Name: Dutch Oven Monkey Bread
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1/4 cup salted butter; 2 containers of Pillsbury biscuits; 1/4 cup granulated white sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 Tbsp ground cinnamon

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Dutch Oven Monkey Bread is a camping classic that brings gooey, cinnamon-sugar goodness straight to your campsite.

A slice of monkey bread drizzled with caramel sauce sits on a white plate with a gold knife and fork, next to a red and white checkered cloth on a wooden surface.

Whether you’re waking up to crisp morning air or winding down by the fire, this easy monkey bread recipe is perfect for sharing with family and friends.

With just a few simple ingredients and a trusty cast iron Dutch oven, you’ll have a warm, pull-apart treat in no time.

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A cast iron pot filled with golden-brown, rustic biscuits sits on a red and white checkered cloth. The biscuits are clustered together, showing a flaky and textured surface.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something magical about baking in a Dutch oven over a campfire. This monkey bread is not only incredibly delicious but also super easy to prepare. Using store-bought biscuit dough keeps things simple, while the combination of cinnamon and sugar creates that irresistible sweet crunch.

A piece of monkey bread drizzled with caramel sauce sits on a white plate, placed on a wooden table next to a red and white checkered napkin.

Camping Dutch Oven Monkey Bread

Plus, the cast iron Dutch oven ensures even baking, making every bite just as good as the last. Whether you’re camping in the woods or just enjoying your backyard fire pit, this Dutch Oven Monkey Bread is a must-try!

Ingredients

Salted butter – Adds a rich, buttery flavor and keeps the bread soft and moist.
Pillsbury biscuits – The shortcut that makes this recipe so easy! These fluffy biscuits pull apart perfectly after baking.
Granulated white sugar – Gives the bread a sweet crunch.
Brown sugar – Adds a hint of molasses and a deep caramel-like sweetness.
Ground cinnamon – The classic spice that gives monkey bread its warm, cozy flavor.

Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients. I often have these stored in the trailer for easy camping meal prep.

2. Line the oven with parchment paper to make clean-up a breeze.

A rectangular piece of butter is melting in the center of a black cast iron skillet on a wooden surface.

3. Place the cast iron pot over the fire to warm, then put butter inside to melt.

A plastic zip-top bag filled with white sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon sits on a wooden cutting board atop a rustic wooden table.

4. Mix sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a large freezer bag.

Round and quartered pieces of raw biscuit dough are arranged on a rustic wooden cutting board, which sits on a wooden table.

5. Cut or tear the biscuits into quarters and drop them into the bag a few at a time.

A resealable plastic bag filled with sugar-coated pastry pieces sits on a wooden cutting board over a rustic wood table.

6. Shake to coat each one completely.

A black pot filled with brown, cinnamon-coated monkey bread pieces sits on a wooden cutting board; a black serving spoon rests inside the pot.

7. Place the biscuits in the Dutch oven and stir to coat them in butter. It’s okay if they overlap.

8. Place the lid on the Dutch oven and bake over the coals of a fire for about 40 minutes. Follow these tips for making the perfect fire for cooking. Alternatively, you may bake this in the oven at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes.

A slice of pull-apart bread drizzled with caramel sauce on a white plate, set on a wooden surface with a red and white checkered cloth nearby.

9. Serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce or frosting.

A serving of monkey bread sits on a white plate, drizzled with caramel sauce. The plate rests on a wooden table next to a red and white checkered cloth. Rolled towels and a pot are in the background.

Tips & Tricks

Use parchment paper – Lining the Dutch oven with parchment paper makes cleanup so much easier, especially when camping.
Rotate the oven – If cooking over an open fire, rotate the Dutch oven every 10-15 minutes to ensure even baking.
Keep an eye on the heat – Too much direct heat on the bottom can burn the monkey bread. Placing a few coals on top of the lid helps with even cooking.
Try different toppings – Drizzle caramel sauce, cream cheese frosting, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
Make it ahead – Prep the coated biscuit pieces at home and store them in a sealed bag in the cooler. When ready, just toss them in the Dutch oven and bake.

A fork holds a bite of cinnamon monkey bread, with crumbs and spilled brown sugar on a wooden table. A plate with more monkey bread topped with caramel sauce is in the background.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe without a Dutch oven?
Yes! You can bake this monkey bread in a regular oven at 350°F for 30-40 minutes in a baking dish or bundt pan.

How do I prevent the monkey bread from burning over the fire?
Keep the Dutch oven over indirect heat, rotate it periodically, and place coals on the lid to distribute heat evenly.

Can I add nuts or raisins to this recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch, while raisins give a little extra sweetness.

Close-up of baked monkey bread in a cast iron Dutch oven. The bread is golden brown and textured, with a checkered red and white cloth partially visible underneath. Text overlay reads Dutch Oven Monkey Bread and campfirefoodie.com.

This Dutch Oven Monkey Bread is the perfect camping treat—easy to make, fun to share, and packed with warm, gooey cinnamon-sugar goodness. Whether you’re making it for breakfast, dessert, or just because, it’s sure to be a hit around the campfire!

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