Nutty Cinnamon Monkey Bread

by Maris Callahan on July 21, 2011

A few years ago I made monkey bread for my friend Jen and her boyfriend and while I thought that it would be the guy in the room who devoured the majority of it, that wasn’t exactly what happened. Instead, Kevin looked on with amusement, making little to no attempt o mask his apparent disgust, while Jen and I polished off approximately 3/4 of the bread.

Yes, that happened.

You’ve probably heard of monkey bread before but this recipe is one that your family will go nuts over. Made with creamy cinnamon sugar butter and a variety of your favorite nuts, this decadent bread is the perfect treat to wake up to on a Sunday morning, snack on with your afternoon coffee, or dive into for dessert after a busy weeknight.

Earlier this month, our friends at General Mills invited several bloggers to create a delicious recipe for Land O’Lakes with its newest product: Cinnamon Sugar Butter Spread (we were compensated for our time but all opinions here are mine). Now, I’ll be the first to admit that I try to keep my butter consumption to a minimum, but let me tell you, it isn’t easy to do when you have this creamy, sweet spread on hand.

Nutty Cinnamon Monkey Bread

What You Need:

½ cup turbinado sugar (also known as Sugar in the Raw)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
2 cans (16.3 oz each) Pillsbury® Grands!® Homestyle refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
7 tablespoons Land O’Lakes Cinnamon Sugar Butter, melted over a double boiler or in the microwave
½ cup chopped walnuts, (optional)
½ cup chopped peanuts (optional)
½ cup slivered almonds (optional)

How-To:

Pre-heat oven to 350°F. Grease a 10-12 cup bundt pan with cooking spray, butter or shortening.

Mix turbinado sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg in a large bowl until spices are evenly combined. Picking up one biscuit at a time, cut each piece of dough into quarters with a sharp knife or kitchen shears. Toss lightly to coat until all pieces of dough are dusted with the sugar mixture.

Arrange the pieces of dough in the pan so that they overlap. There may be gaps between the dough pieces, which is fine. Fill in the holes with the nuts, as desired.

In small bowl, mix brown sugar, melted butter and vanilla extract. Pour over biscuit pieces. The mixture will be thick, like applesauce, so be sure to pour slowly and evenly to cover the circle of dough as best as you can.

Bake bread for 30 minutes or until dough has turned golden brown. Some of the dough pieces will be puffy and slightly raised over the top of the pan. Let stand in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing. Place a plate or platter on top of the pan and invert, so the cake is upside down and slides out of the pan. Pull pieces apart by hand or slice into 12 pieces for serving.

For all things Land O Lakes you can keep up with them on TWITTER and FACEBOOK.

{ 67 comments… read them below or add one }

Daryl (mom) July 21, 2011 at 2:57 am

I can tell from the ingredient list and your photo that this is going to be addictive! You had best plan to make this next time you are home!

Kim July 28, 2011 at 2:55 pm: And you best be inviting your cousin over to try it! : ) Looks DELISH!!!

Reply

Three-Cookies July 21, 2011 at 3:09 am

This bread has biscuits, wow. I am guessing the bread vanished after the photo was taken:) I always wondered why its called monkey bread?

Gina (The Candid RD) July 21, 2011 at 5:44 am

Sounds heavenly!! I wish my own BF wasn’t a sugar-addict. Nick would definitely have joined you and your friend on polishing this off We both have to help control each other when it comes to sweets and excess carbs! Every once in a while, you just have to go all out…right?!

Simply Life July 21, 2011 at 5:54 am

oh gosh, I could easily eat the whole thing!

Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga July 21, 2011 at 5:58 am

Maris you did SUCH a good job on this. Wow, I want it!!!

A Plum By Any Other Name July 21, 2011 at 6:42 am

Haha. This bread reminds me of the sleepovers I used to have when I was a little lass. Come to think of it, we weren’t very lady-like back then either when it came to polishing off the bread.

Erica July 21, 2011 at 6:43 am

Josh’s Mom was the first person to ever make monkey bread for me (I hadn’t even heard of it!). It is so amazing…one of those treats I rarely like to pull out because I have zero self control around it I actually have a mold and haven’t attempted a loaf myself. Book marking

Lindsay @ Pinch of Yum July 21, 2011 at 6:56 am

Pillsbury Grands save me every time. Every time that I’m a little lazy, that is. How are they so good !?! This looks so perfectly delicious.

Jennifer @ Raisin Questions July 21, 2011 at 7:17 am

Monkey bread always becomes my Indulgence of the Year. It’s hard for me to find another dessert that can top the calorie intake of one sitting in front of monkey bread. It’s just so easy to pull off bite-size piece after bite-size piece… And with cinnamon butter? Whoa.

Emma July 21, 2011 at 7:27 am

What is there about monkey bread to inspire disgust? I don’t get it.

My boyfriend claims to not be too into the sweets, but somehow he’s always been the one who wants to stop for ice cream this summer, after driving long distances or working hard. …Hmmm…. it’s not hopeless yet.

Vivienne July 21, 2011 at 7:27 am

u know the first time i heard about monkey bread was on Oprah
must be an American thing?! can’t get the buttermilk biscuits or sugar butter here…but hopefully ill get a taste of this delicious looking treat sooooon!

chris July 21, 2011 at 7:32 am

I can’t believe I am about to admit this. I have never made or eaten monkey bread. However, this bread looks seriously irresistible and I may have to venture out of my comfort zone.

Tara @ Chip Chip Hooray July 21, 2011 at 7:45 am

Can I just say that I have been reading “turbinado sugar” in recipes for months now, and I had NO idea what it was until you finally just clued me in?? My deepest thanks.

Also, I could definitely, definitely polish off far more of that monkey bread than is societally acceptable. I’m totally cool with that. Yup.

Lynne @ 365 Days of Baking July 21, 2011 at 7:54 am

Cinnamon Sugar Butter Spread???!!!! Where IS it?? Oh my goodness!!!
I know, they probably haven’t released it yet, right? Oh, man.
You used it perfectly, Maris. The bread looks delicious!

designchic July 21, 2011 at 8:20 am

Always a favorite in my family. Especially love making on our family beach trip(17 of us). Great for a crowd!!

Taylor July 21, 2011 at 8:23 am

I’ve never had monkey bread like this…it looks addicting!!!

Anne @ Baking Me July 21, 2011 at 8:38 am

Wow this bread looks and sounds amazing! I have never made monkey bread, I will have to give it a try!

Megan'sCookin' July 21, 2011 at 8:50 am

Now that’s a new product that I haven’t seen yet. I’ll have to look for it, The bread looks dangerous, but in a good way!

Cait's Plate July 21, 2011 at 8:58 am

I was JUST saying the other day that I had never had monkey bread! This looks absolutely amazing and I am definitely going to be using this recipe as soon as I possibly can

Wendy July 21, 2011 at 9:11 am

Go Maris! Great way to incorporate the product!

Alexa July 21, 2011 at 9:15 am

Oh dear that looks absolutely amazing. My mouth is watering!
xo
Alexa

chopinandmysaucepan July 21, 2011 at 9:27 am

Amazing how you can combine biscuit and bread? Looks like a real treat!

Shari @ Chicago Cuisine Critique July 21, 2011 at 9:35 am

I just pinned this on Pinterest. Looks great! You were right it is addicting.

Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen July 21, 2011 at 9:41 am

Oh wow that looks AMAZING! One of my best college friends used to love making monkey bread, but, after having met some of the Land O’Lakes PR people recently, I have to plug that the addition of that delicious buttery spread is a wonderful one.

Heather @girlichef July 21, 2011 at 9:54 am

YUM!! I love monkey bread in any size, shape or form

sweetlife July 21, 2011 at 10:05 am

I love monkey bread, happy to find a new recipe!! thanks for sharing!!

shelly (cookies and cups) July 21, 2011 at 10:05 am

This looks amazing! We love Monkey bread in this house and have it pretty regularly! I’m gonna have to try this

yummychunklet July 21, 2011 at 10:09 am

Hmm…the cinnamon sugar butter spread sounds great. And your monkey bread looks tasty!

Nicole@HeatOvenTo350 July 21, 2011 at 10:16 am

I’ve found that I can always out-eat a guy when it comes to sweets. Sad, but true. I’m positive I could do it with this monkey bread. It looks wonderful.

Sommer@ASpicyPerspective July 21, 2011 at 10:30 am

My aunt used to make this every time we visited! Great memories.

5 Star Foodie July 21, 2011 at 11:06 am

Sounds wonderfully delicious, awesome with the three kinds of nuts!

natalie (the sweets life) July 21, 2011 at 11:44 am

i haven’t had monkey bread in YEARS…mostly bc i know i’ll eat the entire thing if i make it this looks fabulous!

Angie@Angiesrecipes July 21, 2011 at 12:05 pm

From the listed ingredients, I can easily tell how delicious your monkey bread would have tasted!

Roz July 21, 2011 at 12:21 pm

You know how you commented on my post about the blueberry cornbread, and said you couldn’t stop at one piece??? I echo your comment on this post…holy smokes, that looks soooo good, I’m sure I could mow down a huge chunk o’ monkey bread in one sitting. Thanks for sharing such a great recipe Maris. Have a good Thursday.

Rachel W. July 21, 2011 at 1:12 pm

Remember when you whipped these out at the bar?

Caroline July 21, 2011 at 1:40 pm

OMG, I’ve been dying to make monkey bread, as I’ve never made it. Well, and my roommate has been requesting that I make it for months! This looks absolutely amazing. I’m definitely bookmarking this recipe.

sheila @ Elements July 21, 2011 at 2:01 pm

It looks and sounds so melt-in-your-mouth delicious, Maris! But do you believe that I’ve never had monkey bread before? Crazy but true. I’ve got to make it one of these days! That cinnamon sugar butter spread sounds amazing by the way! My favorite food is butter so you know I’d be all over that!

Angela July 21, 2011 at 2:15 pm

I love monkey bread:)

Greg July 21, 2011 at 2:22 pm

Maybe the guys were too busy scarfing salt and fat. I can assure you I would’ve eaten a disgustingly large piece!

Tami@nutmegnotebook July 21, 2011 at 2:57 pm

Oh my goodness that does look good! I haven’t made something like that in a very long time!

Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers July 21, 2011 at 3:14 pm

I’ve never had monkey bread, but I already know I’d like it!

Aggie July 21, 2011 at 3:54 pm

I’ve only made monkey bread…once…and it was actually the frozen kind so I guess that doesn’t really count right, lol?

my kids would love making this with me. And I’m with you…I don’t go through a ton of butter, so when I indulge I really really enjoy it!! This looks heavenly!!

Junia @ Mis Pensamientos July 21, 2011 at 4:38 pm

i love monkey bread! this looks soooo yummy…. perfect with a glass of almond milk

sarah July 21, 2011 at 5:02 pm

I remember the first time I ever tried monkey bread. It was the best day of work ever. I’ve still never made it. I would love it even more with all of these nuts. YUMMY

The Food Hunter July 21, 2011 at 5:07 pm

Oh Monkey Bread…how I try to stay away from you…but just can’t. And now you go and add nuts to it.

EA-The Spicy RD July 21, 2011 at 5:24 pm

I’m thinking very hard right now about how I can easily convert this to gluten-free because it looks SO good! CInnamon sugar butter? Yum!

Alison @ Ingredients, Inc. July 21, 2011 at 5:49 pm

wow looks so good! I have actually never made monkey bread. I’m going to try this

Tanvi@SinfullySpicy July 21, 2011 at 7:20 pm

This looks so perfect and gooey! Wish I could have a BIG bite especially when I suck at bread making Looks so good!

Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella July 21, 2011 at 7:51 pm

This looks amazing Maris! I love the addition of nuts to this, gives it a sticky, crunchy streuselly aspect!

melissa@IWasBornToCook July 21, 2011 at 8:21 pm

I’d do just about anything for a piece of this right now. Or two.

Tessa July 21, 2011 at 9:24 pm

Yes please! My mom and I used to make a savory monkey bread for Thanksgiving. I’ll have to try this cinnamony one

Lisa from Lisas Yarns July 21, 2011 at 9:36 pm

Oh yum! I miss the gooey deliciousness of monkey bread. I don’t think that you can accomplish that with GF products. At least not as easily.. Maybe some day there will be a GF product available so I can return to eating monkey bread. My family puts peanut butter on them. Mmmmm

rebecca July 21, 2011 at 10:35 pm

looks tasty thats why I don’t bake too much he he thanks for the feedback on twitter idea but folks charge for email support also often a free medium and what about sponsored tweets and folks who pay folks to do their social media ??
maybe you know more than me respect your expertise

In Katrina's Kitchen July 22, 2011 at 6:02 am

Oh Maris this is a beauty! A dangerous dangerous beauty. I hardly have any willpower in the morning because of how hungry I usually am. Dangerous I tell you!

Joanne July 22, 2011 at 6:04 am

I always think the men in my life will polish off the desserts I bake for me. And somehow that never happens. And more important, somehow I never learn.

I would have SO been there devouring this with you!

And what is this I hear about you joining us in Boston. Is this TRUE?!?!?!?

Blond Duck July 22, 2011 at 6:20 am

This would be the perfect gift for the holidays!

Rosa July 22, 2011 at 6:41 am

Oh, it looks incredibly tempting and so beautiful! A treat I have never made, but can’t wait to try.

Cheers,

Rosa

Kitchen Belleicious July 22, 2011 at 7:02 am

Oh its my fav. Now your bringing me back to the good old days. My aunt used to make this for us seriously every weekend. She is an awesome baker and between this and her famous cookies let’s just say that is how i became addicted to sweets. I love your slightly different version. It looks fantastic!

Aparna E. July 22, 2011 at 7:07 am

I LOVE Monkey Bread!! It’s probably one of the most genius breads. Pull it apart? Cinnamon-sugar deliciousness? What’s not to love. Your take on it is even better!! Texture is important to me when eating anything, so great idea on the nuts! Thanks for sharing, Maris! Have a great weekend! <3

Linda July 22, 2011 at 7:17 am

Maris, this brought back so many memories! I’ve made this in the past and absolutely know how addicting this is! I too have to totally control myself from eating it all! I love that you added in all those nuts, really puts it over the top!

brandi July 22, 2011 at 8:29 am

delicious! my grandmother always makes monkey bread for Christmas morning. Good memories

Alana D July 22, 2011 at 10:38 am

Bread scares me but this sounds yummy

Rachel @ Not Rachael Ray July 22, 2011 at 2:51 pm

Oh yum! This looks amazing!

The Harried Cook July 22, 2011 at 10:05 pm

Yummy! I really love the addition of the different nuts in this recipe… Makes sense for a ‘monkey’ bread, right? Sounds and looks really yummy, Maris! Thanks for sharing

Sukaina July 28, 2011 at 2:49 pm

Wow, this bread has everytHing I love, cinnamon, nuts, butter and carbs. LOVE!!!

Martyna @ Wholesome Cook August 2, 2011 at 2:04 am

I’ve been hearing about monkey bread for a while now, and looking at your picture I would love to make some… I guess I could use normal butter + cinnamon? You also get cookie dough in a can… Perhaps I could substitute with a refigerated cookie dough we get here in logs, or maybe use my LSA cookie dough… I really want to make this. Adding to my list of “recipes to brainstorm”.