Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

It’s that time of year again when the scent of cinnamon and spice fills the kitchen, and the oven becomes the heart of the home. This Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread with Cream Cheese Glaze has become an absolute staple in our house during the fall season, and honestly, it’s requested year-round now! The first time I made it, I was a little intimidated by the “monkey bread” name, thinking it might be complicated. Boy, was I wrong! This recipe is surprisingly simple to put together, and the results are just phenomenal. Imagine warm, gooey bites of pumpkin-spiced dough, caramelized to perfection, and then drizzled with a tangy, sweet cream cheese glaze. The kids devour it, my husband can’t get enough, and it’s always a hit at any potluck or gathering. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s an experience, a warm hug in baked good form, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds!). Trust me, once you try this Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread, it will become a beloved tradition in your own home too.

Ingredients

To create this delectable Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread with Cream Cheese Glaze, you’ll need a collection of pantry staples and fresh ingredients that, when combined, transform into a symphony of autumnal flavors and textures. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in the final masterpiece, contributing to the moistness, spice, and irresistible sweetness that makes this recipe so special. Let’s delve into each component, ensuring you have everything you need to embark on this delightful baking adventure.

For the Monkey Bread:

• 3 cans (16.3 ounces each) refrigerated biscuit dough: The foundation of our monkey bread, refrigerated biscuit dough provides convenience and a wonderfully soft, slightly chewy texture when baked. Look for the large size biscuits for best results. Brands like Pillsbury Grands! or similar store brands work perfectly. The key is to ensure they are the flaky kind, as this will contribute to the pull-apart, layered texture we desire. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even use homemade biscuit dough, but for ease and speed, refrigerated dough is ideal.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Granulated sugar is essential for sweetness and caramelization. It not only sweetens the dough but also helps create that irresistible golden-brown, slightly crunchy exterior as the monkey bread bakes. The sugar interacts with the butter and pumpkin spice mixture to form a luscious coating that clings to every bite.
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted: Melted butter is the magic ingredient that binds everything together and infuses richness and flavor into the monkey bread. Unsalted butter is preferred as it allows you to control the overall saltiness of the recipe. The melted butter, combined with sugar and spices, creates a decadent coating for the biscuit pieces, ensuring they bake up moist and flavorful. Make sure to melt the butter completely and let it cool slightly before using to prevent it from cooking the spices prematurely.
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar: Light brown sugar adds depth of flavor and a hint of molasses sweetness that complements the pumpkin spice perfectly. Packing the brown sugar ensures you get the correct measurement, as it’s often more compressed than granulated sugar. The brown sugar also contributes to the caramelization process, creating a richer, more complex flavor profile than using only granulated sugar.
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling): Pumpkin puree is the heart of this recipe, delivering that quintessential autumnal flavor and moistness. It’s crucial to use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which already contains added sugars and spices and will throw off the balance of the recipe. Pure pumpkin puree is simply cooked and mashed pumpkin, offering a pure, natural pumpkin flavor. The pumpkin puree also contributes to the tender crumb of the monkey bread, preventing it from becoming dry.
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice is the aromatic blend that elevates this monkey bread to pumpkin spice perfection. It typically includes a combination of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, creating that warm, comforting spice profile we associate with fall. You can find pre-made pumpkin pie spice blends at most grocery stores. If you prefer, you can also make your own blend by combining these individual spices to customize the flavor to your liking. Two tablespoons provide a robust pumpkin spice flavor, but you can adjust slightly to your preference.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: While pumpkin pie spice contains cinnamon, adding an extra teaspoon of ground cinnamon enhances the warm, comforting spice notes and further emphasizes the autumnal character of the monkey bread. Cinnamon is a key component of pumpkin spice flavor and adds a delightful fragrance to the baking process.

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Cream cheese is the star of the glaze, providing a tangy, rich, and creamy counterpoint to the sweet and spiced monkey bread. It’s crucial to use softened cream cheese to ensure a smooth, lump-free glaze. Allow the cream cheese to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to soften properly. Full-fat cream cheese will yield the richest flavor and creamiest texture, but you can use reduced-fat cream cheese if desired, though the texture may be slightly less decadent.
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter adds richness, flavor, and a smooth consistency to the cream cheese glaze. Similar to the cream cheese, ensure the butter is properly softened to room temperature to prevent lumps in the glaze. Unsalted butter is recommended to control the sweetness of the glaze.
• 3 cups powdered sugar: Powdered sugar, also known as confectioners’ sugar, provides the sweetness and structure for the glaze. It dissolves smoothly into the softened cream cheese and butter, creating a silky, pourable glaze. Three cups of powdered sugar will create a glaze that is sweet and thick enough to drizzle beautifully over the monkey bread. Sifting the powdered sugar before measuring can help prevent lumps in the glaze.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the cream cheese glaze, adding a touch of warmth and complexity. Pure vanilla extract is preferred for the best flavor, but imitation vanilla extract can be used as a substitute. The vanilla extract complements the tangy cream cheese and sweet powdered sugar, creating a balanced and delicious glaze.
• 2-4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream: Milk or heavy cream is used to adjust the consistency of the glaze. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more gradually until you reach your desired glaze consistency. For a thinner, more pourable glaze, use more milk or cream. For a thicker, richer glaze, use less. Heavy cream will create a richer and slightly thicker glaze compared to milk.

By gathering these high-quality ingredients and ensuring they are properly measured and prepared, you’re setting yourself up for success in creating a truly exceptional Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread with Cream Cheese Glaze that will impress and delight everyone who tries it.

Instructions

Creating this Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread with Cream Cheese Glaze is a wonderfully rewarding process, transforming simple ingredients into a show-stopping dessert. While it might look impressive, the steps are surprisingly straightforward, making it a perfect recipe for bakers of all skill levels. Follow these detailed instructions to guide you through each stage, from preparing the dough to drizzling the final touch of glaze.

Preparing the Monkey Bread:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 12-cup bundt pan. Starting with a properly prepared pan is crucial for easy removal of the monkey bread after baking. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking. Generously grease the bundt pan with cooking spray or butter, making sure to reach all the crevices. Then, lightly flour the pan, tapping out any excess. This prevents the monkey bread from sticking and ensures a clean release once it’s baked. Alternatively, you can use a non-stick bundt pan, but greasing and flouring is still recommended for extra insurance.
2. Cut each biscuit into quarters. Open the cans of refrigerated biscuit dough and carefully separate the biscuits. Using a sharp knife or kitchen shears, cut each biscuit into four equal pieces. This creates bite-sized pieces that are perfect for coating in the spice mixture and arranging in the bundt pan. Cutting them into quarters ensures they bake evenly and allows for maximum caramelization in the crevices of the monkey bread.
3. In a large bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon. In a spacious bowl, combine the granulated sugar, packed light brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and ground cinnamon. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the sugar mixture. This fragrant blend will coat the biscuit pieces and infuse them with delicious pumpkin spice flavor.
4. In a separate bowl, melt butter and whisk in pumpkin puree. In a separate, microwave-safe bowl or saucepan, melt the unsalted butter completely. Once melted, whisk in the pumpkin puree until it is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and homogenous. The melted butter and pumpkin puree create a moist and flavorful base for coating the biscuit pieces. Allow this mixture to cool slightly before proceeding to the next step to prevent it from cooking the spices prematurely.
5. Dip each biscuit piece into the pumpkin butter mixture, then toss in the sugar spice mixture to coat. Working in batches, take a handful of the quartered biscuit pieces and dip them into the melted pumpkin butter mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Then, immediately transfer the butter-coated biscuit pieces to the bowl with the sugar spice mixture and toss them until they are evenly coated with the sugary spice blend. This double-coating process ensures that each piece of monkey bread is infused with both moisture and flavor. Use your hands or a spatula to gently toss the biscuits, being careful not to tear them.
6. Arrange coated biscuit pieces in the prepared bundt pan, layering evenly. Begin arranging the coated biscuit pieces in the prepared bundt pan. Layer them evenly, distributing them around the pan and ensuring they are not too tightly packed. You can create layers of biscuit pieces, slightly overlapping them to create a cohesive monkey bread structure. Try to distribute the biscuit pieces somewhat evenly to ensure even baking and a balanced distribution of flavors and textures in the final product.
7. Pour any remaining pumpkin butter mixture and sugar spice mixture evenly over the biscuits in the pan. After arranging all the coated biscuit pieces in the bundt pan, pour any remaining melted pumpkin butter mixture and sugar spice mixture evenly over the top. This ensures that no flavor is left behind and that the top layer of the monkey bread is also thoroughly coated and caramelized during baking. The excess mixtures will seep down into the crevices of the monkey bread as it bakes, adding extra moisture and flavor throughout.
8. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the monkey bread is golden brown and cooked through. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the monkey bread. If it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached, the monkey bread is ready. If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes and check again. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-browning.
9. Let cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate. Once baked, remove the bundt pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. This cooling period allows the monkey bread to set slightly, making it easier to invert without falling apart. Do not let it cool for too long in the pan, as the caramelized sugar can harden and make it difficult to remove. After the cooling period, carefully invert the bundt pan onto a serving plate. If it doesn’t release easily, gently tap the pan a few times or use a thin spatula to loosen the edges.

Making the Cream Cheese Glaze:

1. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. While the monkey bread is cooling, prepare the cream cheese glaze. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and softened butter. Using an electric mixer (hand mixer or stand mixer), beat the cream cheese and butter together until they are smooth, creamy, and fully combined. Ensure there are no lumps remaining for a perfectly smooth glaze.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating on low speed until incorporated, then increase speed and beat until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese and butter mixture, starting with about half of the amount. Beat on low speed until the powdered sugar is incorporated and no longer flying out of the bowl. Once incorporated, increase the mixer speed to medium and beat until the glaze is smooth, creamy, and lump-free. Adding the powdered sugar gradually helps prevent it from becoming too dusty and ensures it incorporates smoothly into the glaze.
3. Stir in vanilla extract and milk or heavy cream, starting with 2 tablespoons, adding more until desired consistency is reached. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the glaze. Then, add milk or heavy cream, starting with 2 tablespoons. Stir to combine and assess the consistency of the glaze. If it’s too thick, add more milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. For a thinner, pourable glaze, use more liquid. For a thicker, more frosting-like glaze, use less.
4. Drizzle cream cheese glaze over the warm monkey bread. Once the monkey bread is inverted onto a serving plate and is still slightly warm, generously drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to cascade down the sides of the monkey bread, coating every nook and cranny. The warmth of the monkey bread will help the glaze melt slightly and seep into the crevices, creating an even more decadent and flavorful dessert. You can drizzle the glaze decoratively or simply pour it over the top for a more rustic look.

Following these detailed instructions will guide you through each step of creating this irresistible Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread with Cream Cheese Glaze. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

Nutrition Facts

This Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread with Cream Cheese Glaze is undeniably a treat, perfect for special occasions and indulgent moments. While incredibly delicious, it’s also important to be mindful of its nutritional content, especially if you are watching your calorie intake or certain macronutrients. Keep in mind that these are estimated values and can vary slightly depending on the specific brands of ingredients used and portion sizes.

Servings: Approximately 12-16 servings

Calories per serving (estimated): 450-550 calories

Approximate Nutritional Breakdown per Serving (based on 14 servings):

• Calories: 500
• Total Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g (primarily from processed dough and butter)
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 400mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 65g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Total Sugars: 40g (includes added sugars)
• Protein: 5g

Important Considerations:

• High in Sugar and Fat: This recipe is relatively high in sugar and fat, primarily due to the butter, sugar, cream cheese, and biscuit dough. These ingredients contribute to its rich flavor and indulgent texture, but also result in a higher calorie and fat content.
• Moderate Sodium: The sodium content is moderate, mainly coming from the biscuit dough and butter.
• Moderate Carbohydrates: The carbohydrate content is significant, largely from the biscuit dough and sugars. While it contains a small amount of fiber, it’s primarily simple carbohydrates.
• Lower in Protein: The protein content is relatively low compared to the calorie and carbohydrate content.

Tips for Moderation and Potential Adjustments:

• Portion Control: Be mindful of serving sizes. Enjoying a smaller portion can help manage calorie intake.
• Reduced-Fat Ingredients (with caution): You could potentially use reduced-fat cream cheese and butter to slightly lower the fat content. However, this may affect the texture and flavor of both the monkey bread and the glaze. Reduced-fat biscuit dough might also be an option, but again, texture can be impacted.
• Sugar Alternatives (with caution): While granulated sugar is crucial for caramelization, you could experiment with slightly reducing the amount of sugar in the spice mixture or using a sugar substitute in the glaze. However, this may alter the taste and texture significantly.
• Increase Fiber: Adding a small amount of whole wheat flour to homemade biscuit dough (if you choose to make it from scratch) could slightly increase the fiber content, but this is not applicable when using refrigerated dough.
• Enjoy in Moderation: This treat is best enjoyed occasionally as part of a balanced diet.

Disclaimer: These nutritional facts are estimates based on common ingredient values and online recipe calculators. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the exact brands and quantities of ingredients you use. This recipe is intended as a dessert and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced eating plan.

Preparation Time

The allure of Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread with Cream Cheese Glaze lies not only in its irresistible flavor but also in its relatively straightforward preparation process. While it might seem like a complex dessert, the hands-on time is quite manageable, making it a great option for both weeknight treats and weekend gatherings. Here’s a breakdown of the preparation time involved:

Total Preparation Time: Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes

Breakdown:

• Prep Time (Active Time): 20-25 minutes
  • Greasing and Flour Bundt Pan: 2-3 minutes
  • Cutting Biscuits: 5 minutes
  • Mixing Dry Spice Mixture: 2 minutes
  • Melting Butter and Adding Pumpkin Puree: 3 minutes (microwave) or 5 minutes (stove top)
  • Dipping and Coating Biscuit Pieces: 8-10 minutes
  • Arranging Biscuit Pieces in Pan and Pouring Over Mixtures: 2-3 minutes
  Active time refers to the time you are actively engaged in preparing the recipe, such as chopping, mixing, and assembling. In this recipe, the active prep time primarily involves cutting the biscuits, mixing the various components, and coating and arranging the dough.
• Bake Time (Inactive Time): 30-40 minutes
  • Baking in the Oven: 30-40 minutes
  Bake time is largely inactive time, as the oven does the work. During this time, you can relax, clean up your workspace, or prepare the cream cheese glaze.
• Cooling Time (Inactive Time): 10-15 minutes
  • Cooling in Bundt Pan: 10-15 minutes
  Cooling time is also inactive, allowing the monkey bread to set slightly before inverting and glazing.
• Glaze Preparation Time (Active Time): 10-15 minutes
  • Softening Cream Cheese and Butter: (Passive – allow 30 minutes prior to starting, if needed)
  • Beating Cream Cheese and Butter: 3-5 minutes
  • Adding Powdered Sugar and Beating: 5-7 minutes
  • Adding Vanilla and Milk/Cream and Mixing: 2-3 minutes
  The glaze preparation is relatively quick, especially if your cream cheese and butter are already softened. Beating the glaze to a smooth consistency takes a few minutes, and adjusting the consistency with milk or cream is a final quick step.

Time-Saving Tips:

• Use Refrigerated Biscuit Dough: Refrigerated biscuit dough significantly cuts down on prep time compared to making homemade dough.
• Microwave Melt Butter: Melting butter in the microwave is faster than on the stovetop.
• Prepare Glaze While Monkey Bread Bakes: Maximize your time by preparing the cream cheese glaze while the monkey bread is baking.
• Soften Cream Cheese and Butter Ahead: Remember to take the cream cheese and butter for the glaze out of the refrigerator ahead of time to soften, reducing active glaze prep time.

Overall Time Commitment:

While the total preparation time is around an hour to a little over an hour, much of this is inactive baking and cooling time. The active hands-on time is only about 30-40 minutes spread across the monkey bread and glaze preparation. This makes Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread with Cream Cheese Glaze a manageable recipe for a delightful homemade dessert, even on slightly busier days. The delicious results are well worth the time invested!

How to Serve

Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread with Cream Cheese Glaze is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in numerous ways, making it perfect for a variety of occasions. From casual family breakfasts to elegant holiday gatherings, here are some delightful ways to serve and enjoy this warm, spiced treat:

• Warm and Fresh: The absolute best way to experience Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread is warm, right after it’s been glazed. The warmth enhances the gooey texture and the aroma of the pumpkin spice, while the glaze melts slightly into every crevice. Serve it within an hour or two of baking for the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• As a Brunch Centerpiece: Monkey bread makes a fantastic centerpiece for a brunch spread. Its impressive appearance and pull-apart nature make it fun and interactive for guests. Pair it with other brunch favorites like:
  • Scrambled eggs or omelets
  • Bacon or sausage
  • Fresh fruit salad
  • Yogurt parfaits
  • Coffee, tea, and juice
• Dessert After Dinner: Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread is a wonderful dessert to conclude a cozy fall dinner. Its comforting flavors and satisfying sweetness are a perfect ending to a meal. Consider serving it after:
  • Roasted chicken or pork
  • Hearty soups or stews
  • Fall-themed salads
  • Thanksgiving or holiday feasts
• Holiday Treat: This monkey bread is especially fitting for fall and winter holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Halloween. Its pumpkin spice flavors are synonymous with the season, and it’s a crowd-pleasing dessert that everyone will enjoy. It adds a touch of homemade warmth to any holiday celebration.
• Casual Snack or Treat: Enjoy a piece of monkey bread as a satisfying afternoon snack or a cozy evening treat with a cup of tea or coffee. It’s perfect for those moments when you crave something sweet and comforting.
• With Coffee or Tea: The warm spices and sweet glaze of the monkey bread pair beautifully with hot beverages. Serve it alongside:
  • Hot coffee (regular or flavored)
  • Pumpkin spice latte
  • Chai tea latte
  • Black tea or herbal tea
  • Hot chocolate
• With Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: For an extra decadent dessert experience, serve warm monkey bread with a scoop of:
  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Cinnamon ice cream
  • Pumpkin ice cream
  • Maple walnut ice cream
  • Whipped cream or sweetened whipped topping
• Garnished with Extras (Optional): Enhance the presentation and flavor by garnishing the monkey bread with:
  • Chopped pecans or walnuts
  • A sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice
  • A dusting of powdered sugar
  • Caramel drizzle (in addition to or instead of cream cheese glaze for a different flavor profile)
• Make-Ahead Option (Slightly): While best served warm, monkey bread can be made a few hours ahead of time and reheated gently before serving. Store it at room temperature, loosely covered. Reheat briefly in a low oven (around 250°F/120°C) to warm it through. Glaze just before serving for the best texture.

No matter how you choose to serve it, Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread with Cream Cheese Glaze is sure to be a hit. Its warm, comforting flavors and delightful texture make it a universally appealing treat for any occasion.

Additional Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread

To ensure your Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread with Cream Cheese Glaze turns out absolutely perfect every time, here are five additional tips and tricks to keep in mind:

1. Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can lead to dry monkey bread. Keep a close eye on it in the oven, especially during the last 10 minutes of baking time. The monkey bread is done when it’s golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the bundt pan with foil for the last part of baking.
2. Ensure Even Coating: For the best flavor and texture, make sure each biscuit piece is thoroughly coated in both the pumpkin butter mixture and the sugar spice mixture. This ensures that every bite is infused with pumpkin spice goodness and that the monkey bread caramelizes evenly. Don’t be afraid to use your hands to toss and coat the biscuits thoroughly.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: While you want to fill the bundt pan, avoid packing the biscuit pieces in too tightly. Leave a little bit of space between them as you layer them in the pan. This allows for better air circulation and ensures that the monkey bread bakes evenly throughout. Overcrowding can lead to a denser, less airy texture and uneven baking.
4. Soften Cream Cheese and Butter Properly for Glaze: For a smooth and lump-free cream cheese glaze, it’s crucial that both the cream cheese and butter are properly softened to room temperature before you begin making the glaze. If they are too cold, they will be difficult to beat together smoothly, resulting in a lumpy glaze. Allow them to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to an hour before starting.
5. Adjust Glaze Consistency to Your Preference: The recipe provides a guideline for the amount of milk or cream to add to the glaze, but feel free to adjust it to your personal preference. If you prefer a thinner, more pourable glaze, add a bit more milk or cream. If you prefer a thicker, frosting-like glaze, use less liquid. Add the milk or cream gradually, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

By following these extra tips, you can elevate your Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread with Cream Cheese Glaze from delicious to truly exceptional. These small details can make a big difference in the final outcome, ensuring a moist, flavorful, and perfectly glazed treat every time you bake it.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread ahead of time?

A: While Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread is best enjoyed warm and fresh, you can prepare it partially ahead of time. You can assemble the monkey bread in the bundt pan up to a few hours before baking and keep it covered at room temperature. Bake it just before you plan to serve it. The cream cheese glaze is best made fresh right before serving to maintain its smooth texture. If you need to make the entire monkey bread further in advance, it can be baked, cooled, and stored at room temperature for a day. Reheat it gently in a low oven before glazing and serving.

Q2: Can I freeze Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread?

A: Yes, you can freeze baked Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread, although the texture might slightly change upon thawing. Allow the monkey bread to cool completely after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Reheat gently in a low oven to warm it through before glazing and serving. It’s best to freeze it without the glaze and prepare the glaze fresh when you are ready to serve.

Q3: Can I use a different type of dough instead of biscuit dough?

A: Refrigerated biscuit dough is the most convenient and commonly used dough for monkey bread due to its ease and texture. However, you could experiment with other types of dough. Puff pastry could be used, but it will result in a flakier, less doughy monkey bread. You could also try using frozen bread dough, thawed and cut into pieces, but this will require more rising time and may result in a denser texture. Biscuit dough is generally preferred for its balance of convenience, texture, and flavor in monkey bread.

Q4: I don’t have pumpkin pie spice. Can I make my own substitute?

A: Absolutely! You can easily make your own pumpkin pie spice blend. A common substitute is to combine: 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, ¾ teaspoon ground ginger, ¾ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon ground cloves. Mix these spices together thoroughly, and you’ll have a homemade pumpkin pie spice blend that will work perfectly in this recipe. You can adjust the ratios slightly to your preference if you prefer a stronger emphasis on certain spices.

Q5: My cream cheese glaze is too thick/too thin. How can I fix it?

A: If your cream cheese glaze is too thick, gradually add more milk or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, and stir until you reach your desired consistency. If it becomes too thin, you can thicken it by adding more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, and beating until it thickens. Be sure to add powdered sugar gradually to avoid making the glaze overly sweet. The ideal glaze consistency should be pourable but still thick enough to coat the monkey bread nicely.

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