When it comes to delicious, shareable treats, nothing quite compares to Granny’s Monkey Bread! This delightful concoction has been a staple in my family for as long as I can remember, and it always brings a smile to my face (and a rumbly tummy!). The first time I made it, I was fumbling around the kitchen while my grandma chuckled and shared stories of how she used to whip this up for weekend brunches with us grandkids. The smell of cinnamon and brown sugar wafting through the house was nothing short of heavenly. I mean, who could resist gooey, buttery bites of bread that practically beg to be torn apart? It’s a glorious mess, and that’s precisely the charm of it!
What I love most about Monkey Bread is how versatile it is. Whether you’re having a relaxed Sunday morning, hosting a brunch, or just craving something sweet to share with friends, this recipe makes it feel like a special occasion. Plus, it’s almost magical how easy it is to put together! Grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into the world of ooey-gooey deliciousness!
What’s in Granny’s Monkey Bread?
- Refrigerated biscuits: These are the backbone of our Monkey Bread. I use two (8 oz) cans to keep it nice and quick, but feel free to go for the brand you love. You could even make your own from scratch if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Granulated sugar: A full cup of sweetness to coat those doughy pieces generously. You can always adjust based on how sweet you like your treats!
- Ground cinnamon: A classic flavor that pairs perfectly with the butter and sugar mixture. I can never resist a little sprinkle extra on top as it bakes!
- Unsalted butter: Butter makes everything better, right? I always use one stick for that rich, decadent finish. Make sure it’s unsalted so we can control our saltiness.
- Light brown sugar: The secret to that rich, caramel-like flavor. It adds a wonderful richness that balances well with the light biscuit texture.
- Vanilla extract: This is optional, but if there’s one thing I love, it’s adding a little vanilla for depth. Trust me; it’s worth it!
- Cooking spray: Let’s not forget to grease that bundt pan! A quick spray ensures our sticky masterpiece comes out whole, with no fingers crossed.
Is Granny’s Monkey Bread Good for You?
Ah, the million-dollar question! Well, let’s just say this isn’t the most health-conscious dish we could indulge in, but what it lacks in health perks it makes up for in blissful happiness! The refrigerated biscuits provide a fun, fluffy base, while the combo of butter and brown sugar creates a delectable goo that some might call a hug in dessert form. Think of it as a treat rather than an everyday snack. That being said, if you’re feeling fancy and want to add some nuts like pecans or walnuts, you’ll get a bit of protein to balance out the sugars. You can also try using whole-grain biscuits or reducing the sugar for a healthier twist!
Ingredients List
- 2 (8 oz) cans of refrigerated biscuits
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Cooking spray (for greasing the pan)
How to Make Granny’s Monkey Bread?
- First things first, let’s preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). Your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
- In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar with the ground cinnamon. This is the magic mixture we’ll be rolling our biscuit pieces in.
- Next, grab those cans of biscuits and cut each biscuit into quarters. Channel your inner baker and get those pieces ready for their cinnamon-sugar spa treatment!
- Roll each quartered biscuit piece in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they’re completely coated. This is where things start to get delicious!
- Now, lightly grease your bundt pan with cooking spray to prevent this beauty from sticking. We want every last piece!
- Layer those coated biscuit pieces in the bundt pan, stacking them randomly and creating a glorious mix.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and mix in the brown sugar. Stir until it’s a lovely caramel-colored syrup, then remove from heat and add vanilla extract if you’re using it. Heck, you could even add a splash of rum for fun!
- Pour the brown sugar and butter mixture evenly over the biscuit pieces in the bundt pan. Try to cover all those fluffy bits!
- Bake in your preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is a beautiful golden brown and the biscuits are cooked through. Get ready for some serious smells!
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. Watch as the gooey caramel drizzles down like a delicious waterfall!
- Serve warm, breaking apart the ‘monkey’ pieces to enjoy. You can’t go wrong with that!
Monkey Business Tips
- Don’t be shy about adding extras! Chopped nuts, chocolate chips, and even a drizzle of caramel on top can make for some scrumptious variations.
- This treat is best served warm. If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house), simply reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds for that freshly baked taste.
- If you want to make this extra special, try serving it with a side of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!
There you have it! Granny’s Monkey Bread is not just a recipe; it’s a trip down memory lane and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I encourage you to try this out with your loved ones, gather around the kitchen, and enjoy the delightful chaos of pulling apart warm bits of sweet goodness. And please, let me know how it turns out; I love hearing your stories and variations! Happy baking!
