Monkey Bread with a Twist is a fun and gooey treat that’s perfect for sharing! It features soft dough pieces rolled in cinnamon sugar, all drizzled with a sweet glaze.
This twist adds a little zing, making it even more special! I love to pull apart warm pieces with friends, and it always disappears fast. Just be ready for some sticky fingers! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: Refrigerated biscuit dough is essential for that fluffy texture and easy preparation. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can use whole wheat dough or even make homemade biscuit dough from scratch!
Sugar: Granulated sugar is standard in this recipe. You can substitute with coconut sugar for a more natural option, which will provide a slight caramel flavor. Brown sugar is great too if you want a richer taste.
Nuts: I prefer using pecans because they add a lovely crunch, but walnuts or almonds work well too. Feeling adventurous? Try adding dried fruit like cranberries for a fruity twist!
Chocolate Chips or Caramel Bits: These items add a special surprise! If you want a healthier touch, you could use dark chocolate, or even skip them entirely for a simpler version.
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Layered Monkey Bread?
Layering the biscuit pieces properly is key to a well-formed monkey bread. It helps achieve even cooking and a gooey, satisfying pull-apart texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- When cutting the biscuit dough, aim for uniform pieces so they cook evenly. Cut each biscuit into quarters.
- As you layer, don’t press too hard; lightly pack the pieces for that airy feel. It allows the glaze to soak in properly.
- Drizzle the glaze evenly over the pieces instead of pouring it all at once. It ensures every bite is delicious!
These tips will help you create a stunning Monkey Bread that everyone will love. Enjoy pulling apart those sweet, sticky pieces with family and friends! 🐵🍞
Monkey Bread with a Twist
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Monkey Bread:
- 3 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough (like Pillsbury Grands)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) – for the twist
- Optional: 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or caramel bits for extra twist flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Monkey Bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to let it cool for 10 minutes before serving. So, expect to spend about an hour before you can dig in! Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan generously with butter or non-stick spray. This will help the monkey bread slide out easily once baked.
2. Mix Cinnamon Sugar:
In a medium bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This sweet mixture will coat the biscuit pieces and create that yummy cinnamon flavor!
3. Prepare the Biscuit Dough:
Open the cans of biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters using kitchen scissors or a knife. This will give you nice little pieces to work with!
4. Coat the Dough:
Toss the biscuit pieces in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they’re all coated evenly. You want each piece to be sweet and delicious!
5. Add the Twist:
Add in the chopped nuts (and optional chocolate chips or caramel bits). Mix gently so everything is evenly distributed without breaking up the biscuit pieces.
6. Layer in the Pan:
Carefully layer the coated biscuit pieces and nuts mixture into your prepared bundt pan. Pack them in lightly but evenly for even baking.
7. Make the Glaze:
In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and water until the mixture is bubbly and smooth. Remove from heat and add the vanilla extract.
8. Pour the Glaze:
Pour the warm butter and sugar glaze evenly over the biscuit pieces in the bundt pan. This glaze is what makes your monkey bread irresistibly gooey!
9. Bake:
Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the glaze is bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully invert the bundt pan onto a serving plate, allowing the monkey bread to release in one piece.
11. Enjoy!
Serve it warm! Pull apart those gooey chunks and share with friends or family. You can even offer some extra dipping glaze or cream cheese frosting on the side for added sweetness!
This Monkey Bread has the classic gooey cinnamon sweetness with a delightful crunch from the nuts—and the optional chocolate or caramel gives it an extra delicious twist! Enjoy your baking adventure! 🐵🍞
Can I Use Frozen Biscuit Dough for This Recipe?
Yes! If you’re using frozen biscuit dough, make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before cutting and coating. It will still turn out delicious!
Can I Make This Recipe Without Nuts?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can skip the nuts entirely or substitute them with a different ingredient, such as shredded coconut or dried fruit, to suit your taste.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate it, but it’s best enjoyed warm. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave for a few seconds.
Can I Use a Different Pan?
Yes! If you don’t have a bundt pan, you can use a regular cake pan or a muffin tin. Just adjust the baking time, as smaller portions may cook faster. Keep an eye on them!