This incredible Easy Monkey Bread Recipe is an absolute family favorite, astonishingly simple to prepare, and guarantees rave reviews! It’s the ultimate hassle-free solution for bustling holiday mornings or when entertaining weekend guests. Get ready to impress everyone with this delightfully gooey, sweet, and pull-apart treat that practically makes itself!
Holidays and special occasions often call for a show-stopping breakfast or brunch, but who has time for complicated recipes? That’s where this semi-homemade, utterly delicious Bubble Bread comes in. Requiring only a handful of readily available ingredients, this recipe recently won over a group of friends with its irresistible charm. After just a bite or two during a socially distanced coffee gathering, many enthusiastically declared their intention to add it to their Christmas morning menus. It’s that good, and that easy!
Why This Easy Monkey Bread Will Become Your New Go-To Recipe
When it comes to breakfast, my family unanimously votes for “Bubble Roll!” Every holiday season, when I ponder whipping up elaborate egg casseroles, fancy French toast, or gourmet concoctions, their reply is always the same: this simple monkey bread recipe. They crave those soft, fluffy rolls, generously coated with a luscious caramel glaze and baked to perfection in a tube pan. It’s truly that addictive and beloved by all ages!
- Effortless Preparation: The secret to its incredible ease lies in just two key ingredients: a box of butterscotch pudding mix (the cook ‘n serve kind, not instant!) and a bag of frozen yeast rolls. These shortcuts save you precious time and effort, especially during busy mornings.
- A Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or a cozy brunch with friends, this pull-apart bread is universally loved. Its sweet, gooey texture and rich flavor make it an instant hit, leaving everyone asking for the recipe.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: While perfect for Christmas morning, this easy monkey bread is also ideal for Easter brunch, Mother’s Day, or any weekend when you desire a comforting, impressive, yet simple treat.
- Optional “Showstopper” Version: For those special occasions where you want to elevate the presentation even further, I’ve included a variation that takes a little extra time but yields a truly stunning result. This version uses double the topping amounts and smaller, individually coated pieces, creating an even more visually appealing and delicious loaf. See the note in the recipe card for details!
My journey with this recipe began after a memorable stay at a charming bed and breakfast in Sedona, Arizona. I was captivated by its unique flavor profile, which crucially uses “Cook ‘n Serve” butterscotch pudding mix – not the instant variety. Surprisingly, even my picky husband, who typically shies away from anything caramel or butterscotch, became an ardent fan of this easy monkey bread. Its universal appeal truly cemented its place in our family recipe collection. For those who enjoy a baking challenge and prefer to make everything from scratch, I also have a Cinnamon Monkey Bread recipe from scratch that is equally wonderful.
Unlock the Secrets to Perfect Monkey Bread: Expert Tips & Tricks
Even as someone who appreciates the artistry of baking from scratch, and has even expressed a preference for natural flavors over artificial ones in other recipes, I can confidently say that this semi-homemade monkey bread consistently impresses everyone who tries it. When they discover how incredibly easy it is to assemble, they invariably ask for the recipe!
- The Right Pan is Paramount: This is arguably the most crucial tip! Always use a one-piece tube pan, not an angel food cake pan with a removable bottom. Trust me, I learned this the hard way during my very first attempt at this bubble bread. The luscious caramel sauce, in its molten state, seeped through the bottom seam of the angel food cake pan, creating a horrific burnt mess in the oven. Smoke filled the kitchen, and let’s just say the local fire department was almost involved. Avoid this sticky disaster by using the correct pan!
- Grease Generously: Even if you’re using a non-stick tube pan, always spray it thoroughly with Pam or another high-quality non-stick cooking spray. This ensures that your beautiful monkey bread loaf releases effortlessly from the pan, preserving its perfect shape and gooey topping.
- Flavor Twist – Cinnamon Vanilla: For a slightly different, equally delicious flavor profile, try replacing the butterscotch pudding mix with a box of vanilla pudding mix and adding about a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dry sugar mixture. While this variation is particularly pleasing to my palate, the kids in our family still remain loyal to the original butterscotch version!
- Embrace the Frozen Dough: The beauty of using frozen roll dough is its forgiving nature. On one unusually hot autumn day, my rolls rose much higher than usual overnight. Despite this unexpected rise, they still baked up perfectly, maintaining their soft texture and delicious flavor. Don’t stress too much about the exact rise – the frozen dough handles it beautifully.
- Overnight Rise Environment: For optimal results, ensure the pan is covered loosely with greased aluminum foil and allowed to rest at room temperature overnight. A kitchen counter is usually sufficient. Avoid placing it in excessively cold or warm spots, as extreme temperatures can affect the dough’s rise.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Easy Monkey Bread
One of the best features of this bubble bread is that it’s a fantastic make-ahead recipe, perfect for stress-free breakfasts or brunches. You’ll prepare it the night before, allowing the magic to happen overnight while you sleep!
- Prepare Your Pan: Begin by thoroughly greasing your one-piece tube pan with cooking spray. Arrange the frozen rolls in two layers across the bottom of the pan. They will expand, so don’t worry if they seem a bit snug at first.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the butterscotch pudding mix, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined. This mixture will form your delectable caramel coating.
- Layer the Topping: Generously pour the dry sugar mixture evenly over the frozen rolls in the pan. It will look like a substantial amount, but trust the process – it creates that signature gooey glaze.
- Add Melted Butter: Melt the butter. PRO-Tip: Melting butter in a Pyrex liquid measuring cup with a spout in the microwave is incredibly convenient for easy, controlled pouring. Just remember to cover it with plastic wrap to prevent splatters! Drizzle the melted butter carefully over the dry ingredients, ensuring an even distribution.
- Overnight Rest: Cover the pan loosely but completely with a greased sheet of aluminum foil. The greased side should face down to prevent sticking. Let the pan rest at room temperature on your kitchen counter overnight. During this time, the rolls will defrost and rise, absorbing all those delicious flavors.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: The next morning, preheat your oven to the specified temperature. Remove the foil and bake the monkey bread as directed in the recipe card until it’s beautifully golden brown and caramelized.
- Cool and Invert: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it rest on a cooling rack for about 5 minutes. This brief cooling period allows the caramel to set slightly. Then, carefully invert the monkey bread onto a serving plate. If any luscious caramel remains in the pan, scrape it out and pour it over the bread for extra indulgence.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice or let everyone pull apart their own warm, gooey pieces. Be prepared for an onslaught of compliments – this bread is a true showstopper!
Elevate Your Brunch: Showstopping Bubble Bread for Special Occasions
While the original easy monkey bread recipe is fantastic, sometimes you want to create something truly extraordinary. This “showstopper” version of our bubble bread offers a slightly more elaborate presentation and an even richer flavor, perfect for those extra-special brunches or celebratory gatherings.
- Overnight Defrost: Instead of placing frozen rolls directly into the pan, defrost your roll dough overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the dough to be soft and pliable for the next step.
- Double the Indulgence: For this enhanced version, you’ll want to double the amounts of both the melted butter and the pudding-sugar mixture. This ensures every small piece of dough is thoroughly coated in that irresistible sweet glaze.
- Quarter the Rolls: The key to the “bubble” appearance and easy pull-apart nature of this version is cutting each defrosted roll into four equal quarters. This creates more surface area for the caramel to adhere to and results in smaller, bite-sized pieces once baked.
- Individual Coating: This is where the extra time comes in, but it’s well worth the effort! Dip each quartered roll piece first into the melted butter, ensuring it’s fully coated, then roll it in the doubled pudding and sugar mix. This meticulous coating process guarantees maximum flavor and a beautifully caramelized crust on every single piece.
- Layer with Care: Arrange the individually coated dough pieces in your prepared tube pan, layering them neatly. This ensures even baking and a consistent distribution of the sweet topping.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake as directed in the recipe card for the original version. Keep an eye on it to ensure even browning.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, let it cool on a rack for 5-10 minutes before carefully inverting it onto your most elegant serving plate. The result is a magnificent, glistening, pull-apart bread that will undoubtedly be the star of your special occasion spread! The smaller, rounder pieces make for a delightful presentation and an easier grab for guests.
Frequently Asked Questions About Monkey Bread
Monkey bread is a delightful, sweet or savory pull-apart bread that’s formed by layering individual pieces of dough into a Bundt or tube pan. These dough pieces are typically coated in a mixture of butter, sugar, and cinnamon (or other sweet or savory seasonings). As it bakes, the pieces fuse together to create a cohesive loaf, but remain easy to “pull apart” with your fingers, much like a monkey might pick at food – hence the name!
The origins of the name “Monkey Bread” are debated, but several charming theories exist. One popular idea is that the assembled rolls, particularly when small, resemble a barrel of monkeys. Another theory links it to the 1940s term “monkey food,” which was a casual way to refer to snack food that you pick at. Some historical accounts trace the name back to a 1945 article in the Winnepeg Free Press, where actress Zasu Pitts reportedly shared a recipe titled “monkey bread.” And of course, there’s the delightful thought that the act of picking individual rolls from the loaf with your fingers is reminiscent of how monkeys groom each other or forage for food. Regardless of its exact origin, the name has certainly stuck!
Baking times for monkey bread can vary significantly depending on the recipe and the type of dough used. Recipes made with homemade yeast dough or refrigerator biscuit dough might bake anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes in a standard oven. My specific recipe, using frozen yeast rolls, typically bakes for about 30 minutes at 350°F (175°C). However, if you’re using a slow cooker, a monkey bread recipe could take between 2 to 2.5 hours. Always refer to your specific recipe’s instructions and keep an eye on the bread as it bakes, looking for a deep golden brown color and a gooey, bubbling caramel sauce.
Yes, monkey bread freezes remarkably well! Once baked and completely cooled, wrap the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil. Store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw the monkey bread overnight in the refrigerator, then warm it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through and gooey again. You can also freeze individual slices by wrapping them well.
While a one-piece tube pan or Bundt pan is highly recommended for its classic shape and ability to cook evenly, you can use other options in a pinch. A large cast iron skillet (10-12 inches) or a 9×13-inch baking dish can work. However, the center won’t be as thoroughly cooked, and the shape will be different. If using a skillet or baking dish, reduce the baking time slightly and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center, ensuring it comes out clean. Be extra careful about caramel overflow if using a dish without high sides.
More Irresistible Breakfast & Brunch Recipes to Explore
If you loved this simple yet spectacular Easy Monkey Bread, you’re in for a treat! Here are more fantastic recipes to add to your breakfast and brunch rotation, ranging from more pull-apart delights to classic baked goods:
- Buttery Bubble Bread from I Am Baker
- Slow Cooker Apple Monkey Bread
- Scratch Monkey Bread (for the purists!)
- Cinnamon Monkey Bread (another take on a classic)
- Homemade Croissants (a true labor of love, but so rewarding!)
- Discover more of the Best Breakfast Recipes for every occasion!
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Easy Butterscotch Bubble Rolls (Monkey Bread)
15 minutes
30 minutes
45 minutes
12 servings
Indulge in this irresistible, make-ahead monkey bread featuring a rich, gooey butterscotch caramel glaze! This recipe offers two fantastic versions. The easier method utilizes whole frozen rolls, which defrost overnight and are baked fresh the next morning. For a more impressive presentation, try the “showstopper” version shown in some photos, where defrosted rolls are quartered and individually dipped in melted butter and a double batch of the sugar mixture (double all topping ingredients except the roll dough). Both promise a delightful, pull-apart breakfast or brunch treat!
Ingredients
- 24 ounces frozen roll dough (approximately half of a 3-pound package of Rhode’s frozen white roll dough, or similar brand)
- 1 package (3.4 oz) butterscotch pudding mix, “Cook ‘n Serve” variety (not instant)
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions (Classic Overnight Method)
- Prepare Pan & Rolls: Lightly spray a 10-inch solid tube pan (Bundt pan also works) generously with non-stick cooking spray (like Pam). Arrange the frozen rolls evenly in two layers at the bottom of the pan.
- Mix Dry Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and butterscotch pudding mix. Whisk until thoroughly blended. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the frozen rolls in the pan.
- Add Butter: Carefully pour the ½ cup of melted butter over the sugar and pudding mixture, aiming to distribute it as evenly as possible over the rolls.
- Overnight Rise: Cover the pan loosely with a tent of aluminum foil that has been sprayed with cooking spray on the underside (to prevent sticking to the rising dough). Let the pan sit at room temperature on your kitchen counter overnight (for about 8-12 hours). The rolls will defrost and rise beautifully.
- Preheat Oven: The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Remove the foil cover from the pan. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the caramel is bubbling.
- Cool & Invert: Remove the monkey bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 5 minutes. Then, with caution (the butterscotch glaze will be very hot!), carefully turn the pan over onto a sturdy serving plate. If any caramel remains in the pan, gently scrape it out and pour it over the inverted bread.
Instructions (Showstopper Version with Smaller Rolls)
To create the version with smaller, rounder, individually coated rolls (often called Version B), follow these modified steps:
- Adjust Topping: For this version, you will need to double the butter and the dry sugar/pudding mixture (e.g., use 1 cup melted butter, 1.5 cups brown sugar, 0.5 cup granulated sugar, and 2 packages of butterscotch pudding mix).
- Defrost & Cut Rolls: Defrost the frozen rolls overnight in the refrigerator. The next day, cut each defrosted roll into quarters using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors.
- Dip & Layer: Dip each quarter of roll dough first into the melted butter, ensuring it’s fully coated, then roll it in the doubled sugar mixture. Layer these individually coated pieces into your prepared tube pan. Bake using the same directions as steps 5-7 above.
Notes
Adapted from The Graham Inn’s Recipes.
For an extra touch, serve warm monkey bread with a side of freshly whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a sprinkle of chopped pecans.
Storage: Leftover monkey bread can be stored at room temperature, tightly covered, for 1-2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days, or freeze as described in the FAQ section.
Recommended Products for Success
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- Essential One-Piece Tube Pan
- Versatile Pyrex Mixing Bowls Set
- Convenient Pyrex Measuring Cups
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12
Serving Size:
1 piece
Amount Per Serving (estimated):
Calories: 397Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 34mgSodium: 460mgCarbohydrates: 56gFiber: 3gSugar: 19gProtein: 6g
Thatskinnychickcanbake.com occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although thatskinnychickcanbake.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased can change the nutritional information in any given recipe. Also, many recipes on thatskinnychickcanbake.com recommend toppings, which may or may not be listed as optional and nutritional information for these added toppings is not listed. Other factors may change the nutritional information such as when the salt amount is listed “to taste,” it is not calculated into the recipe as the amount will vary. Also, different online calculators can provide different results.
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