Easy Pillsbury Monkey Bread

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This quick and easy Pillsbury Monkey Bread is my go-to version of a classic pull-apart treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Made with soft biscuit dough coated in cinnamon sugar and drizzled with a buttery caramel glaze, this Pillsbury Monkey Bread is irresistible. Serve it warm as a sweet breakfast, a fun dessert, or a cozy snack to share with family and friends.

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Recipe Card

Recipe Name	Pillsbury Monkey Bread
Description	A sweet, sticky pull-apart bread made with Pillsbury biscuit dough, cinnamon sugar, and caramel glaze.
Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	35 minutes
Total Time	50 minutes
Servings	10
Calories	350 per serving

Ingredients List:

• 2 cans of Pillsbury refrigerated biscuit dough (buttermilk or homestyle)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
• Cooking spray (for the bundt pan)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously spray a bundt pan with cooking spray.
2. Prepare the cinnamon sugar by combining granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
3. Cut the dough: Open the cans of Pillsbury biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters.
4. Coat the dough: Roll the biscuit pieces in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring each piece is well coated. If preferred, top them with optional nuts and raisins after placing them in the bundt pan.
5. Prepare the caramel glaze: In a small saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat until melted. Stir in the brown sugar and cook until it bubbles and forms a smooth caramel sauce, about 3-5 minutes.
6. Pour the glaze over the dough in the bundt pan, ensuring even coverage.
7. Bake the monkey bread for 30-35 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
8. Cool and serve: Let the monkey bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before turning it out onto a serving plate. Enjoy the sticky, gooey goodness by pulling apart the pieces!

Notes:

• You can swap the cinnamon sugar for a mixture of your favorite spices, like nutmeg or pumpkin spice, to give the bread a seasonal twist.
• If you don’t have a bundt pan, a regular round cake pan works just fine. Just ensure the bread is baked evenly by adjusting the cooking time.
  

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Nutrition Information:

• Serving Size: 1 slice of monkey bread
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 430mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
  

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: With ready-made Pillsbury biscuit dough, this recipe comes together in less than an hour, making it perfect for busy mornings or impromptu gatherings.
2. Crowd-Pleaser: The sweet cinnamon sugar coating and buttery caramel glaze make this treat a hit at any party or family gathering.
3. Customizable: Add-ins like nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips allow you to personalize the flavor of your monkey bread.
4. Minimal Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples, making this an affordable recipe that’s easy to put together.
   

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Key Ingredients and Substitutions

• Pillsbury Biscuit Dough: The key to making this recipe quick and easy, but if you prefer homemade dough, you can substitute with any soft bread dough recipe.
• Cinnamon Sugar: Provides the signature sweet-spicy coating. You can experiment with other spices like cardamom, nutmeg, or ginger for a different flavor profile.
• Butter and Brown Sugar: These two create the sticky caramel glaze. For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with margarine or coconut oil.
• Optional Add-ins: Nuts like pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch, while raisins offer a chewy contrast to the soft dough. For an added treat, you can also add chocolate chips.
  

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How to Make Pillsbury Monkey Bread (Step-by-Step)

1. Prep the Pan: Start by preheating your oven and preparing your bundt pan. You want to be generous with the cooking spray to ensure that your monkey bread doesn’t stick when it’s time to flip it out.
2. Cut and Coat the Dough: After cutting the Pillsbury biscuit dough into quarters, coat each piece thoroughly in cinnamon sugar. This not only adds flavor but also helps create the crispy, caramelized edges that are so irresistible.
3. Layer the Dough: Place the coated dough pieces into the bundt pan, creating layers of flavor. If you’re adding nuts or raisins, sprinkle them between layers for even distribution.
4. Create the Glaze: Melt the butter and mix it with brown sugar to make the glaze. Be careful not to overcook the caramel, as it can harden too much when baked. The goal is to have a smooth, pourable glaze.
5. Bake: Bake the monkey bread until the dough is golden and cooked through. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is beautifully browned and the house smells like cinnamon.
6. Cool and Serve: Let the monkey bread cool slightly before inverting it onto a plate. This step helps the caramel glaze set while still keeping the bread warm and gooey.
   

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Expert Tips for Success

• Even Coating: To ensure every piece of dough is well-coated in cinnamon sugar, place the dough pieces in a plastic bag with the sugar mixture and shake until evenly coated.
• Prevent Sticking: If you’re worried about your monkey bread sticking to the bundt pan, consider using a non-stick pan or lining it with parchment paper.
• Let It Cool Slightly: Although it’s tempting to dive in right away, letting the monkey bread cool for 10 minutes will make it easier to turn out of the pan and prevent any hot caramel from spilling out.
  

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Variations and Customizations

• Chocolate Monkey Bread: Add chocolate chips between the layers of dough for a rich, indulgent twist.
• Savory Monkey Bread: Skip the cinnamon sugar and caramel glaze, and instead coat the dough in garlic butter and cheese for a savory version of monkey bread.
• Vegan Monkey Bread: Use dairy-free margarine and substitute Pillsbury biscuit dough with a vegan-friendly dough for a plant-based alternative.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage: If you have leftovers (although that’s rare with this recipe!), store the monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Reheating: To reheat, place the monkey bread in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 30 seconds until warm.

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Serving Suggestions

Monkey bread is perfect on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate the experience:

• Serve with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Pair with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for a cozy morning treat.
• Drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze for an extra layer of sweetness.
  

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use pre-made dough for this monkey bread recipe?
   Yes, you can! In fact, pre-made biscuit dough, like Pillsbury refrigerated dough, is the easiest and most popular option for making Pillsbury Monkey Bread. It saves time and delivers a perfectly soft, fluffy texture with minimal effort.
   
2. How long does monkey bread stay fresh at room temperature?
   Pillsbury Monkey Bread stays fresh at room temperature for about 1-2 days. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its soft and sticky texture. For longer freshness, you can refrigerate or freeze it.
   
3. Can I freeze monkey bread and reheat it later?
   Yes, you can freeze Pillsbury Monkey Bread! Once baked, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. It will stay good for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
   
4. What variations can I add to customize this monkey bread recipe?
   You can easily customize Pillsbury Monkey Bread by adding different ingredients like chopped nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips. For a savory twist, you can try adding cheese, garlic, and herbs, creating a whole new flavor profile!
   
5. Is it possible to make monkey bread without a bundt pan?
   Yes, if you don’t have a bundt pan, you can still make Pillsbury Monkey Bread using a regular loaf pan, round cake pan, or even a muffin tin. Just ensure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as different pans may require shorter or longer bake times.
   
6. How do I stop the monkey bread from clinging to the skillet?
   To prevent Pillsbury Monkey Bread from sticking, generously grease your bundt pan with cooking spray or butter before adding the dough. You can also sprinkle a bit of flour or sugar after greasing to ensure a smooth release once baked.
   

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Related Recipes

• Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread: If you love monkey bread, try this cinnamon roll-inspired version for an extra indulgent treat.
• Sticky Toffee Pudding: Another sweet, sticky dessert that’s sure to satisfy your craving for caramel.
• Fluffy Banana Pancakes: Light, airy pancakes packed with ripe bananas for a naturally sweet and delicious breakfast treat.

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Conclusion

If you’re looking for a sweet, sticky, and utterly delicious treat that’s sure to impress, Pillsbury Monkey Bread is the answer. With its quick prep time and minimal ingredients, it’s an easy yet indulgent recipe perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it with your morning coffee or serve it at a holiday brunch, this monkey bread is guaranteed to become a household favorite. Give it a try, and let its warm, cinnamon-scented goodness fill your home!