Tropical Monkey Bread

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Tropical Monkey Bread is absolutely the most delicious bread and it will be a big hit at any brunch or gathering. I served this at our Easter brunch and it was the hit of the day with my Key Lime Pie following close behind.  The guava, banana and macadamia nuts adds a delicious favor to the bread. The Tropical Monkey Bread recipe comes from the famous Checca Lodge in Islamorada, Florida.

Tropical Monkey Bread¼ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
3 (12-ounce) cans refrigerated biscuits (30 biscuits)
¼ cup chopped macadamia nuts
1 small banana, sliced – not too ripe
½ cup packed brown sugar
6 tablespoons butter
2 ounces cream cheese
4 tablespoons butter
¼ cup guava paste
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon lemon juice

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8- to 9-inch tube pan with non-stick baking spray.
  2. Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a medium-size plastic bag. Open the biscuit tubes and remove the biscuits. Cut the biscuits in halves. Place six to eight biscuit pieces in the sugar-cinnamon mix in the bag and shake well. Arrange the pieces in the bottom of the greased pan. Coat the remaining biscuit pieces with sugar and cinnamon in the same manner. Continue layering the biscuit pieces, sprinkling the macadamia nuts and banana slices among the pieces as you layer them. The pan should be ¾ filled. Do not overfill the pan.
  3. In a small saucepan, melt the butter with the brown sugar over medium heat. Boil for 1 minute. Pour over the layered biscuits.
  4. Bake for 40 minutes and remove from the oven. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes; then turn out onto a plate. Let cool for about 10 minutes more before adding the icing.
  5. Allow the cream cheese and butter to come to room temperature. Spray a small saucepan with vegetable oil spray. Place over low heat and add the guava paste.
  6. Cook until the paste is soft and can be blended into the butter and cream cheese. Beat the butter, cream cheese and heated guava paste together in an electric mixer. Slowly add in the confectioners’ sugar. After the sugar is added, mix for 12 minutes (do not shorten the time). When almost done, add in the vanilla extract and lemon juice. Spread over the warm bread.

Serves 10

Cook’s Note:  Make sure you spray the tube pan with non-stick baking spray.

Flavors of Key West (2010)