Monkey Bread Recipe Dutch Oven: Easy & Delicious Treat

Updated On: October 14, 2025

Monkey bread is one of those irresistible treats that brings back memories of cozy family breakfasts and holiday gatherings. This pull-apart bread, sticky with cinnamon sugar and buttery goodness, is best when baked in a Dutch oven, which gives it a perfect crust and soft, tender interior.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie, this Monkey Bread recipe Dutch oven style is simple, fun, and guaranteed to impress. Imagine a warm, gooey, cinnamon-scented bread that you can tear apart with your hands — it’s basically happiness in food form.

Baking monkey bread in a Dutch oven elevates this classic comfort food, allowing even heat distribution and a rustic finish. Perfect for sharing or indulging solo, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves baking and sweet treats.

Plus, you can customize it with nuts, raisins, or even a drizzle of glaze for extra flair. Ready to create some magic in your kitchen?

Let’s dive into the full recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This monkey bread recipe is a game-changer for several reasons. First, using a Dutch oven ensures your bread bakes evenly with a golden crust that’s just the right amount of crunchy.

No more worrying about uneven baking or burning edges!

Second, the recipe is straightforward and uses common pantry ingredients like biscuit dough, cinnamon, sugar, and butter. You don’t need fancy baking skills or complicated steps to enjoy this delicious treat.

Lastly, it’s incredibly versatile. You can keep it classic with cinnamon sugar, or add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or fruit for a personalized twist.

Plus, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even a tasty snack. The pull-apart nature makes it fun to eat and share, creating memorable moments around the table.

Ingredients

  • 2 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough (about 16 biscuits)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, 1/2 cup raisins or chocolate chips

Equipment

  • Dutch oven (6-7 quart size works best)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Baking sheet or plate for coating biscuit dough
  • Knife or kitchen scissors (to cut dough if needed)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your Dutch oven with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the cinnamon sugar mix: In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
  3. Cut the biscuit dough into quarters. Using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, cut each biscuit into four smaller pieces for bite-sized portions.
  4. Coat the dough pieces: Roll each piece of dough in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. For extra texture, toss in chopped nuts or raisins at this stage if using.
  5. Arrange the coated dough pieces in your Dutch oven. Place them loosely in layers without pressing down; this allows the bread to bake into pull-apart pieces.
  6. Make the butter sugar sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and bubbling slightly.
  7. Pour the butter sauce evenly over the dough pieces in the Dutch oven. This will soak down and caramelize during baking, creating that signature sticky coating.
  8. Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the lid and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  9. Let the monkey bread cool for 10 minutes. This resting time helps the caramel set slightly for easier pulling and serving.
  10. Invert the Dutch oven onto a large plate or serving dish. The monkey bread should come out in one piece, ready to be torn apart and enjoyed!

Tips & Variations

“For the best monkey bread texture, don’t press the dough balls down in the Dutch oven; keep them loosely packed to allow for expansion.”

  • Use homemade biscuit dough if you want an all-from-scratch version; just be sure to roll and cut it into small pieces.
  • Swap out cinnamon sugar for pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice for a seasonal twist.
  • Add mix-ins like mini chocolate chips, chopped apples, or dried cranberries for bursts of flavor.
  • Try a glaze drizzle: Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to drizzle over the warm monkey bread for extra sweetness.
  • For less mess, line your Dutch oven with parchment paper before layering the dough.
  • Leftovers: Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate and reheat gently in the microwave.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount Per Serving Notes
Calories 320 Based on 1/12 of the recipe
Carbohydrates 45g Mostly from sugars and flour
Fat 13g From butter and biscuit dough
Saturated Fat 7g Butter contributes saturated fat
Protein 4g From biscuit dough
Sugar 20g Includes added sugar and brown sugar
Fiber 1g Minimal fiber content

Serving Suggestions

Monkey bread is delicious on its own, but here are a few ways to elevate your serving experience:

  • Serve warm with a side of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent dessert.
  • Pair with fresh fruit or a fruit compote for a balanced brunch plate.
  • Enjoy alongside a hot cup of coffee, tea, or spiced chai for a comforting treat.
  • Drizzle with cream cheese glaze or a simple powdered sugar icing to add a touch of sweetness.

Looking for more delicious recipes to complement your baking adventures? Check out these favorites: Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide, Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals, and Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas.

Conclusion

This monkey bread recipe baked in a Dutch oven is the epitome of comfort food done right. The combination of buttery, cinnamon-sugar-coated dough balls baked to golden perfection creates an irresistible treat that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying all to yourself.

It’s a recipe that invites fun, encourages creativity with mix-ins, and fills your kitchen with a cozy, inviting aroma.

Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a casual weekend breakfast, monkey bread will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. Plus, the Dutch oven method ensures easy cleanup and a beautifully rustic presentation.

So gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and get ready to enjoy this delicious, pull-apart delight that everyone will love!

📖 Recipe Card: Monkey Bread Recipe Dutch Oven

Description: A sweet, pull-apart bread baked in a Dutch oven, perfect for sharing. Soft, gooey, and coated with cinnamon sugar and butter.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT35M
Total Time: PT55M

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 3 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (16 oz each)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Non-stick cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spray Dutch oven with non-stick cooking spray.
  3. Cut biscuit dough into quarters.
  4. Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.
  5. Roll dough pieces in cinnamon sugar mixture.
  6. Layer coated dough pieces in the Dutch oven.
  7. Melt butter and mix with brown sugar, vanilla, and salt.
  8. Pour butter mixture evenly over dough.
  9. Cover Dutch oven and bake for 30 minutes.
  10. Remove lid and bake an additional 5 minutes until golden.
  11. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 350 | Protein: 5g | Fat: 15g | Carbs: 50g

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Marta K

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