There’s something undeniably comforting about monkey bread—those soft, pull-apart dough balls drenched in cinnamon sugar and dripping with buttery glaze. This easy monkey bread recipe is the perfect way to bring warmth and joy to your kitchen, whether you’re making a weekend breakfast, a holiday brunch centerpiece, or a fun dessert for a crowd. Using simple pantry staples and straightforward techniques, this recipe produces a tender, fluffy dough that’s coated in a rich cinnamon-brown sugar mixture, baked to golden perfection, and finished with a sweet milk glaze. The aroma alone as it bakes is enough to gather everyone around the oven in anticipation. It’s rustic, nostalgic, and wonderfully messy—in the best way. This homemade version is far superior to store-bought or canned dough alternatives, and it’s much easier than it looks. Whether served warm out of the oven or reheated the next day, monkey bread is a timeless treat that brings people together. And the best part? You can make it all in one bundt pan, with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Soft, Pull-Apart Texture

Every piece is fluffy and tender, making it fun and satisfying to eat by hand.

2. Buttery Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Rich, gooey, and full of warm spice, the coating is irresistibly sticky and sweet.

3. Crowd-Pleaser

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this is a dish that disappears fast at any gathering.

4. Simple Ingredients

Made with pantry staples—no fancy tools or exotic ingredients needed.

5. Freezer and Make-Ahead Friendly

Great for prepping ahead and baking when you need it most.

Ingredients

For the Pan:

Softened butter

For the Dough:

Melted butter
Warm milk
Warm water
Granulated sugar
Instant yeast
All-purpose flour
Salt

For the Brown Sugar Coating:

Light brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Melted butter

For the Glaze:

Confectioners’ sugar
Milk

Variations

Chocolate Chip Monkey Bread: Add mini chocolate chips between dough layers before baking.
Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the pan for crunch.
Savory Version: Omit the sugar and cinnamon and add cheese, garlic, and herbs instead.
Caramel Drizzle: Swap the glaze for a homemade caramel sauce.
Cream Cheese Filled: Stuff each dough ball with a small cube of cream cheese for a gooey surprise.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Grease a bundt pan generously with softened butter, making sure all grooves are covered.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, warm water, melted butter, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until slightly foamy. Add flour and salt, then knead until a smooth dough forms—about 8–10 minutes by hand or 5–6 minutes in a mixer.

Step 3: Let Dough Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Mix Cinnamon Sugar Coating

In a bowl, stir together brown sugar and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, melt the butter for coating.

Step 5: Shape Dough Balls

Punch down the dough and divide it into small balls (about 1–1.5 inches each). Dip each ball in melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Step 6: Layer in Pan

Place coated dough balls into the prepared bundt pan, layering them evenly. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Let cool for 5–10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate.

Step 8: Add the Glaze

Whisk together confectioners’ sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the warm monkey bread before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use warm (not hot) liquids to activate the yeast without killing it.
Don’t skimp on the butter coating—it helps caramelize the sugar.
Use a greased bundt pan to ensure easy release.
Let the dough rise fully for the fluffiest texture.
Serve warm for best taste and texture.

How to Serve

Serve monkey bread warm and fresh from the oven, placed in the center of the table so guests can pull pieces off by hand. It’s perfect with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover monkey bread covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

You can freeze baked monkey bread (without glaze) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before glazing.

Reheating

Warm in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 15–30 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, but you’ll need to proof it in warm water with sugar first until it becomes foamy.

2. Can I make this without a bundt pan?

Yes, use a loaf pan or cake pan, but baking times may vary.

3. Can I use store-bought biscuit dough?

You can for a quicker version, but the texture and flavor are best with homemade dough.

4. How do I know when the bread is done baking?

It should be deep golden brown and register 190–200°F in the center with a thermometer.

5. Can I make the dough the night before?

Yes, let the dough rise overnight in the fridge. Bring to room temp before shaping.

6. Why is my monkey bread soggy?

It may be underbaked. Make sure the center is cooked through before removing from the oven.

7. Can I make this gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

8. Can I reduce the sugar?

You can slightly reduce it, but the classic monkey bread flavor relies on a generous coating.

9. How long does the glaze take to set?

About 10–15 minutes at room temperature.

10. Is monkey bread a breakfast or dessert?

Both! It’s traditionally a breakfast treat, but sweet enough to serve as dessert too.

Conclusion

Easy Monkey Bread is one of those recipes that delivers maximum reward with minimal effort. It’s nostalgic, fun to eat, and full of rich, comforting flavors that appeal to all ages. With its soft dough, sweet cinnamon coating, and smooth glaze, this homemade version is a surefire hit for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this recipe is bound to become a family favorite you’ll come back to again and again.