
Bananas Foster Monkey Bread is the perfect answer for anyone craving something sweet, sticky, and utterly comforting. With those few ripe bananas sitting on your countertop, you can transform breakfast or dessert into a showstopper thanks to buttery biscuit dough, cinnamon-laced sugar, and that signature rum caramel. My family has fallen in love with this decadent twist on classic monkey bread and I bet yours will too.
The first time I made this was for an impromptu family brunch and now my kids keep asking me to make it every other weekend. The combination of gooey caramel and banana is unforgettable.
Ingredients
- Granulated sugar: for sweetness and caramelization look for fine white sugar for best coating
- Ground cinnamon: adds warmth and depth use a fresh bottle for vibrant flavor
- Refrigerated buttermilk biscuit dough: creates the pillowy texture check expiration date for a good rise
- Chopped pecans or walnuts: offer crunch and a toasted note optional but delightful
- Ripe bananas: provide natural sweetness and classic Bananas Foster flavor choose bananas with speckled skin for best results
- Butter: brings richness and ensures a smooth gooey sauce use unsalted for better control
- Packed light brown sugar: deepens caramel flavor choose soft moist brown sugar for easy melting
- Rum flavoring or real rum: delivers that signature Bananas Foster flair opt for a quality extract or a smooth rum for best taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and coat the inside of a Bundt pan with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy release later
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar:
- Combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a gallon-size Ziploc bag or a large bowl stir until fully mixed so each biscuit piece gets an even coating
- Cut and Coat the Dough:
- Cut each buttermilk biscuit into six equal pieces add them to your cinnamon sugar mixture seal or cover and shake thoroughly so every piece is coated with cinnamon sugar
- Layer Pecans and Dough:
- Scatter chopped pecans or walnuts in the bottom of the Bundt pan then layer the coated biscuit pieces over the nuts pressing gently to fill any gaps
- Make Banana Caramel:
- Peel and mash your ripe bananas until smooth in a medium saucepan add mashed bananas brown sugar and butter cook over medium heat stirring frequently until the mixture is bubbling and the butter and sugar are fully dissolved forming a thick caramel
- Add the Rum:
- Remove your banana caramel from heat and stir in rum flavoring or real rum mixing well to enhance the sauce and let the aroma bloom
- Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the warm banana caramel sauce evenly over the biscuit-filled Bundt pan making sure it seeps into all the crevices bake at 350 degrees for thirty-five to forty-five minutes or until the bread is puffed and cooked through
- Cool and Turn Out:
- Allow the bread to rest in the pan for ten minutes which helps the syrup soak in then carefully invert it onto a serving platter to release the sticky monkey bread in one glorious piece

The sweet banana caramel in this recipe is my favorite part I have memories of my kids sneaking extra sauce from the pan when they thought I was not looking and that smell always fills the house with warmth
Storage Tips
Bananas Foster Monkey Bread keeps well tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to two days If you want it fresher for longer store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days Warm slices in the microwave for ten to twenty seconds to bring back that irresistible gooey texture
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap pecans or walnuts for hazelnuts or skip the nuts for a nut-free version If you do not have buttermilk biscuit dough use any plain refrigerated biscuit dough with similar results No rum Extract works but you can use maple or vanilla for a different twist
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm right from the oven for optimal gooeyness I love topping each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert or pairing it with strong coffee at brunch It always makes for a crowd-pleasing centerpiece dish

Cultural and Historical Notes
Monkey Bread became popular in the US in the nineteen-fifties as a sweet pull-apart loaf perfect for sharing Bananas Foster originated in New Orleans known for its flambéed banana rum sauce This recipe brings both legacies together for a treat that steals the show at any gathering
Commonly Asked Questions
- → Can I use real rum instead of rum flavoring?
Yes, you can use real rum for authentic depth of flavor. For a non-alcoholic version, stick with rum extract.
- → What kind of bananas work best?
Ripe, spotted bananas provide the best sweetness and texture, easily mashing into the caramel sauce.
- → Can I substitute walnuts for pecans?
Absolutely! Both walnuts and pecans add crunch and complement the caramelized flavors wonderfully.
- → Is there a way to make this ahead?
You can assemble ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for the freshest texture.
- → Does biscuit dough have to be refrigerated kind?
Yes, refrigerated biscuit dough ensures the bread rises and bakes evenly, yielding a soft pull-apart texture.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Store cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days or refrigerate for longer keeping.