If you are looking for a fun, irresistible twist to your usual breakfast or brunch fare, this Blueberry Monkey Bread Recipe is going to steal your heart right away. Picture tender, cinnamon-sugar coated biscuit bites bursting with fresh blueberries, all drenched in a luscious buttery glaze that caramelizes to golden perfection as it bakes. This treat is like a warm hug in food form, packed with sweet, tangy bursts and an inviting aroma that will fill your kitchen with happiness. Whether you’re sharing it with family or surprising friends, this Blueberry Monkey Bread Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines simplicity with show-stopping flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. From the soft biscuit dough that forms the base, to the vibrant blueberries that punctuate every bite, these ingredients come together with little fuss but great impact.
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: Using canned biscuit dough saves time while ensuring fluffy, buttery layers.
- Fresh blueberries: They add juicy bursts of sweetness and a pop of beautiful color throughout.
- Granulated sugar: Combined with cinnamon, it creates a sweet, crisp coating on each dough piece.
- Ground cinnamon: Offers a warm, aromatic spice that complements blueberries perfectly.
- Unsalted butter: Melted to enrich the glaze and help caramelize the sugar for that golden crust.
- Brown sugar: Gives the glaze a deep, molasses-like sweetness and sticky texture.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness and smoothness to the glaze, making it irresistibly luscious.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a gentle floral note that rounds out the sweet flavors beautifully.
- Cornstarch (optional): Helps thicken the glaze if you prefer a more substantial coating.
How to Make Blueberry Monkey Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
To get started, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for baking when your dough is prepared. Grease a bundt pan or a 9-inch round cake pan thoroughly with cooking spray or butter; this ensures the monkey bread releases easily and gets that beautiful golden crust all around.
Step 2: Cut and Coat the Biscuit Dough
Open your cans of refrigerated biscuit dough and slice each biscuit into quarters. These smaller pieces will create those signature little bites you love in monkey bread. Toss the dough pieces in a mix of granulated sugar and cinnamon, coating each chunk evenly. This sweet-spiced layer is where the fun begins and sets the foundation for the flavor.
Step 3: Layer with Blueberries
Now for some artistry: alternate layers of the cinnamon-sugar coated biscuit pieces and fresh blueberries in your prepared pan. Don’t be shy with the blueberries—they add juice and brightness—but avoid overfilling to keep the texture just right without becoming soggy. This layering builds both flavor balance and stunning visual appeal when sliced.
Step 4: Create the Glaze
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the brown sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Bring this to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally to achieve a smooth, thickened glaze. If you like your glaze extra thick to coat every nook and cranny, whisk in cornstarch dissolved in a bit of water once it starts simmering.
Step 5: Pour the Glaze and Bake
Drizzle your warm glaze evenly over the layered dough and blueberries, making sure every bit gets a sweet buttery bath. Pop your pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the monkey bread is puffed up, golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Unmold
Once out of the oven, give the bread about 10 minutes to cool in the pan—this helps it firm up just enough for flipping. Then invert the pan onto a serving platter and let it rest for a few more minutes so the glaze can settle perfectly into every crevice, ready to wow your taste buds.
Step 7: Enjoy Your Blueberry Monkey Bread Recipe
Serve this delightful Blueberry Monkey Bread warm, where it shines brightest. The mix of soft dough, juicy berries, and sweet glaze makes for a comforting breakfast, brunch centerpiece, or even a fun dessert. Gather loved ones and watch it disappear in no time!
How to Serve Blueberry Monkey Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze on top elevates the presentation and introduces extra layers of flavor. Fresh mint leaves or a few additional blueberries on the side can also brighten up your serving platter visually and in taste.
Side Dishes
Pair this Blueberry Monkey Bread Recipe with a side of creamy yogurt or a fresh fruit salad for a balanced brunch plate. A simple cup of coffee, tea, or even sparkling lemonade complements the sweetness perfectly, rounding out the meal with refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, try serving the monkey bread in individual mini muffin tins for personal-sized portions. Alternatively, pull the bread apart piece by piece straight from the pan to enjoy the interactive and shareable spirit of monkey bread. You can also sprinkle chopped nuts between the layers for added crunch and flavor twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Blueberry Monkey Bread Recipe, simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The bread will stay soft and flavorful, ready for quick reheating.
Freezing
To save some for later, you can freeze the monkey bread whole or in individual chunks. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, and it will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Blueberry Monkey Bread in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until warm throughout. This method helps restore its freshly baked texture and that irresistible gooey glaze.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries for the Blueberry Monkey Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before layering to avoid excess moisture that could make the bread soggy.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine and use a plant-based cream alternative instead of heavy cream. The result will still be delicious, with a slight flavor variation.
Can I prepare the Blueberry Monkey Bread Recipe ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble it the night before and refrigerate the pan covered, then bake it fresh in the morning. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What type of pan works best for monkey bread?
A bundt pan creates the classic monkey bread shape and encourages even cooking, but a 9-inch round cake pan works perfectly fine too, especially if you don’t have a bundt pan on hand.
How do I know when the monkey bread is fully baked?
Look for a golden brown crust on top and a toothpick inserted in the center coming out clean. The dough should feel risen and set without any raw spots inside.
Final Thoughts
This Blueberry Monkey Bread Recipe is one of those heartwarming dishes that’s easy to make but impresses on every single level. It brings together comfort, sweetness, and a beautiful pop of fresh fruit in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh. I encourage you to try it soon—whether for a weekend brunch or a special occasion—and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Blueberry Monkey Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Blueberry Monkey Bread is a delightful pull-apart treat made with cinnamon-sugar coated biscuit dough layered with fresh blueberries and topped with a rich, buttery brown sugar glaze. Baked to golden perfection, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, offering sweet bursts of blueberry in every bite and a gooey, caramelized glaze that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
Biscuit Dough
- 2 cans (16 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough (8 biscuits per can)
- 1 cup fresh blueberries (or frozen, thawed)
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Glaze
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan or 9-inch round cake pan thoroughly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the biscuit dough: Open the refrigerated biscuit dough cans and cut each biscuit into quarters. Set the quartered biscuit pieces aside for coating.
- Coat the dough in cinnamon sugar: In a large bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Toss the biscuit quarters in this cinnamon sugar mixture until fully and evenly coated on all sides.
- Layer the dough and blueberries: Begin layering the cinnamon-sugar-coated biscuit pieces and fresh blueberries in the prepared pan, alternating between dough and blueberries. Distribute the blueberries evenly across the layers without overstuffing to keep the bread from becoming soggy.
- Prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in brown sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the glaze thickens slightly and is smooth. If a thicker glaze is desired, whisk in cornstarch dissolved in a small amount of water during cooking.
- Pour the glaze over the dough: Evenly pour the hot glaze over the layered biscuit dough and blueberries in the pan, ensuring all pieces are coated to create a gooey finish.
- Bake the monkey bread: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the dough is thoroughly cooked and the top is golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when done.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow the monkey bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert the bread onto a serving platter and let it rest a few more minutes to allow the glaze to settle.
- Enjoy: Serve warm as a delicious breakfast treat, brunch item, or dessert. Pull it apart and enjoy the sweet, sticky, blueberry-filled bread!
Notes
- For best results, use fresh blueberries. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and drained to prevent excess moisture.
- You can substitute heavy cream with whole milk for a lighter glaze, but thickness and richness may vary.
- If desired, add a sprinkle of chopped nuts between layers for added texture.
- Ensure the pan is well greased to avoid sticking and ease removal.
- Make sure to check the bread near the end of baking time to avoid over-browning.
