Decadent Cinnamon Pecan Monkey Bread
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Decadent Cinnamon Pecan Monkey Bread, a cherished recipe passed down through generations. Inspired by a beloved anchorman’s mother, this delightful treat made waves on a local news channel, and it's perfect for brunch gatherings or special occasions. Each fluffy, sweet dough ball is lovingly coated in a mixture of warm cinnamon, brown sugar, and melted butter, creating an irresistible pull-apart bread experience. The addition of crunchy pecans adds texture and richness, making this dish a comforting favorite that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rhodes Sweet Roll Dough
2 loaves (thawed)
Pecans
1/4 cup (whole or chopped)
Melted Butter
1/2 cup
Vanilla Extract
1 tablespoon
Light Brown Sugar
3/4 cup
Additional Light Brown Sugar
3 tablespoons
Granulated White Sugar
3/4 cup
Ground Cinnamon
1 tablespoon
Instructions
1
Spray a bundt pan generously with butter-flavored cooking spray. Arrange the pecans evenly at the bottom of the pan.
2
Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of light brown sugar over the pecans, ensuring an even layer covers them.
3
In a deep mixing bowl, combine the remaining light brown sugar, white sugar, and cinnamon. Mix well until fully combined.
4
In a separate bowl, melt the butter and stir in the vanilla extract until well blended.
5
Take the thawed sweet roll dough loaves and cut each into halves, then further divide each half into eights, resulting in 16 pieces per loaf.
6
Roll each dough piece into a ball. Dip each ball into the melted butter mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
7
Toss the butter-coated balls in the sugar and cinnamon mixture, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated.
8
Layer the coated dough balls on top of the pecan and sugar mixture in the bundt pan, stacking them without pressing down too much.
9
Allow the assembled monkey bread to rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, approximately 30 to 60 minutes.
10
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Once risen, bake the monkey bread for 30 to 35 minutes or until it is golden brown and cooked through.
11
Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before inverting the bundt pan onto a serving platter. Gently tap the pan to release the bread.
12
Allow the bread to rest for about 5 minutes before carefully removing the bundt pan. Serve warm for the best experience.
13
For a make-ahead option, you can prepare the monkey bread the night before and cover it with wax paper. Store it in the refrigerator overnight. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature before proceeding with the baking instructions.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Cinnamon Pecan Monkey Bread?
It is a sweet, pull-apart bread made from fluffy dough balls coated in cinnamon, brown sugar, and melted butter, often featuring crunchy pecans.
What ingredients are needed for this recipe?
You will need Rhodes Sweet Roll Dough, pecans, melted butter, vanilla extract, light brown sugar, granulated white sugar, and ground cinnamon.
How many loaves of dough does this recipe use?
This recipe requires 2 loaves of Rhodes Sweet Roll Dough.
What kind of dough is best for monkey bread?
Rhodes Sweet Roll Dough is recommended, but it must be thawed before use.
How should I prepare the bundt pan?
Spray the bundt pan generously with butter-flavored cooking spray to prevent sticking.
What goes into the bottom of the pan first?
Arrange 1/4 cup of pecans and 3 tablespoons of light brown sugar evenly at the bottom of the pan.
How do I cut the dough loaves?
Cut each thawed loaf into halves, then divide each half into eights, resulting in 16 pieces per loaf or 32 pieces total.
What is the process for coating the dough balls?
Roll each piece into a ball, dip it in melted butter mixed with vanilla, and then toss it in a sugar and cinnamon mixture.
What ingredients are in the sugar mixture?
The mixture consists of light brown sugar, granulated white sugar, and ground cinnamon.
How long should the monkey bread rise before baking?
Allow the assembled bread to rise in a warm place for approximately 30 to 60 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the monkey bread need to bake?
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until it is golden brown and fully cooked through.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it the night before, cover it with wax paper, and store it in the refrigerator overnight.
How do I bake monkey bread that was refrigerated overnight?
Let the dough come to room temperature before following the standard baking instructions.
How do I remove the bread from the bundt pan?
Invert the pan onto a serving platter, tap gently to release, and let it rest for 5 minutes before lifting the pan away.
Should I serve monkey bread warm or cold?
It is best served warm for the most indulgent experience.
What is the role of pecans in this recipe?
Pecans add texture and a rich, nutty flavor to the sweet pull-apart bread.
How much vanilla extract is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract mixed into the melted butter.
Can I use chopped pecans instead of whole ones?
Yes, you can use either whole or chopped pecans depending on your preference.
Is this recipe good for brunch?
Absolutely, it is described as a perfect treat for brunch gatherings or special occasions.
What happens if I press the dough balls down in the pan?
You should stack them without pressing down too much to ensure they have room to rise and stay fluffy.
What type of brown sugar is best?
The recipe specifically calls for light brown sugar.
How many pieces of dough are in the entire pan?
There are 32 dough balls in total when using two loaves.
Do I need to grease the pan?
Yes, using butter-flavored cooking spray generously is important for easy release.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
It was inspired by a beloved anchorman’s mother and featured on a local news channel.
Can I substitute the Rhodes Sweet Roll Dough?
While Rhodes is recommended, other similar frozen sweet dough loaves can work if thawed first.
What is the texture of the finished bread?
The bread is fluffy and sweet with a crunchy pecan and sugar coating.
How much butter is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of melted butter for dipping the dough balls.
Should the cinnamon be mixed with the sugar?
Yes, the 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon should be mixed with both the light brown and white sugars.
Is it necessary to let the bread rest after baking?
Yes, resting for a few minutes before inverting and then 5 minutes before removing the pan helps the glaze set.