If you are looking for a sweet, sticky, and utterly irresistible treat, this Caramel-Pecan Monkey Bread Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine soft biscuit pieces drenched in a buttery caramel sauce, studded generously with crunchy pecans, all baked into a golden, pull-apart masterpiece that fills your kitchen with the most delightful aroma. Whether it’s a cozy brunch with friends or a comforting dessert after dinner, this monkey bread never fails to bring smiles and seconds around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, creating the perfect balance of buttery sweetness, crunch, and warmth that defines this Caramel-Pecan Monkey Bread Recipe. Each one plays a key role in building the flavor, texture, and inviting golden color that makes every bite pure joy.
- 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough: The base of the bread, providing fluffy, tender layers that soak up the caramel beautifully.
- 1 cup pecans, chopped: Adding a satisfying crunch and a nutty depth that contrasts the sweet, gooey caramel.
- 1 cup brown sugar: The rich sweetness that caramelizes perfectly during baking.
- 1/2 cup melted butter: Key for making the caramel sauce luscious and moist throughout the bread.
- 1 tbsp cinnamon: Adds a warm spice note to the sugar coating on the biscuit pieces.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Combined with cinnamon to give the biscuit bites a sweet, slightly crunchy crust.
How to Make Caramel-Pecan Monkey Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a bundt pan thoroughly. Greasing ensures the sticky caramel and dough do not cling too tightly, making the final pull-apart bread easy to release once baked.
Step 2: Cut and Coat the Biscuit Dough
Take the refrigerated biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. In a separate bowl, mix granulated sugar with cinnamon. Toss the biscuit pieces in this mixture until they are well coated. This gives them a flavorful, slightly crunchy exterior once baked.
Step 3: Layer the Pecans and Biscuit Pieces
Place the chopped pecans evenly across the bottom of the greased bundt pan. These nuts will toast as the bread bakes, adding texture and flavor. Then, layer the cinnamon-sugar-coated biscuit pieces on top, distributing them evenly for consistent baking.
Step 4: Make and Pour the Caramel Sauce
Mix the melted butter with brown sugar to create a rich caramel sauce. Pour this mixture over the layered biscuit pieces and pecans, ensuring it drizzles down to coat everything. This sauce is what creates that sticky, sweet coating everyone loves.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Caramelized
Bake the monkey bread for 35 to 40 minutes. As it bakes, the caramel sauce thickens and bubbles while the biscuit pieces turn a beautiful golden brown. The smell alone will have you eagerly awaiting the moment it comes out of the oven.
Step 6: Cool and Invert
Allow the bread to cool for about 10 minutes once out of the oven. This rest time helps the caramel set slightly, making it easier to invert onto a serving plate without losing any of that sticky goodness. Once flipped, the caramel-pecan crust will be on top, ready to be pulled apart.
How to Serve Caramel-Pecan Monkey Bread Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, consider dusting the bread with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or adding a drizzle of warm caramel sauce over the top. A handful of extra toasted pecans can also enhance the nutty flavor and add visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This monkey bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or rich hot chocolate for breakfast or brunch. If serving as dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream complements the warm, sweet flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve individual portions in small ramekins or muffin tins lined with parchment for easy pull-apart servings. You can also offer a small spread of flavored butters or cream cheeses alongside to add a savory contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store any leftover Caramel-Pecan Monkey Bread Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the bread soft and the caramel moist without turning sticky or hard.
Freezing
You can freeze the monkey bread before baking by assembling it in your bundt pan, wrapping tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and placing it in the freezer. When ready, bake it directly from frozen, adding about 10 more minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices or the entire loaf in a warm oven at 300°F for 10 to 15 minutes. This refreshes the gooey caramel texture and warms the pecans without drying out the bread. Microwave reheating is possible but may soften the crunchy pecans.
FAQs
Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Homemade biscuit dough adds a personal touch and can make the bread even more delicious. Just make sure the dough is firm enough to hold up when tossed in sugar and layered in the pan.
Is it possible to make this recipe nut-free?
Yes, you can omit the pecans entirely, or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for a nut-free crunch. The caramel coating alone still delivers plenty of flavor and gooey texture.
How do I prevent the monkey bread from sticking to the pan?
Generously grease your bundt pan with butter or non-stick spray, and consider dusting lightly with flour. This step is crucial for ensuring a smooth release when inverting the bread after baking.
Can I make this recipe healthier?
While this treat is indulgent by nature, you can reduce sugar slightly or use a sugar substitute if desired. Using whole wheat biscuit dough can also add fiber and a nuttier flavor.
What should I do if my caramel sauce is too runny?
If the caramel seems too thin, allow the bread to cool a bit longer before inverting. The caramel sets as it cools. Alternatively, you can drizzle some warmed, thicker caramel sauce over the top after baking for extra gooeyness.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel-Pecan Monkey Bread Recipe is one of those magical dishes that brings happiness with every pull-apart bite. It’s perfect for sharing, simple to make, and utterly delicious. Give it a go at your next gathering—you’ll find it quickly becoming a beloved tradition!
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Caramel-Pecan Monkey Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm, gooey pull-apart monkey bread coated in a rich buttery caramel sauce and studded with crunchy chopped pecans. This delightful treat is perfect for brunch or as a decadent dessert that’s sure to impress guests and satisfy sweet cravings.
Ingredients
Monkey Bread
- 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
Coating
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cut the biscuits: Cut each biscuit from the cans into quarters to create evenly sized bite pieces.
- Coat the biscuit pieces: In a bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together. Toss the biscuit quarters in this mixture until they are fully coated with cinnamon sugar.
- Add pecans to pan: Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly across the bottom of the prepared bundt pan to create a nutty base.
- Layer biscuit pieces: Arrange the cinnamon-sugar coated biscuit pieces on top of the pecans in the bundt pan, layering them evenly.
- Prepare caramel sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar, mixing well until smooth and uniform.
- Pour caramel over biscuits: Drizzle the butter and brown sugar mixture evenly over the layered biscuit pieces in the bundt pan.
- Bake: Place the bundt pan in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the caramel sauce is bubbly and caramelized.
- Cool and invert: Allow the monkey bread to cool for about 10 minutes before inverting the pan onto a serving plate, letting the gooey caramel and pecans coat the top beautifully.
Notes
- Add a pinch of salt to the caramel sauce mixture to enhance the depth of flavor.
- For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle warmed additional caramel sauce over the finished monkey bread before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
