This Easter Brunch Monkey Bread is a fun treat made with delicious, soft dough balls coated in cinnamon sugar. It’s baked to golden perfection and pulls apart easily—perfect for sharing!
This sweet bread is like a hug on a plate! I love serving it warm with a drizzle of icing on top, and it disappear quickly, so don’t forget to save a piece for yourself! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: You can use store-bought refrigerated biscuit dough for convenience. If you prefer homemade, a simple biscuit recipe works well too. For a healthier twist, whole wheat flour can be used, although it may change the texture slightly.
Granulated and Brown Sugar: In a pinch, you can replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a more caramel flavor. Turbinado sugar can substitute for brown sugar if you’re out. Both provide a different taste but keep the sweetness!
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is key, but if you want to switch it up, consider using pumpkin pie spice or a mix of nutmeg and allspice. This will give your monkey bread a different flavor profile, which can be fun!
Unsalted Butter: Margarine or coconut oil can work if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. Just note that the flavor will change slightly with alternatives!
Decorations: Mini candy-coated chocolate eggs bring festive cheer, but feel free to use other fun toppings like sprinkles or fruit for a fresh twist!
How Can I Ensure My Monkey Bread Turns Out Perfectly?
Making monkey bread can be simple, but a few techniques will help you achieve that perfect, pull-apart effect. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Greasing the Pan: Generously grease the bundt pan to prevent sticking. You can use butter or a nonstick spray to coat every corner.
- Cutting the Dough: When cutting the biscuit dough, aim for quarter-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy pulling apart later.
- Layering: Layer the dough pieces evenly in the bundt pan. This allows the sugar and butter mixture to soak in properly while baking.
- Checking Doneness: Bake until golden brown, but start checking a few minutes early to avoid overbaking. You want it soft and sticky—no one likes dry monkey bread!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have an irresistible treat that everyone will adore at your Easter brunch!
Delicious Easter Brunch Monkey Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Monkey Bread:
- 2 (16-ounce) cans refrigerated biscuit dough (or homemade biscuit dough)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk (for glaze)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)
For Decoration:
- Mini candy-coated chocolate eggs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This festive monkey bread takes about 15 minutes to prep and 40 minutes to bake, so plan for about 55 minutes total, plus a little cooling time. Once it’s baked, give it 10 minutes to cool before serving. Perfect for an Easter brunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bundt Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab your bundt pan and greasing it generously with butter or nonstick spray. This step is super important to ensure your monkey bread comes out smoothly later!
2. Mix the Cinnamon-Sugar:
In a large bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This will be the sweet coating for your biscuit pieces!
3. Cut the Biscuit Dough:
Now it’s time for the biscuit dough! Open the cans and cut each biscuit into quarters. You’ll have little bite-sized pieces that will be fun to pull apart once baked.
4. Coat the Dough Pieces:
Take each dough piece and roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until it’s nicely coated. Place the coated pieces in the greased bundt pan, layering them evenly as you go.
5. Create the Butter-Brown Sugar Mixture:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together. Stir until it’s smooth and combined. This gooey mixture will make your monkey bread extra delicious!
6. Pour the Mixture:
Pour the melted butter and brown sugar mixture evenly over the biscuit dough pieces in the bundt pan. Make sure all the dough pieces are coated well!
7. Bake:
Place the bundt pan in the oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes. Look for a nice golden brown color and check that it’s cooked through. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Cool and Invert:
Once done, let the monkey bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a serving plate. Give it a gentle tap if needed to help it release!
9. Prepare the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth glaze. If it seems too thick, add a tiny bit more milk!
10. Decorate:
Drizzle the glaze over your warm monkey bread. Finally, sprinkle the top with mini candy-coated chocolate eggs for a festive touch!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Easter Brunch Monkey Bread is ready to be served! Enjoy pulling apart the sweet, sticky, cinnamon-flavored pieces with friends and family. It’s a delightful addition to any Easter celebration!
Can I Use Homemade Biscuit Dough Instead of Refrigerated?
Absolutely! If you prefer homemade dough, just ensure it’s rolled out to a similar thickness as store-bought biscuits for even cooking. It’ll add a fresh touch to your monkey bread!
What Should I Do If My Monkey Bread is Sticking to the Pan?
If you find that the monkey bread is sticking, make sure to grease the pan generously. You can also run a butter knife around the edges before inverting to help it release. If it does stick, you might serve it right from the pan for a rustic look!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you plan to keep it longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Can I Add Other Toppings or Fillings?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in some chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit with the biscuit pieces for added flavor and texture. Just ensure not to overcrowd it as it may affect baking time!
