Welcome to the world of Cinnamon Pecan Monkey Bread, where sweet, sticky, and nutty come together in perfect harmony. This pull-apart treat is a delightful centerpiece for brunch or a cozy dessert on a chilly evening.
Biscuit dough forms the base of this monkey bread, making it easy to assemble without the need for yeast or rising time. Granulated sugar and ground cinnamon create a sweet and spicy coating that caramelizes beautifully. Unsalted butter acts as a rich base for the glaze, while brown sugar adds a molasses-like depth. The pecans provide a toasty crunch that contrasts with the softness of the bread. Finally, a touch of vanilla extract rounds out the flavor profile.
Serve this warm and gooey monkey bread as a brunch centerpiece, paired with a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness. It also makes a lovely dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a Bundt pan. This ensures your monkey bread will come out with ease. Take your two cans of refrigerated biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. This size is perfect for creating pull-apart pieces.
In a large ziplock bag, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Add the biscuit quarters to the bag, seal it up, and give it a good shake. This is where the magic happens — each piece gets coated in that sweet cinnamon goodness.
Now, layer half of these sugar-coated biscuit pieces into your prepared Bundt pan. Sprinkle half of the chopped pecans over the top. This layering helps distribute the flavors evenly throughout the bread.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined, then pour half of this luscious mixture over the biscuits in the pan.
Repeat the process with the remaining biscuit pieces, pecans, and brown sugar mixture. Once everything’s in the pan, pop it in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, until it’s golden brown and bubbly. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate.