Gooey Monkey Bread {made with pizza dough}
Simple. Stress-free. Delicious. Imagine the gooey centre of a cinnamon roll in every bite—my Gooey Monkey Bread is all that and more! Soft, sweet, and irresistibly sticky, this pull-apart bread is the ultimate treat. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or enjoying dessert with loved ones, this playful recipe is sure to bring joy to your kitchen. Using store-bought pizza dough keeps things effortless, while a touch of butter and cinnamon sugar take every bite to the next level. Bonus? It’s a fun, kid-friendly recipe that’s perfect for creating those cherished holiday memories together.
What you’ll love about this Monkey Bread:
- Quick and Easy: Made with store-bought pizza dough to keep things stress-free.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun recipe the whole family can help with.
- Irresistible Flavours: Sweet cinnamon sugar and buttery caramel glaze
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for brunch, dessert, or holiday gatherings.
- Always a Hit: Fun to pull apart and share with everyone!
What is Monkey Bread?
Monkey Bread, also known as pull-apart bread, is a sticky-sweet treat made of small dough balls coated in cinnamon sugar, baked together into a bundt pan. The sugars and butters come together to form the most irresistible, caramelised, buttery, shareable treat.
Where does Monkey Bread get its name?
Its playful name comes from the way you “pick apart” the loaf, just like monkeys might nibble on their snacks or pick bugs out of their child’s fur out of love/protection.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough balls and layer them in the pan. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.
Is there a way to make this healthier?
Use less butter and sugar, or try coconut sugar as a substitute for a slightly healthier twist.
Can I use homemade dough instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! If you have time, you can use homemade dough. Just ensure it’s soft and pliable.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep Monkey Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to soften.
Ingredients you need to make this recipe:
- Pizza dough (store bought)
- Sugar (Granulated + Brown)
- Cinnamon (Ground)
- Butter (unsalted)
- Salt
Step-by-step Guide for making Gooey Monkey Bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan or loaf tin.
Combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Tear or cut the pizza dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter (note: none of these measurements need to be exact! You can use pieces of any size for a truly rustic experience).
Place cinnamon sugar in a ziplock bag and add your dough balls. Shake the bag to coat all the dough pieces in cinnamon sugar (note: I recommend placing each dough ball into the bag, one at a time, and gently tossing in the sugar, before adding additional dough pieces. This prevents the dough pieces fromall sticking together before the final shake!)
Layer the coated dough balls into the prepared pan.
Add the Caramel (Optional but *highly recommended):
Heat butter and brown sugar in a medium-sized pot on the stove or in the microwave (medium microwave-safe bowl) until it is melted and bubbly. (note: I prefer the microwave method: I heat for 1 minute, stir, then repeat this process for a total of 3-5 min).
Pour over the dough balls for a gooey finish.
Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Let the monkey bread cool for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate. Pull apart, enjoy, and share.
Why Baking Monkey Bread is a Mindful Activity
Monkey Bread is more than just a sweet indulgence—it’s an opportunity to pause, create, and connect. The tactile act of rolling dough, the meditative layering of sugar and spice, and the rewarding aroma as it bakes are all reminders of the simple joys of baking. Let this recipe be a chance to slow down and savor the process.
Also check out:
Gooey Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Maple Cinnamon Twists
Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Drizzle
Pin this recipe for later, or share your creation on Instagram and tag @TheMindfulMeringue! Let’s spread the joy of mindful baking together.
Gooey Monkey Bread {made with pizza dough}
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb (~725g) Pizza Dough (standard store-bought size) removed from refrigerator
- 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) Butter plus additional for buttering the pan
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a bundt pan or loaf tin. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon.
- Cut your pizza dough into half, then continue to half each piece until small portions are made, approx. 1 inch in diameter (note: none of these measurements need to be exact! )
- Place cinnamon sugar in a ziplock bag and add half of your dough balls. Shake the bag to coat all the dough pieces in cinnamon sugar (note: I recommend placing each dough ball into the bag, one at a time, and gently tossing in the sugar, before adding additional dough pieces. This prevents the dough pieces from all sticking together before the final shake!)
- Layer the coated dough balls into the prepared pan.
- For the Caramel: Heat butter and brown sugar in a medium-sized pot on the stove or in the microwave (medium microwave-safe bowl) until it is melted and bubbly. (note: I prefer the microwave method: I heat for 1 minute, stir, then repeat this process for a total of 3-5 min). Pour caramel over the dough balls for a gooey coating.)
- Bake for ~35 minutes or until the dough has risen and the top is firm to the touch.
- Let the monkey bread cool for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate. Allow to cool for another 15 min and then pull apart and enjoy!