Irresistibly Easy Gluten-Free Monkey Bread with Homemade Caramel Sauce: Your New Favorite Brunch Centerpiece

Prepare to be amazed by this incredibly light and fluffy Gluten-Free Monkey Bread, which tastes every bit as delightful as its traditional counterpart! Imagine soft, golden-brown dough balls, each perfectly coated in a sweet, crunchy cinnamon sugar mixture, all baked together and drenched in a rich, homemade caramel sauce. This show-stopping brunch centerpiece is surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering, proving that going gluten-free doesn’t mean compromising on flavor or fun!

Side on view of monkey bread on a white plate with a white bowl of caramel off to one side.

Why You’ll Love This Gluten-Free Monkey Bread Recipe

This Gluten-Free Monkey Bread isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience waiting to happen. Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen:

A Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: With its tender, pull-apart dough, irresistible cinnamon-sugar crunch, and luxurious sticky caramel glaze, this gluten-free take on classic monkey bread is an absolute showstopper. It’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd at your next brunch, holiday breakfast, or any special occasion, eliciting “oohs” and “aahs” from everyone who tries it.
Fun for All Ages, Especially Kids: This recipe is fantastic for involving little helpers in the kitchen. Kids will absolutely adore the hands-on process of rolling the dough balls in the aromatic cinnamon sugar, then piling them into the pan. It’s a fun, interactive way to create a tear-and-share treat that they’ll be proud to enjoy.
Effortlessly Impressive: While it looks like a gourmet creation, this monkey bread is surprisingly simple to assemble. The steps are straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels, yet the end result is so elegant and delicious that your guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen.
Perfectly Gluten-Free, Perfectly Delicious: We understand the challenges of finding truly delicious gluten-free baked goods. This recipe uses a high-quality gluten-free flour blend to ensure the dough is soft, chewy, and holds its shape beautifully, without any gritty texture or dryness. You won’t miss the gluten one bit!
Warm, Comforting, and Versatile: There’s nothing quite like a warm, gooey monkey bread fresh from the oven. It’s the ultimate comfort food for a chilly morning or a cozy gathering. Plus, it’s easily adaptable with various additions like nuts or chocolate chips, allowing you to customize it to your taste.

What Exactly Is Monkey Bread?

Monkey bread, sometimes called pull-apart bread or bubble bread, is a sweet, sticky pastry typically served for breakfast or brunch. It’s made from small pieces of leavened dough, often coated in cinnamon sugar, baked in a Bundt pan, and then covered in a sweet glaze, usually caramel or butter-sugar syrup. The charming name “monkey bread” comes from the way it’s eaten: you pull off individual pieces with your fingers, much like a monkey might pick at its food. It’s a communal dish, designed for sharing and enjoyment.

The beauty of monkey bread lies in its fun, interactive nature and its irresistible combination of soft bread, crunchy sugar, and gooey sauce. While traditionally made with regular wheat flour, this recipe masterfully adapts it to be entirely gluten-free, ensuring that those with gluten sensitivities or preferences can still enjoy this classic treat without compromise. Our gluten-free version maintains the desired fluffy texture and delightful stickiness, making it a truly inclusive and delicious option for everyone at your table.

hand removing a piece of gluten-free monkey bread.

Overhead view of a monkey bread drizzled with caramel on a white plate. A white bowl of caramel with a white spoon sits off to one side.

Chef’s Essential Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Monkey Bread

Making delicious gluten-free monkey bread is straightforward, but these expert tips will elevate your baking and ensure a perfect result every time:

Strategic Oven Rack Placement is Key: To prevent the top of your monkey bread from burning before the inside is fully cooked, it’s best to bake it on a lower rack in your oven. The caramel sauce and cinnamon sugar coating can brown quickly. If you notice the top getting too dark during baking, simply cover the Bundt pan loosely with aluminum foil for the remainder of the cooking time. This will help shield the top while allowing the rest of the bread to bake through evenly.
Bundt Pan Alternatives: While a Bundt pan creates the classic, visually appealing shape of monkey bread, it’s not strictly essential. You can absolutely bake this recipe in a regular baking pan. Loaf pans are a great alternative as their depth and width mimic the surface area of a Bundt pan well, providing a good ratio of crunchy outside to soft inside. Keep in mind that other regular pans might result in less of the delightful crunchy exterior, but the taste will still be amazing.
Elevate with Toasted Nuts: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, consider scattering chopped and lightly toasted nuts over your finished monkey bread. Pecans are a classic choice and pair wonderfully with cinnamon and caramel. Walnuts or even almonds would also be delicious. To toast nuts, simply spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until fragrant, stirring once or twice. Let them cool before sprinkling.
Serving and Storing Leftovers: This monkey bread is truly at its best when enjoyed still warm, allowing the caramel to remain perfectly gooey and the dough to be at its softest. However, any leftovers will keep beautifully. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For best results when reheating, warm individual portions gently in the microwave or a low oven until soft and warm again.
The Right Gluten-Free Flour Blend: The quality of your gluten-free flour blend makes a significant difference. Opt for a high-quality all-purpose gluten-free blend that already contains xanthan gum. This gum is crucial for providing structure and elasticity that gluten typically offers, ensuring your monkey bread dough is pliable and rises well. Avoid single-flour options like almond or coconut flour, which behave very differently.
Don’t Overwork the Dough: Gluten-free doughs, unlike their gluten-containing counterparts, don’t develop gluten strands. Overworking them can lead to a tougher texture. Mix just until combined and smooth, as instructed, and then handle the dough gently when rolling the balls.
Proper Yeast Activation: Ensure your milk is truly warmed to about 110°F (43°C). If it’s too cold, the yeast won’t activate; if it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast. This precise temperature is vital for a good rise and fluffy dough.

More Delicious Gluten-Free Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this delightful gluten-free monkey bread, you’re in for a treat! Explore more of our fantastic gluten-free creations that are perfect for any occasion:

Gluten Free Apple Cake Recipe: A moist and flavorful cake perfect for autumn gatherings.
Baked Oatmeal with Blueberries: A wholesome and hearty breakfast, great for meal prep.
Gluten Free Classic Tiramisu: Indulge in this elegant Italian dessert, made safe for gluten-free diets.
Gluten Free Pumpkin Streusel Muffins: Spiced, tender muffins topped with a delightful streusel crunch.
Gluten Free Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies: Chewy, sweet, and tangy cookies for a perfect snack.
Gluten Free Gingerbread Recipe: A festive and fragrant treat, ideal for the holiday season.
Maple Roasted Acorn Squash: A savory-sweet side dish that’s naturally gluten-free and delicious.

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Gluten Free Monkey Bread

Prep: 55 minutes

Cook: 35 minutes

Rising Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Total: 2 hours 45 minutes

This easy Gluten Free Monkey Bread recipe is perfect for weekend brunches and holiday breakfasts with a crunchy cinnamon sugar coating, doused in homemade caramel sauce! It’s wonderfully fluffy, incredibly flavorful, and a fantastic tear-and-share treat for any occasion.

Cheryl Malik

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Ingredients

▢ 1 ½ cups whole milk warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
▢ 1 instant yeast packet (2 and ¼ teaspoons)
▢ ⅓ cup granulated sugar
▢ 2 large eggs
▢ ¼ cup unsalted butter melted and cooled slightly
▢ 1 teaspoon salt
▢ 4 ½ cups high quality gluten free all-purpose flour (ensure it contains xanthan gum)

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

▢ 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
▢ 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Caramel

▢ 1 cup butter
▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
▢ ½ cup packed brown sugar
▢ ¼ teaspoon salt

Get Recipe Ingredients

Equipment

Bundt pan (10-12 cup capacity)
Stand mixer with paddle attachment
Medium saucepan
Large mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Prepare Your Bundt Pan: Begin by generously greasing a 10-12 cup Bundt pan. Use butter, shortening, or a good quality non-stick baking spray, ensuring you get into all the nooks and crannies to prevent sticking. Set the pan aside for later.
Mix the Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir them together until well blended. This mixture will give your monkey bread its signature sweet and spicy crust. Set aside.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour, the ⅓ cup granulated sugar, the instant yeast packet, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together on low speed for a few seconds to ensure they are evenly combined.
Add Wet Ingredients and Mix Dough: With the mixer running on low speed, slowly pour in the warmed whole milk (ensure it’s around 110°F), the two large eggs, and the slightly cooled melted unsalted butter. Once all wet ingredients are added, increase the mixer speed to medium and mix for 3 minutes. The dough will become very smooth and quite thick, characteristic of a good gluten-free yeast dough.
First Rise: Use an oiled spatula to scrape down the bottom and sides of the bowl, gathering the dough into a cohesive mass. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in a warm, draft-free spot. Allow the dough to rise for 45-60 minutes, or until it has visibly doubled in size. This rising time is crucial for a light and airy texture.
Preheat Oven and Adjust Rack: While the dough is completing its rise, adjust an oven rack to a lower position in your oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Baking the monkey bread towards the bottom of the oven helps prevent the top from burning too quickly while the center bakes.
Shape and Coat Dough Balls: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Lightly butter your hands or an oiled spatula. Working one at a time, take small pieces of dough (aim for about 1.25 inches in diameter each). You’ll need approximately 35-40 balls in total, so be modest with their size to ensure even baking and a good pull-apart experience. Dip each dough ball in melted butter (you’ll need extra melted butter for this step, approximately ½ cup, not listed in ingredients but commonly used) and then generously roll it in the prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat completely. You may need a little more cinnamon-sugar than listed depending on how heavily you coat each ball. Arrange these coated balls in the greased Bundt pan as you go, distributing them evenly.
Second Rise: Once all the dough balls are in the Bundt pan, cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or a clean kitchen towel. Allow the shaped monkey bread to rest and rise for another 20 minutes in a warm spot. During this time, the dough balls will slightly expand and puff up.
Prepare the Homemade Caramel Sauce: While the monkey bread is on its second rise, make the luscious caramel sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, add the packed brown sugar. Whisk the two ingredients together continuously until the mixture is bubbly and well combined, forming a smooth caramel. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Remove from heat.
Pour Caramel and Bake: Carefully pour the warm caramel sauce evenly over the dough balls in the Bundt pan. If you’d like extra caramel for serving, reserve a small amount before pouring. Place the Bundt pan on a baking sheet to catch any potential caramel overflows, preventing a mess in your oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the caramel is melted and bubbly around the edges. If the top is browning too quickly, loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the monkey bread from the oven and let it rest in the Bundt pan for 10-15 minutes. This cooling period is crucial as it allows the caramel to set slightly and the bread to firm up, making it easier to invert. After resting, carefully invert the pan onto a serving plate. If any caramel remains in the pan, gently scrape it out and drizzle it over the monkey bread. Serve immediately while warm, with any reserved caramel on the side.

Notes

Oven Rack Position: As mentioned in the Chef’s Tips, baking towards the bottom of the oven helps prevent the top from burning. If you see it browning too fast, covering it loosely with foil for the remaining bake time is a good trick.
No Bundt Pan? No Problem!: If a Bundt pan isn’t available, a 9×13 inch baking dish or two standard loaf pans can work well. The resulting monkey bread won’t have the iconic shape but will still be equally delicious. Just ensure the pan is well-greased.
Flavor Enhancements: Feel free to customize! Before pouring the caramel, you can sprinkle chocolate chips, chopped dried fruit (like cranberries or raisins), or extra toasted nuts (pecans, walnuts) among the dough balls for added flavor and texture.
Best When Warm: Monkey bread is truly a treat when served warm. The caramel is soft and flowing, and the dough is incredibly tender. For any leftovers, store them in an airtight container and gently reheat in the microwave for 15-30 seconds or in a low oven (300°F/150°C) until warmed through.
Making Ahead: You can prepare the dough balls and arrange them in the Bundt pan the night before. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. In the morning, let it sit at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes to take the chill off and allow a slight rise before proceeding with the caramel sauce and baking steps.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gluten-Free Monkey Bread

Can I make this Gluten-Free Monkey Bread ahead of time? Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the dough balls, coat them, and arrange them in the Bundt pan the evening before. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, take the pan out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes to allow the dough to warm up and have a slight final rise before pouring over the caramel and baking.
Can I freeze Gluten-Free Monkey Bread? You can freeze either the unbaked dough balls or the baked monkey bread. For unbaked: flash freeze the coated dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight, then proceed with the second rise and baking. For baked: once cooled completely, wrap the monkey bread tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in a low oven.
What if my gluten-free dough doesn’t rise? There are a few common culprits. Firstly, check your yeast’s expiration date; old yeast is often inactive. Secondly, ensure your milk is at the correct temperature (around 110°F or 43°C). Too cold, and the yeast won’t activate; too hot, and it will kill the yeast. Lastly, make sure your rising environment is warm and draft-free.
Why is my monkey bread dry? Dry monkey bread can often be attributed to overbaking. Keep a close eye on it, and if the top is browning too quickly, tent it with foil. Another reason could be not enough caramel sauce, or inconsistent coating of the dough balls. Ensure each ball is well-coated in butter and cinnamon sugar.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Yes, you can! Substitute the whole milk with a non-dairy milk alternative like almond or oat milk (ensure it’s unsweetened). For the butter in both the dough and the caramel sauce, use a high-quality dairy-free butter alternative.

Nutrition Information

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.