Monkey bread has long been a staple of comfort-food baking. Sticky, sweet, and rich with cinnamon flavor, this pull-apart treat is traditionally made in a bundt pan and enjoyed at family gatherings, holiday mornings, or cozy weekends. But what if you don’t own a bundt pan—or want a smaller, more practical version that’s just as indulgent?
📌 What Is Monkey Bread (and Why You’ll Love the Loaf Pan Version)?
Monkey bread is a pull-apart pastry made by layering dough pieces rolled in cinnamon sugar and baking them together into a sticky, golden mass. As it bakes, the sugar and butter caramelize into a syrupy glaze, making the interior tender and the edges deliciously chewy.
Why Loaf Pan Monkey Bread is Better for Many Home Cooks:
- ✔️ No special pans or equipment required
- ✔️ Makes a smaller batch (ideal for families or singles)
- ✔️ Easier slicing and storing
- ✔️ Still features that classic pull-apart texture and sticky glaze
🥣 Ingredients You’ll Need (and Why)
Here’s everything you need to make loaf pan monkey bread from scratch—or with a smart store-bought shortcut.
For the Dough (Shortcut Method)
- 2 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough
➤ Why: Fast, reliable, and perfect for beginners.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
➤ Why: This classic combination caramelizes during baking for that signature flavor.
For the Butter Drizzle
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
➤ Why: Helps create the gooey texture and helps sugar stick.
Cream Cheese Glaze (Optional But Recommended)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream
➤ Why: Adds a rich, tangy layer of sweetness on top—just like a cinnamon roll.
🧑🍳 Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Loaf Pan Monkey Bread
Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, follow these steps for guaranteed success:
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan generously with softened butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Prep the Cinnamon Sugar
In a medium bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and cinnamon until well mixed.
Step 3: Cut and Roll the Dough
Open your biscuit cans. Cut each biscuit into quarters. Roll each piece lightly into a ball. Toss the dough balls in the cinnamon sugar, coating well on all sides.
💡 Pro Tip: Use a ziplock bag to shake the pieces in the sugar mixture—easy and mess-free!
Step 4: Layer It Up
Place the coated dough balls into the loaf pan in a single layer. Drizzle with melted butter. Continue layering dough and butter until the pan is nearly full. Finish with a final sprinkle of leftover cinnamon sugar.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean.
🕒 Time-saving tip: You can prep the night before and refrigerate. Just add 5 extra minutes to the baking time.
Step 6: Let It Rest
Cool in the pan for about 5–10 minutes. Carefully remove from the pan (if desired) and transfer to a serving dish.
Step 7: Add the Glaze (Optional)
Beat cream cheese until smooth. Mix in powdered sugar and cream until pourable. Drizzle over warm monkey bread.
🔄 Ingredient Substitutions and Customizations
Want to make your version dairy-free? Low sugar? A bit fancy for the holidays? Try these swaps and add-ins:
🔄 Substitutes
- Dairy-Free: Coconut oil instead of butter; plant-based cream cheese
- Low Sugar: Use monk fruit sweetener or coconut sugar
- Homemade Dough Option: Use pizza dough or sweet bread dough if you avoid store-bought biscuits
🍎 Add-Ins
- Chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
- Raisins, dried cranberries, or mini chocolate chips
- Apple chunks tossed in cinnamon
- Pumpkin spice or nutmeg for fall vibes
- Lemon zest + blueberries for a fruity twist
🍴 Serving Suggestions: When and How to Enjoy It
This easy loaf pan monkey bread is incredibly versatile. Here are our favorite ways to serve:
| Occasion | Serve With |
|---|---|
| Weekend Brunch | Fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, coffee |
| Dessert Night | Vanilla ice cream, hot caramel drizzle |
| Holiday Morning | Hot cocoa or eggnog |
| After-School Treat | Cold milk or a smoothie |
📸 Presentation Tip: Serve on a wooden board with a dusting of powdered sugar and extra glaze on the side.
📦 Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh
After baking, store your monkey bread properly to keep it tasting amazing.
🌡️ Room Temperature:
- Airtight container for up to 2 days
🧊 Refrigerator:
- Keeps for up to 5 days
- Reheat in the microwave for 15–30 seconds
❄️ Freezer:
- Freeze (without glaze) for up to 1 month
- Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat at 300°F for 10–15 minutes
💡 Expert Baking Tips
Want bakery-level results every time? Follow these secrets:
- ✅ Don’t overpack the dough—give it room to rise and expand
- ✅ Use warm dough, not cold, for easier rolling and better texture
- ✅ Mix ¼ cup brown sugar with the melted butter for extra gooey richness
- ✅ Line your pan with parchment to make cleanup easier
- ✅ Glaze while warm but not hot, so it doesn’t melt off entirely
🔀 Creative Variations to Try Next
Tired of the same-old cinnamon version? You’ll love these tested flavor upgrades:
🍏 Apple Cinnamon Monkey Bread
Toss apple chunks in cinnamon and layer between dough balls.
🍫 Chocolate Hazelnut
Spread Nutella between layers and top with crushed hazelnuts.
🧄 Savory Garlic Cheese Bread
Use pizza dough, garlic butter, and shredded mozzarella—great as a side dish.
🎃 Pumpkin Spice Glazed Bread
Add pumpkin pie spice to sugar mix and drizzle with a spiced cream cheese glaze.
📊 Nutrition Info (Per Serving, Approx. 1/10 of Loaf)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Sugar | 24g |
| Sodium | 450mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 35mg |
❓ FAQs: All Your Monkey Bread Questions Answered
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prep and refrigerate overnight. Add 5–7 minutes to the bake time when ready.
Do I need to flip it out of the pan?
No. That’s the beauty of the loaf pan—slice and serve directly from the pan if you like.
Can I double the recipe?
You can, but use two loaf pans or switch to a bundt pan.
Is monkey bread kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Let kids help roll the dough balls—it’s fun and safe.
🧼 Cleaning Tip: Loaf Pans & Sticky Sugar
That sugary glaze can cling to your pan. Here’s how to clean it easily:
- Soak in warm water immediately after use
- Use baking soda paste for stubborn spots
- Avoid harsh scrubbing to preserve nonstick coating
- Line pan with parchment next time to save scrubbing
🎯 Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Fall in Love with Loaf Pan Monkey Bread
Loaf Pan Monkey Bread is more than a recipe—it’s an experience. The smell, the warmth, the first pull of a sticky piece—everything about it feels comforting, homemade, and joy-filled.
Whether you’re baking for a crowd or indulging in a solo treat, this version makes monkey bread more accessible, less intimidating, and just as delicious.
