Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Recipe

Fluffy Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Recipe – Sweet Breakfast Joy!

Warm, gooey cinnamon roll monkey bread beckons with irresistible aromas that fill kitchens everywhere.

Sticky, pull-apart pieces promise pure comfort in every delectable bite.

Sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen rush back when these heavenly morsels emerge from the oven.

Layers of buttery dough, rolled and coated with fragrant spices, create a dessert that feels like a warm hug.

Gathering friends around a steaming platter, breaking off chunks of this decadent treat.

Minimal effort transforms simple ingredients into something magical that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Each morsel promises a delightful journey of sugary, cinnamon-kissed bliss that you won’t want to miss.

Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread FAQs

  • What makes monkey bread different from regular cinnamon rolls?

Monkey bread is a pull-apart style dessert where pieces of dough are coated in cinnamon-sugar and layered together, creating a fun, interactive treat that’s messier and more casual than traditional rolls.

  • Can I make this recipe from scratch instead of using canned cinnamon rolls?

Absolutely! You can use homemade dough, but using canned rolls makes this recipe super quick and easy, perfect for last-minute desserts or busy mornings.

  • Why do I need to cut the cinnamon rolls into pieces?

Cutting the rolls into smaller pieces helps create more surface area for the cinnamon-sugar coating and allows the caramel sauce to seep into every nook and cranny, making each bite deliciously gooey and flavorful.

  • Is this recipe good for sharing at potlucks or brunches?

Definitely! Monkey bread is a crowd-pleaser that encourages people to tear and share, making it a fantastic social dessert that’s both delicious and interactive.

Why Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Is So Irresistible

  • Effortless Sweet Indulgence: Whip up this cinnamon roll monkey bread with minimal prep using store-bought cinnamon rolls, making it a super quick and delightful treat for busy bakers.
  • Irresistible Texture Sensation: Experience the magical combination of soft, pillowy cinnamon roll pieces coated in caramel sauce, creating a sticky, gooey texture that pulls apart in the most satisfying way.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Dessert: Perfect for family breakfasts, potlucks, or weekend gatherings, this recipe delivers a crowd-favorite dessert that brings everyone together with its warm, nostalgic cinnamon aroma and sweet, decadent flavor.

Everything You’ll Need For Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

Main Ingredients:

Cinnamon Rolls: Convenient premade base for monkey bread, perfect soft dough with built-in flavor. Store-bought rolls save time and ensure consistent texture.

  • Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls: Soft, pre-spiced pastry with ready-made icing for easy monkey bread preparation.

Sugar Coating Ingredients:

Dry Coating Ingredients: Sweet and warm spice layer that creates delicious exterior crunch.

  • Granulated Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Classic combination providing sweet caramelization and warm spice notes.

Caramel Sauce Ingredients:

Liquid Coating Ingredients: Rich, decadent sauce that creates moisture and deep flavor.

  • Unsalted Butter, Brown Sugar, Vanilla Extract: Creates a luscious caramel-like coating that enhances overall sweetness and adds depth to the monkey bread.

Additional Ingredients:

Pan Preparation: Ensures easy release and prevents sticking.

  • Butter or Non-Stick Spray: Helps bread release smoothly from baking pan.

Optional Finishing:

Topping:
  • Included Cinnamon Roll Icing: Provides extra sweetness and classic cinnamon roll finish.

How To Make Gooey Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C). Grab a bundt pan or 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous butter massage or spray with non-stick magic.

Step 2: Chop Cinnamon Roll Magic

Pop open those cinnamon roll tubes and set them free. Slice each roll into four delightful chunks.

Step 3: Create Sugary Coating

Grab a large zip-top bag or mixing bowl. Toss in:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

Drop the roll pieces into this sweet playground and shake until they’re completely dressed in sugary goodness.

Step 4: Build Your Delicious Tower

Tumble those sugar-coated pieces into your prepared pan. Spread them out evenly like a delicious landscape.

Step 5: Craft Caramel Wonder Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
  • Melted butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Pour this liquid gold evenly over your cinnamon roll pieces, making sure every morsel gets kissed by the sauce.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and let it dance for 35-40 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown transformation. If the top starts getting too dark, throw a loose aluminum foil blanket over it for the last 10 minutes.

Step 7: Cool And Dress Up

Let the monkey bread rest in the pan for 5-10 minutes. Gently flip it onto a serving plate. Drizzle the icing from the cinnamon roll tubes all over the top like edible artwork.

Step 8: Devour And Enjoy

Serve while warm and invite everyone to pull apart these sticky, gooey treasures. Get ready for sticky fingers and happy smiles!

Tips To Get Sticky Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Just Right

  • Prevent Sticking Smartly: Generously grease your bundt pan with butter or non-stick spray to ensure easy removal and a perfect shape for your monkey bread.
  • Achieve Uniform Coating: Use a zip-top bag or large bowl to evenly distribute sugar and cinnamon on cinnamon roll pieces, guaranteeing consistent flavor in every bite.
  • Master Baking Techniques: Tent the bread with aluminum foil if the top browns too quickly, protecting the surface while allowing the inside to cook thoroughly.
  • Customize Texture Perfectly: Cut cinnamon rolls into smaller or larger pieces to control the density and pull-apart texture of your monkey bread.
  • Serve Temperature Tip: Enjoy the monkey bread warm for the ultimate gooey, sticky experience, making it ideal for breakfast or dessert gatherings.

How To Keep Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Soft

  • Refrigerate: Store cooled monkey bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out.
  • Microwave Reheat: Warm individual pieces on a microwave-safe plate for 15-20 seconds. Add a small splash of water to keep the bread moist and prevent hardening.
  • Oven Reheat: Restore original texture by placing monkey bread in a preheated 325F oven for 10-15 minutes. Wrap loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning and maintain softness.
  • Room Temperature: Let refrigerated monkey bread sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and improve texture.

What To Serve With Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

  • Brew Comforting Coffee Companions: Pair this sweet monkey bread with a rich, medium-roast coffee that complements the cinnamon's warmth. The coffee's slight bitterness balances the bread's sugary caramel notes, creating a delightful morning or afternoon treat.
  • Select Smooth Milk Pairings: A cold glass of whole milk works perfectly with this dessert, cutting through the richness and providing a refreshing contrast. The creamy milk softens the sticky sweetness and helps cleanse the palate between delectable bites.
  • Match with Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside the warm monkey bread for an indulgent experience. The cold, creamy ice cream melts slightly over the hot bread, creating a decadent combination that elevates the dessert's texture and flavor profile.
  • Complement with Chai Tea: A spiced chai tea offers a wonderful alternative, with its aromatic blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger that beautifully echoes the monkey bread's warm spices. The tea's complex flavor complements the caramel and cinnamon, making each bite more interesting.

Tasty Twists On Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

  • Nutty Crunch Monkey Bread: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts between layers for added texture and rich, earthy flavor. The nuts will create a delightful crunch with each bite.
  • Chocolate Swirl Monkey Bread: Mix melted chocolate chips into the caramel sauce, creating a decadent chocolate-infused version. Drizzle extra melted chocolate on top for an indulgent finish.
  • Apple Cinnamon Monkey Bread: Fold small diced apples into the cinnamon roll pieces before coating. The fresh fruit adds moisture and a subtle tartness that complements the sweet caramel sauce.
  • Berry Blast Monkey Bread: Incorporate fresh or frozen mixed berries between the cinnamon roll layers. Swap the vanilla icing with a quick berry glaze made from powdered sugar and berry puree for a fruity twist.
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Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Recipe

Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Recipe


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4.6 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Cinnamon roll monkey bread delivers a delightful twist on classic breakfast pastries, blending sweet cinnamon swirls with gooey caramel-like pulls. Pull-apart magic meets comfort in this irresistible treat that will make breakfast moments memorable for everyone.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cans (16 ounces/454 grams each) pre-made cinnamon rolls (with icing)
  • ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100 grams) brown sugar

Spices and Flavoring:

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Wet Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Prepare your culinary workspace by heating the oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Lavishly coat a bundt pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Carefully unroll the packaged cinnamon rolls and slice each one into four equal quadrants, creating bite-sized morsels.
  3. Create a sweet coating mixture by combining granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a spacious container. Gently tumble the cinnamon roll pieces until they are completely enveloped in the fragrant mixture.
  4. Artfully distribute the sugar-dusted pieces throughout the prepared bundt pan, ensuring an even and tempting arrangement.
  5. Craft a decadent caramel sauce by whisking melted butter with rich brown sugar and a splash of vanilla extract. Generously cascade this liquid gold over the waiting cinnamon roll pieces.
  6. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown transformation, tenting with aluminum foil if the surface browns too rapidly.
  7. Allow the monkey bread to rest briefly in the pan, then carefully invert onto a serving platter. Drizzle the accompanying cream cheese icing across the top, creating an irresistible finish.
  8. Invite friends and family to tear apart the sticky, caramelized clusters and savor the warm, indulgent treat straight from the pan.

Notes

  • Customize the sweetness by adjusting the sugar-to-cinnamon ratio to suit personal taste preferences.
  • Use high-quality ground cinnamon for a more robust and aromatic flavor profile.
  • Prevent sticking by ensuring the bundt pan is thoroughly greased, focusing on all crevices and corners.
  • Swap canned cinnamon rolls with homemade dough for a more authentic, from-scratch experience.
  • Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free cinnamon rolls or making your own gluten-free dough.
  • Enhance the caramel sauce with a pinch of sea salt or a splash of bourbon for depth and complexity.
  • Ensure even baking by rotating the pan halfway through the cooking time to promote uniform browning.
  • Store leftover monkey bread in an airtight container and reheat briefly in the oven to maintain its gooey texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Jenna Stewart

Jenna Stewart

Head Chef & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-Table Cooking; Seasonal Menu Development; Visual Plating Techniques; Flavor Layering and Simple Prep Hacks.

Education

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern techniques, global cuisines, and flavor development, combined with real-world experience in restaurant operations, business management, and industry internships.

Jenna Stewart is the inventive spirit behind many of our standout dishes at Pro of Delicious Creations. A proud graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, she built her skills mastering both classic recipes and fresh, modern twists.

Now, Jenna celebrates the beauty of seasonal, local ingredients, often sourced from her garden and nearby markets, to create recipes that are bursting with flavor yet easy to follow. When she’s not experimenting in the kitchen, Jenna loves exploring nature on hikes and discovering new treasures at local co-ops.

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