Bananas Foster Monkey Bread is a fun and tasty treat! It’s made with gooey dough pieces and a sweet banana sauce, which makes it super delicious. Perfect for breakfast or a snack!
You’ll love how it fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting smell. I mean, who can say no to banana goodness? 🍌 Plus, it’s easy to share with friends and family—if you want to, that is!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: Refrigerated biscuit dough makes this recipe easy and quick. You could also use dinner roll dough or even homemade dough if you prefer. Feel free to experiment with different types!
Bananas: Ripe bananas are the star here, providing natural sweetness. If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can bake unripe ones at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes to ripen them quickly.
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar adds richness. If you’re out, you can substitute it with granulated sugar mixed with a bit of molasses, or use dark brown sugar for a stronger flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best so you can control the salt in the recipe. If you’re looking to make it dairy-free, coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute will work well.
Rum or Banana Liqueur: This adds depth, but you can skip it or replace it with apple juice or extra vanilla extract if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
How Do I Get Perfectly Layered Dough?
Layering the dough is crucial for that pull-apart texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- When cutting the biscuit dough, aim for even, bite-sized pieces. This ensures uniform cooking.
- Make sure to fully coat the dough pieces in the sugar mixture before layering. This maximizes flavor!
- Place half the dough in the bundt pan first, then add half the banana slices. This way, the bananas are evenly distributed.
- Don’t rush—layer gently. This prevents the dough from clumping and helps maintain those golden, crisp edges when baked.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have deliciously gooey and perfectly layered monkey bread every time!
Bananas Foster Monkey Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Monkey Bread:
- 2 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough or dinner rolls dough
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 cup dark rum or banana liqueur (optional, for authentic Bananas Foster flavor)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing the bundt pan
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake. Make sure to allow an additional 10 minutes for cooling before serving. Altogether, set aside about an hour for making and enjoying your Banana Foster Monkey Bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, take your bundt pan and grease it thoroughly with butter or cooking spray. This step is crucial to make sure that your monkey bread comes out easily after baking.
2. Cutting the Dough:
Open the cans of biscuit or dinner roll dough and cut each piece into bite-sized pieces—quarters or smaller work well. It’s better not to skip this step, as smaller pieces will help ensure they cook evenly and combine with the gooey sauce.
3. Mixing the Sugars and Spices:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg (if you’re using it), and a pinch of salt. Give it a good stir to blend everything together nicely.
4. Making the Sauce:
In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar mixture. Stir well and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes bubbling and smooth. This will create the rich sauce that makes this dish so special!
5. Adding Flavor:
Take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and, if you’re using, the dark rum or banana liqueur. This adds a wonderful depth of flavor to your monkey bread. Set the sauce aside once mixed.
6. Coating the Dough:
Now, take your biscuit pieces and toss them gently in the prepared sugar and cinnamon mixture until they are well-coated. Make sure every piece gets its fair share of flavor!
7. Layering in the Bundt Pan:
Begin by layering half of the coated biscuit dough pieces in the bottom of the bundt pan. Evenly distribute half of the sliced bananas over this layer. Then, add the remaining dough pieces on top, followed by the rest of the banana slices. This layered approach ensures that every bite is both fruity and delicious!
8. Pouring the Sauce:
Now, pour the warm brown sugar-butter sauce evenly over the top of the layered dough and bananas. This will soak in and create that amazing sticky texture.
9. Baking:
Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven. Bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the bread comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen will be irresistible!
10. Cooling and Serving:
After baking, let the monkey bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This cooling time helps it set a little, making it easier to serve.
11. Inverting the Bundt Pan:
Carefully invert the bundt pan onto a serving plate. The gooey banana foster sauce should drizzle down and coat the top of your delicious monkey bread.
12. Enjoy:
Serve the Monkey Bread warm. The pieces pull apart easily, surrounded by the sweet, caramelized bananas and syrup. It’s perfect for sharing, and everyone will love it!
This recipe combines the pull-apart delight of monkey bread with the classic bananas foster sauce made of butter, sugar, bananas, and a splash of rum. Enjoy this delightful treat for breakfast, dessert, or a special snack!
Can I Use Frozen Bread Dough Instead?
Absolutely! Frozen bread dough can be an excellent substitute. Thaw it overnight in the fridge, then cut and follow the recipe as directed. Just be sure to let it rise slightly before assembling the monkey bread for the best texture!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the oven or microwave before serving!
Can I Make This Recipe Without Rum?
Yes, you can definitely make this delicious monkey bread without rum! Simply replace it with apple juice or omit it entirely, and add a bit more vanilla extract for flavor. It will still be rich and delightful!
What’s the Best Way to Serve Bananas Foster Monkey Bread?
Serving it warm is key! You can enjoy it plain, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top to complement the sweet, sticky flavors. Perfect for breakfast or dessert!
