Ultimate Monkey Bread Recipe Without Bundt Pan

Ultimate monkey bread recipe without bundt pan using simple loaf pan. Bundt-less monkey bread that’s perfectly gooey and requires no special equipment.

Hi, I’m Linda, and welcome to Tasty at Home—where bold flavors meet everyday kitchens. Last Christmas morning, disaster struck. My brand-new bundt pan cracked right down the middle while I was preheating the oven for my famous monkey bread.

Well, the kids were already bouncing off the walls with anticipation, and I wasn’t about to let a broken pan ruin our tradition.

That’s when I discovered something amazing. You know what? You don’t need a bundt pan at all to make incredible monkey bread. After countless experiments and a few sticky failures, I’ve perfected this monkey bread recipe without bundt pan that delivers all the gooey, cinnamon-sugar goodness you crave.

This bundt-less monkey bread has become my go-to recipe because it works with equipment everyone already has. Moreover, it actually creates better layers and easier serving portions than traditional bundt versions. Let me tell you, once you try this method, you’ll never go back to hunting for that special pan again.

What Makes This Bundt-less Monkey Bread Recipe Absolutely Special

This homemade monkey bread recipe from scratch stands apart because it embraces simplicity without sacrificing flavor. Furthermore, using a loaf pan creates more defined layers and makes serving incredibly easy. Unlike traditional methods, this approach gives you perfect portion control and stunning presentation.

The secret lies in the layering technique and butter distribution. Additionally, the loaf pan shape ensures even baking and prevents the dreaded soggy center that sometimes plagues bundt versions.

Essential Ingredients

Shopping Tips for Success

When selecting biscuit dough, choose brands with eight pieces per can for consistent sizing. Similarly, avoid “flaky layers” varieties as they don’t hold together well during the rolling process.

Look for butter with at least 80% fat content for optimal melting properties. However, if you only have salted butter, reduce any added salt by half.

Creative Substitutions

Bold Add-ins for Adventure:

• Replace half the cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice during fall
• Add 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips between layers
• Substitute maple syrup for half the brown sugar

Dietary Modifications:

• Use plant-based butter for dairy-free version
• Choose gluten-free biscuit dough for celiac-friendly option
• Reduce sugar by 25% without major texture changes

Equipment and Preparation Made Simple

You’ll need surprisingly little equipment for this monkey bread without bundt pan masterpiece. Most importantly, a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan works perfectly, though a deep-dish version gives even better results.

Essential Tools

• 9×5 inch loaf pan (metal conducts heat best)
• Large mixing bowl for coating
• Sharp kitchen shears or knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small saucepan for melting butter

DIY Alternatives That Work

Don’t have a loaf pan either? Use a round 8-inch cake pan instead. Similarly, an 8×8 square baking dish creates wonderful results with slightly different presentation.

Homemade Monkey Bread Recipe from Scratch

Prepare Your Workspace

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you work. Then, generously grease your loaf pan with butter or cooking spray. Trust me, this prevents sticking disasters.

Create Perfect Dough Balls

Open both cans of biscuit dough carefully. Next, use kitchen shears to cut each biscuit into quarters. Roll each piece between your palms to form smooth balls about the size of a walnut.

Here’s where many people go wrong: don’t overwork the dough. Light handling keeps the texture tender and prevents tough monkey bread.

Master the Cinnamon Sugar Magic

Combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly until no lumps remain. The ratio creates perfect sweetness without overwhelming spice.

Roll each dough ball in this mixture until completely coated. However, work in batches to prevent the coating from getting soggy.

Layer Like a Pro

Place your first layer of coated dough balls in the greased loaf pan. They should fit snugly but not be packed tight. Subsequently, sprinkle any remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture over this layer.

Add remaining dough balls in a second layer, filling gaps from the first layer. This technique, inspired by Julia Child’s attention to even cooking, ensures consistent texture throughout.

The Butter Breakthrough

Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until completely liquid. Pour half the melted butter evenly over the dough balls. Then, add the remaining butter for maximum richness.

The butter seeps between layers during baking, creating those irresistible gooey pockets everyone fights over.

Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 45 minutes until the top turns deep golden brown. Additionally, the internal temperature should reach 190°F (88°C) for food safety.

Watch carefully during the last 10 minutes. If the top browns too quickly, tent with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

Create the Finishing Glaze

While the monkey bread cools slightly, whisk powdered sugar and milk until smooth. The consistency should coat the back of a spoon but still drizzle easily.

Drizzle this glaze over warm monkey bread just before serving. The contrast between warm bread and cool glaze creates textural magic.

Expert Tips for Outstanding Monkey Bread Without Bundt Pan Results

Temperature control makes all the difference in this recipe. Consequently, use an oven thermometer to verify accuracy, as many home ovens run hot or cool.

Let the finished monkey bread rest for exactly 5 minutes before serving. This brief cooling allows the layers to set while maintaining optimal gooiness.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Last Thanksgiving, my first attempt came out too dry because I overbaked it by 10 minutes. Now I always check at 40 minutes and use visual cues rather than relying solely on time.

If your monkey bread seems underbaked in the center, reduce oven temperature to 325°F and extend baking time by 10 minutes. This gentler approach prevents burning while ensuring thorough cooking.

Storage and Make-Ahead Magic

To refresh day-old monkey bread, warm individual portions in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Similarly, you can reheat the entire loaf in a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes.

Creative Variations to Explore

Regional Twists:

• Southern Style: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans between layers
• Southwest Kick: Include 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper in the sugar mixture
• New England Comfort: Fold in 1/4 cup dried cranberries

Holiday Adaptations:

• Christmas Morning: Add orange zest and replace cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice
• Easter Brunch: Include lemon zest and serve with berry compote
• Fourth of July: Top with blueberries and strawberry glaze

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

This bundt-less monkey bread pairs beautifully with strong coffee or fresh orange juice. Additionally, consider serving it alongside our famous Thanksgiving stuffing for holiday brunches.

For dinner parties, present individual portions on small plates with a dollop of vanilla ice cream. The temperature contrast creates an unforgettable dessert experience.

Consider pairing with our cheesy root vegetable gratin for a complete comfort food spread that showcases both sweet and savory elements.

Monkey Bread Recipe Without Bundt Pan FAQs

The Sweet Conclusion

This monkey bread recipe without bundt pan proves that the best recipes often come from happy accidents and kitchen creativity. Furthermore, it demonstrates that you don’t need specialized equipment to create bakery-quality results at home.

The beauty of this approach lies in its accessibility and reliability. Every time you make it, you’ll get consistent, crowd-pleasing results that bring people together around the table.

Man, oh man, there’s something magical about watching people pull apart those gooey, cinnamon-sugar layers while sharing stories and making memories. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or treating yourself to weekend indulgence, this recipe delivers comfort in every bite.

Try serving it with a strong cup of coffee and perhaps a side of our best roast turkey for the ultimate comfort food experience. Tag us on social media with your creations – we love seeing how you make this recipe your own!

Remember, the best recipes are the ones that bring joy to your kitchen and smiles to your table. This homemade monkey bread recipe from scratch does exactly that, proving that sometimes the simplest solutions create the most delicious results.

Ultimate Monkey Bread Recipe Without Bundt Pan

This bundt-less monkey bread delivers gooey, cinnamon-sugar layers baked in a simple loaf pan, requiring no special equipment. Perfectly soft, sweet, and shareable, it’s a holiday-worthy treat that anyone can make at home.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Resting Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Equipment

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Large mixing bowl
• Kitchen shears or knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small saucepan

Ingredients

  

Main

• ⅛ cup Ground cinnamon Use Ceylon cinnamon for best flavor
• ¼ cup Brown sugar Light or dark both work
• ¼ cup Granulated sugar Essential for coating
• 2 cans Biscuit dough 16 oz total; refrigerated works perfectly
• ¾ cup Butter Unsalted preferred

Glaze

• 1 tbsp Milk Whole milk creates richness
• ¼ cup Powdered sugar Sift for smoothness

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan generously.
• Cut biscuit dough into quarters and roll into walnut-sized balls without overworking.
• Mix cinnamon, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Roll each dough ball in the mixture until fully coated.
• Layer coated dough balls in the loaf pan, sprinkling extra sugar mixture between layers.
• Melt butter and pour evenly over the dough layers for gooey richness.
• Bake for 45 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C). Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
• Whisk powdered sugar and milk into a glaze. Drizzle over warm monkey bread before serving.

Notes

For variations, add nuts, chocolate chips, or swap spices. For make-ahead, freeze up to 3 months and reheat before serving. Use plant-based butter or gluten-free dough for dietary adaptations.

Keyword monkey bread, without bundt pan