Table of Contents
If you’re craving something warm, sweet, and wildly satisfying, this Instant Pot monkey bread is the treat you didn’t know you needed. This article shares the story behind my go-to comfort dessert, how to make it from scratch using simple pantry staples, and the best tips for using your Instant Pot like a pro. You’ll also find helpful internal links to other Instant Pot favorites like Instant Pot Strawberry Cake and Instant Pot Baked Feta Pasta, so stick around!
Make This Easy, Gooey Instant Pot Monkey Bread Tonight!
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Instant Pot monkey bread is gooey, cinnamon-sweet, and totally irresistible. It’s a perfect pull-apart treat for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 (16.3 oz) can of biscuits
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Spray a 6-cup bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a bowl, mix white sugar and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, combine melted butter and brown sugar.
- Cut biscuits into quarters with kitchen shears.
- Coat biscuit pieces in cinnamon sugar.
- Layer half the pieces into the bundt pan, sprinkle optional nuts.
- Pour half of the brown sugar mixture on top.
- Add remaining biscuit pieces and top with rest of sugar mixture.
- Cover pan loosely with foil.
- Add 1 1/2 cups water to Instant Pot, place pan on trivet inside.
- Set to Pressure Cook for 20 minutes, then natural release for 10.
- Carefully remove pan, invert onto plate, and serve warm.
Notes
Great with chopped pecans or mini chocolate chips.
Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
Microwave leftovers for 10–15 seconds to reheat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 12.3g
- Saturated Fat: 5.9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5.1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43.3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3.6g
- Cholesterol: 15.3mg
The Story & Intro: Sweet Memories in Every Pull-Apart Bite
Easy Instant Pot Monkey Bread — From My Kitchen to Your Table
Growing up near the Black Forest, I was surrounded by dense, buttery cakes and pastries that made every Sunday feel like a holiday. But when I moved to the U.S., I discovered monkey bread—a playful, pull-apart masterpiece dripping with cinnamon sugar and caramel. Instant Pot Monkey Bread delivers that warm, comforting flavor you crave in a dessert. Over time, I adapted the recipe to my Instant Pot, which cuts the baking time and makes the texture even more melt-in-your-mouth perfect.
The first time I made Instant Pot monkey bread, it was on a snowy afternoon in New York. I was homesick, missing the sweet yeast rolls from back home. But after just 20 minutes of pressure cooking, the scent of brown sugar and cinnamon filled the air, reminding me that food has the power to connect continents. Every sticky piece felt like a bridge between cultures.
This recipe uses refrigerated biscuits, which makes prep super easy. If you’re new to Instant Pot desserts, monkey bread is a great place to start. It’s simple, impressive, and kid-approved. And if you love comfort food as much as I do, you might also want to try this Marry Me Chicken or the crowd-pleasing Instant Pot Yellow Rice to round out your menu.
Grab your bundt pan—this Instant Pot Monkey Bread is about to become unforgettable.
Instant Pot Monkey Bread Ingredients and Prep Tips
What You’ll Need for Instant Pot Monkey Bread
To make Instant Pot monkey bread, you only need a few affordable ingredients. It’s the kind of recipe that comes together with pantry staples and a bit of love. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 (16.3 oz) can of refrigerated biscuits
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup chopped nuts (optional)
These simple components combine to create a soft, pull-apart bread coated in gooey caramel and warm spice. In this Instant Pot Monkey Bread, the biscuit dough soaks in brown sugar and butter for that signature sticky-sweet texture. Adding chopped nuts is optional, but they do bring a crunchy contrast that some people love. Similar to Instant Pot Cabbage, this dish adds an unexpected texture that elevates a classic.
You’ll also need a 6-cup bundt pan that fits into your Instant Pot and some non-stick cooking spray to keep things from sticking.
Prepping Your Pan and Dough for Best Results
Start by prepping your bundt pan. Spray it generously with non-stick spray—it’s essential to get that golden exterior and easy release after cooking. In a small bowl, stir together the white sugar and cinnamon until well blended. Next, grab another bowl and stir together the melted butter and brown sugar—it should look smooth and syrupy.
Cut the biscuits into quarters using kitchen shears. Toss each piece in the cinnamon-sugar mix until fully coated. As you layer the dough pieces into the bundt pan, pour half of the brown sugar butter mix halfway through. Repeat with the rest. This layering ensures even caramelization—similar to building flavor layers in dishes like Instant Pot Dill Pickle Soup.
With everything layered and ready, it’s time to get cooking.
Mastering the Instant Pot Monkey Bread Cooking Method
Pressure Cooking the Perfect Monkey Bread
Once your bundt pan is filled with sugar-coated biscuit pieces and drenched in buttery brown sugar syrup, it’s time to pressure cook. This is where the Instant Pot shines—giving you soft, gooey monkey bread without needing an oven.
Pour 1 1/2 cups of water into the Instant Pot liner. This is crucial for generating steam and pressure. Then, place the bundt pan on a trivet or sling and lower it into the pot. Loosely cover the pan with foil to avoid extra moisture dripping onto the bread.
Set the Instant Pot to Manual or Pressure Cook mode for 20 minutes. When the time is up, let it release pressure naturally for 10 minutes. This helps the monkey bread finish setting without turning mushy. Carefully lift the pan out using hot pads or a sling.
That’s it—you’ve just made Instant Pot monkey bread that rivals anything from a bakery.
Releasing and Serving Monkey Bread
Here’s the magic moment: flip the bundt pan onto a serving plate. The syrupy glaze will coat every pull-apart piece. If you used nuts, you’ll see them peeking out, glistening with sugar.
This dessert is best served warm, right out of the pot, when it’s still soft and slightly sticky. Everyone can grab a chunk—it’s meant to be messy, fun, and memorable. It pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or even something savory like Instant Pot Keto Tuscan Soup for a sweet and salty balance.
Need something else to follow this comfort-filled dish? Try the French Onion Soup Pot Roast for a hearty dinner before this sweet ending.
Instant Pot Monkey Bread: Variations, Storage & Reheating
Fun Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered classic Instant Pot monkey bread, you can start getting creative. The base recipe is super adaptable. Swap white sugar for maple sugar or use pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon in the fall. If you love chocolate, toss in some mini chocolate chips between biscuit layers before cooking.
Another favorite variation in our kitchen? Apple-cinnamon monkey bread. Just dice a small apple, toss it with a pinch of nutmeg, and layer it with the biscuit pieces. The Instant Pot softens the apples just enough for a pie-like flavor twist.
You can even add a cream cheese glaze after cooking to make it more indulgent. Much like our Instant Pot Strawberry Cake, the real joy is in making it your own.
Prefer something savory? While monkey bread is sweet, you can apply the same technique with garlic butter and herbs for a savory pull-apart bread.
Storing and Reheating Monkey Bread
Instant Pot monkey bread is best enjoyed fresh, but it stores well too. Once cooled, cover it tightly and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for 4 days. Make sure it’s in an airtight container to keep it moist.
To reheat, microwave individual portions for 10–15 seconds or warm the whole batch in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. Just be careful not to dry it out. A quick zap in the microwave keeps it gooey and soft.
This monkey bread makes a perfect brunch dessert, snack, or even birthday breakfast. And if you’re making a bigger meal, pair it with something hearty like Instant Pot Lasagna Soup to round out the comfort food vibes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Monkey Bread
Can I use homemade dough instead of canned biscuits?
Yes! You can use homemade yeast dough or even pizza dough. Just make sure to cut it into small, equal pieces and proof it if needed. Keep in mind that homemade dough may need slightly longer cooking time in the Instant Pot.
Do I need a bundt pan to make monkey bread in the Instant Pot?
A 6-cup bundt pan works best because it ensures even cooking and easy removal. However, you can use any heat-safe pan that fits into your Instant Pot. Just avoid overfilling it—leave room for the dough to rise.
Can I make Instant Pot monkey bread ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble the biscuit pieces and refrigerate the pan (covered) for up to 8 hours before cooking. When ready, place it in the Instant Pot and cook as directed. It’s perfect for prepping the night before a brunch or holiday.
Why is my monkey bread soggy or undercooked?
This usually happens if the dough pieces are too tightly packed or the pan isn’t loosely covered. Be sure to space out the biscuit pieces slightly, and always cover loosely with foil to prevent steam from dripping onto the bread.
Conclusion: Instant Pot Monkey Bread That’s Easy, Sticky, and So Worth It
This Instant Pot monkey bread is more than a dessert—it’s a sweet memory in the making. It’s fast, foolproof, and fun for all ages. Whether you’re hosting guests, treating yourself, or making a holiday breakfast, this pull-apart cinnamon bread brings the wow factor with almost no effort.
If you’re ready to try more cozy meals, don’t miss our Instant Pot Corn on the Cob or creamy Dill Pickle Soup. And remember—great food doesn’t need to be complicated. It just needs heart.
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