Butterscotch Bliss: Monkey Bread with a Pudding Twist

Monkey bread, also known as pull-apart bread, bubble bread, or sticky bread, is a sweet, gooey treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. While classic monkey bread is delicious on its own, this recipe takes it to the next level by incorporating butterscotch pudding mix, adding a rich, creamy, and intensely butterscotch-y flavor that will have everyone begging for more. This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, even though it looks impressive. Get ready to delight your family and friends with this irresistible Butterscotch Monkey Bread!

## Why This Recipe Works

* **Butterscotch Amplified:** The butterscotch pudding mix not only adds a concentrated butterscotch flavor but also helps create a softer, more tender crumb.
* **Easy to Make:** Using canned biscuit dough simplifies the process, making this recipe quick and relatively mess-free.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adapt this recipe to your liking by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or other mix-ins.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** Monkey bread is inherently fun to eat, making it a guaranteed hit at gatherings.
* **Make-Ahead Option:** You can assemble the monkey bread ahead of time and bake it just before serving, making it perfect for busy mornings or entertaining.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Canned Biscuit Dough:** 2 (16-ounce) cans of refrigerated biscuit dough (such as Pillsbury Grands! or similar)
* **Butter:** 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
* **Brown Sugar:** 1 cup packed light brown sugar
* **Butterscotch Pudding Mix:** 1 (3.4-ounce) package instant butterscotch pudding mix
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1 teaspoon
* **Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (Optional):** ½ cup (or more, to taste)
* **Butterscotch Chips (Optional):** ½ cup
* **Salt:** ¼ teaspoon

## Equipment

* Bundt Pan: A 12-cup Bundt pan is ideal for baking monkey bread, giving it its signature shape.
* Large Mixing Bowl: For tossing the biscuit pieces in the butterscotch mixture.
* Small Saucepan: For melting the butter and sugar.
* Measuring Cups and Spoons
* Knife or Kitchen Scissors: For cutting the biscuits into pieces.
* Oven

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### Step 1: Prepare the Pan

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 12-cup Bundt pan with butter or cooking spray. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies to prevent the monkey bread from sticking. Alternatively, you can use baking spray with flour.

### Step 2: Cut the Biscuits

* Open the cans of biscuit dough. Using a knife or kitchen scissors, cut each biscuit into quarters or sixths, depending on their size. Aim for roughly bite-sized pieces. Cutting the biscuits into smaller pieces ensures that they cook evenly and absorb the butterscotch sauce thoroughly.

### Step 3: Make the Butterscotch Sauce

* In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar, butterscotch pudding mix, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir constantly until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Be careful not to burn the butterscotch sauce. It should be thick and glossy.

### Step 4: Toss the Biscuits in the Sauce

* Place the cut biscuit pieces into a large mixing bowl. Pour the butterscotch sauce over the biscuits. Gently toss to coat each piece evenly. Make sure every piece is well coated with the delicious butterscotch mixture. If you’re using nuts or butterscotch chips, add them to the bowl now and toss to combine.

### Step 5: Arrange in the Bundt Pan

* Spoon the coated biscuit pieces into the prepared Bundt pan, distributing them evenly. Don’t pack them too tightly, as they will expand during baking. If there’s any remaining butterscotch sauce in the bowl, pour it over the top of the biscuits in the pan.

### Step 6: Bake

* Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the monkey bread is golden brown and cooked through. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean (though it may have some melted butterscotch on it).

### Step 7: Cool and Invert

* Let the monkey bread cool in the Bundt pan for about 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. This allows the butterscotch sauce to set slightly, making it easier to remove from the pan. If you invert it too soon, it might fall apart. If you wait too long, it will stick to the pan.

### Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

* Serve the Butterscotch Monkey Bread warm. Pull apart the pieces and enjoy the gooey, butterscotch-y goodness! It’s best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. Reheat briefly in the microwave before serving.

## Tips for Success

* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking can result in dry monkey bread. Keep a close eye on it and remove it from the oven when it’s golden brown and cooked through.
* **Grease the Pan Well:** This is crucial for preventing the monkey bread from sticking to the Bundt pan. Use plenty of butter or cooking spray.
* **Use Fresh Biscuit Dough:** Stale biscuit dough won’t rise as well and can result in a denser monkey bread.
* **Adjust Baking Time:** Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Start checking for doneness around 30 minutes.
* **Add a Glaze (Optional):** For an extra touch of sweetness, you can drizzle a simple glaze over the monkey bread after it’s inverted. Combine powdered sugar with a little milk or butterscotch extract for a quick and easy glaze.
* **Prevent Sticking:** If you’re concerned about sticking, you can line the Bundt pan with parchment paper before greasing it. Leave an overhang of parchment to help lift the monkey bread out of the pan.
* **Variations:** Feel free to get creative with the ingredients. Add chopped apples, cinnamon, or other spices to the butterscotch sauce for a different flavor profile. Consider adding cream cheese pieces. You can also use different types of pudding mix, such as vanilla or chocolate.
* **Serving Suggestions:** Serve the monkey bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra decadent treat. It’s also delicious on its own with a cup of coffee or tea.

## Variations and Add-ins

This monkey bread recipe is a great base for experimentation. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

* **Chocolate Butterscotch:** Add chocolate chips to the biscuit pieces before tossing them in the butterscotch sauce. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the baked monkey bread.
* **Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread:** Add cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg to the butterscotch sauce for a cinnamon roll-inspired flavor. Drizzle with cream cheese frosting after baking.
* **Apple Cinnamon Butterscotch:** Add diced apples and cinnamon to the biscuit pieces before tossing them in the butterscotch sauce. This is a perfect fall treat.
* **Nutella Butterscotch:** Swirl Nutella into the butterscotch sauce for a hazelnut-chocolate twist.
* **Savory Monkey Bread:** For a savory version, omit the butterscotch pudding mix and use garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese instead. Dip the biscuit pieces in melted butter with the seasonings and cheese before arranging them in the Bundt pan.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

You can assemble the monkey bread up to 24 hours in advance. Prepare the recipe as directed through step 5, then cover the Bundt pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if necessary.

## Storing and Reheating

Store leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 15-20 seconds, or until warmed through. You can also reheat the entire monkey bread in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes.

## Troubleshooting

* **Monkey Bread is Too Dry:** This is usually caused by overbaking. Make sure to check for doneness frequently and remove the monkey bread from the oven as soon as it’s cooked through.
* **Monkey Bread is Sticking to the Pan:** This is usually caused by not greasing the pan well enough. Make sure to grease the pan generously with butter or cooking spray.
* **Monkey Bread is Not Cooking Evenly:** This can be caused by using stale biscuit dough or not cutting the biscuits into uniform sizes. Make sure to use fresh biscuit dough and cut the biscuits into roughly the same size.
* **Butterscotch Sauce is Burning:** Make sure to stir the butterscotch sauce constantly over medium heat and do not let it boil. If it starts to burn, remove it from the heat immediately.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 350-450 per serving (depending on portion size and ingredients)
* Fat: 20-30g
* Saturated Fat: 12-18g
* Cholesterol: 50-70mg
* Sodium: 400-500mg
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
* Sugar: 25-35g
* Protein: 4-6g

**Note:** Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

## Conclusion

This Butterscotch Monkey Bread recipe is a delightful twist on a classic treat. The addition of butterscotch pudding mix elevates the flavor and texture, creating a truly irresistible dessert. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply want to indulge in something sweet, this monkey bread is sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the gooey, butterscotch-y goodness of this amazing recipe! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a fun way to add a little sweetness to your day. Happy baking!