Easy Homemade Monkey Bread With Vanilla Glaze

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Soft, gooey, and dripping in sweet vanilla glaze—this easy homemade monkey bread is everything a weekend breakfast or holiday brunch needs. Each bite is packed with cinnamon-sugar flavor and melt-in-your-mouth softness. The best part? You don’t need to make dough from scratch.

Using store-bought biscuit dough means this pull-apart masterpiece comes together in under an hour. It’s the kind of treat that turns any morning into a celebration. Whether you serve it as a holiday centerpiece or a spontaneous weekend indulgence, monkey bread never fails to impress.

What Kind of Biscuit Dough Works Best?

Refrigerated biscuit dough is the way to go for this recipe. Look for the classic, flaky-style variety—not the layered kind—for the best texture. Pillsbury Grands or a store brand work great. Just avoid any dough labeled as “buttermilk” or “extra buttery,” as those tend to be too rich and can interfere with the glaze.

Ingredients for the Easy Homemade Monkey Bread With Vanilla Glaze

• 2 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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How To Make the Easy Homemade Monkey Bread With Vanilla Glaze

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan generously with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Cut and Coat the Dough

Cut each biscuit into quarters. In a large zip-top bag, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon. Add the dough pieces and shake until they’re evenly coated.

Step 3: Layer in the Pan

Place the coated dough pieces evenly into the greased bundt pan.

Step 4: Make the Caramel Sauce

In a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the mixture evenly over the dough.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is cooked through. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.

Step 6: Add the Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the warm monkey bread and serve immediately.

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Serving and Storing This Sweet Classic

Monkey bread is best enjoyed warm from the oven when the glaze is slightly melty and the pieces pull apart effortlessly. Pair it with fresh fruit or a cup of hot coffee for a comforting brunch.

To store leftovers, cover tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also reheat slices in the microwave for 10–20 seconds to revive the gooey magic.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when monkey bread is fully cooked?

The top should be deeply golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. It helps to gently press the top to ensure it’s firm.

Can I make monkey bread ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh in the morning.

Can I use homemade dough?

Absolutely. If you have a favorite yeasted or quick dough recipe, you can substitute it. Just adjust the baking time as needed.

What else can I add to this recipe?

Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch. A sprinkle of orange zest in the glaze can also brighten the flavor.

Do I need a bundt pan?

It’s traditional, but not essential. A tube pan or even a deep round cake pan can work. Just ensure it’s well-greased.

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Want More Dessert Ideas That Everyone Can Share?

If you’re into cozy, sweet recipes like this monkey bread, you’ll love these other shareable treats:

• Nutella French Toast Casserole for a rich, chocolatey brunch bake.
• Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake when you want a no-fuss yet decadent dessert.
• Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars for that cinnamon-sugar crunch with creamy filling.
• Irresistible Pecan Pie Bites if you love gooey nutty goodness.
• Cinnamon Donut Bread that tastes like your favorite bakery treat.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And if you give it a try, I’d love to see how it turned out! Did you go classic, or did you add a twist like nuts or orange glaze?

Snap a photo and tag me—I always enjoy seeing your creations. You can also find more delicious ideas on my Pinterest page: Nina Dishes.

Let’s keep making magic in the kitchen together!

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