If you have a sweet tooth and love warm, gooey desserts that bring everyone to the table, then you absolutely need to try this incredible Butterscotch Monkey Bread Recipe. It’s a heavenly combination of soft, fluffy dinner rolls drenched in rich butterscotch goodness, with aromatic cinnamon and crunchy pecans adding layers of texture and flavor. Every bite melts in your mouth, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an irresistible snack throughout the day. Trust me, once you make it, this Butterscotch Monkey Bread Recipe will become a beloved classic you’ll want to share with every friend and family member.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Butterscotch Monkey Bread Recipe couldn’t be simpler, yet each one plays a starring role. From the buttery richness to the hint of warm cinnamon and the crunch of pecans, these ingredients come together to create a spectacular flavor and texture experience.
- Unsalted butter: Provides that silky, rich base that brings everything together with a luscious mouthfeel.
- Cook ‘n Serve Butterscotch Pudding Mix: Adds deep, sweet butterscotch flavor while helping the sauce thicken perfectly.
- Dark brown sugar: Brings natural molasses undertones that deepen the caramel notes beautifully.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses subtle warmth and spice that balance the sweetness exquisitely.
- Kosher salt: Enhances every flavor and keeps the sweetness from feeling overwhelming.
- Chopped pecans (optional): Adds delightful crunch and nutty richness that contrasts the soft rolls.
- Unbaked frozen dinner rolls: The soft, pillowy backbone of this monkey bread, ready to soak up all the luscious sauce.
How to Make Butterscotch Monkey Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Generously spray a 10-inch Bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray to ensure your monkey bread releases easily after baking. This simple step will make the flipping process seamless and keep all that butterscotch dripping where it belongs—on your bread and not stuck to the pan.
Step 2: Make the Butterscotch Sauce
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, butterscotch pudding mix, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Microwave at 50% power until the butter melts, then whisk until smooth and fully incorporated. This luscious sauce is the heart of your Butterscotch Monkey Bread Recipe, coating every bite with rich, sweet flavor and just a hint of spice.
Step 3: Add Pecans to the Pan
Sprinkle half the chopped pecans into the bottom of your prepared Bundt pan. This layer will toast beautifully during baking, adding a nutty crunch under the layers of soft, sticky rolls.
Step 4: Arrange the First Layer of Rolls
Place half of the frozen dinner rolls evenly over the pecans, leaving about a quarter-inch space between each to allow for expansion. These rolls will absorb the butterscotch sauce and become wonderfully tender and flavorful.
Step 5: Add More Pecans and Sauce
Sprinkle the remaining half of the pecans over the first layer of rolls, then drizzle half of the butterscotch sauce on top. This layering of sauce and nuts ensures that every roll beneath will end up perfectly coated and flavorful.
Step 6: Add the Remaining Rolls
Place the remaining frozen dinner rolls on top of the sauce layer, cutting any rolls if necessary to fit. This top layer will also soak up sauce and give you that famous pull-apart monkey bread experience.
Step 7: Top with Remaining Sauce
Drizzle the remaining butterscotch sauce evenly over the last layer of rolls. This final touch guarantees a decadent, glossy finish that everyone will love.
Step 8: Cover and Let Rise
Spray one side of plastic wrap with cooking spray and place it, sprayed side down, loosely over the rolls. Leave the pan on the countertop for 5 to 6 hours or refrigerate for 8 to 10 hours to allow the rolls to rise and absorb the flavors.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
When you’re ready, preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the monkey bread for 25 to 27 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 200°F to 205°F. The house will smell amazing, and the soft rolls will be beautifully golden and sticky.
Step 10: Cool and Invert
Carefully transfer the pan to a cooling rack and let it cool for 5 minutes. Then, place a large plate over the Bundt pan and invert it gently. Be cautious as the pan and the caramelized drippings will be very hot. This step reveals the glorious, glossy monkey bread ready to be devoured.
Step 11: Serve Immediately
Serve your Butterscotch Monkey Bread Recipe fresh out of the pan while it’s still warm, gooey, and irresistible. It’s perfect for sharing or indulging all by yourself on a cozy day.
How to Serve Butterscotch Monkey Bread Recipe
Garnishes
For extra flair, sprinkle chopped pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top before serving. A drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream can also elevate the presentation and add another tasty layer.
Side Dishes
This monkey bread pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries, oranges, or a tangy berry compote. For breakfast or brunch, add scrambled eggs and crispy bacon or sausage to make the meal more substantial.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your monkey bread as a pull-apart appetizer at parties by cutting it into sections or placing it on a tiered platter surrounded by small bowls of dipping sauces like cream cheese frosting or chocolate ganache. It’s always a crowd-pleaser that invites everyone to dig in together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, cover the monkey bread tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and soft for up to two days—just make sure to keep it away from moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked monkey bread in the Bundt pan wrapped securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and proceed with the baking instructions.
Reheating
Reheat leftover monkey bread in the oven at 300°F for about 10-15 minutes to restore its gooey goodness and warmth. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh dough instead of frozen dinner rolls?
Absolutely! Fresh dough works just as well. Just be sure to divide and layer the dough evenly and adjust rising times accordingly to get that perfect fluffy texture.
Is it necessary to use butterscotch pudding mix?
The pudding mix is key to creating the unique butterscotch flavor and thick sauce that distinguishes this recipe. Substituting it might change the texture and depth of flavor.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Yes, simply omit the pecans to make it nut-free. The monkey bread will still be deliciously soft and full of butterscotch goodness without the crunch.
How long can I refrigerate the dough before baking?
You can refrigerate the covered rolls for up to 10 hours. This slow rise improves flavor and texture, making it an easy overnight recipe if you want to bake fresh in the morning.
What’s the best way to serve monkey bread for a crowd?
Serve it warm and let guests pull apart pieces themselves. It’s perfect for sharing during brunches or holiday gatherings and pairs nicely with coffee or tea.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Butterscotch Monkey Bread Recipe enough. It’s the perfect combination of sweet, buttery, and spicy, with a texture that’s soft, gooey, and completely irresistible. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just treating yourself and your loved ones, this recipe is sure to bring smiles and requests for seconds. So go ahead, try it out, and watch this monkey bread become a delicious tradition in your kitchen!
Print
Butterscotch Monkey Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 40 minutes (including proofing time of 5 hours at room temp)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Butterscotch Monkey Bread is a decadent, pull-apart treat made with frozen dinner rolls coated in a rich butterscotch pudding and brown sugar mixture, layered with pecans, and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this gooey and flavorful bread combines the nostalgic taste of butterscotch with a soft, tender crumb and a slightly crunchy pecan texture.
Ingredients
Butter Mixture
- ½ cup unsalted butter (113 grams, 1 stick)
- 3.5 ounces Cook ‘n Serve Butterscotch Pudding Mix (99 grams, 1 box)
- ½ cup dark brown sugar (107 grams)
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon (or Penzey’s pie spice)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Nuts
- 1 cup chopped pecans (113 grams), divided, optional
Dough
- 24 unbaked frozen dinner rolls (912 grams, Rhodes recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Generously spray a 10-inch Bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the monkey bread doesn’t stick during baking.
- Make the Butterscotch Mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, butterscotch pudding mix, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Microwave on 50% power until the butter is melted, then whisk until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Add First Layer of Pecans: Sprinkle half of the chopped pecans (½ cup) evenly into the bottom of the prepared Bundt pan.
- Place First Layer of Rolls: Arrange half of the frozen dinner rolls over the pecans in the pan, spacing them about ¼ inch apart to allow for expansion.
- Top with Pecans and Butter Mixture: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of pecans over the rolls, then drizzle half of the butterscotch butter mixture evenly on top.
- Add Second Layer of Rolls: Place the remaining frozen rolls over the butter mixture, cutting rolls as needed to fit evenly in the pan.
- Top with Remaining Butter Mixture: Drizzle the remaining butterscotch butter mixture evenly over the top layer of rolls.
- Cover and Proof: Lightly spray one side of plastic wrap with nonstick cooking spray and place it, sprayed side down, loosely over the pan to cover the rolls.
- Let the Dough Rise: Allow the rolls to rise at room temperature for 5–6 hours or in the refrigerator for 8–10 hours until fully proofed and puffy.
- Preheat Oven and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the monkey bread for 25–27 minutes or until a thermometer inserted into the center reads 200°F–205°F.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a cooling rack to cool for 5 minutes. This helps the bread set slightly for easier removal.
- Invert and Serve: Carefully place a large plate over the Bundt pan. Holding the pan and plate firmly, invert to release the monkey bread onto the plate. Be cautious as the pan and drippings will be hot. Serve immediately for best gooey texture.
Notes
- If pecans are not preferred, they can be omitted or substituted with walnuts or almonds.
- Ensure to spray the plastic wrap to prevent it from sticking to the dough during proofing.
- The rising times can vary based on kitchen temperature; the dough should be fully puffed before baking.
- Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature for perfectly baked monkey bread.
- Serve warm with coffee or a drizzle of cream for an extra indulgence.
