Crockpot Monkey Bread Recipe
If you are looking for a crowd-pleasing, melt-in-your-mouth treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Crockpot Monkey Bread Recipe is your new best friend. This recipe transforms simple refrigerated biscuits into sticky, cinnamon-sweet morsels slow-cooked to bubbly perfection. It’s a hands-off way to create a decadent dessert or breakfast centerpiece that pulls apart in gooey chunks, inviting everyone to dive in and share. Trust me, once you try this Crockpot Monkey Bread Recipe, it will become a staple for special mornings, casual gatherings, or whenever you crave something irresistibly comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly straightforward but each plays an essential role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the buttery richness to the inviting cinnamon sugar coat, every component brings this recipe to life.
- 1 (16.3-ounce) can refrigerated biscuits: The base of the monkey bread, offering pillowy, soft dough that bakes into tender bites.
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and, along with cinnamon, forms the classic coating.
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon: Infuses warm spice that perfectly complements the sweetness.
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed: Provides deep caramel notes in the buttery sauce.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Melts into luscious richness to bind the brown sugar sauce.
- 1 large pinch salt: Balances and enhances all the sweet flavors.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Used for the smooth, creamy glaze drizzled on top.
- 3 tablespoons milk: Helps create a silky glaze with just the right consistency.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle aroma and depth to the glaze.
How to Make Crockpot Monkey Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Crockpot
Begin by spraying the inside of a 4-quart slow cooker or Crockpot with a non-stick pan spray. This simple step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze later, setting you up for smooth sailing.
Step 2: Cut the Biscuits
Open the can of refrigerated biscuits and cut each one into quarters. This ensures the pieces cook evenly and create those bite-sized, pull-apart portions everyone loves.
Step 3: Coat the Biscuits
Place the biscuit pieces inside a large ziplock bag with the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Seal the bag, leaving a bit of air inside, and shake vigorously until every piece is coated in sugary cinnamon goodness. Then, add the coated biscuits to your prepared Crockpot. For an extra touch, sprinkle a little leftover cinnamon-sugar over the top for that classic finish.
Step 4: Make the Brown Sugar Mixture
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring gently in between, until the butter melts completely and the sugar begins to dissolve into a luscious caramel sauce.
Step 5: Pour the Mixture Over Biscuits
Drizzle this warm brown sugar sauce evenly over the coated biscuit pieces in your Crockpot. This is what creates those irresistible sticky pockets of flavor baked right in.
Step 6: Cook Low and Slow
Cover your Crockpot and set it to cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the pieces around the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and the center reaches about 190°F (88°C). This slow cooking step is crucial for bubbling sauce and perfectly cooked dough.
Step 7: Whisk Up the Glaze
While your monkey bread finishes cooking, combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and glossy. This glaze will add the perfect finishing touch.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
Once the monkey bread is done, drizzle your creamy glaze right on top. This adds just enough sweetness and a beautiful sheen that makes every pull-apart piece simply irresistible.
How to Serve Crockpot Monkey Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of chopped pecans adds a lovely texture contrast and visual appeal. If you want to get fancy, a small drizzle of caramel sauce or a handful of fresh berries can elevate the presentation for festive occasions.
Side Dishes
This monkey bread shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with warm coffee or a spiced latte. For a heartier spread, serve alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness with some fresh flavors and protein.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try baking the coated biscuits in mini muffin tins in your Crockpot to create individual monkey bread bites. Alternatively, make a layered version by adding a thin layer of cream cheese between biscuit layers before pouring the brown sugar mixture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The bread stays soft and just as delicious, making it easy to grab and enjoy again later.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your monkey bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It will keep well for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To enjoy leftover monkey bread warm, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or use a low oven heat (about 300°F) for 10 to 15 minutes. Add a little extra drizzle of glaze after reheating for fresh flavor.
FAQs
Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of canned biscuits?
Absolutely! Homemade biscuit dough works wonderfully and can add an extra layer of freshness. Just make sure to cut them into quarters similar to the recipe to ensure even cooking.
What if my Crockpot is larger or smaller than 4 quarts?
You’ll want to adjust the quantity of ingredients proportionally. For larger Crockpots, double the recipe; for smaller ones, consider halving it to prevent overcrowding or undercooking.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this recipe?
Yes! Adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or chocolate chips between the biscuit layers can add a delightful crunch or an indulgent chocolate twist that everyone will love.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and use plant-based milk in the glaze. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I know when the monkey bread is fully cooked?
The edges should be golden brown and the center’s internal temperature should reach approximately 190°F (88°C). The bread will pull apart easily and feel set without any doughy spots.
Final Thoughts
The Crockpot Monkey Bread Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and an easy method can create magic in your kitchen. It’s the perfect treat to impress guests or to make a cozy morning feel extra special with minimal effort. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share it with your loved ones—it’s guaranteed to bring smiles and a little sweet warmth with every pull-apart bite!
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Crockpot Monkey Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This easy Crockpot Monkey Bread recipe transforms simple refrigerated biscuits into a deliciously sweet and sticky treat, perfect for breakfast or dessert. Coated in cinnamon sugar, smothered with a brown sugar butter sauce, and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, this monkey bread is irresistibly gooey and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Monkey Bread
- 1 (16.3-ounce) can refrigerated biscuits
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large pinch salt
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Crockpot: Spray the pot of a 4-quart slow cooker or CrockPot with pan spray and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Cut Biscuits: Cut the refrigerated biscuits into quarters to create bite-sized pieces for the monkey bread.
- Coat Biscuits: Place the biscuit pieces in a large ziplock bag with granulated sugar and cinnamon. Seal the bag, leaving space for air, and shake until biscuit pieces are fully coated in cinnamon sugar. Transfer coated biscuits to the prepared CrockPot. Optionally, sprinkle a small handful of leftover cinnamon sugar over the top.
- Make Brown Sugar Mixture: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, heat unsalted butter, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt in 30-second increments until the butter is melted and sugar mostly dissolved, stirring between intervals.
- Pour Over Biscuits: Pour the warm brown sugar butter mixture evenly over the coated biscuits in the CrockPot.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours, or until the edges are starting to brown and the center reaches an internal temperature of about 190°F (88°C).
- Make Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the prepared glaze over the monkey bread before serving for an extra sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Use a 4-quart slow cooker or CrockPot for best results.
- Check the monkey bread toward the end of cooking to avoid overcooking and drying out.
- The internal temperature of 190°F ensures the bread is fully cooked and pulls apart easily.
- You can substitute milk with cream or a non-dairy milk alternative for the glaze if preferred.
- Make sure to coat biscuits thoroughly for even cinnamon sugar flavor in every bite.
- For a less sweet version, reduce the amount of sugar in the cinnamon coating or glaze.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
