Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is an irresistibly sweet, perfectly spiced, pull-apart pastry, generously drizzled with a rich cream cheese glaze. This delightful dish transforms ordinary breakfast into an extraordinary treat, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
The Ultimate Easy Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of warm cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven, especially when they’re a homemade treat. My oldest son, for instance, has always considered homemade cinnamon rolls his absolute favorite indulgence. While he certainly appreciates the effort of a scratch-made batch, he’s just as happy to devour them straight from a can if it means he gets to enjoy that classic cinnamon swirl goodness.
Recently, with a house full of his friends, I decided to put a fun, effortless twist on my traditional monkey bread recipe. Instead of starting from scratch, I opted for convenient canned cinnamon rolls. The result? A stunning, pull-apart dessert that received rave reviews and two thumbs up from everyone at the table. In fact, it was such a hit that my son has already requested it as his birthday “cake” for his upcoming celebration. This recipe truly delivers the taste of homemade with minimal fuss, making it perfect for busy mornings, special brunches, or an unforgettable dessert.
What is Monkey Bread and Why This Recipe is a Game Changer
Monkey bread is a sweet, gooey, pull-apart bread, typically baked in a Bundt pan. It’s made from small pieces of dough, often coated in cinnamon sugar, layered in the pan, and then drenched in a buttery, sugary sauce before baking. The name “monkey bread” comes from the way it’s eaten – you pull off individual pieces with your fingers, much like a monkey eats. It’s an interactive and fun treat!
This particular Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread recipe takes that classic concept and elevates it by using pre-made cinnamon roll dough. This simple swap is a game-changer for several reasons:
- Incredible Flavor: Canned cinnamon rolls already have that distinct, beloved flavor profile, which gets intensified with additional cinnamon sugar and a rich brown sugar-butter sauce.
- Effortless Preparation: Skip the kneading, rising, and proofing. Using canned dough dramatically cuts down on prep time, making this a perfect last-minute dessert or breakfast.
- Perfect Texture: The layers of cinnamon roll dough bake up incredibly soft, fluffy, and tender, creating a delightful contrast with the gooey caramel sauce.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves cinnamon rolls, and everyone loves pull-apart bread. Combine the two, and you have an instant hit for family breakfasts, holiday brunches, potlucks, or any gathering.
Key Ingredients for Irresistible Monkey Bread
Crafting this mouthwatering Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread requires just a few basic ingredients, most of which you likely already have on hand. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is essential:
- Canned Cinnamon Rolls: This is the star of our show! I highly recommend Pillsbury Grands for their larger size, which yields more substantial and satisfying pull-apart pieces. However, any standard 17.5 oz can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls will work wonderfully. Don’t forget to save the pre-packaged icing!
- Granulated Sugar & Ground Cinnamon: These two create the foundational spice coating for our dough pieces. The sugar provides an extra layer of sweetness and helps create that slightly crisp exterior, while cinnamon delivers the signature warmth and aroma.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter forms the rich base of our decadent caramel-like sauce. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
- Brown Sugar: This is crucial for achieving that deep, molasses-rich caramel flavor in the sauce that coats every piece of the monkey bread. It caramelizes beautifully during baking, creating a gooey, irresistible bottom layer that turns into the top when flipped.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances all the other sweet and warm flavors, adding depth and a comforting aroma to the sauce.
- Cooking Spray & Flour: Essential for preparing your Bundt pan. A generous coating of cooking spray followed by a light dusting of flour ensures your monkey bread releases cleanly from the pan, preserving its beautiful shape.
- Pre-made Icing: The icing that comes with your canned cinnamon rolls is perfect for this recipe! It’s convenient and provides that classic, tangy cream cheese glaze without any extra effort. If you prefer a homemade touch, you can easily whip up a simple cream cheese glaze.
Featured Comment
We have made this 2x in the last month and we LOVE it. It’s yummy, looks gorgeous and is really easy. Definitely a keeper!
– Autumn
How To Make Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread: Step-by-Step
Creating this delicious Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is surprisingly simple and comes together in just a few easy steps. Follow these instructions for a perfect, gooey, and spiced treat every time:
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking. Next, generously grease a 12-cup Bundt pan with cooking spray, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. Then, lightly dust the greased pan with flour, tapping out any excess. This dual-action prep is crucial for preventing the monkey bread from sticking and ensures an easy release.
- Prepare the Dough: Open your cans of cinnamon rolls. Remove the dough from the cans and unroll each individual cinnamon roll. Using a sharp knife or kitchen shears, cut each cinnamon roll into four equal pieces. Don’t worry too much about perfection – rustic pieces are part of monkey bread’s charm!
- Sugar Coat the Dough: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Add the quartered cinnamon roll dough pieces to this mixture. Toss them gently until each piece is thoroughly coated with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This step adds an extra layer of sweetness and spice that makes all the difference.
- Layer in the Bundt Pan: Carefully arrange the coated dough pieces evenly in your prepared Bundt pan. Try to distribute them in a single layer initially, then add subsequent layers until all dough is used. This helps ensure even baking and that every piece gets a good coating of the sauce.
- Prepare and Pour the Sauce: In a separate small bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract until well combined and the brown sugar has dissolved as much as possible. This creates the rich, caramel-like sauce that transforms the dough. Evenly pour this entire mixture over the dough pieces in the Bundt pan.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the Bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 35 minutes. Baking time can vary, so look for a deep golden-brown color on top and ensure that the center is no longer gooey. You can gently jiggle the pan – if the center still looks liquid, it needs more time.
- Cool and Invert: Once baked, remove the monkey bread from the oven and let it cool in the Bundt pan for about 10 to 15 minutes. This cooling period is important as it allows the caramel sauce to set slightly and helps the bread hold its shape. After cooling, carefully place a serving plate upside down over the Bundt pan, then confidently flip the entire assembly over. The monkey bread should slide out beautifully onto the plate.
- Glaze and Serve: Retrieve the pre-made cream cheese icing from your cinnamon roll packages. For easy application, transfer the icing into a small plastic bag and snip off a tiny corner. Drizzle the icing generously all over the warm monkey bread. The warmth will slightly melt the icing, allowing it to seep into all the crevices. Serve immediately and watch it disappear!
Pro Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
To ensure your Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread turns out perfectly delicious every single time, consider these helpful tips:
- Bundt Pan Prep is Key: Don’t skimp on greasing and flouring your Bundt pan. This is the single most important step to prevent sticking and ensure a clean release. Use a non-stick spray, then dust thoroughly with flour, tapping out excess.
- Even Dough Coating: Make sure each piece of cinnamon roll dough is well-coated in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This ensures maximum flavor and a delightful texture on every bite.
- Don’t Overbake: While you want the bread cooked through, overbaking can lead to a dry monkey bread. Keep an eye on it after the 25-minute mark. The top should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into a dough piece should come out mostly clean (a little caramel goo is expected!).
- Cool Before Flipping: Resist the urge to flip the monkey bread out of the pan immediately. The 10-15 minute cooling period allows the gooey sauce to set and firm up slightly, which is crucial for the bread to maintain its shape when inverted.
- Warm Icing for Better Drizzle: If your icing is too stiff, you can warm it gently in the microwave for a few seconds (without the foil lid!) or by letting the packet sit in a bowl of warm water. This makes it easier to drizzle evenly over the warm monkey bread.
- Even Layering: Try to distribute the dough pieces somewhat evenly in the Bundt pan. This promotes consistent baking and ensures the sauce can reach all the layers.
Delicious Variations to Try
While this classic Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is fantastic on its own, feel free to get creative with these delicious variations:
- Nutty Crunch: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the bottom of the Bundt pan before adding the dough, or sprinkle them between layers for an added crunch.
- Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Mix in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips with the dough pieces before layering them in the pan.
- Fruity Twist: Add a handful of dried cranberries or raisins along with the dough for a touch of fruity sweetness.
- Maple Glaze: Instead of the packaged icing, whisk together powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and maple extract for a homemade maple glaze.
- Citrus Zest: Add 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the cinnamon-sugar coating for a bright, refreshing flavor.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread?
- Refrigeration: If your monkey bread uses a cream cheese-based icing (like the one included with the cinnamon rolls), it’s best to store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator. Otherwise, to maintain its soft texture and prevent it from hardening, it’s best kept covered tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the monkey bread ahead of time! Assemble the dough pieces, coat them in cinnamon sugar, and layer them in a greased Bundt pan. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Before baking, allow the pan to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, proceed with making and pouring the brown sugar mixture, and bake as directed (you might need an extra 5-10 minutes if the dough is still quite cold).
- Freezing: Cooked monkey bread can be frozen. Wrap individual slices or the entire cooled monkey bread tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat gently in the oven or microwave. Be aware that freezing may slightly alter the texture and flavor, making it a bit less soft. Important: Do not freeze uncooked cinnamon roll dough for this recipe, as it will affect its leavening properties.
Serving Suggestions
Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:
- Breakfast or Brunch: Serve it warm with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a decadent start to your day.
- Dessert: It makes a fantastic, easy dessert after a family meal. A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside it would be absolutely divine!
- Potlucks and Parties: This pull-apart treat is perfect for sharing. Just place it on a platter and let everyone grab their own piece.
- Holiday Treat: Simple enough for a regular weekend, yet special enough for holidays like Christmas morning or Easter brunch.
Savory Breakfast Ideas to Balance the Sweet:
If you’re looking to balance out all that sweet goodness with some savory options, explore these other delicious breakfast recipes:
Breakfast
Classic Quiche Lorraine Recipe
Breakfast
One Pan Sausage and Veggie Hash
Breakfast
Hearty Ham and Cheese Quiche
Eggs And Potatoes
Crispy Breakfast Potatoes
Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
Video
Equipment
- Bundt pan 12-cup
Ingredients
- 2 (17.5-ounce) cans cinnamon rolls Pillsbury Grands (or any brand)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Generously grease (with cooking spray), then lightly flour a large, 12-cup Bundt pan.
- Remove the cinnamon roll dough from the cans and cut each roll into quarters.
- In a medium bowl, mix together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, then toss the cinnamon roll dough quarters in the bowl until well coated.
- Once coated with cinnamon sugar, add the dough pieces evenly to the prepared Bundt pan.
- Melt butter and stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract; pour this mixture evenly over the dough in the Bundt pan.
- Bake for 25–35 minutes, or until deeply golden brown and no longer gooey in the center. Remove from oven and let cool for 10–15 minutes in the pan. Once it’s still warm, but no longer hot, carefully flip the Cinnamon Roll Monkey bread onto a serving plate.
- Transfer the pre-made icing from the can into a plastic bag. Snip off a small tip with scissors and pipe it all over the warm monkey bread. Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough for this recipe?
While this recipe is specifically designed for the convenience of canned cinnamon rolls, you could certainly adapt it for homemade dough. If using homemade, ensure your dough is prepared and cut into pieces of a similar size before coating and baking. Keep in mind that baking times might vary slightly depending on your dough.
What kind of Bundt pan should I use?
A standard 12-cup Bundt pan is ideal for this recipe. Its fluted design helps create that classic monkey bread shape and allows the sauce to coat all the delicious crevices. Ensure it’s a non-stick pan or that you grease and flour it very well.
Why is it called Monkey Bread?
The name “monkey bread” is believed to come from the way people eat it – pulling off individual sticky, sweet pieces with their fingers, much like a monkey. It’s designed to be a communal, hands-on treat!
Can I add nuts or dried fruit?
Absolutely! Adding chopped pecans, walnuts, raisins, or dried cranberries can introduce extra texture and flavor. You can sprinkle them at the bottom of the pan, between the layers of dough, or mix them directly with the cinnamon-sugar coated dough.
How do I know when the monkey bread is fully baked?
The monkey bread should be golden brown on top, and the sauce should be bubbly and caramelized. To check for doneness, insert a skewer or thin knife into the center. If it comes out mostly clean (a little sticky caramel is fine), it’s ready. If it’s very gooey or raw dough is visible, bake for a few more minutes.
Indulge in This Easy Delight
Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It brings together the beloved flavors of classic cinnamon rolls with the fun, communal nature of pull-apart bread, all made incredibly easy with store-bought dough. Whether you’re whipping it up for a special breakfast, a holiday brunch, or a quick dessert to satisfy a sweet craving, this recipe is sure to impress with minimal effort. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this sweet, sticky, and utterly irresistible delight. You’ll understand why it’s become a new family favorite!