Decadent Monkey Bread with Cinnamon Sugar and Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe
You’re about to make a show-stopping treat that’s as fun to eat as it is to make—Decadent Monkey Bread with Cinnamon Sugar and Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe! This recipe has a way of turning any morning or brunch gathering into an indulgent experience, thanks to its ooey-gooey cinnamon sugar coating and tender, pull-apart biscuits. I’ve found it’s one of those recipes that instantly becomes a family favorite; it’s straightforward, requires just a handful of pantry staples, yet delivers maximum comfort and sweetness.
What I love most about this Decadent Monkey Bread with Cinnamon Sugar and Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe is how it saves you time without skimping on flavor. Using store-bought buttermilk biscuits means you can skip the long dough-making process but still get that rich, flaky texture paired with the buttery, cinnamon-sprinkled goodness. It’s perfect for lazy weekend mornings when you want to wow your guests or simply treat yourself without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Decadent Monkey Bread with Cinnamon Sugar and Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe plays a starring role, creating layers of flavor and texture that will keep you reaching for more. When shopping, make sure you grab Southern-style buttermilk biscuits—they’re the secret to that tender, flaky bite.
- Sugar: I recommend granulated sugar for that classic sweetness and simple texture that caramelizes beautifully.
- Cinnamon: Fresh ground cinnamon makes all the difference, giving you that warm, fragrant spice kick.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness, and don’t skimp—it’s what makes the bread rich and gooey.
- Southern Style Buttermilk Biscuits: These pre-made biscuits save a ton of time and yield such a soft, fluffy interior that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon sugar coating.
Variations
I love changing things up depending on what mood I’m in or what’s in the pantry, and I encourage you to do the same with this Decadent Monkey Bread with Cinnamon Sugar and Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe. It’s so versatile, you can make it your own!
- Variation: Adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts gives a delightful crunch; I toss them in right before layering the biscuits. My family adores the texture it adds.
- Variation: For a gooey twist, drizzle cream cheese glaze over the top after baking. It’s like a decadent dessert disguised as breakfast!
- Variation: If you’re watching your sugar intake, swap half the sugar for a natural sweetener like maple syrup, but keep an eye on the caramelization to avoid burning.
How to Make Decadent Monkey Bread with Cinnamon Sugar and Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
Start by mixing the sugar and cinnamon in a large bowl. I always give it a good stir to make sure that warm cinnamon flavor is perfectly distributed throughout the sugar. This step is key because it’s what gives the monkey bread its signature sweet-spicy coating. If you want a stronger cinnamon flavor, don’t be shy to add a little extra cinnamon here.
Step 2: Cut and Coat the Biscuits
Grab your buttermilk biscuits and cut each one into quarters—bite-sized pieces work best for easy pulling apart later. I like to toss these pieces directly into the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating them thoroughly. This can get sticky, so I sometimes use a spatula or my hands (well washed!) to make sure every piece is nicely covered. This step builds those delicious layers of flavor.
Step 3: Melt the Butter and Assemble
Next, melt your butter—do this gently on the stove or in the microwave so it’s fully melted but not browned. Pour the melted butter into a bundt pan or similar oven-safe dish, swirling it around to coat the bottom and sides. Then layer your cinnamon sugar coated biscuit pieces into the pan, pressing down lightly but keeping the fluffy texture intact. The butter helps everything stick together and caramelize beautifully.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Bake your monkey bread at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes. I peek around the 25-minute mark to make sure it’s not browning too fast—ovens vary, and you want it golden but not burned. When it’s ready, it’ll look bubbly and smell incredible. Let it cool for a few minutes before turning it out onto a plate to keep that gooey texture intact.
How to Serve Decadent Monkey Bread with Cinnamon Sugar and Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe

Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla icing to balance the sweetness. Occasionally, I add a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans on top for crunch and a nice contrast to the soft bread. These small touches take the presentation from homey to something special.
Side Dishes
This decadent monkey bread is rich enough to stand alone, but when I serve it for brunch, I love pairing it with fresh fruit salad or a tangy yogurt parfait. It cuts through the sweetness nicely and keeps the meal balanced. For a heartier brunch, scrambled eggs or a light spinach salad work beautifully alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve turned this monkey bread into mini versions using muffin tins, which makes for adorable individual pulls and great portion control. Wrapping these in bright cellophane and tying with a ribbon makes a charming edible gift. Also, you can bake it in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic look with extra crispy edges that everyone fights over!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover monkey bread keeps surprisingly well at room temperature if covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap. I usually store mine on the counter for up to two days and it still tastes fresh and soft. Avoid the fridge as it tends to dry out the biscuits.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this treat, I recommend freezing individual pulled-apart pieces rather than the whole loaf. Place the cooled pieces in an airtight container or bag, then grab handfuls as needed. From my experience, freezing before baking doesn’t work as smoothly with biscuits, but freezing baked leftovers is a solid plan.
Reheating
The best way I’ve found to reheat leftover monkey bread is gently in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes or until warmed through. This revives the gooey butter and cinnamon sugar goodness without drying it out. Skip the microwave if you want to keep that fresh-baked texture—you’ll thank me later!
FAQs
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Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of canned buttermilk biscuits?
Absolutely! Homemade biscuit dough can add extra flavor and freshness, but keep in mind that baking times might vary. The canned biscuits make this recipe quick and foolproof, so if you have time and love baking from scratch, go for your favorite biscuit dough recipe.
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How do I get the monkey bread to come out of the pan easily?
Make sure you generously butter your pan before adding any biscuit pieces. Using a non-stick or silicone bundt pan helps too. Letting the bread cool slightly but not fully before flipping it out usually makes it easier to release while keeping that gooey texture intact.
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter, and use dairy-free biscuit dough if available. The flavor changes slightly but it’s still wonderfully tasty and perfect if you have dietary restrictions.
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What’s the best way to store leftover monkey bread?
Store leftovers at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days for best texture. If you want to keep it longer, freeze individual pieces and reheat gently in the oven as needed.
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Can I add extra flavors to the cinnamon sugar mixture?
Definitely! Some of my favorite additions are a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract mixed with the sugar. It adds a little something special without overpowering the classic cinnamon flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Decadent Monkey Bread with Cinnamon Sugar and Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it brings people together. There’s just something magical about pulling apart sweet, buttery bites that makes for great conversation and even better memories. I truly think you’ll find it just as comforting and addictive as I do—so go ahead, try it out, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to recipe for every cozy morning or casual gathering!
PrintDecadent Monkey Bread with Cinnamon Sugar and Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe
Delightfully sweet and sticky Monkey Bread made with buttery cinnamon-sugar layers using southern style buttermilk biscuits. Perfect for breakfast or a fun dessert, this pull-apart bread is gooey, flavorful, and easy to prepare.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Southern
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1¼ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon heaping cinnamon
- 1 cup butter
- 2 cans southern style buttermilk biscuits (16 biscuits)
Instructions
- Prepare the cinnamon sugar: In a bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon, mixing well to create the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Cut the biscuits: Open the cans and separate the biscuits. Cut each biscuit into quarters to create small pieces for coating.
- Coat biscuit pieces: Dip each biscuit piece into melted butter, then roll it generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat all sides.
- Layer in the pan: Place the coated biscuit pieces into a greased bundt or tube pan, layering evenly as you go.
- Melt the butter for topping: In a small saucepan, melt the remaining butter and mix in any leftover cinnamon sugar. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered biscuits in the pan.
- Bake the Monkey Bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled monkey bread for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Allow the monkey bread to cool slightly in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate. Pull apart the pieces to serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh southern style buttermilk biscuits for best texture.
- Ensure butter is fully melted and hot when coating biscuit pieces for better sugar adherence.
- You can add chopped nuts or raisins between layers for extra flavor and texture.
- Serve warm with cream cheese or caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.
- The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so check for a golden crust.
Keywords: Monkey Bread, Cinnamon Sugar Bread, Buttermilk Biscuits, Sticky Bread, Pull Apart Bread, Sweet Breakfast Bread
