Easy Monkey Bread: Biscuit Edition

by SLV Team 35 views
Easy Monkey Bread: Biscuit Edition

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving into a super fun and incredibly delicious recipe: easy monkey bread using biscuits! This is a classic treat, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. And the best part? We're taking a shortcut and using store-bought biscuits, which means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the results. Get ready for a gooey, cinnamon-sugary, pull-apart delight that everyone will love. I'm telling you guys, this is a crowd-pleaser, and it's surprisingly easy to make. Let's get started!

Ingredients You'll Need

Before we jump into the steps, let's gather all the ingredients. You probably have most of these in your pantry already! This recipe is designed to be simple, so you won't need a ton of fancy stuff. Here's what you'll need:

  • Biscuits: Two cans of refrigerated biscuits (the kind you pop open). Any brand will do, but I usually go for the Grands! biscuits because they're bigger and fluffier. You can also use gluten-free biscuits if you have dietary restrictions.
  • Sugar: 1 cup of granulated sugar. This is for the cinnamon sugar coating and will give that classic monkey bread sweetness.
  • Cinnamon: 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon. This is the star of the show, adding that warm, comforting flavor we all crave.
  • Butter: ½ cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, melted. Butter is crucial for that rich, decadent taste and helps everything stick together.
  • Optional Glaze: If you want to take your monkey bread to the next level, you can make a simple glaze. For the glaze, you'll need: 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. This is totally optional, but highly recommended!

That's it! See, I told you it was simple. Now, let's move on to the fun part – assembling this amazing treat. We are using pre-made biscuits which already saves a lot of time. This recipe is a lifesaver for those mornings when you want something special but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen. Also, remember you can customize it with some other goodies, so feel free to experiment. You can get creative by adding some other flavor to your monkey bread.

Ingredient Tips

  • Biscuit Size: While I love the Grands! biscuits, regular-sized biscuits work just fine too. The baking time might vary slightly.
  • Butter Quality: Using good-quality butter will enhance the flavor. Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness.
  • Cinnamon Quality: Freshly ground cinnamon has a more vibrant flavor. If you have it, it's worth using!

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Monkey Bread

Alright, guys, let's get down to the nitty-gritty and make this monkey bread using biscuits! Follow these easy steps, and you'll have a delicious treat in no time. I'll break it down so it's super clear.

  1. Prep Your Pan: First things first, we need to get our pan ready. Grease a 9-inch bundt pan thoroughly with cooking spray or butter. This is super important to prevent the monkey bread from sticking. Trust me, nobody wants a monkey bread that won't come out! You can also use a tube pan or a 9x13 inch baking dish if you don't have a bundt pan. The shape doesn't really affect the taste, just the presentation.
  2. Make the Cinnamon Sugar: In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Whisk them together until they're evenly mixed. This is our secret weapon for that irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating. Make sure there are no clumps, as we want every piece of biscuit to be coated perfectly.
  3. Cut the Biscuits: Open your biscuit cans and cut each biscuit into quarters. You can use a knife or kitchen scissors. This is what gives monkey bread its characteristic pull-apart texture. Make sure the pieces are roughly the same size so they bake evenly. Consistency is key here, guys!
  4. Coat the Biscuit Pieces: Place the cut biscuit pieces into a large bowl. Pour half of the melted butter over the biscuit pieces, and toss to coat. This is where the magic starts happening! Next, add the cinnamon-sugar mixture to the bowl and toss again until each biscuit piece is generously coated. You want every single piece to be covered in that delicious cinnamon-sugar goodness. Make sure to get into every nook and cranny!
  5. Assemble the Monkey Bread: Arrange the coated biscuit pieces in the prepared bundt pan. Try to distribute them evenly, but don't worry too much about perfection. The more layers, the better! Pour the remaining melted butter over the biscuit pieces. This ensures that the bread is moist and delicious throughout the baking process. If you want, you can add some extras at this point, like chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
  6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the monkey bread for 30-40 minutes, or until it's golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C). The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it. The top should be nicely browned and the bread should feel firm to the touch.
  7. Cool and Invert: Once baked, let the monkey bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, place a plate or serving platter on top of the bundt pan and carefully invert the bread onto the plate. Be cautious, as the bread will be hot! If any pieces stick to the pan, gently coax them out with a spatula.
  8. Make the Glaze (Optional): While the monkey bread is cooling, make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or heavy cream), and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed. The glaze should be pourable but not too thin.
  9. Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the monkey bread. Let it cool slightly before serving. This is where you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor! Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Monkey Bread

To ensure your monkey bread using biscuits turns out perfectly every time, here are a few extra tips and tricks:

  • Don't Overbake: Overbaking can make the monkey bread dry. Keep a close eye on it towards the end of the baking time.
  • Even Coating: Make sure every biscuit piece is thoroughly coated in cinnamon sugar and butter for maximum flavor.
  • Room Temperature: Letting the biscuits come to room temperature before cutting can make them easier to handle.
  • Experiment with Flavors: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or other spices like nutmeg or cardamom to customize your monkey bread.
  • Storage: Store leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to restore its gooey texture.

Troubleshooting

  • Dry Monkey Bread: If your monkey bread is dry, it may be overbaked. Next time, check it earlier and reduce the baking time.
  • Sticking to the Pan: Make sure you grease your pan very well. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for extra insurance.
  • Uneven Baking: If your monkey bread isn't baking evenly, try rotating the pan halfway through the baking process.

Variations and Add-Ins

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is! You can easily customize it to your liking. Here are some fun variations and add-ins to try:

  • Chocolate Chip Monkey Bread: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the biscuit pieces before baking.
  • Nutty Monkey Bread: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the biscuit pieces before baking.
  • Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the monkey bread after inverting it, instead of or in addition to the glaze.
  • Maple Cinnamon Monkey Bread: Use maple sugar instead of granulated sugar in the cinnamon sugar mixture and add a splash of maple syrup to the melted butter.
  • Apple Cinnamon Monkey Bread: Add chopped apples to the biscuit pieces for a fruity twist.

Making Ahead

Can you make monkey bread ahead of time? Absolutely! Here's how:

  1. Assemble the monkey bread completely (cut biscuits, coat with cinnamon sugar and butter, and place in the pan).
  2. Cover the bundt pan tightly with plastic wrap.
  3. Refrigerate the assembled monkey bread for up to 24 hours.
  4. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if necessary. You might need to add a few more minutes to the baking time because it is cold from the refrigerator. Keep an eye on the bread to avoid overbaking.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, guys! A super easy and delicious recipe for monkey bread using biscuits. It's perfect for any occasion and is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. The simplicity of this recipe makes it perfect for both beginner bakers and busy individuals who want a tasty treat without spending hours in the kitchen. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the deliciousness! I hope you enjoy making this as much as I do. Happy baking! And don't forget to share your creations with me. I'd love to see how your monkey bread turns out!

If you have any questions or want to share your own variations, feel free to drop a comment below. I always love hearing from you. Enjoy your monkey bread!