There is nothing quite as comforting and fun to share as a freshly baked pull-apart treat, and this No Sugar Monkey Bread Recipe hits every note of warmth and deliciousness without loading on the sugar. Imagine soft, cinnamon-kissed biscuit pieces baked to golden perfection, gently coated in a buttery applesauce mixture, and optionally topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze—all while skipping refined sugars. Whether you’re looking for a cozy breakfast, an inviting dessert, or a crowd-pleaser that everyone can enjoy guilt-free, this recipe is your new go-to that combines indulgence with mindful ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping this dish simple is part of its charm. Each ingredient plays a key role, from moistening the dough to adding that signature cinnamon sweetness and a little crunch if you choose to add nuts. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this No Sugar Monkey Bread Recipe to life:
- Refrigerated biscuit dough (2 cans, 16 oz total, no sugar added or low sugar): The base that creates those fluffy, pillowy pull-apart pieces.
- Butter (¼ cup, melted): Adds richness and helps the cinnamon coating stick beautifully.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and classic spice to every bite.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness naturally and deepens flavor.
- Unsweetened applesauce (3 tablespoons): Adds moistness and a subtle, natural sweetness without sugar.
- Maple syrup or sugar-free syrup (2 tablespoons, optional): Offers extra sweetness if you want a little more indulgence without refined sugars.
- Finely chopped pecans or walnuts (¼ cup, optional): Adds a satisfying crunch and toasty nutty flavor.
- For the glaze (optional): Cream cheese, milk, sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit, and vanilla extract for a creamy, tangy drizzle that makes this recipe extra special.
How to Make No Sugar Monkey Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s best to grease a bundt pan or a 9×9-inch baking dish really well to ensure your monkey bread doesn’t stick and comes out perfectly shaped. This small prep step makes your life so much easier when it comes time to serve.
Step 2: Cut and Coat the Biscuit Dough
Take those refrigerated biscuits and slice each one into quarters. This increases the fun pull-apart factor and makes sure each bite is the right size. Next, mix together your melted butter, cinnamon, vanilla, applesauce, and your choice of syrup. Toss the biscuit pieces until each one is fully coated in this fragrant, buttery mixture—this is where the magic begins and those irresistible aromas start to fill your kitchen.
Step 3: Add Nuts and Layer the Pan
If you love a bit of texture, fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts now so every bite has a delightful crunch. Then, layer the coated biscuit pieces evenly into your prepared pan. Pour any leftover buttery mixture over the top to keep everything moist and flavorful while baking.
Step 4: Bake and Cool
Pop your pan into the hot oven for 25 to 30 minutes, watching for that gorgeous golden brown color and a fully baked center. Once out of the oven, let your No Sugar Monkey Bread cool for 5 to 10 minutes—this lets it set just enough so it will hold its shape when you turn it onto a serving plate, but it’s best served warm for that melt-in-your-mouth effect.
Step 5: Prepare Optional Glaze
If you want to take your monkey bread to the next level, whip up a simple glaze by blending softened cream cheese with milk, your preferred sugar-free sweetener, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this over your warm monkey bread for an irresistible finishing touch that adds creamy sweetness without sugar.
How to Serve No Sugar Monkey Bread Recipe
Garnishes
While this monkey bread is heavenly on its own, you can sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top or add a handful of extra chopped nuts for garnish. Fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar-free sweetener can also brighten the presentation without adding sugar.
Side Dishes
Pair your No Sugar Monkey Bread Recipe with fresh fruits like sliced apples or berries for a refreshing contrast. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a cup of unsweetened almond milk adds protein and creaminess, balancing the sweetness and making it a more complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve monkey bread on a wooden board or in its bundt pan for a rustic feel that invites sharing. You could also turn this into mini monkey breads by dividing the dough into muffin tins, perfect for portion control and fun individual servings at brunch or parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store any leftover No Sugar Monkey Bread Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For a slightly firmer texture, refrigeration is okay, but always allow to come back to room temperature before eating for best taste.
Freezing
This monkey bread freezes beautifully! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen pieces will keep for up to 2 months, allowing you to enjoy this treat anytime you want without extra baking.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftovers in a toaster oven or oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes until heated through. The warm temperature helps revive the soft, gooey texture that makes this recipe so delightful. If using the glaze, add it fresh after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh biscuits instead of canned dough?
Absolutely! If you prefer making biscuit dough from scratch, that works perfectly. Just make sure the dough isn’t too wet so the coating sticks well. Fresh homemade biscuits can add a lovely personal touch.
Is this recipe suitable for diabetics?
Since this No Sugar Monkey Bread Recipe avoids refined sugars and uses natural sweeteners, it’s more diabetes-friendly than traditional versions. However, always check with your healthcare provider for personal dietary recommendations.
Can I replace the nuts if I have allergies?
Yes, simply omit the nuts or swap them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds if you want a similar crunch. The bread still turns out deliciously soft and flavorful without nuts.
What does the applesauce contribute to the recipe?
Applesauce adds natural moisture and subtle sweetness, which helps keep the monkey bread tender. It’s a great sugar substitute that also provides a bit of fruity depth to the flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
With a few swaps, yes! Use vegan biscuit dough, vegan butter alternatives, and a dairy-free glaze made from vegan cream cheese and non-dairy milk. This way, the recipe stays just as tasty while fitting a vegan lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
Making this No Sugar Monkey Bread Recipe is like giving yourself a warm hug from the inside out. It’s a joyful, tasty way to enjoy a classic sweet treat without the guilt of added sugars. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying a cozy morning alone, I hope you find as much comfort and delight in this recipe as I do. Give it a try—you might just make it a favorite in your home too!
Print
No Sugar Monkey Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Breakfast or Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a healthier twist on classic monkey bread with this No Sugar Monkey Bread recipe. Made with low-sugar biscuit dough and naturally sweetened with applesauce and optional sugar-free syrup, this cinnamon-infused pull-apart bread is perfect for breakfast or dessert. Topped with an optional creamy glaze, it’s moist, flavorful, and satisfying without refined sugars.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans (16 oz total) refrigerated biscuit dough (no sugar added or low sugar)
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or sugar-free syrup (optional)
- ¼ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the Glaze (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1–2 teaspoons sugar-free sweetener (like stevia or monk fruit)
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan or a 9×9-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cut Biscuit Dough: Cut each biscuit into quarters and set them aside to prepare for coating.
- Mix Coating Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, cinnamon, vanilla extract, unsweetened applesauce, and maple or sugar-free syrup (if using) until well blended.
- Coat Biscuit Pieces: Toss the biscuit quarters in the butter mixture thoroughly so each piece is evenly coated. If using, add the finely chopped pecans or walnuts and mix gently to distribute.
- Assemble in Pan: Layer the coated biscuit pieces evenly into the prepared pan. Pour any remaining butter mixture over the top to ensure flavor and moisture.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the monkey bread turns golden brown and is cooked through.
- Cool and Remove: Allow the monkey bread to cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes before carefully turning it out onto a serving plate.
- Prepare Glaze (Optional): While the monkey bread cools, mix the softened cream cheese, milk, sugar-free sweetener, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm monkey bread if desired, then serve and enjoy.
Notes
- This recipe uses no refined sugar and can be customized with sugar-free syrup or natural sweeteners for sweetness.
- Unsweetened applesauce adds moisture and mild natural sweetness while reducing the need for added sugars.
- Optional nuts provide a pleasant crunch and extra flavor but can be omitted for nut-free diets.
- The glaze is optional but adds a creamy, sweet finishing touch without adding sugar.
