This Monkey Bread with a Twist is a sweet treat that’s fun to pull apart and eat! Soft, gooey dough balls coated in cinnamon and sugar make every bite a delight.
What makes it a “twist”? It has a surprise filling that adds extra yumminess! I love to enjoy it fresh out of the oven—just watch out, it’s hard to stop eating!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: I often use refrigerated biscuit dough for convenience. If you’re up for it, homemade dough makes it even better. You can also use crescent roll dough for a flakier texture!
Cinnamon and Sugar: This classic combo makes the bread irresistible! If you’re looking for a twist, try adding nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a seasonal flair.
Nuts: Walnuts are my favorite for the crunch they provide, but pecans work great too. If there are nut allergies, seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds could make a fun substitution.
Cream Cheese: For a lighter twist, you can substitute the cream cheese with mascarpone or even a vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free option.
How Do I Ensure My Monkey Bread Is Extra Gooey?
The secret to that delicious gooeyness lies in the butter and brown sugar mixture. Make sure you melt them together until smooth, as this will coat the biscuit pieces perfectly. Don’t rush this step!
- Mix your sugar and cinnamon well for an even coating on the dough.
- Layer the dough pieces and cream cheese loosely in the bundt pan, so they have space to rise and become fluffy.
- Pour the warm butter mixture evenly to soak all parts of the dough.
Letting it cool for just a bit before flipping helps set it, making it easier to serve without losing the gooey goodness.
Monkey Bread with a Twist
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 3 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough (or homemade dough)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)
For the Topping:
- Optional: caramel sauce for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prep, and then you’ll bake it for 40-45 minutes. That’s a total of about 1 hour, perfect for a cozy treat or dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Grease the Pan:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, generously grease a bundt pan with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This will be the tasty coating for your biscuit pieces!
3. Cut and Coat the Biscuits:
Open the cans of biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. Take these pieces and coat each one in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they’re well covered. Set the coated pieces aside for now.
4. Make the Sweet Mixture:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract. Mix until the sugar has dissolved completely, creating a smooth, sweet sauce.
5. Assemble Your Monkey Bread:
Start layering in the bundt pan: place a few coated biscuit pieces at the bottom, then scatter some cream cheese cubes and a handful of chopped walnuts on top. Repeat these layers until you’ve used up all the biscuit pieces, cream cheese, and nuts. Remember to press lightly without packing it too tightly!
6. Add the Sweet Sauce:
Now, take that warm butter-brown sugar mixture you prepared and pour it evenly over the layered dough in the bundt pan. This will soak into the biscuits as it bakes.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Put your bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You want the top to turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the monkey bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then carefully invert it onto a serving plate. It should come out nicely—with that glossy, gooey top!
9. Add the Finishing Touch:
If you like, drizzle some extra caramel sauce over the top for an indulgent finish. It adds extra flavor and sweetness!
10. Dig In!
Serve warm and enjoy pulling apart the pieces to discover the gooey cinnamon-cream cheese surprise inside. It’s truly irresistible!
This Monkey Bread with a Twist is not only visually appealing but also bursts with flavor. Perfect for gatherings or a special treat, it’s sure to become a favorite!
Can I Use Frozen Biscuit Dough for This Recipe?
Yes, frozen biscuit dough works well! Just allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cutting and coating. Make sure to follow the same steps as with refrigerated dough.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you have more leftovers, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, simply reheating them in the microwave for a warm treat.
Can I Make This Monkey Bread Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it the night before up until the baking step. Cover the assembled bundt pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
What Can I Use Instead of Walnuts?
If you’re not a fan of walnuts, feel free to substitute with pecans or omit the nuts altogether for a nut-free version. You could also experiment with chocolate chips for a different flavor twist!
