If you’re looking for a sweet, sticky, and utterly irresistible treat to wow your friends and family, then this Easy Maple Pecan Monkey Bread Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine soft, pillowy biscuit pieces coated in cinnamon sugar, layered with crunchy pecans, and drenched in a luscious maple-butter glaze that caramelizes as it bakes. It’s one of those comforting, shareable desserts that brings everyone to the table, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you want a cozy indulgence that’s surprisingly simple to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating that unforgettable combination of textures and flavors. From the buttery sweetness of brown sugar to the warm crunch of pecans, these essentials come together effortlessly to turn simple biscuits into pure magic.
- Granulated sugar: Provides a sweet base that pairs beautifully with warming cinnamon for that classic monkey bread coating.
- Cinnamon: Adds a fragrant spice that perfectly complements the sweetness without overwhelming the palate.
- Refrigerated canned biscuit dough: The foundation of your monkey bread, giving you tender, fluffy bites every single time.
- Chopped pecans: Their toasty crunch balances the soft dough and adds a nutty depth to every mouthful.
- Brown sugar: Packed tightly and full of molasses, it creates a rich caramel-like glaze when baked with butter.
- Butter: The melted butter not only enriches the flavor but also helps to bind and caramelize the sugars.
- Pure maple syrup: The star of this Easy Maple Pecan Monkey Bread Recipe, bringing a distinct natural sweetness and that unmistakable maple aroma.
How to Make Easy Maple Pecan Monkey Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit – this ensures the perfect heat for everything to bake evenly. Generously coat a 12-cup Bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray so your monkey bread will release with ease after baking.
Step 2: Mix Cinnamon and Sugar
Combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a large gallon-size plastic storage bag. This simple mixture will coat the biscuit pieces, giving them that classic monkey bread flavor and a lovely golden color when baked.
Step 3: Cut and Coat the Biscuit Dough
Remove the biscuit dough from the cans and separate into 16 biscuits. Carefully cut each biscuit into quarters with a sharp knife. Place about 4 biscuit pieces into the bag with the cinnamon sugar and shake it well to coat each piece evenly. This step is where the magic begins, as every bite gets sweetly dusted and ready to caramelize.
Step 4: Layer the Dough and Pecans
Arrange a layer of the coated biscuit pieces in the prepared Bundt pan, then sprinkle chopped pecans over them. Repeat layering the coated biscuit pieces with pecans, making sure everything is evenly distributed. The pecans add texture and a toasty flavor that’s essential for this recipe’s signature crunch.
Step 5: Pour the Maple Butter Glaze
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and pure maple syrup. Once blended, spoon this sweet, buttery mixture evenly over the layered biscuit pieces and pecans. This glaze will soak in as the bread bakes, creating a sticky, caramelized finish that makes this Easy Maple Pecan Monkey Bread Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the biscuits are cooked through. After baking, allow the monkey bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes—this helps the glaze set and makes it easier to invert onto a plate without falling apart.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Finally, carefully invert your Bundt pan onto a serving plate to reveal your sticky, gooey masterpiece. Serve warm for the best experience, and get ready to watch everyone dive in happily.
How to Serve Easy Maple Pecan Monkey Bread Recipe
Garnishes
While the monkey bread is delightful on its own, adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of extra maple syrup on top elevates its appeal and adds a little extra sweetness. Freshly chopped pecans sprinkled over the top add texture and make it look extra tempting.
Side Dishes
Pair this sweet treat with a side of fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries to balance its richness. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side makes it perfect for brunch or a cozy dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve the monkey bread in individual mini Bundt pans for personal portions. Another fun idea is to pull it apart and serve it family-style on a rustic wooden board for a casual, shareable presentation that invites nibbling and conversation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (and believe me, that’s rare), cover them tightly with plastic wrap or store the monkey bread in an airtight container. It stays soft and flavorful at room temperature for up to two days.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled monkey bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to one month, so feel free to make it ahead for busy mornings or special occasions.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap the monkey bread and warm it in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes or until heated through. This helps restore the gooey texture and brings back that just-baked aroma. For a quicker option, microwave a portion for about 15 to 20 seconds, but the oven method is best for texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of canned?
Absolutely! Homemade biscuit dough works wonderfully if you want a fresher, more personalized flavor. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold its shape while coated and baked.
What can I substitute for pecans if I have a nut allergy?
You can replace pecans with seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch, or omit nuts entirely if allergies are a concern. The monkey bread will still be deliciously sticky and sweet.
Is this recipe suitable for making ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the layers in the Bundt pan the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake in the morning, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it cooks through.
Can I use other sweeteners besides maple syrup?
While pure maple syrup gives the best flavor, you can substitute honey or even a simple vanilla syrup. Just keep in mind that the final taste will change slightly, and maple is what makes this recipe special.
How do I prevent the monkey bread from sticking to the pan?
Generously spraying the Bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray is crucial. You can also lightly butter the pan before spraying for extra insurance that your monkey bread comes out perfect.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about gathering around a warm, gooey batch of this Easy Maple Pecan Monkey Bread Recipe with people you love. It’s simple enough for a weekday treat but impressive enough for celebrations. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone looking to add a little sweetness and joy to their day—once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
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Easy Maple Pecan Monkey Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
This Easy Maple Pecan Monkey Bread is a delightful, pull-apart treat made with flaky biscuit dough coated in cinnamon sugar, layered with crunchy pecans, and drizzled with a rich maple-brown sugar glaze. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch, this sweet bread offers a perfect balance of buttery, nutty, and maple flavors baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Coating
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Bread
- 2 cans (16.3 ounces each) refrigerated canned biscuit dough (such as Pillsbury Grands refrigerated buttermilk biscuits)
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Syrup
- 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- ¾ cup butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously coat a 12-cup Bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the monkey bread won’t stick.
- Mix cinnamon sugar: In a large gallon-size plastic storage bag, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. This will be used for coating the biscuit pieces.
- Prepare biscuit pieces: Remove the biscuit dough from the cans and separate into 16 individual biscuits. Using a sharp knife, cut each biscuit into quarters to create smaller pieces for easier layering and even cooking.
- Coat biscuit pieces: Place 4 biscuit pieces into the plastic bag with the cinnamon sugar mixture, seal the bag, and shake well to coat all pieces evenly. Arrange these coated pieces in the prepared Bundt pan. Repeat this process with the remaining biscuit pieces, layering them in the pan and sprinkling chopped pecans over each layer for added crunch and flavor.
- Prepare maple syrup mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and pure maple syrup until fully combined and smooth.
- Apply syrup and bake: Evenly spoon the maple syrup mixture over the layered biscuit pieces in the Bundt pan. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Once baked, allow the monkey bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Carefully invert the Bundt pan onto a serving plate so the bread can easily be removed. Serve warm, allowing guests to pull apart the sticky, sweet pieces.
Notes
- For best results, use refrigerated biscuit dough like Pillsbury Grands for a tender texture.
- Ensure even coating of cinnamon sugar for balanced sweetness and flavor.
- Let the bread rest briefly after baking to help the syrup set and avoid burns when serving.
- Store leftovers tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Reheat individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a soft, warm treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
