Yes, you can make monkey bread in a cake pan! Monkey bread is a delicious treat made with bite-sized pieces of dough rolled in cinnamon and sugar, then baked to perfection. Traditionally, monkey bread is made in a bundt pan or a ring-shaped pan, but using a cake pan is a great alternative that produces equally delightful results.
Why Use a Cake Pan?
Using a cake pan to make monkey bread offers several advantages:
- A cake pan is readily available in most kitchens and does not require any special equipment.
- A cake pan provides a wide surface area for the dough pieces to spread out, allowing for even baking.
- The shape of a cake pan allows for easy stacking and serving of monkey bread.
So, if you don’t have a bundt pan or a ring-shaped pan, don’t worry! A cake pan works just as well.
The Basic Recipe
Here’s a simple recipe for making monkey bread in a cake pan:
- Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated biscuit dough | 2 cans (16 ounces each) |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Cinnamon | 2 teaspoons |
| Butter | 1/2 cup (melted) |
| Brown sugar | 1/2 cup |
- Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or cooking spray.
- In a bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
- Separate the biscuit dough into individual pieces.
- Cut each piece of dough into quarters.
- Dip each quarter in melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Place the coated dough pieces into the greased cake pan, layering them evenly.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar together, stirring until smooth.
- Pour the butter and brown sugar mixture over the dough in the cake pan.
- Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Variations and Tips
Here are some additional variations and tips to enhance your monkey bread:
- Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the cinnamon sugar mixture for added crunch and flavor.
- Drizzle a glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the warm monkey bread for a sweet finishing touch.
- Experiment with different flavors by adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- For a fun twist, use different types of refrigerated dough, like croissant dough or pizza dough, for a unique flavor profile.
Using Different Pan Sizes
If you want to adjust the recipe to fit a different-sized pan, here’s a general guideline:
- A 9-inch round cake pan is suitable for the basic recipe provided.
- For a 10-inch round cake pan, consider increasing the dough ingredients slightly to ensure an adequate amount for the larger pan.
- If using a square cake pan, adjust the cooking time as the dough may need a bit longer to bake due to the different shape.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making monkey bread in a cake pan is a wonderful alternative if you don’t have a bundt pan or a ring-shaped pan. The process and result are equally delicious, with the added benefit of using easily accessible equipment. Try out different variations and experiment with creativity to tailor your monkey bread to your taste. Enjoy this delectable treat as a delightful addition to your baking repertoire.