Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThere’s something magical about the warm scent of cinnamon wafting through the house, like an embrace from a close friend. Today, I want to share my recipe for Slow Cooker Monkey Bread, a delightfully simple treat that transforms your kitchen into a cozy haven. In just 10 minutes of prep, this pull-apart cinnamon bread practically cooks itself, making it an effortless choice for brunch or a sweet dessert to share with family and friends. This dish not only brings a nostalgic nod to classic recipes but also allows for creative variations, from adding chocolate chips to festive cranberries. So, grab your slow cooker and prepare to indulge in a warm, gooey delight—who can resist the charm of Monkey Bread? Ready to dive in? Why is Monkey Bread a Must-Try? Irresistible Aroma: As the cinnamon and sugar blend wafts through your kitchen, you’ll feel an instant wave of comfort and nostalgia. Minimal Effort Required: With just 10 minutes of prep and a slow cooker doing the work, you can relax and let the magic happen. Versatile Delight: Customize your Monkey Bread with different nuts, fruits, or even chocolate chips that suit any occasion or taste. Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for brunch, gatherings, or a sweet evening snack; everyone will be reaching for more! Simple Cleanup: No complex cooking techniques or messy pots—just one bowl and your slow cooker. Looking for more delicious payoffs with minimal effort? Try my Honey Butter Cornbread or enjoy a slice of my delightful Gingerbread Men Cookies. Monkey Bread Ingredients Discover the essential components for a delightful Monkey Bread that will have you wanting seconds! For the Dough Refrigerated Jumbo Biscuits – Key to achieving that beloved pull-apart texture; feel free to use homemade dough for a fresher taste. Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and helps bind the dough together; margarine can be a good substitute if needed. For the Sweet Mixture Brown Sugar – Brings sweetness and a delicious caramel flavor; coconut sugar offers a unique alternative. Granulated Sugar – Balances the sweetness perfectly; stick with this for the best results. Ground Cinnamon – The star spice that gives warmth and aroma; consider using cinnamon blends for a fun twist. Ground Cardamom – Elevates the flavor with floral notes; nutmeg can be used for a slightly different scent. Ground Nutmeg – Deepens the spice profile; you can omit this if you don’t have it on hand. Chopped Pecans – Provides a delightful crunch and nutty flavor; feel free to substitute with your favorite nuts or skip for a nut-free version. Optional Toppings Icing – A simple glaze can take your Monkey Bread to the next level; drizzle on top after baking for added sweetness. Dried Cranberries – Add a festive touch for holidays or gatherings; a great way to incorporate some tartness. Chocolate Chips – Mix in some chocolate for an indulgent twist; perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Monkey Bread Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker Start by placing a small wire rack in the bottom of your slow cooker to create a space for the cake pan. If you don’t have a rack, roll aluminum foil into a log and place it at the bottom instead. This will help the monkey bread cook evenly without sticking to the base. Step 2: Prepare the Cake Pan Next, take an 8-inch round cake pan and spray it generously with nonstick cooking spray. Ensure that this pan fits comfortably inside your slow cooker without touching the sides, allowing for proper airflow as the monkey bread cooks. Step 3: Mix Spices and Sugars In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and chopped pecans. Stir these ingredients together until well blended and aromatic. Set this sweet mix aside, as it will be the flavorful coating for your monkey bread pieces. Step 4: Prepare the Biscuits Now, take each refrigerated jumbo biscuit and cut them into six pieces to create bite-sized portions. Toss these biscuit pieces in melted unsalted butter until they are thoroughly coated. This butter will add richness and help the sugary mixture stick to the dough. Step 5: Assemble in the Pan Transfer the butter-coated biscuit pieces into the prepared cake pan, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Gently pour the sugar-spice mixture over the biscuit pieces and stir lightly to coat them with the sweetness, creating a delightful blend of flavors for your slow cooker monkey bread. Step 6: Add Water and Cover Next, pour water into the slow cooker until it reaches halfway up the side of your cake pan. This water will create a steamy environment for the monkey bread. To prevent excess moisture from dropping onto the bread, cover the slow cooker top with a couple of layers of paper towels, then place the lid on tightly. Step 7: Cook Set your slow cooker to HIGH and let the monkey bread cook for 3 to 3½ hours. Now, you’ll want to keep an eye on it; when it’s done, the biscuits should be fully cooked and fluffy, filling your kitchen with a heavenly cinnamon aroma. Step 8: Serve Once the cooking time is complete, carefully invert the monkey bread onto a serving platter. Allow it to cool slightly before serving warm, so your family and friends can enjoy a gooey, pull-apart treat that’s irresistibly delicious! Expert Tips for Monkey Bread Avoid Sogginess: To keep your monkey bread’s top from becoming soggy, remember to cover the slow cooker with paper towels before sealing with the lid. Pan Fit Check: If using a different baking pan, ensure that it fits comfortably inside the slow cooker for even cooking. Water Level Matters: Adding a couple of inches of water at the bottom of the slow cooker creates a moist environment, resulting in a soft and fluffy monkey bread. Cooling Time: Allow the monkey bread to cool slightly after cooking but serve warm for the best texture and flavor experience. Prep Ahead: Make the dough and coating mix the night before to cut down on prep time; just assemble in the slow cooker in the morning! What to Serve with Slow Cooker Monkey Bread There’s nothing quite like the thrill of bringing a warm and gooey cinnamon treat to the table, especially when it’s a crowd favorite. Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of this cold, creamy delight adds a delicious contrast to the warm monkey bread—a heavenly combination! Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits brightens your plate and balances the sweetness of the monkey bread. Rich Coffee: The bold flavor of a freshly brewed cup enhances the cinnamon goodness, creating a comforting morning ritual. Whipped Cream: A dollop on the side boosts indulgence and adds a lightness that pairs perfectly with the sweet bread. Honey Butter: Drizzle this luscious spread over your slices for an extra touch of sweetness that harmonizes beautifully with the cinnamon. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce adds a decadent twist; perfect for those with a serious sweet tooth! Toasted Nuts: Sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and to echo the nuts within the monkey bread. Chai Tea: The aromatic spices of chai complement the flavors of the monkey bread, making for a cozy, comforting drink pairing. Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts: If you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve these alongside to double down on the sweet nostalgia! How to Store and Freeze Monkey Bread Room Temperature: Store leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps it soft and flavorful, perfect for casual snacking. Fridge: You can refrigerate monkey bread for about 5 days. Just wrap it tightly to prevent it from drying out, and reheat in the microwave for a warm treat. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze monkey bread for up to 3 months. Wrap portions in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. Reheating: To enjoy that fresh baked taste, reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 15-30 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes. Make Ahead Options These Slow Cooker Monkey Bread bites are a fantastic choice for meal prep enthusiasts! You can pre-cut the refrigerated jumbo biscuits and toss them in melted butter up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. Additionally, mix your sugar and spice blend and keep it separate, so it maintains its flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy your monkey bread, just layer the biscuit pieces in the cake pan, sprinkle with the sugar mixture, add water to the slow cooker, and cook for 3 to 3½ hours. This way, you’ll have your warm, gooey treat with minimal morning effort—perfect for busy weekends or spontaneous brunch gatherings! Monkey Bread Variations & Substitutions Feel free to experiment with these delightful twists and make this recipe your own! Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil or dairy-free margarine for a creaminess without dairy. Nut-Free: Skip the chopped pecans entirely or swap in seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for a satisfying crunch. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, try adding a sprinkle of cayenne or chili powder to your sugar-spice mixture for an unexpected kick! Chocolate Lovers: Fold in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips in with the biscuit pieces for a rich, melty surprise. Fruity Addition: Toss in some dried cranberries or chopped apples for a fresh, tart contrast that brightens up each bite. Feeling festive? Consider topping your monkey bread with cream cheese icing or drizzling it with caramel sauce after it’s cooked. You can also create a beautiful glaze with powdered sugar and vanilla extract for an extra sweet finish. For more easy and delicious recipes that involve minimal effort, check out my Honey Butter Cornbread or try making some delightful Gingerbread Men Cookies to share! Slow Cooker Monkey Bread Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best refrigerated jumbo biscuits for Monkey Bread? Absolutely! Look for biscuits that are fluffy and have minimal dark spots on the packaging. Brands with natural ingredients tend to have better flavor and texture. Fresh biscuits will yield the best results, so check the expiration date to ensure peak quality. What’s the best way to store leftover Monkey Bread? You can store leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for about 5 days wrapped tightly to prevent it from drying out. Reheating in the microwave for a few seconds will revive its gooey goodness! How can I freeze Monkey Bread for future enjoyment? Very! To freeze monkey bread, first let it cool completely. Then, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, followed by placing them in a freezer bag. It will stay good for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the microwave for 15-30 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes. What should I do if my Monkey Bread turns out soggy? If your monkey bread is soggy, it’s likely due to excess moisture from not covering it properly. Always layer a few paper towels underneath the lid of the slow cooker to absorb moisture during cooking. Additionally, ensure you’re using the proper amount of water at the bottom—just enough to create steam without submerging the cake pan. Can I make Monkey Bread nut-free? Absolutely! Just omit the chopped pecans or substitute them with seeds like sunflower seeds for texture. The bread should still be delightfully soft and flavorful without the nuts! What dietary considerations should I keep in mind for my Monkey Bread? When preparing monkey bread, consider any allergies that your guests may have. The main allergens are gluten (from the biscuits) and nuts (if included). Always check labels for any hidden ingredients, especially when substituting. You can easily modify the recipe using gluten-free biscuits to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities. Slow Cooker Monkey Bread: Warm, Gooey Delight in Every Bite Enjoy the warm, gooey comfort of Monkey Bread, a delightful blend of cinnamon and sugar that's perfect for any gathering. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 3 hours hrs 30 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 3 hours hrs 45 minutes mins Servings: 8 piecesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Dough1 can Refrigerated Jumbo Biscuits Feel free to use homemade dough.1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Margarine can be substituted.For the Sweet Mixture3/4 cup Brown Sugar Coconut sugar can be an alternative.1/4 cup Granulated Sugar2 tablespoons Ground Cinnamon Cinnamon blends can be used.1 teaspoon Ground Cardamom Nutmeg can be used for a different flavor.1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg Can be omitted if not available.1/2 cup Chopped Pecans Can be substituted or skipped.Optional Toppings1/2 cup Icing Drizzle after baking.1/2 cup Dried Cranberries Great for festive occasions.1/2 cup Chocolate Chips For an indulgent twist. Equipment Slow Cooker8-inch Round Cake PanWire Rack Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPrep the Slow Cooker: Place a small wire rack in the bottom of your slow cooker.Prepare the Cake Pan: Spray an 8-inch round cake pan with nonstick cooking spray.Mix Spices and Sugars: Combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and pecans in a bowl.Prepare the Biscuits: Cut each biscuit into six pieces, then toss in melted butter.Assemble in the Pan: Place biscuit pieces in the cake pan and pour the sugar-spice mixture over them.Add Water and Cover: Pour water into the slow cooker until halfway up the cake pan, cover with paper towels, then the lid.Cook: Set to HIGH and cook for 3 to 3½ hours until fluffy and cooked through.Serve: Invert onto a platter and allow to cool slightly before serving warm. Nutrition Serving: 1pieceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg NotesEnsure to cover the slow cooker with paper towels to avoid sogginess. Check that your pan fits comfortably inside the cooker to ensure even cooking. Prep the dough the night before to save time. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
