Joanna'S Monkey Bread
A gooey, sweet monkey bread with cinnamon, pecans, and a caramel-like glaze, perfect for sharing at breakfast or brunch gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease an angel food cake or Bundt pan and spread chopped pecans inside.
- Quarter the biscuits and coat each piece with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Place the coated biscuit pieces in the prepared baking pan.
- Pour the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture over the biscuits.
- In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, margarine, Karo syrup, and water. Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the biscuits in the pan.
- Bake for 35 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using reduced-fat biscuits or swapping half the margarine for unsweetened applesauce. You can also experiment with different nuts like walnuts or even omit them entirely for a nut-free treat. Ensure to coat the biscuit pieces thoroughly in the cinnamon sugar for maximum flavor. Try serving with a side of fruit to balance the sweetness, like a fresh Strawberry Onion Salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve monkey bread warm, drizzled with extra caramel sauce if desired. This sweet treat is perfect for brunch or dessert and pairs beautifully with Earl Biles Party Punch for a festive occasion. You can also enjoy it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover monkey bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place individual pieces in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through. This will help retain its gooey texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Joanna'S Monkey Bread contains roughly 302 calories, with 3g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 monkey bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the monkey bread up to the baking step and refrigerate it overnight. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.
What can I substitute for margarine?
You can substitute margarine with an equal amount of unsalted butter or a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil for a vegan version. Each option will provide a slightly different flavor, but both will work well in this recipe.
Can I use homemade biscuits instead of canned?
Absolutely! Using homemade biscuits can enhance the flavor and texture of your monkey bread. Just ensure they are cut into uniform pieces to allow for even cooking. This is a great way to customize the recipe to your taste.
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).