Christmas Morning Monkey Bread

Prep: 15 min Cook: 50 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A decadent, sweet breakfast treat featuring layers of flaky biscuits coated in cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar, perfect for festive mornings or family gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 3 tubes biscuits
  • 1 1/4 sticks butter
  • 1 1/4 cups brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon cloves
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups chopped nuts

Instructions

  1. Grease a tube or Bundt pan well.
  2. Place one-third of the biscuits in the pan.
  3. Mix the remaining ingredients and cover the first layer of biscuits with half of the mixture.
  4. Add the next one-third of the biscuits and top with the remaining nut mixture.
  5. Place the last one-third of the biscuits on top.
  6. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes at 300°F or until dark golden brown.
  7. Immediately invert onto a serving platter and cool slightly before serving by pulling apart with fingers.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of pecans and walnuts for the chopped nuts. If you prefer, you can substitute the biscuits with homemade dough or crescent rolls for a flakier texture. Experiment with spices like cardamom or ginger for added warmth. If you want a sweeter twist, drizzle a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk on top after baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the monkey bread warm, pulling apart the pieces with your hands for a fun and interactive experience. It pairs beautifully with Golden Crumbled Potatoes for a festive brunch. Consider serving with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for a touch of sweetness. Perfect as a centerpiece for any holiday breakfast table!

Storage & Reheating

Leftover monkey bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, place individual pieces in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Christmas Morning Monkey Bread contains roughly 551 calories, with 4g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

551 kcal 28% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4g 8% DV
Total Fat 36.4g 47% DV
Carbs 55g 20% DV
Fiber 8.7g 31% DV
Sugar 27.9g 56% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 128.8mg 6% DV
Potassium 208mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 39.4mg 13% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 2mcg
Vitamin C 1.2mg 1% DV
Calcium 160.3mg 12% DV
Iron 1.9mg 11% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the monkey bread ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the monkey bread the night before and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. In the morning, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.

What type of nuts work best for this recipe?

Pecans and walnuts are popular choices due to their rich flavors and textures. However, feel free to use any nuts you prefer or have on hand, such as almonds or hazelnuts, to customize the recipe to your taste.

Can I add other ingredients to the monkey bread?

Absolutely! You can mix in dried fruits like raisins or cranberries, or even chocolate chips for a sweeter version. Just be mindful of the overall moisture content to ensure the bread bakes evenly.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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