Caramel Monkey Bread Recipe - The Carefree Kitchen (2024)

By Jill Baird · Published September 3, 2023 · Updated October 29, 2023 · 2 Comments

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This simple Caramel Monkey Bread recipe starts with refrigerated biscuits that are tossed in cinnamon sugar and smothered in sticky brown sugar pecan caramel. It’s ooey gooey, absolutely delicious, and easy peasy to throw together for a holiday or any weekend morning.

Caramel Monkey Bread Recipe - The Carefree Kitchen (1)
Jump to:
  • Caramel Pecan Monkey Bread
  • Pecan Caramel Monkey Bread Ingredients
  • How to Make Monkey Bread with Biscuits
  • Recipe Variations for Caramel Pecan Monkey Bread
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Caramel Pecan Monkey Bread Recipe
  • More Sweet Breakfast Treats

Caramel Pecan Monkey Bread

Our Caramel Monkey Bread tastes like gooey bites of fluffy cinnamon rolls drenched in buttery caramel goodness, full of caramelized pecans in each and every glorious bite. Wowza! Plus, this sweet treat couldn’t be simpler to put together, thanks to our secret ingredient: refrigerated biscuit dough.

This easy monkey bread is so quick to throw together that it makes a great lazy Saturday morning breakfast at home, but it’s also perfect for Christmas or Easter morning brunch.Once you make this recipe, you’ll understand why it is one of our most requested family favorites.

If you want to make Caramel Pecan Monkey Bread completely from scratch, you can. In fact, our Caramel Cinnamon Rolls dough doubles as an excellent monkey bread dough. But most mornings, let’s get real. We don’t want to wait any longer than we have to!

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What To Serve With Caramel Monkey Bread

Caramel Pecan Monkey bread goes great with just about any other sweet or savory breakfast foods. On the savory side, try pairing with our Spinach and Feta Quiche, Sausage Biscuit Casserole, Bacon or Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole. Any type of hash browned potatoes, sausages or eggs would taste great, too.

If this monkey bread is part of a whole brunch spread, you could pair it with other sweet breakfast dishes like Apple French Toast Bake or Einkorn Buttermilk Pancakes.

Also, if you want to go super desserty, we wouldn’t tell if you served this with vanilla ice cream, extra caramel sauce, and whipped cream.

Pecan Caramel Monkey Bread Ingredients

  • Refrigerated Biscuits - you can use any brand of refrigerated, canned biscuit dough. Personally we like the Pillsbury Grands brand which you can find at just about any grocery store.
  • Cinnamon - any kind of ground cinnamon will work. This would also taste great with a pinch of cardamom added to the cinnamon.
  • Sugar - you want to use regular granulated sugar.
  • Butter - unsalted butter will taste best in this recipe.
  • Brown Sugar - we use light brown sugar in this recipe.
  • Cream - any type of heavy whipping cream will work.
  • Salt - we like to use sea salt.
  • Vanilla Extract - pure vanilla extract tastes best.
  • Pecans - we like pecans best, but you could also use walnut pieces.
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How to Make Monkey Bread with Biscuits

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease a bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside.
  3. Open and separate the biscuit dough cans, then cut each biscuit into four pieces. Roll a handful of the cut biscuit pieces into the cinnamon sugar mixture at a time, making sure to cover all the dough, then transfer to a separate large bowl and continue until all of the biscuit pieces are covered.
  4. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar, cream, and salt to the melted butter, and bring the mixture to a boil. Continue stirring and cooking at a rapid boil for 1 minute, then remove from the heat and add the vanilla extract and pecans. Stir to combine.
  5. Let the butter mixture cool for a minute or so, then pour over the cinnamon sugar-coated biscuit pieces in the bowl and gently toss to coat. Once they are evenly coated, add the biscuit pieces into your prepared bundt pan, making sure they are filled evenly around the pan.
  6. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 30-35 minutes (Note: if you use a dark bundt pan, you may need to bake for an extra 5-10 minutes), or until the edges are golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
  7. Remove the pan from the oven and let it sit for 10 minutes before inverting it to a large plate or serving platter. Serve warm, and enjoy!

Recipe Variations for Caramel Pecan Monkey Bread

Experiment with these variations to create your own unique twist on Caramel Monkey Bread. Whether you prefer a traditional cinnamon-sugar flavor or a more adventurous combination, there is a recipe variation to suit every taste and occasion.

  • Caramel Apple Monkey Bread: Toss diced apple in cinnamon and brown sugar before layering them with the dough.
  • Chocolate Caramel Monkey Bread: Instead of using regular caramel sauce, make a luscious chocolate caramel sauce by melting chocolate chips into the mixture.
  • Salted Caramel Monkey Bread: Add a touch of sea salt to the caramel sauce before baking. The addition of salt enhances the sweetness and creates a delightful balance of flavors.
  • Pumpkin Spice Caramel Monkey Bread: Embrace the flavors of fall by adding a dash of pumpkin spice to your caramel monkey bread. Mix the spice blend into the dough or sprinkle it over the caramel sauce for a warm and aromatic treat.
  • Maple Pecan Monkey Bread: Combine the flavors of maple and pecan by drizzling maple syrup over the caramel sauce.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Frozen Dinner Rolls?

Yes! Instead of refrigerated biscuits, you can use frozen yeasted dinner rolls (you’ll need about 20 for this size recipe). Just allow them to thaw and cut them into quarters, then make the rest of the recipe exactly as directed. You’ll want to find a frozen raw brand, such as Rhodes.

Can I Freeze Homemade Monkey Bread?

Yup, you sure can. Just make sure it cools completely after baking, then wrap in two layers of aluminum foil and place in a large freezer bag, or another airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Once you are ready to serve, let it thaw out in the fridge overnight, then remove the aluminum foil and rewarm in a 300 degree oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.

What Can I Use Instead of a Bundt Pan?

You can use this recipe in all sorts of other pans. This size batch will work in a 9” x 13” baking pan, 2 loaf pans or use cupcake pans to make individual miniature monkey bread!

Remember that if you do use a different pan, the baking time will change - the smaller the pan, the less time it will take to bake.

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Tips & Tricks

  • Work quickly with your refrigerated biscuits - they will rise best in the oven if they go in while still cool.
  • Try substituting canned cinnamon rolls for the biscuits for an even sweeter version!
  • Make sure to remove the Caramel Pecan Monkey Bread from the pan after 10 minutes, or else the caramel sauce will start to solidify and stick to the pan. If you forget, you can toss it back into a warm oven for a couple of minutes and then invert it. Another trick - use a hairdryer on the hottest setting and blow it over the outside of the pan! Works like a charm.

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Caramel Pecan Monkey Bread Recipe

This simple Caramel Pecan Monkey Bread starts with refrigerated biscuits that are tossed in cinnamon sugar and smothered in sticky brown sugar pecan caramel. It’s ooey gooey, absolutely delicious and easy peasy to throw together for a holiday or any weekend morning.

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes minutes

Cooling Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 55 minutes minutes

Servings 12 people

Calories 202kcal

Author The Carefree Kitchen

Ingredients

Coated Biscuits

  • 2 16.3-oz. cans Refrigerated Biscuits Pillsbury Grands or similar brand
  • 1 Tablespoon Cinnamon
  • ½ cup Granulated Sugar

Caramel Pecan Sauce

  • 6 Tablespoons Butter
  • cup Light Brown Sugar
  • 3 Tablespoons Heavy Whipping Cream
  • ¼ tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 cup Pecans coarsely chopped

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

  • Grease a bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray.

  • In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon and set aside.

  • Open and separate the biscuit cans, then cut each biscuit into four pieces. Roll a handful of the cut biscuit pieces into the cinnamon and sugar mixture at a time, making sure to cover all the dough, then transfer to a separate large bowl and continue until all of the biscuit pieces are covered.

  • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, cream, and salt, and bring the mixture to a boil. Continue stirring and cooking at a rapid boil for 1 minute, then remove from the heat and add the vanilla extract and pecans. Stir to combine.

  • Let the butter mixture cool for a minute or so, then pour over the cinnamon sugar coated biscuit pieces in the bowl and gently toss to coat. Once they are evenly coated, spoon them into your prepared bundt pan, making sure they are filled evenly around the pan.

  • Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30-35 minutes (Note: if you use a dark bundt pan, you may need to bake for an extra 5-10 minutes), or until the edges are golden brown and the dough is cooked through.

  • Remove the pan from the oven and let it sit for 10 minutes before inverting it to a large plate or serving platter. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 202kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 105mg | Potassium: 58mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 237IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg

More Sweet Breakfast Treats

  • Easy Monkey Bread
  • Apple Monkey Bread
  • Pizza Monkey Bread
  • Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
  • Triple Berry Sweet Rolls
  • Double Chocolate Banana Bread
  • Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
  • Classic French Toast Bake
  • Lemon Blueberry Scones
  • More Sweet Breakfast Recipes

More Caramel Recipes You'll love...

  • Caramel Roll Recipe
  • Caramel Sauce for Apples
  • Best Apples For Caramel Apples
  • Caramel Candy Recipes
  • Caramel Popcorn Recipe
  • Caramel Dip Recipe for Apples
  • Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Recipe
  • More Dessert Recipes

If you’ve tried this recipe, please rate it and leave a comment on this post. I love hearing feedback from you. It helps me and other readers too! If you love Pinterest, feel free to leave a comment and photo there too. Also, if you like to share, use the hashtag #thecarefreekitchen on Instagram and tag me @thecarefreekitchen so I can find you and give your post some love. You can also find me on Facebook at The Carefree Kitchen. Thank you!!

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This Caramel Pecan Monkey Bread is ooey gooey, absolutely delicious and easy peasy to throw together for a holiday or any weekend morning. One bite and you’ll understand why it is one of our most requested family favorites.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Gina

    Such a delicious favorite! Can never go wrong with Monkey bread!

    Reply

  2. Shadi Hasanzadenemati

    This was such a hit! Thank you for this awesome recipe

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Caramel Monkey Bread Recipe - The Carefree Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

How to tell when monkey bread is done? ›

The monkey bread needs 40 to 45 minutes in the oven, or until the top of the bread looks crispy with caramelized sugar and is golden brown.

What American president made monkey bread popular by serving the dessert at the White House during Christmas? ›

During the 1980s, Nancy Reagan popularized serving monkey bread during Christmas by making it a staple of the Reagan White House Christmas.

How do you store monkey bread? ›

Monkey bread can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three or four days.

Why is my monkey bread still doughy? ›

If the bottom of the pieces that haven't been exposed is still doughy, the bread needs to bake longer.

Can monkey bread go bad? ›

Storage: Monkey bread is definitely best served on the same day that it is baked, preferably fresh out of the oven! Any leftovers should be stored, covered tightly with plastic wrap, at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Is monkey bread a southern thing? ›

Monkey bread is a southern tradition that's very hard to get right.

Who was the first state dinner at the White House? ›

The tradition of State Dinners originated in 1874, when President Ulysses Grant hosted King David Kalakaua of the Kingdom of Hawai'i. In 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt expanded the State Dining Room as part of a larger White House renovation, allowing for larger gatherings.

Is monkey bread a breakfast food? ›

Savory Breakfast Monkey Bread is a fully-loaded morning meal or brunch made of pull-apart fluffy biscuits, creamy eggs, sausages, and gooey cheese that will fuel you up the entire day! It is super easy to make, fun to eat, and perfect for sharing!

Can you reheat monkey bread? ›

Carefully lift up the Bundt pan (it will still be hot) and the monkey bread should slide right out. Serve warm or at room temperature. To reheat individual servings, place on microwave-safe plate and microwave for 15-20 seconds or until warmed throughout.

Where do people eat monkey bread? ›

Monkey Bread, aka Puzzle Bread, aka Hungarian Coffee Cake, may not have originated in the United States but in Hungary, where my paternal grandmother was born. And so, in my search for a dish that was previously unknown to me, I am somehow guided to an ancestral tradition.

Why do they call it dumb bread? ›

Dumb bread is a traditional bread that originates from the Virgin Islands. The name "dumb bread" comes from the cooking technique called dum pukht, originating from India and brought to the Caribbean when the Indian indentured workers replaced the slaves. This bread does not require any yeast.

Does banana bread last longer in the fridge? ›

Wrapped well and stored at room temperature, banana bread will last about five days. If stored in the fridge, it should last a full week. A frozen loaf of banana bread will last up to a year in the freezer, wrapped well with storage wrap and aluminum foil.

What strain is monkey bread? ›

Named for the popular sticky dessert, Monkey Bread #1 is a mostly indica hybrid with roots in the Pacific Northwest. Created by Certified Portland, this strain is a combination of Grease Monkey and the Forum phenotype of Girl Scout Cookies. The results are a sweetly-scented bud with deeply relaxing somatic effects.

How can I tell when my bread is done? ›

Inserting a toothpick into the center of a baked good is a tried and true method to test for doneness. If the toothpick comes out clean, your bread is likely fully baked. It needs a bit more time if it comes out wet with dough or crumbs.

How do you know when you're done kneading bread? ›

The Poke Test – Give that ball of dough a firm poke with your finger. If the indentation fills back quickly, you're good to go. If it stays looking like a deep dimple, continue kneading.

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