This festive cinnamon cream cheese monkey bread transforms a classic treat into a luxurious holiday indulgence. Each bite reveals a soft, fluffy biscuit filled with rich cream cheese, perfectly enveloped in a sticky cinnamon-sugar coating. The addition of butterscotch pudding mix introduces an unexpected layer of flavor, while the toasted walnuts on top provide a satisfying crunch. This monkey bread is not only a feast for the senses but also a delightful centerpiece that will impress your family and guests alike. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or looking for a special breakfast treat, this recipe promises to add a touch of magic to your celebrations.
Crafted with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this monkey bread is easy to prepare even if you’re not an experienced baker. The overnight preparation allows the flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring a moist and flavorful result. Serve it warm with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of sweetened whipped cream for an extra layer of decadence. Get ready to enjoy a beloved holiday tradition that combines comfort, sweetness, and a hint of elegance in every delicious bite.
Ingredients For festive cinnamon cream cheese monkey bread
GLAZE
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (about 100 grams)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (about 2.5 grams)
BUTTERCORN MIXTURE
- 2 cans biscuits (10 count) (about 680 grams)
- 1 package Philly cream cheese, softened (8 ounces or about 230 grams), cut into 20 cubes
- 1 stick butter, softened (about 115 grams)
- 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed (about 200 grams)
- 1 box butterscotch instant pudding mix (about 85 grams)
TOPPING
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (about 60 grams)
How To Make festive cinnamon cream cheese monkey bread
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (about 175°C). Prepare a Bundt pan by thoroughly spraying it with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the monkey bread once baked.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
- Mix well to create an even cinnamon-sugar blend.
- Prepare the Biscuits: Take the two cans of biscuits and separate each biscuit into individual pieces. On a clean cutting board, sprinkle each biscuit piece generously with the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring all sides are well coated.
- Stuff the Biscuits: Place a cube of softened cream cheese in the center of each cinnamon-sugared biscuit piece.
- Carefully fold the edges of the biscuit around the cream cheese, sealing them to form small, neat balls.
- Coat the Biscuits: Once all biscuits are stuffed, place them into a large resealable plastic bag. Add the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture to the bag and shake gently to coat each biscuit ball evenly.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a medium saucepan, melt the 1 stick of softened butter over medium heat. Add the 1 cup of firmly packed brown sugar and stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Remove the saucepan from the heat once the sugar has fully dissolved into the butter.
- Layer the Monkey Bread: Arrange a layer of the candied, cream cheese-stuffed biscuit balls evenly in the bottom of the prepared Bundt pan. Pour a portion of the brown sugar butter glaze over the first layer, ensuring all the biscuit balls are well coated. Repeat this layering process until all biscuit balls and glaze are used, ending with a generous drizzle of glaze on top.
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle the chopped walnuts evenly over the top of the glazed biscuit balls. The walnuts will bake into the glaze, adding a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the monkey bread.
- Bake the Monkey Bread: Place the Bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the monkey bread is puffed up and the glaze is bubbly and golden brown. Keep an eye on the monkey bread to prevent the walnuts from burning.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the Bundt pan from the oven and allow the monkey bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Carefully invert the pan onto a serving platter while the monkey bread is still warm to prevent sticking.
- Serve the monkey bread warm, optionally topped with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of sweetened whipped cream for added richness. Enjoy this festive treat with your loved ones!
As you tear into a warm slice of this festive cinnamon cream cheese monkey bread, you’ll experience the perfect blend of soft, fluffy biscuits and the rich, creamy surprise of melted cream cheese. The sticky cinnamon-sugar glaze envelops each bite, while the toasted walnuts add a satisfying crunch that elevates the overall texture. This monkey bread not only serves as a delicious breakfast or brunch option but also as a stunning dessert that embodies the spirit of the holiday season. Its layered flavors and beautiful presentation make it a standout dish that will garner praise from all who taste it. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, hosting a holiday party, or simply indulging in a special treat, this monkey bread is sure to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection. Relish the moments of joy and togetherness it brings, and enjoy every delectable bite!
