Easy to make Monkey Bread Muffins recipe made with refrigerated biscuits! You only need 5 ingredients to make this simple alternative to Monkey Bread with no bundt pan needed!

Monkey Bread Muffins Recipe
I was craving some sticky sweet Monkey Bread, but I didn’t have a bundt pan on hand so instead I made these Monkey Bread Muffins. This recipe is super easy to make, made with refrigerated biscuits and 4 other ingredients I know you have in your kitchen already.
Here’s a recipe video I made to show you easy these muffins are to make!
Facts about Monkey Bread
When I looked up the origin of the word “Monkey Bread”, Wikipedia told me: “The origin of the term “monkey bread” is uncertain.” Wow, that was helpful (not). So I did some deep searching and here are some facts I found:
- Monkey bread is also called monkey puzzle bread, sticky bread, African coffee cake, golden crown, pinch-me cake, pluck-it cake, bubbleloaf and monkey brains.
- It first appeared in cookbooks in the 1950s.
- It’s mostly popular in the United States.
Why do they call it Monkey Bread?
Ok what about the name? Most of my results were helpless, but here’s what I could put together on where the title “Monkey Bread” comes from.
There is an African tree called the Monkey Bread tree that has an exceedingly thick trunk and an edible pulp. Some people think that Monkey Bread is named after the tree as it slightly resembles it.
Alternatively, some people believe Monkey Bread gets its name from monkeys. When eating monkey bread, people usually tear it apart with their fingers, much like how monkeys eat.
What is monkey bread made of?
You only need 5 simple ingredients to make it: refrigerated biscuits, melted butter, brown sugar, white sugar and cinnamon. You probably already have these ingredients in your kitchen!
How to Make Monkey Bread Muffins
Spray your muffin pan with nonstick spray, bottoms and sides. Don’t skip this step as this will prevent the muffins from sticking when you slide them out. Now pour the butter and brown sugar mixture into each muffin cup.
Rip each biscuit into 6 pieces, you don’t have to be exact with sizes, just make them about even. I used Pillsbury biscuits, but any brand works.
Shake up white sugar and ground cinnamon in a plastic bag. Then put the ripped up biscuits inside and shake to coat evenly.
Fill each muffin cup up with about 8-10 pieces. Continue until all the muffin pieces are gone.
Into the oven it goes, and in about 14 minutes this magic will emerge. By the way, your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
Let sit for 1 minute before turning the pan upside down. Each muffin should easily slide out. These are best served warm so now go and eat them up! 🙂
Does monkey bread have to be refrigerated?
Although Monkey Bread is best served warm, you do not need to refrigerate the muffins. Instead, store the leftover muffins in an airtight container on your kitchen counter.
More Muffin Recipes You’ll Love:
Mini Blueberry Muffins
Mini Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe
Mini and Moist Banana Muffins
Fluffy Chocolate Chip Muffins
Sprinkle Birthday Cake Muffins
Easy Cinnamon Roll Muffins
Pin for later:
Monkey Bread Muffins
PrintIngredients
- 2 7.5 oz cans refrigerated biscuits
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a muffin sheet with nonstick spray, bottoms and sides.
- Mix melted butter and brown sugar together in small bowl, spoon 1 tablespoon into each muffin cup.
- Mix white sugar and cinnamon in a plastic bag. Take each biscuit and rip it up into 6 pieces. Put the biscuit pieces in bag and shake to coat evenly.
- Place 8-10 pieces of biscuits into each muffin cup to evenly fill them up. If you have any sugar left in the bag, sprinkle on top of the muffins.
- Bake for 14 minutes. Remove from the oven and let sit for just 1 minute.
- Turn upside down, the muffins should fall right out. Serve warm, enjoy!
Video:
Check out my Monkey Bread Muffins Web Story!
Pam says
I’ve always wondered where they came up with the name too. Hmmm.
I am so glad to see this recipe. This looks so simple and perfect. My kids will be thrilled with these!
Pamela says
Hope you and the kids enjoy Pam!
Monica says
I have also only seen these in the big ‘cake’ size. Love the idea of making them in muffin cups since I don’t have a bundt pan either (though I did consider getting one last week for about 5 minutes – let’s see how long I can hold out). This looks really gooey and oh so addicting!
Pamela says
So addicting Monica! I could eat so many of these, enjoy!
Jaclyn says
I love monkey bread, but I haven’t had it in sooo long. I’m tempted to make these little treats now!
Pamela says
Hope you make them and enjoy!
Jersey Girl Cooks says
I always wondered where they got that name from ๐ I know my family would love these.
Pamela says
Enjoy these muffins!
Shashi @ http://runninsrilankan.com says
Awesome idea to make these muffins – I dont think Ive ever seen monkey bread muffins before!
Pamela says
Thanks Shashi!
Amy @ Elephant Eats says
Um wow, these look so gooey, buttery and amazing. I can see why your cat wanted in on the action!
Pamela says
Essy is a clever girl, she knows the goodies. ๐
jackie @ Marin mama cooks says
I’ve always wondered why monkey bread was called monkey bread as well. It’s just such a strange name for such a fabulous bread. I don’t think those muffins would last past a day in my house. They would be snatched up and devoured. Sweets don’t last long here. xoxo, Jackie
Pamela says
Thanks for stopping by Jackie! These muffins are definitely devour worthy! ๐
Joanne says
I can never stop myself at just one or two pieces of monkey bread. It’s a whole loaf or none at all kind of thing! But maybe I could stop at three muffins. Maybe.
Pamela says
Joanne, I admit it’s hard to stop at 3 muffins! I could eat all of them!
Julia | JuliasAlbum.com says
That photo of the monkey is hilarious! And your monkey bread muffins look gorgeous! I’ve never made monkey bread either, but would love too, soon. Especially after looking at your photos. ๐
Pamela says
Hope you make it Julia, it’s delicious!
Jamie | Jamie's Recipes says
Monkey bread is a huge hit in our home. I only make it three times a year (my husband’s birthday, Father’s day, and our anniversary) though due to the copious amount of butter and sugar. ๐
Pamela says
Three days I’ll be coming over Jamie! ๐
Debra says
This reminds me so much of my childhood. We would make a double batch in a bundt pan. Truly a favorite breakfast.
Pamela says
That sounds like a delicious breakfast Debra!
Gloria @ Simply Gloria says
How interesting, Pamela! I love how you put the facts about Monkey Bread. I always thought it was a strange name…just like Puppy Chow (the Chex mixes)! I STILL don’t get that one!
I’m pinning and printing this recipe as I type. My little boys is always asking me to make the cinnamon bread thing that pulls apart. But in muffins…you’re a genius! Perfect size!
Have I mentioned lately, I LOVE your pics!
Pamela says
Puppy Chow is another one that I looked up one! I’m not sure if it sounds as delicious as Monkey Bread! Enjoy the recipe Gloria, it’s addictively good!
Jamie@Milk 'n' Cookies says
I’ve never made monkey bread/muffins, but now it’s totally on my list. I had no idea it was as simple as using refrigerated biscuit dough — I kept seeing those $10 monkey bread “mixes” at fancy schmanzy gourmet cooking stores. Thanks so much for opening my eyes — I’m positive this is going to become a go-to weekend breakfast dish for us. And thank goodness for the individually portioned muffins — I’m sure I’d eat way more than my share if I could just keep cutting myself another tiny sliver off of the bundt cake (that’s how I am with brownies…)
Pamela says
Hey Jamie, it would be such a great breakfast dish.. I’m thinking monkey bread french toast – I’m not sure sure it can get yummier than that! Enjoy!
Davida @ The Healthy Maven says
I think you may be a genius…I want to jump through the screen and eat these right now!
Pamela says
I’ll see you on the other side Davida!
vanillasugarblog says
Yep I’m with you.
I haven’t made monkey bread yet either.
If I did, I would use the muffin tins so I can get em a bit crisp.
Funny monkey photo!
Pamela says
Hope you give it a try, it’s delicious!
Laura @ Lauras Baking Talent says
What a great idea! Funny thing is I actually bought bundt pans for the sole purpose of making monkey bread a couple of months ago. Wish I would have known the muffin trick. They look super yummy!
Pamela says
I was totally close to buying those pans! I’m sure you can cook up some great treats with it!
Katie Brigstock says
I love this post! I’d never heard of monkey bread before!- but it looks very interesting and something I’ve definitely go to try now!xxx
Pamela says
It’s delicious Katie, enjoy it!
Suzanne says
I am ashamed to say I have never had monkey bread, I’ve heard about it, read about but never made it. Love the use of biscuits here, so easy and sounds really really good!
Pamela says
It’s quite the treat Suzanne, hope you give it a try!
Anne ~ Uni Homemaker says
These look yummy! I didn’t realize Monkey Bread is so easy to make! And cinnamon sugar is always a good thing in my book. Delicious Pamela! ๐
Pamela says
Thanks Anne! I was surprised by how easy it was to make myself!
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
Lol, you are funny and that monkey photo was a genius addition ๐
Pamela says
Thanks Kiran, glad you liked it. ๐
Aimee / Wallflower Girl says
Monkeys, Aaliyah and muffins. I love it! I gotta try these, they look unbelievably delicious and warm and sticky and ahhh…
Pamela says
Thanks for appreciating the Aaliyah comment Aimee! ๐ These are muffins full of happiness!
Ash-foodfashionparty says
I am constantly looking and shortcut recipes and oh wow, these look so damn good Pamela.
Love what Stacy said, it might have been that. Little kids are cute little monkeys.:)
Pamela says
Ash, you have got to make these! Soooo yum!
Tessa @ Feral Kitchen says
I love this easy and delicious idea! And they look so pretty photographed on the purple mat!
Pamela says
Thanks Tessa! Glad you liked them!
Mary Frances @ The Sweet {Tooth} Life says
“Good luck in not eating them”
Sums up monkey bread right there! Love this twist on them! But if I were to be honest, I don’t know if any portion control could stop me from eating loads of this stuff:) Thanks for the background on monkey bread – I would’ve never guessed! (and I’ve been making it for years) Thanks Pamela!
Pamela says
It’s addictive isn’t it Mary Frances? The single portion kinda works.. although last night for dessert my husband had 3 and a half, so I’m not exactly sure it works perfect! ๐
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
I think these would be dangerous to have in my home…I don’t think I could eat just one. They look scrumptious.
Pamela says
They are pretty dangerous Karen!
Sophie says
What are refrigerated biscuits??? I never heard of them before in Belgium..
Pamela says
They are biscuits that you find in the refrigerated aisle in a tube, that you bring home, put into the oven for 10-20 minutes and then you have biscuits/rolls/croissants/etc. They are delightful in all forms! They come in tubes like this: http://www.blogcdn.com/www.bloggingstocks.com/media/2006/12/biscuits_pillsbury_240.jpg
Sophie33 says
Thank you. I am on the lookout for them! ๐ thanks! x
Consuelo @ Honey & Figs says
The pic of the monkey is so great, you’re so funny! I love that these are in muffin form, because I can’t really control myself when it comes to the whole cake either. This looks so wonderful that I would have eaten it all by myself ๐
Pamela says
Hahaha, glad you liked that Consuelo, that monkey sure is happy! These bread muffins cause smiles!
The Cafรฉ Sucre Farine says
Me thinks that no matter what you call these guys, they look fabulous! Wow, love the muffin pan idea, so smart!
Pamela says
Thank you! They sure are yummy!
Stacy | Wicked Good Kitchen says
Loved this post, Pamela! I always associated Monkey Bread with the style in which we eat it…pulling it apart. But, it was interesting to read what you gathered about its history–especially how it first appeared in cookbooks in the 1950s. Moms could have also called it Monkey Bread because they were feeding their beloved “little monkeys” (they’re children). Thanks for sharing, girl! xo
Pamela says
Stacy, I love your feeding “little monkeys” quote – made me smile! What a thought that is.. I wish it came from that! Have a great Sunday!
Francine says
You are too funny. And a really good cook/baker. These look awesome!
Pamela says
Thanks Francine!