If you’ve ever walked into a kitchen filled with the sweet, buttery aroma of freshly baked cinnamon bread, chances are you’ve come across monkey bread. This pull-apart treat, also known as bubble bread, is a favorite in many households because it’s warm, gooey, and perfect for sharing. While you can find frozen or canned versions at the store, nothing beats making monkey bread from scratch.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know—from the history of monkey bread to step-by-step instructions, tips, and flavor variations. By the end, you’ll be ready to bake your own golden, sticky masterpiece.
What is Monkey Bread?
Monkey bread is a sweet, sticky pastry made from bite-sized dough pieces coated in butter, sugar, and cinnamon, then baked together in a bundt pan or loaf pan. Once baked, the pieces can be pulled apart easily with your fingers—hence the fun name.
Traditionally served at breakfast, brunch, or holiday gatherings, monkey bread from scratch turns an ordinary morning into something truly special.
Why Make Monkey Bread From Scratch Instead of Using Canned Dough?
Many recipes online use canned biscuit dough, which is convenient, but when you make monkey bread from scratch, you get:
- Better flavor – Fresh yeast dough has a depth of taste you can’t get from store-bought.
- Fluffy texture – Homemade dough bakes up lighter and more pillowy.
- No preservatives – You control every ingredient.
- Customizable – Change the sweetness, spices, or even add savory twists.
Making it from scratch does take a little more time, but the results are well worth the effort.
Ingredients for Monkey Bread From Scratch
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this warm and gooey pull-apart bread:
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp salt
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Gooey Caramel Glaze:
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp honey or corn syrup (optional, for extra stickiness)
Step-by-Step Recipe for Monkey Bread From Scratch
Making monkey bread at home may look intimidating, but it’s really just a process of preparing dough, rolling it into balls, coating them in cinnamon sugar, and layering them with caramel sauce. Let’s break it down:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and remaining sugar.
- Add the yeast mixture, egg, and melted butter. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes (by hand or with a stand mixer) until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.
Step 2: Roll the Dough Balls
- Punch down the risen dough and divide into small pieces (about the size of a walnut).
- Roll each piece into a ball. You should have around 40–50 dough balls.
Step 3: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
- Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Dip each dough ball in melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Step 4: Layer in Bundt Pan
- Grease a bundt pan well.
- Place coated dough balls in layers inside the pan.
- Meanwhile, in a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar together to create a caramel glaze. Add honey or corn syrup if desired.
- Pour the glaze evenly over the dough balls.
Step 5: Final Rise and Bake
- Cover the pan and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
- Let cool for 5–10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.
Tips for Perfect Monkey Bread From Scratch
- Use fresh yeast – Expired yeast won’t give you that fluffy rise.
- Don’t rush the rising time – Proper proofing ensures soft dough balls.
- Layer evenly – Spread the balls out for even baking.
- Check doneness – The top should be golden, and the glaze bubbling.
- Serve warm – Monkey bread is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.
Variations to Try
One of the joys of monkey bread is how customizable it is. Once you master the classic, experiment with these ideas:
- Apple Cinnamon Monkey Bread – Add diced apples between dough layers.
- Chocolate Chip Monkey Bread – Toss in mini chocolate chips for a melty surprise.
- Cream Cheese Filled Monkey Bread – Stuff each dough ball with cream cheese for a rich filling.
- Savory Monkey Bread – Skip the sugar and coat balls with garlic butter, cheese, and herbs.
- Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread – Replace cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice in the coating.
Serving Ideas
Monkey bread is traditionally a breakfast or brunch dish, but it also makes a fun dessert. Here are some serving suggestions:
- For brunch – Pair with coffee, fresh fruit, and eggs.
- As dessert – Top with a drizzle of cream cheese glaze or vanilla icing.
- Holiday gatherings – Make it a centerpiece for Christmas morning or Thanksgiving brunch.
Storing and Reheating Monkey Bread
- At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- In the fridge: Keeps well for 4–5 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes or microwave individual portions for 20–30 seconds.
Monkey bread tastes best fresh, but reheating brings back its gooey texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Monkey Bread From Scratch
1. Can I make monkey bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature before baking.
2. Do I need a bundt pan?
Not necessarily! You can also bake monkey bread in a loaf pan, cake pan, or muffin tin for mini monkey breads.
3. Can I freeze monkey bread?
Yes, bake it fully, let it cool, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze up to 2 months and reheat before serving.
4. Why is it called monkey bread?
It’s said to be named because you eat it by pulling pieces apart with your fingers—similar to how monkeys pick at their food.
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love Monkey Bread From Scratch
Making monkey bread from scratch is a rewarding baking project that fills your home with the irresistible smell of cinnamon and caramel. Each bite is fluffy, buttery, and sweet—perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Sure, canned dough might be faster, but the homemade version offers richer flavor, better texture, and the satisfaction of baking something from start to finish. Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, monkey bread is bound to become a favorite tradition in your home.
So next time you’re craving something sweet and comforting, skip the shortcuts and try this homemade monkey bread recipe from scratch. You’ll never look back!