Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread

Introduction

Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread is a warm, sweet, and comforting treat that is perfect for fall. It is made with soft pieces of dough coated in pumpkin spice sugar and baked together in a pan. After baking, the pieces pull apart easily, creating a fun and delicious dessert that everyone can share.

Monkey bread is popular because it is easy to make and fun to eat. Instead of slicing it like a regular cake or bread, people simply pull apart the soft pieces with their hands. Each bite is sweet, soft, and full of warm spices.

Adding pumpkin and pumpkin spice makes this version even more special. Pumpkin adds moisture and a mild sweetness, while spices like cinnamon and nutmeg create a cozy fall flavor. The result is a dessert that tastes like autumn in every bite.

This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, holiday mornings, or weekend treats. It looks impressive, but it is actually very simple to prepare.

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Cooking Time & Prep Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Baking Time: 35–40 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour

This recipe serves 8–10 people.

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Ingredients

For the Dough

• 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (about 16 ounces each)
• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Butter Coating

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Tip: Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Lightly grease a bundt pan or round baking pan with butter or cooking spray. This helps the bread release easily after baking.

2. Prepare the sugar mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon.

Stir well so the spices are evenly mixed with the sugar.

This mixture will coat the dough and give the monkey bread its sweet flavor.

3. Cut the biscuit dough

Open the cans of biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into four small pieces.

Small pieces help create the pull-apart texture that monkey bread is known for.

Place the dough pieces into a large mixing bowl.

4. Add the pumpkin puree

Add the pumpkin puree to the dough pieces.

Gently toss the dough so the pumpkin lightly coats the pieces.

Tip: Do not overmix, because the dough pieces should stay separate.

5. Coat the dough in sugar

Add the sugar and spice mixture to the bowl.

Toss the dough pieces until they are evenly coated.

Each piece should be covered with the sweet pumpkin spice mixture.

6. Prepare the butter mixture

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract.

Stir until smooth.

This buttery mixture will create a rich caramel flavor as the monkey bread bakes.

7. Assemble the monkey bread

Place half of the coated dough pieces into the prepared pan.

Drizzle half of the butter mixture over the dough.

Add the remaining dough pieces on top, then pour the rest of the butter mixture over everything.

Try to spread the butter evenly across the top.

8. Bake the monkey bread

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes.

The monkey bread should become golden brown and slightly crisp on top.

If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover the pan with foil during the last few minutes of baking.

9. Cool and remove from pan

Allow the monkey bread to cool for about 10 minutes.

Carefully turn the pan upside down onto a serving plate.

The bread should slide out easily.

10. Add the glaze (optional)

If you want extra sweetness, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl.

Drizzle the glaze over the warm monkey bread before serving.

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Tips & Variations

This recipe can easily be adjusted depending on your taste.

Add nuts
Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunchy texture.

Extra pumpkin flavor
Add a little pumpkin spice to the glaze for more fall flavor.

Make it vegan
Use plant-based biscuit dough and vegan butter.

Gluten-free version
Use gluten-free biscuit dough if available.

Caramel version
Drizzle caramel sauce over the finished monkey bread for a rich dessert.

Add raisins or dried cranberries
These add a little fruity sweetness to the bread.

Trying different variations can make the recipe even more exciting.

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Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

Based on 10 servings.

• Calories: 310
• Protein: 4 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fat: 13 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 24 g

Values may vary depending on ingredients used.

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Health Benefits

Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread is a dessert, but some ingredients provide small nutritional benefits.

Pumpkin contains vitamins
Pumpkin is rich in vitamin A, which supports eye health and the immune system.

Spices contain antioxidants
Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg contain antioxidants that help protect the body.

Energy from carbohydrates
The dough provides carbohydrates that give the body energy.

Although this treat should be enjoyed in moderation, using real pumpkin adds a little extra nutrition.

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Serving Suggestions

Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread is best served warm.

Perfect for breakfast or brunch
Serve it with coffee, tea, or hot apple cider on cool mornings.

Holiday dessert
This dish is a great addition to fall holidays like Thanksgiving.

Add ice cream
Serve warm monkey bread with vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.

Storing leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days.

For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating

Warm pieces in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to make them soft again.

Freezing

Monkey bread can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm before serving.

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Conclusion

Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread is a warm and comforting dessert that captures the flavors of fall. The soft dough pieces coated in pumpkin spice sugar create a sweet and cozy treat that everyone enjoys.

This recipe is simple to prepare, fun to serve, and perfect for sharing. Whether you make it for breakfast, dessert, or a holiday gathering, it is sure to be a favorite.

Try this recipe with your family or friends and enjoy pulling apart the warm, sweet pieces together. It is a delicious way to celebrate the flavors of the season.