Monkey bread is a delightful pull-apart bread made from soft, sweet dough balls coated in cinnamon and sugar. This recipe is perfect for a 9×13 pan, making it ideal for gatherings or family breakfasts.
The preparation is simple and requires minimal ingredients, making it a fun and easy treat to whip up. You can also customize it with nuts or chocolate chips for added flavor.
What is Monkey Bread?
Monkey bread is a delightful treat that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering. This pull-apart bread is made from soft dough balls, each coated in a sweet mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
Often served warm, it creates a cozy atmosphere, perfect for family breakfasts or brunches with friends. The fun of monkey bread lies in its interactive nature; everyone can pull apart their own pieces, making it a communal dish.
Why Choose a 9×13 Pan?
Using a 9×13 pan for monkey bread is a practical choice, especially when serving a crowd. This size allows for even baking and ensures that each piece is perfectly golden brown.
The spacious design accommodates the fluffy dough balls, allowing them to rise beautifully and develop that irresistible pull-apart texture. Plus, it’s easy to transport if you’re heading to a potluck or family gathering.
Ingredients That Make a Difference
The ingredients for monkey bread are simple yet impactful. Refrigerated biscuit dough serves as the base, providing a soft and tender texture.
Granulated sugar and cinnamon create the signature flavor, while melted butter adds richness. Optional ingredients like chopped nuts or brown sugar can elevate the dish, adding extra crunch and depth.
Preparation Steps to Follow
Preparing monkey bread is straightforward and quick. Start by preheating your oven and greasing the baking pan to prevent sticking.
Next, cut the biscuit dough into quarters and roll each piece in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Layer them in the pan, drizzling melted butter over the top before baking. The aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is simply irresistible!
Serving Suggestions
Once baked, allow the monkey bread to cool slightly before inverting it onto a serving plate. This allows the buttery, sugary goodness to drip down over the pieces.
For an added touch, serve it with a side of fresh fruit or a warm cup of coffee. The combination of flavors and textures makes for a delightful experience that everyone will enjoy.
Storing and Reheating Monkey Bread
If you have leftovers, storing monkey bread is easy. Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days. For longer storage, consider refrigerating it.
When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat individual pieces in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven. This will revive the soft, fluffy texture and melt the buttery goodness once more.
Easy Monkey Bread in a 9×13 Pan

This monkey bread features tender dough balls rolled in cinnamon sugar and baked until golden brown. The recipe takes about 1 hour from start to finish and serves 8-10 people.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (16 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick spray or butter.
- Cut the Biscuit Dough: Open the biscuit cans and cut each biscuit into quarters.
- Mix Sugar and Cinnamon: In a bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
- Coat the Dough: Roll each biscuit piece in the sugar mixture until fully coated, then place them in the prepared pan. If using, sprinkle chopped nuts and brown sugar between layers.
- Add Butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the dough balls.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the monkey bread to cool for a few minutes before inverting onto a serving plate. Pull apart and enjoy warm.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Servings: 8-10 servings
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
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