Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 10
Have you ever tasted the warm, gooey goodness of homemade monkey bread? It’s a delightful treat, perfect for family gatherings, brunches, or an indulgent dessert. With its sweet, soft dough, drenched in a luscious vanilla glaze, this recipe makes it easy to create a delightful indulgence right in your kitchen.
What Is Easy Homemade Monkey Bread With Vanilla Glaze?
Easy Homemade Monkey Bread is a pull-apart bread made from small pieces of dough that are rolled in cinnamon sugar, layered in a bundt pan, and baked until golden and bubbly. This mouthwatering dish is typically drizzled with a rich vanilla glaze that adds a touch of sweetness, elevating its already delightful flavors. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or at room temperature, it’s a comforting and crowd-pleasing treat that is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This
There are countless reasons to fall in love with Easy Homemade Monkey Bread with Vanilla Glaze. First and foremost, it’s incredibly straightforward to prepare, making it suitable for cooks of any skill level, even those just starting out in the kitchen. If you’re a busy parent, this recipe provides a quick yet rewarding way to bond with your kids while baking together. The delightful aroma of cinnamon permeates the kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere that’ll have everyone running to the table. Plus, its versatility means you can experiment with various fillings or toppings. It’s simple and satisfying—exactly what comfort food should be!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this scrumptious monkey bread, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cans of refrigerated biscuit dough: The dough provides the soft, fluffy base for our monkey bread. You can choose buttermilk or flaky biscuits for extra flavor and texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness is essential, and this ingredient ensures each bite is a delicious treat.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: This spice adds a warm, comforting flavor, making the bread irresistible.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Melted butter is what helps the dough pieces stick together and adds a rich, buttery flavor.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: This is used to create the vanilla glaze, making the final product visually appealing and pleasingly sweet.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the glaze, giving it a delightful aroma.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk: This will help smooth out the glaze, ensuring it drizzles beautifully over the monkey bread.
How to Make
Creating your own monkey bread is a fun and engaging process. Follow these steps for a perfect result:
- Preheat your oven: First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures that the monkey bread cooks evenly, giving it that perfect golden-brown crust.
- Prepare the biscuit dough: Open the cans of biscuit dough and cut each piece into quarters. This allows for easy pulling and makes the bread a true “pull-apart” treat. Gently roll each quarter into small balls.
- Mix the cinnamon sugar: In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Toss the biscuit pieces in this mixture until they are well coated. This is where the flavor truly begins to develop.
- Layer the dough: In a greased bundt pan, layer the coated biscuit pieces evenly. Pour half of the melted butter over the top, ensuring it seeps into the dough.
- Bake the bread: Place the bundt pan in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. The aroma will be overwhelmingly delicious!
- Prepare the vanilla glaze: While the bread is baking, mix the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. Adjust the milk for your preferred consistency.
- Glaze and serve: After baking, let the monkey bread cool for about 10 minutes. Then, invert it onto a serving plate, drizzle generously with the vanilla glaze, and serve warm! Enjoy this delightful treat with family and friends.
Variations & Substitutions
Cinnamon Raisin Monkey Bread: Add a handful of raisins to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a chewy texture that complements the bread. This variation is particularly good if you love the combination of cinnamon and fruit.
Chocolate Chip Monkey Bread: Sprinkle some mini chocolate chips among the dough pieces before baking. The melted chocolate will create an indulgent experience that chocolate lovers can’t resist.
Nutty Monkey Bread: Incorporate chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into your monkey bread for an added crunch and depth of flavor. You can mix them into the dough or use them as a topping.
Zesty Lemon Monkey Bread: Swap the vanilla extract in the glaze for fresh lemon juice and zest. This tangy twist is perfect for a refreshing dessert in warmer months.
Gluten-Free Monkey Bread: For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free biscuit dough and follow the same instructions. This allows everyone to enjoy this delightful treat without concerns about dietary restrictions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is opening a can of biscuit dough directly before use. Always make sure to follow the proper preparation methods. Use a sharp knife to cut the dough cleanly; otherwise, it may become mushy when baked.
Don’t skip the cooling step! Allow the monkey bread to cool slightly after baking. Cutting into it while it’s still too hot may cause it to fall apart, leading to a less appealing presentation.
Be cautious with baking time. Overbaking can dry out the bread, while underbaking may leave it doughy in the center. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking to ensure the perfect texture.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips
To store leftover monkey bread, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature. It remains fresh for up to 2 days. If you’d like it to last longer, freeze the bread after it’s completely cooled. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store it in a freezer-safe bag. It can last for up to three months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat individual pieces in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore its original texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade dough for monkey bread?
Absolutely! While refrigerated biscuit dough is convenient, you can certainly use your own homemade dough. Just be sure to let it rise properly according to your recipe, and follow the same step-by-step instructions for layering and baking.
What’s the best way to serve monkey bread?
Monkey bread is best served warm. It’s often shared at gatherings where guests can pull apart pieces with their hands. Pair it with a cup of coffee, milk, or even a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent treat!
Can I make monkey bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Assemble the bread and refrigerate it before the second rise, ensuring it’s covered well. Bake it the next day, then drizzle with glaze just before serving.
Is monkey bread a breakfast food or a dessert?
Monkey bread can be both! Many enjoy it as a breakfast treat, while it also makes a satisfying dessert. Its sticky sweetness and comforting flavors appeal to both breakfast lovers and dessert aficionados.
How do I know when the monkey bread is done?
Check for a golden-brown top with puffed-up pieces of dough. You can insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean and the edges are bubbly, your monkey bread is ready to enjoy!
Conclusion: The joy of baking Easy Homemade Monkey Bread with Vanilla Glaze transcends mere cooking; it’s about creating cherished moments with those you love. Whether it’s a special occasion or a simple snack, this recipe provides an avenue for delicious indulgence that everyone can enjoy together. So, roll up your sleeves and treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful recipe.
