Warm & Cozy Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread Recipe for Fall

Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread Recipe: As autumn leaves begin to paint the landscape in hues of gold and crimson, I find myself drawn to the kitchen, eager to create something truly special that embodies the season’s warmth. Few dishes capture the essence of fall quite like the delightful aroma of pumpkin and warm spices baking to perfection. Imagine waking up to that comforting scent, then pulling apart a sticky, sweet, and perfectly spiced piece of bread, still warm from the oven. This isn’t just a breakfast treat; it’s an experience, a delightful invitation to cozy mornings and festive gatherings that I cherish.

The Irresistible Allure of Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread

The origins of monkey bread, often traced back to Hungarian ‘Aranygaluska’ or its American evolution as a pull-apart delight, speaks to its communal charm. It’s a dish designed for sharing, for laughter around the table, and for hands eagerly reaching for the next delectable piece. When I infuse this beloved classic with the quintessential flavors of pumpkin and a symphony of autumn spices, I believe it elevates it to an entirely new level of seasonal bliss, creating a dessert or brunch item that truly stands out.

People, myself included, adore this dish for its incredible combination of textures and tastes: the soft, fluffy bread, the gooey cinnamon-sugar coating, and the rich, fragrant pumpkin spice glaze that makes every bite an absolute dream. It’s surprisingly simple to assemble, making it a perfect candidate for a weekend baking project or a show-stopping brunch centerpiece. This Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread Recipe truly delivers on all fronts, promising a memorable and utterly delicious journey for your taste buds.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Dough Balls:
  • 2 (16.3 ounce) cans refrigerated flaky layer biscuits (look for the larger 8-count size, not the smaller ones; we want nice, substantial dough pieces!)
• For the Pumpkin Spice Coating:
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice (or more, if you love a really bold spice flavor like I do!)
• For the Decadent Caramelized Pumpkin Spice Sauce:
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter (that’s 1 ½ sticks), cut into pieces for faster melting
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • ½ cup pumpkin puree (make sure it’s 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which already has spices and sugar added)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (just a pinch, it really helps to balance the sweetness!)
• For the Optional (but Highly Recommended!) Cream Cheese Glaze:
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar)
  • 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (add more if needed to reach desired consistency)
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Prepping Your Baking Pan and Dough for Success

1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan: First things first, let’s get our oven ready to welcome this glorious creation. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, generously grease a 10-12 cup Bundt pan with butter or a non-stick cooking spray. I like to use baking spray with flour for extra insurance, especially with a sticky treat like monkey bread. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies of the pan; this step is absolutely crucial to ensure your beautiful Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread slides out easily once baked. There’s nothing more heartbreaking than a perfectly baked monkey bread that refuses to release from its pan!
2. Unleash the Biscuits: Carefully open your two cans of refrigerated flaky layer biscuits. I find the larger 8-count biscuits work best for monkey bread, as they create substantial, pull-apart pieces. If you use smaller biscuits, your pieces might be a bit too small.
3. Quarter the Dough: On a clean cutting board, take each biscuit and cut it into four roughly equal pieces. You can use a knife or even kitchen shears for this. Don’t worry too much about perfection here; a little rustic charm is part of the monkey bread experience! The goal is to create smaller, bite-sized pieces that will be easier to coat and arrange. Repeat this process until all of your biscuits have been cut into quarters. You’ll end up with a pile of approximately 64 little dough pieces, eagerly awaiting their pumpkin spice transformation.

Creating the Irresistible Pumpkin Spice Coating

4. Mix Your Sweet Spices: In a large, sturdy zip-top plastic bag (or a large bowl with a lid), combine the ½ cup of granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of pumpkin pie spice. Give it a good shake or stir to ensure the sugar and spice are evenly distributed. Take a moment to breathe in that wonderful aroma; it’s the first hint of the deliciousness to come!
5. Coat the Dough Pieces in Batches: Now, add about one-third of your cut biscuit pieces into the bag with the sugar and spice mixture. Seal the bag tightly, making sure to trap a bit of air inside to give the pieces room to tumble. Shake, shake, shake! Vigorously toss and shake the bag until each and every dough piece is thoroughly coated in the sweet pumpkin spice mixture. You want them completely covered, glistening with sugar and spice.
6. Layer into the Bundt Pan: Once a batch of biscuit pieces is well-coated, carefully remove them from the bag and begin arranging them in a single layer at the bottom of your prepared Bundt pan. Try to distribute them somewhat evenly.
7. Repeat and Build: Repeat steps 5 and 6 with the remaining biscuit pieces, working in two more batches. As you add more coated pieces, layer them on top of each other in the Bundt pan. Don’t press them down too firmly; we want space for that glorious sauce to seep in later. You’ll end up with a beautiful mound of pumpkin spice-coated dough pieces, eagerly waiting for their buttery caramel bath.

Crafting the Decadent Caramelized Pumpkin Spice Sauce

8. Melt the Butter: In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the ¾ cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
9. Add the Richness: Once the butter is fully melted and glistening, add the 1 cup of packed light brown sugar, ½ cup of pumpkin puree, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, and the ¼ teaspoon of salt to the saucepan.
10. Whisk to Perfection: Whisk all the ingredients together vigorously until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering step is key; it allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly, creating that wonderful, sticky, caramelized texture we’re aiming for. You’ll notice the sauce becoming richer in color and aroma.
11. Remove from Heat: Once the sauce has simmered and thickened slightly, remove the saucepan from the heat. This glorious, warm, pumpkin spice caramel sauce is ready to be poured!

Assembling and Baking Your Glorious Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread

12. Drench with Sauce: Carefully and evenly pour the entire batch of warm, caramelized pumpkin spice sauce over the coated biscuit pieces nestled in your Bundt pan. Take your time, making sure to distribute the rich, amber liquid so that it seeps down between the layers and coats as many of the exposed surfaces as possible. This sauce is what transforms the simple biscuits into a sticky, sweet, and absolutely irresistible treat, infusing every bite with that comforting pumpkin spice goodness.
13. Prepare for Baking: Place the Bundt pan onto a baking sheet. This is an important preventative measure! Sometimes, as the monkey bread bakes and the sauce bubbles, a little bit might overflow, and the baking sheet will catch any drips, saving you from a messy oven cleanup.
14. Bake Until Golden and Bubbly: Transfer the baking sheet with the Bundt pan to your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for the monkey bread to be beautifully golden brown on top, puffed up, and cooked through in the center. If you insert a toothpick into the center (making sure it goes into a dough piece, not just sauce), it should come out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely incredible – a true sign of the autumnal magic happening!
15. Crucial Cooling Step: Once baked, carefully remove the monkey bread from the oven. Do not unmold it immediately! This is another critical step. Let the monkey bread cool in the Bundt pan for at least 10-15 minutes on a wire rack. This allows the hot caramel sauce to cool and set slightly, making it much easier to invert the monkey bread without it sticking or breaking apart. Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to sticky, delicious treats.
16. The Grand Unveiling: After the cooling period, place a large serving platter (preferably one with a slight rim to catch any lingering sauce) upside down over the top of the Bundt pan. Holding both the pan and the platter firmly together, carefully and confidently invert them. Gently lift the Bundt pan away. Your beautiful “Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread Recipe” masterpiece should slide out easily, revealing its glorious, sticky, golden-brown layers. If any pieces stick, gently coax them out with a small spatula and place them back onto the monkey bread.

Whipping Up the Luscious Cream Cheese Glaze (Highly Recommended!)

17. Soften the Cream Cheese: While your monkey bread is cooling slightly on the platter, it’s the perfect time to prepare the optional (but seriously, make it!) cream cheese glaze. Ensure your 4 ounces of cream cheese are softened to room temperature. This makes it much easier to whip into a smooth, lump-free glaze. You can achieve this by leaving it out for an hour or two, or by carefully microwaving it for 10-15 seconds.
18. Combine Glaze Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1 ½ cups of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream, and ½ teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
19. Whisk to Creamy Perfection: Using a whisk or an electric mixer, beat the ingredients together until the glaze is completely smooth and creamy. If the glaze is too thick, add a tiny bit more milk or cream (half a teaspoon at a time) until you reach your desired drizzling consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar. You’re aiming for a consistency that will elegantly drape over your monkey bread without being too watery.
20. Drizzle and Decorate: Once your Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread has cooled for about 20-30 minutes (it should still be warm, but not scorching hot), generously drizzle the cream cheese glaze all over the top. Let it drip down the sides, coating every crevice with its sweet, tangy goodness. The warmth of the monkey bread will allow the glaze to slightly melt and sink in, creating an even more decadent experience.

Serving Your Masterpiece and Storage Tips

21. Serve Warm and Enjoy: Your incredible “Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread Recipe” is best served warm, allowing the caramel sauce to remain wonderfully gooey and the glaze to be perfectly soft. Encourage everyone to pull apart the individual, sticky, sweet pieces. It’s a fun, interactive dessert that’s perfect for sharing.
22. Storage: If by some miracle you have any leftovers (which rarely happens in my house!), store the monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days.
23. Reheating: To reheat, simply place individual portions in the microwave for 15-30 seconds, or wrap the whole monkey bread loosely in foil and warm it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and gooey again. A fresh drizzle of glaze upon reheating never hurts!

Enjoy Your Homemade Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread!

This Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread Recipe is truly a joy to make and an even bigger joy to eat. It’s the ultimate fall treat, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, and guarantees to fill your home with the most comforting aromas.

Conclusion:

Well, my friends, we’ve reached the sweet end of our journey through this incredible treat, and I sincerely hope you’re as excited as I am about what we’ve just explored. This isn’t just another baked good; it’s an experience, a delightful fusion of all things comforting and heartwarming, especially as the days grow shorter and the air gets crisp. If you’ve been looking for that one recipe to truly elevate your autumn mornings or festive gatherings, I honestly believe you’ve found it here. This recipe is a must-try because it perfectly encapsulates the essence of the season in every single gooey, pull-apart bite. The harmonious blend of warm pumpkin spices, the irresistible sweetness of the brown sugar glaze, and the sheer joy of pulling off a perfectly baked, caramelized piece of bread – it’s culinary magic. The aroma alone, as it bakes, will transform your kitchen into the most inviting space imaginable, a promise of deliciousness to come. It’s comforting, it’s decadent, and surprisingly simple to achieve for such an impressive result, making it an absolute winner in my book.

Now, for the best part: enjoying your freshly baked creation! While it’s absolutely divine on its own, perhaps with a steaming mug of coffee or a tall glass of milk, don’t hesitate to get creative with your serving. Imagine a slice of this warm, fragrant monkey bread alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, allowing the cold creaminess to melt into the warm, spiced bread – pure bliss!

For an extra touch of indulgence, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar can take it to the next level.

If you’re hosting a brunch, it makes a spectacular centerpiece, inviting everyone to dive in. Consider pairing it with fresh fruit for a balanced spread, or even a side of crispy bacon for that delightful sweet and savory contrast. You could also serve it slightly warm as a dessert after a cozy autumn dinner party; it’s always a showstopper and sparks conversation.

Feeling adventurous? This Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread Recipe is wonderfully versatile, offering plenty of room for your personal touch. For a different twist on the glaze, you could whip up a quick maple cream cheese frosting – just imagine that tangy, sweet topping cascading over the warm bread! Or, for a hint of crunch, sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts into the bundt pan before baking, or even over the finished glaze. You could even fold in some dried cranberries or mini chocolate chips into the dough pieces before coating them in cinnamon sugar for little bursts of extra flavor and texture.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite fall spices; a touch of cardamom or a pinch of ground ginger can add another layer of complexity that’s truly delightful.

The beauty of monkey bread lies in its forgiving nature, so feel free to make it your own and discover new favorite combinations. It’s truly a recipe that gives back in delicious dividends, no matter how you choose to customize it.

My biggest hope now is that you’ll grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on this wonderful baking adventure. Trust me, the smiles it brings, the comforting smells, and the sheer deliciousness are all well worth the effort, which is surprisingly minimal for such an impressive outcome. There’s something so incredibly satisfying about pulling this golden, sticky masterpiece from the oven, and even more so about sharing it with loved ones. Once you’ve had a chance to bake and taste this incredible treat, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Please, share your photos, your triumphs, and any clever variations you came up with in the comments below. Your feedback and creativity inspire me and our entire community of enthusiastic home bakers. Let’s spread the joy of this amazing pumpkin spice creation far and wide! Happy baking, and enjoy every single delightful, gooey, spiced bite!

Warm & Cozy Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread Recipe for Fall

Embrace autumn with this delightful Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread. Featuring fluffy biscuit pieces generously coated in a sweet pumpkin spice mixture, then drenched in a rich caramelized pumpkin sauce made with heavy cream and pure pumpkin puree. Topped with an optional creamy glaze, it’s perfect for cozy mornings, festive brunches, or a special fall dessert that embodies the season’s warmth.

Prep Time
30 Minutes

Cook Time
35 Minutes

Total Time
20 Minutes

Servings
1 Bundt cake (12 servings)

Ingredients

• 3 (16.3-oz.) cans refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 Tbsp. pumpkin pie spice
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened (for optional glaze)
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for optional glaze)
• 2 tbsp milk or heavy cream (for optional glaze)

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 10-12 cup Bundt pan. Cut each biscuit from the 3 cans into 4 roughly equal pieces, yielding approximately 96 dough pieces.
2. Step 2
   In a large zip-top bag, combine 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 Tbsp. pumpkin pie spice. Add biscuit pieces in batches, sealing the bag and shaking vigorously until each piece is thoroughly coated. Layer coated pieces evenly in the prepared Bundt pan.
3. Step 3
   In a medium saucepan, melt 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter over medium heat. Add 1 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, and 1/4 tsp salt. Whisk until smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
4. Step 4
   Carefully and evenly pour the warm caramelized pumpkin sauce over the layered biscuit pieces in the Bundt pan. Place the Bundt pan onto a baking sheet (to catch any potential drips). Bake for 30-35 minutes until the monkey bread is golden brown on top, puffed up, and cooked through in the center.
5. Step 5
   Remove from oven and let cool in the Bundt pan on a wire rack for at least 10-15 minutes. This crucial step allows the sauce to cool and set slightly. After cooling, place a large serving platter upside down over the Bundt pan, then carefully invert them together. Gently lift the Bundt pan away to reveal your monkey bread.
6. Step 6
   While the monkey bread cools, prepare the glaze: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 4 oz softened cream cheese, 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 2 tbsp milk or heavy cream, and 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract until completely smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency with more milk/cream or powdered sugar as needed.
7. Step 7
   Once the Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread has cooled for about 20-30 minutes (it should still be warm, not scorching hot), generously drizzle the cream cheese glaze all over the top. Serve warm, encouraging everyone to pull apart the individual sticky, sweet pieces. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, or refrigerate for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 15-30 seconds or the whole monkey bread loosely wrapped in foil in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.