishing touch.
Step 9: Drizzle and Serve
Once the monkey bread is out of the oven, allow it to cool for a few minutes. Then, drizzle the icing generously over the warm bread. Serve it warm, and watch as everyone pulls apart their pieces with delight!
Easy Ingredient Swaps
If you need to make some adjustments, here are a few easy swaps you can consider:
- Butter: You can use coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
- Granulated Sugar: Substitute with coconut sugar for a more natural sweetener.
- Milk: Any plant-based milk, like almond milk or oat milk, works well in the icing.
- Cinnamon: Try nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a different flavor profile.
Cook’s Notes
- For a fun twist, you can add chocolate chips or nuts to the biscuit pieces before baking.
- If you want an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of maple syrup to the butter and brown sugar mixture.
- Make sure to check the doneness of your monkey bread with a toothpick. It should come out clean when inserted into the center.
- Allow the Pull Apart Monkey Bread to cool slightly before icing to prevent the icing from melting away.
Make-Ahead & Storage
If you’re planning ahead, you can prepare your Pull Apart Monkey Bread in advance. Here’s how:
You can assemble the biscuit pieces and coat them, then cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just allow them to come to room temperature before baking.
- Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the monkey bread for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm individual pieces in the microwave or place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
Helpful Q&A
Can I use homemade biscuits instead of Pillsbury biscuits?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade biscuit recipe, feel free to use it. Just ensure they are similar in size to the store-bought versions for even baking.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free biscuit dough to make a gluten-free version of Pull Apart Monkey Bread. Just make sure to follow the baking instructions on the package for the best results.
What can I serve with Pull Apart Monkey Bread?
This treat pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. You can also serve it alongside fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast or snack.
Can I add other flavors to the icing?
Definitely! You can add a dash of almond extract or even a swirl of chocolate syrup to your icing for a fun twist. Experiment with flavors that you love!
If you’re looking for more delicious recipes to try, check out these healthy-ish favorites:
Wrap-Up
Pull Apart Monkey Bread is the kind of recipe that brings people together. Whether it’s a cozy family breakfast or a gathering with friends, this sweet, gooey bread is sure to be the highlight of the meal. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a treat that anyone can make. So go ahead, indulge in this delightful dish, and enjoy the smiles it brings to your table. The fun of pulling apart each piece is just the icing on the cake—or should I say, the icing on the bread!
Pull Apart Monkey Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: Open the tubes of Pillsbury Biscuits and cut each biscuit into quarters.
- Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
- Step 4: Dip each quartered biscuit piece into the melted butter, then roll it in the sugar-cinnamon mixture.
- Step 5: Place the coated biscuit pieces into the prepared baking dish.
- Step 6: In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter with brown sugar until well combined. Drizzle over the biscuits.
- Step 7: Bake for about 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown.
- Step 8: While baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt for the icing.
- Step 9: Once out of the oven, drizzle the icing over the warm bread and serve.
Notes
- For a fun twist, add chocolate chips or nuts to the biscuit pieces.
- Add a splash of maple syrup to the butter and brown sugar mixture for extra flavor.
- Check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
- Let the bread cool slightly before icing to prevent melting.
