Are you ready to treat your taste buds? This Caramel Pecan Sticky Bun Monkey Bread is mouthwatering and easy to make! With warm, gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and fluffy dough, it’s the perfect sweet dish for any occasion. You can share it at brunch or enjoy it as a late-night snack! Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will make your kitchen smell heavenly. Grab your ingredients, and let’s get started!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 2 cans of refrigerated biscuit dough (16 oz each)
– 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
To make Caramel Pecan Sticky Bun Monkey Bread, you need simple ingredients. First, grab two cans of refrigerated biscuit dough. This dough makes the base of our monkey bread. Next, you will need one cup of pecans, chopped into small pieces. They add a nice crunch and flavor.
You will also want one cup of brown sugar. It gives a rich, sweet taste. Have a half cup of unsalted butter ready, melted for easy mixing. Ground cinnamon is next on the list, about one tablespoon for that warm, cozy flavor.
Don’t forget the caramel sauce! You can use store-bought or try making your own. We need half a cup. One teaspoon of vanilla extract adds depth to the dish. Lastly, just a pinch of salt will bring out the sweetness.
These ingredients work together to create a delicious, gooey treat. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this monkey bread is a crowd-pleaser!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Grease a bundt pan with butter or cooking spray. Sprinkle half of the chopped pecans at the bottom of the pan.
Biscuit Preparation
– Open the biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters.
– In a large bowl, mix brown sugar and ground cinnamon until combined.
Layering the Ingredients
– Toss the biscuit pieces in the cinnamon sugar mix until coated.
– Place half of the coated pieces in the bundt pan over the pecans. Drizzle half of the melted butter and caramel sauce on top.
– Add the rest of the biscuit pieces, then more melted butter, pecans, and caramel sauce.
Baking
– Bake the monkey bread for 30-35 minutes. The top should be golden and the biscuits cooked through.
– Let the monkey bread cool for about 10 minutes in the pan. Carefully invert it onto a serving plate. Enjoy the caramel and pecans oozing over the buns!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Recipe
– Choosing the best biscuit dough
I recommend using refrigerated biscuit dough for this recipe. It is quick and easy. Look for a brand that has a flaky texture. The more layers, the better the monkey bread will be.
– Ensuring even coating with cinnamon sugar
To coat your biscuit pieces well, toss them in a large bowl. Make sure each piece gets a good amount of the cinnamon sugar mix. This adds flavor and makes the bread sweet and sticky.
Serving Suggestions
– Drizzling caramel sauce
After baking, drizzle warm caramel sauce on top. This makes it look great and taste even better. Use store-bought or homemade sauce based on your time and skills.
– Garnishing with additional pecans
Add extra chopped pecans on top for crunch. This also adds a nice look and boosts the flavor.
Enhancing Flavor
– Experimenting with spices
You can try adding nutmeg or ginger for a twist. Just a little can give a new taste to the classic recipe.
– Using homemade caramel sauce
Making your own caramel sauce is easy. It can taste fresher than store-bought. Just heat sugar and water until it turns golden brown. Then, slowly add cream for a rich sauce.

Variations
Nut Alternatives
If you want to switch up the nuts in your monkey bread, consider using walnuts or almonds. Both nuts have a rich flavor and can add a nice crunch. Chop them roughly, just like you do with pecans. This will keep a similar texture while giving you a new taste.
For those with nut allergies, creating a nut-free version is easy. Simply skip the nuts altogether or use seeds like sunflower seeds instead. They add a nice bite without any nut risk.
Flavor Additions
To make your monkey bread even more fun, think about adding chocolate chips. They melt beautifully and create a sweet surprise in every bite. Just toss in a cup when you layer the biscuit pieces.
You can also incorporate fruits or extracts for extra flavor. Try adding dried fruits like cranberries or raisins. They add a chewy texture and a fruity kick. If you prefer liquid flavor, a splash of almond or coconut extract can make a big impact.
Dietary Modifications
If you need gluten-free options, there are great substitutes. Use gluten-free biscuit dough available in stores. This way, you can enjoy the same gooey treat without the gluten.
For those seeking vegan alternatives, swap the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter. Use a plant-based caramel sauce. This keeps the dish tasty while meeting your dietary needs.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Caramel Pecan Sticky Bun Monkey Bread fresh, place it in an airtight container. This will help keep it moist. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. If you want to store it longer, freezing works well too. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It can last up to three months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to eat, reheat the monkey bread in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bread in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat it for about 15 to 20 minutes. This keeps it warm and gooey.
Best Practices for Storage
To keep the bread fresh, avoid cutting it into pieces until you’re ready to serve. This helps seal in moisture. If you notice the bread getting soggy, use a paper towel to absorb excess moisture inside the container. This can help maintain its delicious texture.
For the best taste, always serve the monkey bread warm. A quick reheat can bring back its gooey goodness. Enjoying it fresh will always give you the best experience!
FAQs
What is monkey bread?
Monkey bread is a sweet, sticky pastry made from pieces of dough. It is often served warm and pulled apart by hand. The name comes from the idea that you can eat it like a monkey, pulling off pieces. This treat has roots in the late 1800s and became popular in the United States. It often features cinnamon, sugar, and butter, creating a gooey delight for breakfast or dessert.
Can I use frozen biscuit dough?
Yes, you can use frozen biscuit dough. It is a great time-saver. Just thaw it before you cut it into pieces. This option makes the recipe quick and easy. You will still get that soft, fluffy texture and rich flavor.
How do I make homemade caramel sauce?
Making homemade caramel sauce is simple. Here’s how to do it:
– Ingredients:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Instructions:
1. In a saucepan, mix sugar and water.
2. Heat over medium until sugar dissolves.
3. Let it boil without stirring until it turns golden.
4. Carefully add heavy cream and butter.
5. Stir until smooth, then add vanilla.
This sauce adds a rich flavor to your monkey bread.
Can I prepare this in advance?
You can prepare monkey bread ahead of time. Here are some tips:
– Mix the dough and layer it in the bundt pan.
– Cover and refrigerate overnight.
– Take it out and let it sit for 30 minutes before baking.
This way, you can enjoy fresh monkey bread with less work in the morning.
This blog post shared how to make delicious monkey bread. We explored simple steps, key ingredients, and helpful tips. You learned about variations and storage tips for leftovers.
Monkey bread is fun to make and share. With this guide, you can impress anyone. Enjoy each bite and feel free to get creative with flavors and nuts. Happy baking!
