Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is a decadent pull-apart treat made with soft cinnamon rolls coated in cinnamon-sugar and topped with a gooey glaze. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for holiday mornings, brunches, or whenever you’re craving a warm, comforting dessert-style breakfast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Uses pre-made cinnamon rolls for quick and easy preparation.
• A show-stopping centerpiece that’s perfect for sharing.
• Combines the classic flavors of cinnamon rolls and monkey bread in one dish.
• Gooey, sweet, and irresistible with minimal effort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing)
• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Brown sugar
• Butter, melted
• Optional: Chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan or large baking dish.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls: Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters and set aside.
3. Mix Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: In a large bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. Toss the cinnamon roll pieces in the mixture until fully coated.
4. Layer the Ingredients: If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts in the bottom of the bundt pan. Layer the coated cinnamon roll pieces in the pan, scattering brown sugar evenly throughout.
5. Add Melted Butter: Drizzle melted butter over the top of the layered cinnamon roll pieces.
6. Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through. Allow it to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving plate.
7. Glaze: Warm the icing that comes with the cinnamon rolls and drizzle it over the monkey bread. Serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Serves 8–10
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30–35 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Drizzle: Add melted chocolate or Nutella on top for a chocolate-cinnamon twist.
• Apple Cinnamon: Mix small chunks of apple with the cinnamon roll pieces for a fruity addition.
• Pumpkin Spice: Replace cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for a fall-inspired treat.
• Savory Option: Swap cinnamon-sugar with shredded cheese, garlic powder, and herbs for a savory monkey bread.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm the entire dish in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through.
• Freezing: Freeze baked monkey bread for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough?

Yes, homemade cinnamon roll dough works perfectly, though it will increase prep time.

2. Do I need a bundt pan?

A bundt pan is traditional for monkey bread, but a 9×13-inch baking dish or a large loaf pan also works.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the monkey bread the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.

4. How do I prevent sticking?

Grease the bundt pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray, ensuring all crevices are covered.

5. Can I add a cream cheese glaze?

Absolutely! Replace the provided icing with a homemade cream cheese glaze for extra decadence.

6. Why is my monkey bread raw in the middle?

Ensure the bread is evenly layered and bake until the center reaches 190°F (88°C) for thorough cooking. Cover with foil if the top browns too quickly.

7. Can I use other types of dough?

Yes, biscuit dough, bread dough, or even croissant dough can be used for a different texture.

8. How can I make it less sweet?

Reduce the sugar in the cinnamon-sugar mixture or skip the brown sugar layer.

9. Can I add raisins or cranberries?

Yes, mix dried fruit with the cinnamon roll pieces for added flavor and texture.

10. What can I serve with monkey bread?

Serve with fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, or sausage for a balanced breakfast spread.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is a sweet, gooey, and shareable treat that’s perfect for any special occasion or weekend breakfast. With its easy preparation and irresistible flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Customize it with your favorite add-ins and enjoy the magic of this delightful pull-apart dish!

Print