Monkey Bread: The Irresistible Pull-Apart Bake Everyone’s Talking About

Thursday 30th Oct 2025 |

Soft, buttery, and impossible not to tear into the moment it hits the table — monkey bread is the ultimate share-and-enjoy dish.

Traditionally sweet, sticky, and cinnamon-scented, this nostalgic favourite has long been a staple at brunch tables and holiday gatherings.

But in recent years, monkey bread has had a delicious glow-up, with savoury versions stealing the spotlight too — think garlic-herb, cheese-studded, and pull-apart rolls perfect for dipping into soups or serving alongside pasta.

Whether you’re craving that classic caramelised sweetness or fancy a more indulgent, cheesy tear-and-share bake, monkey bread proves comfort food comes in many forms — and every single one is worth pulling apart.

Below are three recipes — classic cinnamon, chocolate hazelnut, and a fun savoury garlic-herb pull-apart.

sweet and savoury monkey bread recipes

Classic Cinnamon Monkey Bread

Serves: 8
Time: 2 hrs (including rising time)

Ingredients

  • 500g strong white bread flour
  • 2 tsp instant yeast
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 250ml warm milk
  • 1 egg
  • 60g melted butter

For the coating:

  • 150g sugar
  • 2 tbsp cinnamon
  • 120g melted butter

For the glaze (optional):

  • 100g icing sugar
  • 1–2 tbsp milk

Method

  1. Mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
  2. Add warm milk, egg, and melted butter; knead until soft and elastic (8–10 mins).
  3. Cover and rise for 1 hour.
  4. Mix cinnamon and sugar in a bowl; place melted butter in another.
  5. Divide dough into small balls (about walnut size).
  6. Dip each in butter, then cinnamon-sugar, and place in a greased bundt tin.
  7. Cover and rise for 30–40 minutes.
  8. Bake at 180°C for 30–35 mins.
  9. Cool slightly, turn out, drizzle glaze if using.
  10. Pull apart and enjoy warm.
sweet and savoury monkey bread recipes

Chocolate Hazelnut Monkey Bread

A rich, indulgent twist — like a giant cinnamon roll meets a chocolate doughnut.

Add to your ingredients:

  • 200g chocolate spread (Nutella works perfectly)
  • 50g chopped toasted hazelnuts

Method Adjustments

  • After forming dough balls, poke a little hole in each and spoon in chocolate spread before sealing.
  • Roll in sugar mixture as normal.
  • Sprinkle hazelnuts between layers before baking.

Pro tip: Warm a little extra chocolate spread to drizzle over before serving.

sweet and savoury monkey bread recipes

Savoury Garlic & Herb Monkey Bread

A perfect party sharer or pasta-night side. Gooey cheese optional — but recommended.

Ingredients (changes)

  • Omit sugar and cinnamon
  • Add 1 tsp dried oregano to dough
  • Replace coating with:
    • 120g butter
    • 3 cloves garlic (crushed)
    • 2 tbsp chopped parsley
    • Optional: 150g shredded cheddar or mozzarella

Method

  • Dip dough balls in garlic butter
  • Layer into tin with cheese sprinkled between
  • Bake as above
  • Serve warm with marinara for dipping

Serving Tips

  • Best eaten warm and fresh
  • Fantastic with coffee, mulled cider, or hot chocolate for winter brunches
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully for 5 minutes in the oven

Final Bite

Monkey bread is nostalgic, playful, and endlessly customisable. Whether you’re sticking to sugary cinnamon comfort or trying savoury, cheesy twists, the magic lies in ripping, sharing, and enjoying together.

So go on — roll, dip, bake, and pull-apart happiness one buttery piece at a time.

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