As the aroma of freshly baked bread wafts through my kitchen, memories of cozy family gatherings come rushing back. This Nutella Stuffed Monkey Bread, made with just 5 ingredients, is the star of the show—a delightful twist on the classic that never fails to impress. Warm, gooey, and oozing with rich chocolate-hazelnut bliss, each bite is a little piece of heaven.
I stumbled upon this magic on a lazy Sunday afternoon, craving something special and simple. The best part? It comes together in no time, making it a perfect dessert for unexpected guests or a sweet brunch treat. Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Whether you’re looking to impress loved ones or simply satisfy your chocolate cravings, this recipe effortlessly combines simplicity with indulgence. Ready to explore the delightful world of Nutella Stuffed Monkey Bread? Let’s dive into this irresistible creation!
Why is Nutella Stuffed Monkey Bread amazing?
Decadent flavor: Experience bold chocolate-hazelnut goodness that melts in your mouth.
Quick to prepare: With only five ingredients, you’ll whip this up in a flash, perfect for spontaneous gatherings.
Crowd-pleaser: Friends and family will rave about this delightful treat, ensuring everyone leaves with a smile.
Easy clean-up: Just one baking dish means less hassle in the kitchen—more time to enjoy!
Versatile options: Swap Nutella with your favorite spreads or add nuts to customize this recipe to your taste.
Nutella Stuffed Monkey Bread Ingredients
For the Dough
• Refrigerated Biscuits – These provide the fluffy structure essential for our Nutella Stuffed Monkey Bread.
• Salted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; melt it for an even more decadent flavor.
For the Coating
• Granulated Sugar – This will add sweetness and promote a beautifully caramelized outer layer.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Enhances the chocolate flavor while aiding in creating our irresistible coating.
For the Filling
• Nutella – The star of the show; its creamy, chocolatey goodness makes each bite a delightful experience. Don’t hesitate to use another chocolate spread if you’re feeling adventurous!
How to Make Nutella Stuffed Monkey Bread
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8 glass baking dish. This ensures a non-stick surface, allowing the bread to come out effortlessly once baked.
- Cut each biscuit in half and flatten them into circles with your hands. A gentle press will do—aim for about 1/4 inch thick. This helps create a cozy pocket for the decadent Nutella.
- Mix granulated sugar with cocoa powder in a separate bowl until well combined. This sweet coating adds a delightful chocolatey crunch to your monkey bread.
- Spoon a teaspoon of Nutella into the center of each biscuit circle. Pinch the edges together to form a ball and roll it in the sugar-cocoa mixture. It’s like wrapping a gift, but way more delicious!
- Arrange the Nutella-filled balls in the baking dish, layering them without squishing. Aim for a design that leaves some gaps; this helps them rise beautifully as they bake.
- Melt the butter and combine it with any leftover cocoa-sugar mixture. Pour this golden goodness evenly over the biscuit balls for that extra richness.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes, keeping an eye on them. When they’re golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean, they’re done!
- Cool for 5-15 minutes before serving. This quick rest allows the caramel to settle, making it perfect for slicing. Serve directly from the dish or flip onto a plate for a stunning presentation.
Optional: Drizzle with chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Nutella Stuffed Monkey Bread
Room Temperature: Store leftover Nutella Stuffed Monkey Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain its soft, gooey goodness.
Fridge: If you need to keep it longer, you can refrigerate the bread for up to 4 days, but be aware that it may lose some of its warm, tempting texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the monkey bread, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To enjoy the gooeyness again, microwave individual portions for 15-20 seconds or reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Make Ahead Options
These Nutella Stuffed Monkey Bread balls are perfect for busy home cooks! You can prepare the dough and stuff the biscuits up to 24 hours in advance by following the initial steps and placing the filled balls in the greased baking dish. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate to keep the dough fresh and fluffy. When you’re ready to treat your family, simply preheat the oven and bake as directed—these will be just as delicious as if freshly made. For the best results, bake them within that 24-hour window, ensuring the caramelization is perfect, and the gooey center remains irresistible!
Nutella Stuffed Monkey Bread Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe and put your spin on it!
- Nut-Free: Replace Nutella with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free twist that’s equally delicious.
- Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Fold in mini chocolate chips with the Nutella for an extra burst of chocolaty goodness.
- Fruit Fusion: Add sliced strawberries or bananas into the biscuit balls for a fresh, fruity surprise! Think of the delightful contrast between the warm bread and juicy fruit.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper in the sugar-cocoa mixture for a sweet and spicy flavor combination! It’s an unexpected flavor that sparks curiosity.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil in place of butter and almond milk biscuits to create a dairy-free version everyone can enjoy.
- Caramel Drizzle: Top with homemade caramel sauce or store-bought for an ooey-gooey finish that’s impossible to resist.
- Seasonal Spice: Mix a dash of cinnamon or pumpkin spice into the sugar-coating during the fall for a cozy seasonal twist. The warm spices elevate the flavors beautifully!
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free biscuits to cater to dietary restrictions while keeping all the irresistible flavors intact.
Expert Tips for Nutella Stuffed Monkey Bread
- Check Doneness: Make sure to check the center of your Nutella Stuffed Monkey Bread for doneness to avoid gooey dough. A toothpick should come out clean!
- Use Oven Mitts: When flipping the bread from the baking dish, use oven mitts to prevent burns from the hot dish. Safety first!
- Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve immediately after cooling slightly. Leftovers can harden, losing that gooey, chocolatey texture.
- Avoid Overcrowding: When arranging the biscuit balls in the dish, leave space between them to allow for proper rising and crispy edges.
- Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to customize by swapping Nutella for your favorite chocolate spread, peanut butter, or cookie butter for unique flavor profiles!
What to Serve with Nutella Stuffed Monkey Bread?
Indulge your senses by creating a delightful dining experience alongside this chocolatey treat that will elevate any occasion.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the rich, gooey bread.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess and chill of vanilla ice cream perfectly balance the warm monkey bread, creating a heavenly combination.
- Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries provide a pop of freshness that cuts through the sweetness while adding vibrant color.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over each piece enhances the decadence, making every bite even more indulgent.
- Espresso or Coffee: A rich cup of espresso or coffee pairs beautifully with the chocolate flavors, serving as a comforting contrast.
- Nutella Drizzle: For Nutella lovers, an extra drizzle of Nutella over the top will provide a luscious finishing touch that enhances the experience.
- Chocolate Stout: A rich chocolate stout can complement the flavors of the monkey bread, creating a blissful harmony of chocolate notes.
- Chai Latte: The spicy warmth of a chai latte can be an inviting choice that adds comfort while balancing the dessert’s sweetness.
Nutella Stuffed Monkey Bread Recipe FAQs
What type of biscuits should I use for the monkey bread?
Absolutely! For the best results, I recommend using non-flaky or layered refrigerated biscuits. This ensures that you get a fluffy texture, which is key to your Nutella Stuffed Monkey Bread’s deliciousness!
How should I store leftover Nutella Stuffed Monkey Bread?
To keep the goodness intact, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to prolong its life, refrigerate it for up to 4 days, but do note that the texture may change a bit as it cools.
Can I freeze Nutella Stuffed Monkey Bread? What’s the best way to do it?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze your Nutella Stuffed Monkey Bread! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will stay deliciously fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
What if my Nutella Stuffed Monkey Bread is doughy in the middle?
Very! If you find that your bread is doughy in the center, it’s likely that it needs more baking time. I suggest checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. If it’s not ready, simply return it to the oven for an additional 5-minute increment until fully baked.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
If you’re catering to allergies, keep in mind that this recipe contains gluten, dairy, and hazelnuts (from the Nutella). For a nut-free version, you might consider using a chocolate spread that is free of allergens and replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative. Always check ingredient labels to ensure they align with any dietary restrictions!
Can I customize the filling or toppings?
Absolutely! The more the merrier! You can substitute Nutella with peanut butter or cookie butter for different flavor twists. Additionally, feel free to add chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips for some delightful texture and extra chocolatey goodness.
Decadent Nutella Stuffed Monkey Bread with Only 5 Ingredients
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8x8 glass baking dish.
- Cut each biscuit in half and flatten them into circles with your hands.
- Mix granulated sugar with cocoa powder in a separate bowl until well combined.
- Spoon a teaspoon of Nutella into the center of each biscuit circle and roll them in the sugar-cocoa mixture.
- Arrange the Nutella-filled balls in the baking dish, layering them without squishing.
- Melt the butter and combine it with any leftover cocoa-sugar mixture, then pour over the biscuit balls.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool for 5-15 minutes before serving.