Rhubarb Cream Cheese Monkey Bread for Sweet Brunch Recipe
If you’re ready to turn your next brunch into something truly unforgettable, let me introduce you to Rhubarb Cream Cheese Monkey Bread for Sweet Brunch. This luscious, pull-apart bread is bursting with tart rhubarb, pockets of creamy cheese, and tender, cinnamon-sugar coated biscuit pieces—all drizzled with buttery brown sugar vanilla syrup. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone want seconds and leaves the whole kitchen smelling like a bakery. Whether you’re celebrating spring or just want a new brunch favorite, this one’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Rhubarb Cream Cheese Monkey Bread for Sweet Brunch is how a handful of simple ingredients can create such a spectacular treat. Each element plays a crucial role—bringing color, tang, richness, or that signature gooey bite to every piece.
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: The shortcut to fluffy, pillowy monkey bread with no kneading required!
- Chopped fresh rhubarb: Adds gorgeous color and a tangy zing that cuts through the sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the biscuit pieces and balances the tart rhubarb.
- Cinnamon: Infuses the bread with warm, comforting spice.
- Cream cheese: Tucked inside for creamy, tangy pops in every bite.
- Unsalted butter: Provides richness and helps the brown sugar caramelize beautifully.
- Brown sugar: Melts into a sticky, decadent syrup that coats every piece.
- Vanilla extract: Lends a lovely aroma and rounds out the flavors.
- Powdered sugar (optional): A pretty finishing touch for serving.
How to Make Rhubarb Cream Cheese Monkey Bread for Sweet Brunch
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat
Start by generously greasing your bundt pan with butter or nonstick spray. This step is key for easy unmolding later, ensuring every piece of your Rhubarb Cream Cheese Monkey Bread for Sweet Brunch comes out perfectly golden and intact. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for baking as soon as you finish assembling.
Step 2: Sweeten Up the Biscuits
In a small bowl, stir together granulated sugar and cinnamon. Toss all the quartered biscuit dough pieces in this mixture until every nook and cranny is coated. This not only sweetens each bite but also gives the bread its signature warmth and a touch of crunch.
Step 3: Prep the Rhubarb
Now, in a separate bowl, combine the chopped rhubarb with about a tablespoon of your cinnamon-sugar mixture. This step helps macerate the rhubarb just a bit, drawing out its juices and infusing it with a little extra sweetness and spice.
Step 4: Layer and Fill the Bundt
Layer half of the cinnamon-sugar-coated biscuit pieces evenly in the bundt pan. Dot this layer with half of the cream cheese cubes and half of the rhubarb pieces. Repeat with the remaining dough, cream cheese, and rhubarb, making sure each layer is scattered for maximum flavor and color all the way through.
Step 5: Pour on the Buttery Goodness
Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract together in a bowl until smooth. Pour this decadent syrup evenly over the layered dough in the pan. As the monkey bread bakes, this mixture seeps into every crevice, creating that irresistible sticky, caramelized finish.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your pan in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is deeply golden and the bread feels set. Let it rest in the pan for about 10 minutes—this makes it easier to unmold without losing any of those gooey bits!
Step 7: Unmold and Finish
Carefully invert the pan onto a serving plate. If you like, dust the top with powdered sugar for a beautiful, bakery-style finish. Serve your Rhubarb Cream Cheese Monkey Bread for Sweet Brunch warm and watch it disappear in minutes!
How to Serve Rhubarb Cream Cheese Monkey Bread for Sweet Brunch
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar creates an elegant, snowy look, but you can also drizzle a quick vanilla or cream cheese glaze over the top for extra sweetness. A few thin slices of fresh rhubarb or edible flowers give a pop of spring color that’s perfect for festive tables.
Side Dishes
This monkey bread is rich and satisfying, so pair it with lighter sides like fresh fruit salad, crisp bacon, or a bowl of Greek yogurt. If you’re hosting a big brunch, some scrambled eggs or a frittata balance out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Rhubarb Cream Cheese Monkey Bread for Sweet Brunch in individual ramekins for personal pull-apart servings, or stack slices on a tiered cake stand for a dramatic centerpiece. For special occasions, wrap portions in parchment and tie with twine for a sweet brunch takeaway gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover monkey bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The flavors continue to mingle, and it stays deliciously soft for a day or two after baking.
Freezing
To freeze, let the bread cool completely, then wrap individual portions or the whole loaf tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature, or gently warm in the oven before serving for that fresh-baked taste.
Reheating
Reheat slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or warm larger portions in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10 minutes. This brings back the gooey texture and melds all those beautiful flavors together once more.
FAQs
Can I use frozen rhubarb instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen rhubarb very well to avoid excess moisture, which can make the bread soggy. Frozen rhubarb works beautifully when fresh is out of season.
Is there a way to make Rhubarb Cream Cheese Monkey Bread for Sweet Brunch ahead of time?
You can assemble the bread (minus the butter-sugar syrup) the night before and refrigerate. In the morning, pour on the syrup and bake as directed. This makes your brunch morning a breeze!
What type Breakfast
Standard block-style cream cheese holds up best for the pockets of creamy filling. Avoid whipped or spreadable types, as they can melt too quickly into the dough.
Can I add other fruits or nuts?
Certainly! Strawberries, raspberries, or diced apples pair nicely with rhubarb. For a crunchy twist, toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts during layering.
How do I prevent the monkey bread from sticking to the pan?
Grease your bundt pan very generously with butter or nonstick spray, making sure to get into every nook and cranny. If you have it, a baking spray with flour works wonders for easy release.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to wow your friends or family at your next brunch, give Rhubarb Cream Cheese Monkey Bread for Sweet Brunch a spot on your table. It’s sweet, tangy, creamy, and just plain fun to pull apart and share. There’s nothing quite like the joy of serving up a warm, homemade treat that makes every morning feel special—so go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this unforgettable delight!
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Rhubarb Cream Cheese Monkey Bread for Sweet Brunch Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Rhubarb Cream Cheese Monkey Bread is a delightful sweet brunch treat featuring tender biscuit dough coated in cinnamon sugar, layered with tangy rhubarb and creamy cheese cubes, then baked to golden perfection and drizzled with a buttery brown sugar glaze. Perfect for springtime gatherings or special weekend mornings, this pull-apart bread offers a wonderful balance of tart and sweet flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Dough and Rhubarb Layer
- 2 cans (16 oz total) refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into quarters
- 1 cup chopped fresh rhubarb
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 6 oz cream cheese, cut into small cubes
Glaze
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a bundt pan with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Coat the Biscuit Dough: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Toss the quartered biscuit dough pieces in this cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated.
- Prepare Rhubarb Mixture: In another bowl, mix the chopped fresh rhubarb with about 1 tablespoon of the cinnamon sugar mixture to add sweetness and spice.
- Layer the Ingredients: Place half of the coated biscuit dough pieces evenly in the bundt pan. Dot with half of the cream cheese cubes, then sprinkle half of the rhubarb mixture on top. Repeat this layering with the remaining dough, cream cheese, and rhubarb.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
- Pour and Bake: Evenly pour the butter and brown sugar glaze over the layered dough in the pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let the monkey bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully invert the bundt pan onto a serving plate. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Frozen rhubarb can be used; be sure to thaw and drain it well before use to prevent excess moisture.
- For extra sweetness, drizzle with cream cheese glaze or vanilla icing before serving.
- This monkey bread is perfect for Easter celebrations, spring brunches, or special weekend mornings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 470 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
