Cinnamon Monkey Bread Recipe – Soft, Pull-Apart Treat You’ll Love

Benefits and Advantages of Cinnamon Monkey Bread

Cinnamon monkey bread is loved for its simplicity and the comforting flavor combination of warm cinnamon with soft, pull-apart dough bites. It is a perfect recipe for both beginners and experienced bakers since it uses minimal ingredients and straightforward steps that make the preparation process quick and hassle-free. Beyond its ease, cinnamon monkey bread can be adapted to meet varying dietary needs including vegan, gluten-free, and low-calorie versions, expanding its appeal to a wide audience. Using wholesome ingredients such as whole wheat flour or natural sweeteners can also make this indulgent treat somewhat healthier compared to traditional sweet breads.

The interactive nature of pulling apart the bread makes it a fun and communal dish, ideal for family breakfasts, brunches, or festive occasions. Its texture is irresistibly soft inside with a slightly crisp, caramelized crust on the outside, thanks to the brown sugar and butter glaze. This appealing combination of flavor, texture, and versatility positions cinnamon monkey bread as a popular and practical dish for various occasions.

The blend of comforting spices and interactive eating makes cinnamon monkey bread a delightful, shareable classic.

Essential Ingredients for Cinnamon Monkey Bread

4 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup milk
2 eggs
½ cup packed brown sugar
2 to 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon (adjust to taste)

For vegan options:

Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water
Use plant-based milk and butter alternatives

For gluten-free variations:

Replace all-purpose flour with certified gluten-free flour blend

These ingredients work together to create the signature pull-apart texture and warm cinnamon sugar crust that define cinnamon monkey bread.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Cinnamon Monkey Bread

When modifying cinnamon monkey bread for dietary preferences or restrictions, consider these substitutions:

Vegan: Swap eggs with flaxseed or chia seed “eggs” and use plant-based milk (almond, oat) and vegan butter or coconut oil.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. You may need to adjust liquid amounts or rising times slightly.
Low-Calorie: Replace granulated and brown sugar with natural sweeteners like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener and opt for low-fat or unsweetened dairy alternatives.
Dairy-Free: Use nondairy milk and vegan butter substitutes to reduce saturated fats while maintaining richness.
Nut-Free: Avoid nut-based milks or toppings to safely accommodate allergies; use seed-based milks if desired.

These substitutions keep the dough’s texture light and tender while preserving the classic cinnamon and brown sugar flavor profile.

How to Prepare the Perfect Cinnamon Monkey Bread: Step-by-Step Guide

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9- or 10-inch fluted tube or Bundt pan generously to prevent sticking.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all-purpose or gluten-free flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar.
Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and melted butter (or substitutes).
Form dough: Gradually stir the wet ingredients into the dry until a soft dough forms.
Shape dough balls: Pinch off dough pieces and roll into approximately 1-inch diameter balls (about 40-45 pieces for homemade dough; cut store-bought biscuits into quarters).
Cinnamon sugar coating: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl or large sealable bag. Roll dough balls in the cinnamon sugar until coated evenly.
Assemble: Arrange coated dough balls evenly in the prepared pan.
Glaze: Melt butter and mix with brown sugar, optionally adding vanilla extract, then drizzle evenly over the dough balls.
Rest: For homemade dough, cover and let rise about 20 minutes before baking.
Bake: Place the pan on a baking sheet and bake for 35-45 minutes until golden brown, caramelized, and firm to the touch. Cover loosely with foil if browning too quickly.
Cool and serve: Let cool 5-10 minutes before inverting onto a serving platter and serve warm.

Following these steps ensures a moist, flavorful cinnamon monkey bread with a signature pull-apart texture.

Advanced Tips and Variations

Use high-quality cinnamon for a richer, spicier flavor that enhances the sugary coating. To add texture, fold chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts between layers; for nut-free, toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds make a great alternative. Consider topping the finished bread with a cream cheese glaze or a simple vanilla icing to add sweetness and visual appeal.

Mix raisins or dried cranberries into the cinnamon sugar coating for a burst of fruity flavor. When working with gluten-free or vegan dough, allow extra rising time so the bread develops a light and airy crumb.

Baking on the middle oven rack and rotating the pan halfway through ensures even cooking and browning. Leftover monkey bread reheated with a sprinkle of water wrapped in foil or a damp paper towel will retain softness.

Experiment with aromas by adding cardamom or nutmeg alongside cinnamon, tailoring the recipe to your taste while keeping the classic pull-apart experience intact.

For full guidance and tips on baking monkey bread, see How to Make Perfect Monkey Bread. Learn about baking with biscuits at Tips for Baking with Buttermilk Biscuits, and for mastering the signature coating, visit Using Cinnamon Sugar in Baking.

Try other popular breakfast favorites like Homemade Cinnamon Rolls for cozy mornings full of flavor.

How to Store Cinnamon Monkey Bread: Best Practices

To keep your cinnamon monkey bread fresh and soft, proper storage is key. Here are the best practices:

Short-term Storage: Store the monkey bread covered in an airtight container at room temperature. Consume within 2 to 3 days for optimal freshness and texture.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It can last up to one week but note that refrigeration may cause it to dry out faster, so warming before serving is recommended.
Freezing: Pre-slice the monkey bread into individual portions. Wrap each piece separately with plastic wrap and place them into a freezer-safe bag or container. This method preserves flavor and moisture for up to three months.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw frozen portions at room temperature or in the refrigerator overnight. Warm in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes, covered loosely with foil to retain moisture. Alternatively, microwave for 20–30 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel to keep the bread soft and gooey.

Following these storage tips will ensure your cinnamon monkey bread retains its signature texture and delicious cinnamon flavor even days after baking.

Nutritional Value of Cinnamon Monkey Bread

Nutrient	Approximate Amount per Serving
Calories	133 kcal
Total Fat	6 g
Saturated Fat	4 g
Cholesterol	15 mg
Sodium	174 mg
Carbohydrates	19 g
Sugars	13 g
Dietary Fiber	0 g
Protein	1 g

Cinnamon monkey bread is a moderately caloric and rich treat, predominantly composed of carbohydrates and fats, mainly from the sugars, butter, and flour used in the recipe. The fat content includes saturated fat from butter, while protein is lower due to the dough’s basic ingredients. Though indulgent, this recipe can be adjusted with alternative ingredients to fit various dietary goals such as lower sugar or vegan diets. Cinnamon provides antioxidants, which add modest health benefits to this classic dessert.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Monkey Bread

What is cinnamon monkey bread and how is it different from regular monkey bread?

Cinnamon monkey bread is a sweet, pull-apart pastry made from small dough balls coated in cinnamon sugar and baked with a buttery brown sugar glaze. Compared to regular monkey bread, this version emphasizes the classic cinnamon flavor, often including a gooey caramel-like sauce, making it a popular choice for breakfast or dessert. It’s served warm and eaten by pulling apart individual pieces.

Can I prepare cinnamon monkey bread dough in advance and how should I store it?

Yes, you can prepare dough balls a day or even a few days ahead. After shaping the dough balls and tossing them in cinnamon sugar, store them covered in the refrigerator to slow the rise. Remove about 2-3 hours before baking to allow the dough to come to room temperature and rise. This makes morning preparation faster while maintaining texture and flavor.

What type of pan is best for baking cinnamon monkey bread?

A Bundt pan or fluted tube pan works best for cinnamon monkey bread because their shape promotes even baking and makes it easier to remove the bread intact. If you don’t have one, a regular loaf pan or a 9×13 inch pan can be used, but baking times will need adjustment and the bread may not have the traditional pull-apart shape.

How can I tell when cinnamon monkey bread is fully baked?

Cinnamon monkey bread is done when the top is golden brown and caramelized, the glaze is bubbly, and the bread pulls apart easily without doughy texture inside. An instant-read thermometer inserted in the center should read around 185°F (85°C). The aroma of cinnamon and butter should be noticeable, and the bread should feel firm but soft to the touch.

Can cinnamon monkey bread be frozen and how do I reheat it without drying it out?

Yes, cinnamon monkey bread can be frozen either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or store in an airtight freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature, then warm covered with foil in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore softness and gooey texture. Smaller portions can be reheated briefly in the microwave for convenience.

Monkey Bread with Cinnamon Roll Flavor – Easy Recipe for Soft, Pull-Apart Bites

Author: Valentina Lewis
Total Time: 3 hours
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

🌀 Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls in an easy-to-share pull-apart bread.
🍪 Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this monkey bread is soft, gooey, and irresistibly delicious!

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9- or 10-inch fluted tube pan.
2. Cut each biscuit into 4 pieces and shape into balls. For homemade dough, mix warm milk, yeast, and sugar; rest 5 minutes. Add eggs, butter, salt, and flour, then knead 5-7 minutes until elastic. Let dough rise 1-2 hours until doubled, then punch down and form 40-45 dough balls.
3. Combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon sugar until evenly coated. Arrange in the prepared pan.
4. Melt ½ cup butter, mix with brown sugar, and pour over the dough balls. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla to glaze for extra flavor.
5. If using homemade dough, let rest for about 20 minutes for a slight rise.
6. Place the pan on a baking sheet and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until golden brown and firm.
7. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before inverting onto a serving platter.

Notes

🧈 Use a fluted tube or Bundt pan for the best shape and easy removal.
🥄 Grease the pan generously to prevent sticking.
🌡️ Confirm bread doneness with an instant-read thermometer (~185°F).

Prep Time: 20 minutes with refrigerated biscuits
Preparation with Homemade Dough: 2 hours 40 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 piece
Calories: 133
Sugar: 13g
Sodium: 174mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 19g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Monkey Bread, Pull-Apart Bread, Cinnamon Roll Flavor, Easy Dessert