Sticky Bun Christmas Monkey Bread | Gooey Pull-Apart Holiday Breakfast

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If you’re looking for a show-stopping holiday breakfast that’s gooey, buttery, cozy, and dangerously addictive, this Sticky Bun Christmas Monkey Bread will become the star of your Christmas morning. Soft dough pieces coated in cinnamon sugar are layered with a rich brown-sugar caramel sauce, baked until beautifully golden, and flipped out to reveal the most irresistible sticky bun–style pull-apart loaf.
The aroma alone — warm cinnamon, caramel, toasted pecans, and buttery sweetness — fills your home with pure Christmas magic. It’s the kind of treat everyone gathers around, pulling apart warm pieces straight from the pan.

Why You’ll Love Sticky Bun Christmas Monkey Bread

This festive breakfast is soft, gooey, and holiday-perfect.

  • Pull-apart, sticky-sweet, cinnamony goodness.
  • Tastes like homemade sticky buns — without all the work.
  • Uses refrigerated biscuits or homemade dough — your choice.
  • Perfect for Christmas morning, brunch, or holiday gatherings.
  • Make-ahead friendly for stress-free holiday mornings.
  • Fun for the whole family to pull apart and enjoy.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable holiday masterpiece. The brown-sugar caramel melts into every crevice, the cinnamon sugar coats each bite, and the pecans add that perfect sticky bun crunch. It’s impressive, indulgent, and unbelievably easy to make — especially if you use shortcut dough. Serve it warm on Christmas morning and expect zero leftovers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Monkey Bread

  • 2 cans refrigerated biscuits (or 24 oz homemade dough)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ cup chopped pecans (optional but highly recommended)

For the Sticky Caramel Sauce

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

Optional Toppings

  • Extra pecans
  • Powdered sugar
  • Christmas sprinkles
  • Drizzle of cream cheese icing

How to Make Sticky Bun Christmas Monkey Bread (Detailed)

1. Prep the Dough

Cut each biscuit into 4 pieces. In a bag or bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. Toss biscuit pieces in the cinnamon sugar until coated.

2. Layer in the Pan

Grease a bundt pan. Add half of the coated dough pieces, sprinkle with pecans, then add the remaining dough on top.

3. Make the Caramel Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar. Add heavy cream, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt. Bring to a gentle simmer for 2 minutes until thick and glossy.

4. Pour & Bake

Pour caramel sauce evenly over the dough.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until dough is fully cooked and golden.

5. Flip While Hot

Let cool 5 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving platter. The gooey caramel will cascade down the bread like a sticky bun glaze.

6. Serve Warm

Add extra pecans, powdered sugar, or cream cheese drizzle if desired. Serve warm and let everyone pull apart pieces.

Nutritional Information (Estimated per serving)

  • Calories: 420
  • Protein: 5g
  • Carbs: 57g
  • Fat: 19g
  • Sugar: 36g
  • Fiber: 1g

Tips for the Best Monkey Bread

  • Don’t overbake — pull-apart breads dry quickly.
  • Cut dough pieces evenly for uniform baking.
  • Coat dough generously for maximum cinnamon flavor.
  • Flip while hot — waiting too long makes caramel stick to the pan.
  • Use a bundt pan for the classic Christmas wreath look.
  • Add pecans between layers for perfect sticky bun crunch.

Variations & Substitutions

  • Cream Cheese Monkey Bread: Drizzle with cream cheese icing.
  • Gingerbread Version: Add ginger + molasses to the caramel.
  • Salted Caramel: Add flaky sea salt on top.
  • Chocolate Chip: Add mini chocolate chips between dough layers.
  • Apple Cinnamon: Add tiny diced apples mixed with cinnamon.
  • No Nuts: Simply omit pecans — still delicious.

What to Serve with Sticky Bun Christmas Monkey Bread

  • Hot chocolate or peppermint mocha
  • Egg casseroles for a savory balance
  • Coffee or holiday lattes
  • Fresh fruit platter
  • Christmas morning brunch spreads

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Baking too long: Makes bread tough.
  • Not greasing the pan: Causes sticking — grease thoroughly.
  • Skipping the simmer step: Caramel won’t thicken properly.
  • Inverting too late: Caramel will harden in the pan.
  • Overfilling the bundt pan: Leave space for rising.

Storing Tips

  • Best eaten fresh and warm.
  • Store leftovers 1–2 days at room temperature.
  • Reheat in microwave for soft, gooey texture.
  • Freeze before baking (assembled without sauce), thaw overnight, add sauce, and bake fresh.

Conclusion

This Sticky Bun Christmas Monkey Bread is everything joyful about holiday baking — warm, gooey, pull-apart, cinnamony, sticky, and absolutely magical. Whether you’re hosting brunch, waking up early with the kids, or surprising guests with something festive and indulgent, this monkey bread brings warmth, comfort, and holiday cheer in every bite.

Recipe FAQ’s

Can I make this ahead?
Yes — assemble dough the night before and refrigerate. Add caramel in the morning and bake fresh.

Can I use homemade dough?
Absolutely — enriched yeast dough works beautifully.

Do I need a bundt pan?
It gives the best shape, but you can use a 9×13 pan.

Can I freeze this?
Freeze unbaked (without caramel), thaw overnight, then bake.

Can I add raisins?
Yes — add them with the pecans for a sticky bun flavor.

Why is my monkey bread dry?
It was overbaked. Remove when golden — not dark brown.

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