This Maple Bacon Monkey Bread is a sweet and salty treat that’s hard to resist! Soft dough balls are mixed with crispy bacon and coated in a yummy maple syrup blend.
Honestly, what’s not to love about this breakfast delight? The bacon adds a crispy kick that makes each bite extra special. I always save some for later, but it hardly lasts five minutes at my house! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: The heart of this recipe! You can use canned refrigerated biscuit dough for ease. If you prefer, homemade dough works too, but it will be more involved.
Bacon: Crispy bacon gives a savory touch. Turkey bacon is a good alternative for a lighter option, or you could skip it entirely for a vegetarian twist. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and depth. If you’re low on brown sugar, you can mix granulated sugar with a bit of molasses, or use coconut sugar for a different flavor.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup gives that authentic flavor. If you don’t have it, you can use pancake syrup, but it won’t be as rich in taste.
Butter: Unsalted butter works best, but you can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Caramelized Layers in Monkey Bread?
The key to delicious caramelized layers lies in the preparation. When layering biscuit pieces and syrup, ensure even distribution of flavors. Here’s how:
- First, cut the biscuit dough into small quarters. This helps them cook evenly and absorb the syrup.
- Next, dip each piece in the warm syrup before layering. This creates sweet, sticky layers that will caramelize beautifully as they bake.
- Evenly sprinkle the chopped bacon between the layers and then top with the remaining syrup. This will meld flavors together while baking.
- Keep an eye on the baking time; you’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and the dough has fully expanded.
Maple Bacon Monkey Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Monkey Bread:
- 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (about 16 biscuits)
- 8 slices bacon
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: pinch of cinnamon for dough coating
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Maple Bacon Monkey Bread will take roughly 15 minutes for preparation and about 35-40 minutes to bake. All in all, plan for about one hour’s time to make, bake, and let it cool. Perfect for a delightful breakfast or brunch treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, take a moment to grease a bundt pan. Use butter or a non-stick spray to ensure the monkey bread comes out easily after baking.
2. Cut the Biscuit Dough:
Tear open the cans of biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. If you’d like to add a delightful kick, toss the pieces in a bit of cinnamon sugar for that sweet flavor!
3. Cook the Bacon:
Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. Once cooked, drain the bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease, then chop it into small pieces. Don’t forget to set aside a few pieces for topping later!
4. Make the Sticky Syrup:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, butter, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture constantly until it melts and starts to bubble slightly. This will create a scrumptious sticky syrup—then remove it from the heat!
5. Assemble the Monkey Bread:
Dip every biscuit piece briefly into the syrup mixture, making sure they are coated. Layer them evenly in the greased bundt pan. Then, sprinkle the chopped bacon pieces over the biscuit layers. Remember to save some bacon for the very top!
6. Add More Syrup:
Pour any remaining syrup over the layered dough and bacon in the bundt pan. This action really kicks the flavor up a notch!
7. Bake It:
Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean—delicious smells will fill your kitchen!
8. Top It Off:
Once removing the monkey bread from the oven, quickly sprinkle the reserved bacon pieces on top while it’s still warm for that finishing touch.
9. Cool and Serve:
Let your monkey bread cool in the pan for about 5-10 minutes. Then carefully invert it onto a serving plate. Serve warm and pull apart those gooey, sweet, and savory pieces. Enjoy every single bite!
This maple bacon monkey bread is sure to be a hit and is perfect for both brunch gatherings and cozy family breakfasts!
Can I Substitute the Biscuit Dough?
Yes! While the recipe calls for refrigerated biscuit dough for convenience, you can use homemade dough if you prefer. Just make sure it’s soft and pliable for easy tearing and coating.
What if I Don’t Have Maple Syrup?
If you don’t have pure maple syrup, you can substitute it with pancake syrup. Keep in mind that it may not have the same rich flavor, but it will still add sweetness.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave for a few seconds or warm it in the oven until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the monkey bread a few hours ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just take it out to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven to bake.
