Monkey Bread Recipe from Scratch (Cinnamon Roll Bites)

Skip the store-bought biscuits and discover how simple it is to create these pull-apart cinnamon-sugar roll bites using a buttery, handcrafted dough that will make your kitchen smell like a dream.

This monkey bread from scratch recipe is one of those bakes that looks impressive but is actually very simple to make, and gives you a softer texture, richer flavour, and that proper homemade cinnamon roll taste.

The dough is easy to work with, and the pull-apart pieces bake into a sticky, caramelised cinnamon treat that’s perfect for sharing. Below, you’ll find step-by-step instructions to make it from scratch, plus a few tips and variations so you can make it your own.

Why You’ll Love This From-Scratch Monkey Bread

• Soft, fluffy homemade dough with a gooey cinnamon sugar coating
• Step-by-step method that’s beginner friendly
• Perfect for brunch, holidays, or weekend baking
• Pull-apart cinnamon roll bites that are great for sharing
• Can be made ahead and baked fresh in the morning

Ingredients Needed

• 2 tbsp yeast
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 cup warm milk
• 3 cups flour + 2 tbsp flour
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ cup butter melted
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp cinnamon

How to Make Monkey Bread from Scratch

Combine yeast, sugar and warm milk in a small cup and let it sit for 7 minutes.

Combine flour and 1 tsp salt form dough. Mix together using a dough hook for 7-10 minutes.

If dough appears too soft and sticky, add a bit more flour. Needs to be a firmer dough, more like a pizza dough consistency.

Cover the bowl with a tea towel and leave it covered for 30 minutes until the dough is double its size.

Roll dough out to 1” thick on a floured surface.

Cut into 2”x2” squares and then roll squares into small balls.

Combine melted butter, 1 cup brown sugar and 1 tbsp together in a small bowl. Dip balls into sugar mixture to coat.

Grease bundt cake pan. Place balls into a bundt pan one at a time, layering until all the pieces are in the pan.

Bake at 360F for 25 minutes.

When just about ready, boil 1 cup water and add 2 tbsp brown sugar.

Remove the pan from the oven and pour water / sugar mixture over top.

Place back in the oven for another 7-10 minutes.

Remove from the oven. Cover with clean cloth for 10 minutes.

Turn the pan upside down to remove from the pan.

When cool completely, pour the glaze over top (1 cup powdered sugar and 2 tbsp milk). 

Monkey bread Recipe Variations

You can easily change the flavour of this homemade monkey bread with any one of these delicious options:

• Try adding chopped pecans or walnuts between the dough layers, or mix a little orange zest into the sugar for a citrus twist.
• Chocolate chips also work well and turn it into more of a dessert-style monkey bread.
• If you like a stronger cinnamon flavour, add extra cinnamon to the sugar coating.

Size Options

You don’t have to use a large bundt tin for this recipe: it also works well in a loaf tin or evenly divided into muffin tins to make individual monkey bread bites.

Pro tip: If using smaller tins, reduce the baking time slightly and keep an eye on the tops so they don’t overcook.

A FEW Troubleshooting Tips

• If your dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, but just one tablespoon at a time.
• If the monkey bread browns too quickly in the oven, loosely cover it with foil for the remaining baking time.
• Let it cool for about 10 minutes before turning it out of the tin so the caramel sauce sets slightly and doesn’t run everywhere.

Full of Cinnamon Flavor

This made from scratch monkey bread is soft, sticky, and full of cinnamon flavour, and it’s one of those bakes that people always come back for seconds. Once you’ve made it once, it becomes a go-to recipe for weekends, holidays, and sharing with friends and family.

More Made from Scratch Recipes

• Homemade Pop Tarts
• Chocolate Mint Cups Recipe (From Scratch!)
• Croatian Krofne Recipe (Homemade Donuts)
• Homemade Flaky Strudel Pastry Recipe
• Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe

Like it? Pin for later!