Raspberry Cheesecake Monkey Bread

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s equal parts fun and indulgent, look no further than Raspberry Cheesecake Monkey Bread. This delightful dish combines the gooey, pull-apart goodness of monkey bread with the creamy, tangy flavors of cheesecake and raspberry. Perfect for brunch, a special occasion, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to impress your friends and family. Let’s dive into the top reasons why you’ll want to whip up this delicious treat, along with a detailed guide on how to make it!

Top Reasons to Make Raspberry Cheesecake Monkey Bread

• Fun and Interactive: The pull-apart nature of monkey bread makes it a fun dessert that everyone can enjoy together.
• Delicious Flavor Combination: The creamy cheesecake filling combined with tart raspberry preserves creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
• Easy to Assemble: With just a few simple steps, you can create this impressive dessert without any complicated techniques.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering, brunch, or a cozy night in, this recipe is versatile enough to suit any event.

Ingredient Notes

• 1/2 cup sliced almonds: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the monkey bread.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, divided: Used to create the rich, buttery base for the monkey bread and to drizzle on top.
• 1/3 cup maple syrup: Natural sweetness and a hint of flavor that complements the raspberries beautifully.
• 4 tablespoons raspberry preserves, divided: Essential for that fruity burst and cheesecake-like filling.
• 1/2 cup sugar: Sweetens the dough and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth, making each bite feel cozy and inviting.
• 47 oz. tubes Pillsbury Buttermilk biscuits: The base of the monkey bread, providing fluffiness and softness.
• 18 oz package cream cheese, softened slightly: The star of the cheesecake filling, giving it a rich and creamy texture.

What’s in the Gear List

• Bundt pan: Essential for shaping the monkey bread and making it easy to serve.
• Mixing bowls: Needed for combining the ingredients, especially the cream cheese and raspberry preserves.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements to ensure the perfect texture and flavor.
• Spatula: Great for mixing and spreading ingredients evenly.

The Method for Raspberry Cheesecake Monkey Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature to bake your monkey bread to golden perfection.

Step 2: Prepare the Bundt Pan

Grease your bundt pan with a tablespoon of the unsalted butter. Make sure to coat it well so the monkey bread releases easily after baking.

Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of raspberry preserves. Use a spatula to mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the sugar, cinnamon, and sliced almonds. This mixture will add sweetness and crunch to your monkey bread.

Step 5: Prepare the Biscuit Dough

Open the tubes of Pillsbury Buttermilk biscuits and cut each biscuit into quarters. This will help create those pull-apart pieces.

Step 6: Assemble the Monkey Bread

Take a quartered biscuit piece and flatten it slightly. Place a small spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center and fold the edges over to seal the filling inside. Roll the biscuit into a ball and set aside. Repeat with all biscuit pieces.

Step 7: Layer the Dough Balls

In your greased bundt pan, layer the filled biscuit balls, sprinkling some of the sugar-almond mixture in between the layers. Continue until all the biscuit balls are in the pan.

Step 8: Drizzle the Topping

Melt the remaining unsalted butter and mix it with the maple syrup and the remaining 2 tablespoons of raspberry preserves. Drizzle this mixture over the biscuit dough in the bundt pan.

Step 9: Bake

Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the biscuits are fully cooked.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Once baked, allow the monkey bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert the pan onto a serving platter. Serve warm, and watch everyone dig in!

Substitutions by Diet

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free biscuit dough instead of regular biscuits.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use vegan butter.
• Nut-Free: Omit the sliced almonds or replace them with sunflower seeds for crunch.
• Low-Sugar: Use a sugar substitute for the sugar and maple syrup, adjusting to taste.

Slip-Ups to Skip

• Don’t skip greasing the bundt pan; otherwise, your monkey bread may stick.
• Make sure your cream cheese is softened, as this allows for easier mixing and filling.
• Be cautious not to overfill the biscuit pieces with cream cheese; a little goes a long way!
• Keep an eye on the baking time and check for doneness to avoid overbaking.

Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide

Raspberry Cheesecake Monkey Bread is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze individual pieces for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and foil, and thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!

Handy Q&A

Can I make Raspberry Cheesecake Monkey Bread ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the biscuit balls and filling in advance, then store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just assemble and bake as directed. This makes it easy to have a fresh dessert ready for guests!

What can I serve with this dessert?

This monkey bread pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Can I use other types of fruit preserves?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fruit preserves like strawberry, blueberry, or even a mixed berry blend for a different flavor experience.

How do I reheat leftover monkey bread?

To reheat, simply place individual pieces in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until warmed through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Final Bite

Raspberry Cheesecake Monkey Bread is a delightful dessert that is sure to become a favorite in your household. Its combination of buttery biscuit dough, creamy cheesecake filling, and tart raspberry preserves creates a dessert that is both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re serving it at a brunch or enjoying it as a sweet treat after dinner, this monkey bread will not disappoint. So gather your ingredients and get ready to pull apart the deliciousness!