Cherry Cheesecake Monkey Bread is a fun and tasty treat! It features soft, fluffy dough balls covered in a sweet cheesecake mixture and a cherry topping that adds a fruity zing.
Making this dish is like a sweet puzzle—just pull apart the pieces to enjoy! I love serving it warm, and trust me, you’ll want to have some with a scoop of ice cream on the side. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: Using refrigerated biscuit dough is a quick and easy base for this recipe. If you can’t find buttermilk biscuits, regular refrigerated biscuits or even crescent roll dough work too. Just note that crescent rolls will give a different texture.
Cream Cheese: The cream cheese adds richness and a cheesecake flavor. For a lighter option, you could use Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat but a similar taste. A non-dairy cream cheese can also be a good alternative for a dairy-free version.
Cherry Pie Filling: The cherry topping is key to the flavor. If fresh cherries are in season, you could make a quick cherry compote instead. Canned peaches or blueberries could also work if you want a different fruity twist!
Powdered Sugar: This is optional for dusting on top. If you like a bit of crunch, a handful of crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts can add great texture as well.
How Do I Seal the Dough Balls Properly?
Sealing the biscuit balls is crucial for keeping the cream cheese filling inside as they bake. Here’s how to do it right:
- After flattening the biscuit, put the cream cheese mixture in the center.
- Carefully fold the dough edges over the filling.
- Pinch the seams tightly to seal, making sure there are no openings.
- Test a couple of balls to see if you can see any filling peeking out—that’s a sign they weren’t sealed properly!
Taking your time with this step will ensure you get that delicious gooey center when you pull apart the monkey bread!
Cherry Cheesecake Monkey Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough (such as buttermilk biscuits)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Coating:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Topping:
- 1 cup cherry pie filling (or cherry preserves)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cherry Cheesecake Monkey Bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30 to 35 minutes to bake. After baking, let it cool for a bit before serving. In total, you’re looking at under an hour for a delightful treat that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a bundt pan or a deep round baking pan generously with butter or non-stick spray. This will help the monkey bread come out easily once it’s baked.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, take the softened cream cheese and mix it with the granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This delicious filling will make your monkey bread extra special!
3. Prepare the Biscuit Dough:
Open the cans of biscuit dough and separate each biscuit. Flatten each biscuit piece into a small disc using your hands or a rolling pin. Aim for about 3 inches in diameter—this will help hold that delicious cream cheese filling!
4. Fill and Shape the Dough Balls:
Place about 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of the cream cheese mixture right in the center of each biscuit disc. Carefully fold the edges over the filling and pinch to seal it tightly, forming a ball. This will prevent any filling from leaking out while baking.
5. Make the Butter Coating:
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add in the brown sugar and ground cinnamon, stirring until the sugar has dissolved completely. This sweet cinnamon mixture will help flavor the monkey bread!
6. Coat the Dough Balls:
Take each cream cheese-filled biscuit ball and dip it into the butter and brown sugar mixture. Make sure each ball is well-coated. Then, place the balls evenly in the prepared bundt pan, layering them as you go for an impressive final look.
7. Bake the Monkey Bread:
Now it’s time to bake! Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the biscuit dough is golden brown and cooked through. A nice golden crust is key to a great monkey bread!
8. Release and Top:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it sit for a minute. Then, carefully invert the bundt pan onto a serving plate to let the monkey bread release. Spoon the cherry pie filling generously over the top while it’s warm, allowing some to drizzle down into the crevices.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the cherry cheesecake monkey bread cool for just a few minutes. Optionally, you can dust it with powdered sugar to add a sweet touch. Then gather friends and family around to pull apart the soft, gooey pieces and enjoy!
This recipe creates a delightful, sweet treat that’s perfect for sharing at brunch, dessert, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests!
Can I Use Frozen Biscuit Dough Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen biscuit dough! Just make sure to thaw it before starting the recipe. You can let them sit in the fridge overnight or allow them to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes until soft enough to work with.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Cream Cheese?
Absolutely! If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the cream cheese with a mixture of ricotta cheese and a bit of sugar for sweetness. It won’t be quite the same, but it will still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, just pop individual pieces in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds!
What Other Fruit Can I Use Instead of Cherry Filling?
Feel free to get creative! You can use any pie filling or preserves you like—blueberry, strawberry, or even apple filling would work wonderfully and add a different flavor profile to your monkey bread!
