Are you ready to indulge in a sweet treat that’s both easy and fun to make? Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread combines warm, gooey cinnamon rolls with a playful twist. This recipe is perfect for breakfast or dessert. You can customize it with your favorite toppings and add-ins. Let’s dive into this simple, yet irresistible recipe that will make your friends and family cheer for more!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe uses refrigerated cinnamon rolls, making it super simple to prepare with minimal effort.
- Gooey Goodness: The combination of melted butter and cinnamon-sugar creates a deliciously gooey texture that everyone loves.
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite mix-ins like nuts or raisins to personalize the flavor to your liking.
- Perfect for Sharing: This monkey bread is great for gatherings, allowing everyone to pull apart and enjoy delicious bites together.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
For this tasty treat, you need just a few key ingredients:
- 2 cans (12 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
These items create the soft, sweet base of the monkey bread. The cinnamon rolls give it that classic flavor. The sugar and cinnamon mix adds a warm, sweet touch. The melted butter helps everything stick together and keeps it moist.
Optional Add-ins and Toppings
You can make your monkey bread even better with these fun add-ins:
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
Pecans add a nice crunch. Raisins bring a touch of chewiness. You can choose one or both, or leave them out if you like. This recipe is all about your taste!
Recommended Tools and Equipment
To make this recipe, you will need a few simple tools:
- Bundt pan or deep dish oven-safe skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Sharp knife for cutting cinnamon rolls
Using these tools will help you create the perfect monkey bread. The bundt pan gives it a lovely shape. Enjoy making this fun and easy recipe!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Ingredients
First, gather all the ingredients. You need two cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls. Each can should be 12 ounces. Also, have a cup of granulated sugar and three tablespoons of ground cinnamon ready. Melt half a cup of unsalted butter in a bowl. If you like, chop half a cup of pecans and set aside a quarter cup of raisins. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan or a deep dish with non-stick spray. This step helps the bread come out easily.
Mixing Cinnamon Sugar
In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Use a spoon to mix them well. This mixture gives your monkey bread that sweet, spicy flavor. You can set this bowl aside. You will use it soon to coat the dough.
Layering the Dough in the Bundt Pan
Open the cinnamon roll cans and take out each roll. Cut each roll into four pieces. Take each piece and dip it into the melted butter. Then, roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mix to coat it well. Start layering half of the coated pieces in the prepared bundt pan. If you’re using pecans or raisins, sprinkle half of these over the first layer. Next, add the remaining dough pieces on top. Sprinkle the rest of the nuts and raisins if you want. Pour any leftover melted butter over everything. You can sprinkle a bit more cinnamon-sugar on top for extra flavor. Bake your monkey bread for 30 to 35 minutes until it’s golden brown. After baking, let it cool for ten minutes before flipping it onto a plate. Drizzle the icing from the cinnamon rolls over the warm bread. Enjoy pulling apart this sweet treat!
Tips & Tricks
Baking Tips for Perfect Monkey Bread
To make your monkey bread shine, follow these tips:
- Use fresh cinnamon rolls. Check the expiration date on the cans.
- Grease the pan well. This helps the bread come out easily.
- Mix the sugar and cinnamon well. This helps every piece taste great.
- Don’t skip the melted butter. It adds flavor and keeps the bread moist.
- Bake until golden brown. The bread should look and smell amazing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Cutting the dough too small. Keep pieces about the same size for even cooking.
- Not layering correctly. Layering helps the flavors mix well.
- Overbaking or underbaking. Check the bread at 30 minutes for doneness.
- Skipping the icing drizzle. It makes the bread even sweeter and more fun.
Best Ways to Serve and Enjoy
Serving monkey bread is a treat! Here’s how:
- Serve it warm. It tastes best fresh from the oven.
- Add extra pecans or raisins on top for a nice touch.
- Dust it with powdered sugar for a pretty look.
- Let everyone pull apart their pieces. It makes sharing fun and easy!
- Pair it with coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy snack.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, ensure your cinnamon rolls are fresh. Check the expiration date when purchasing.
- Customize Your Add-Ins: Feel free to add other ingredients like chocolate chips or dried fruit for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
- Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your monkey bread as it bakes. Ovens can vary, and you want it perfectly golden without overbaking.
- Serve Warm: This treat is best enjoyed warm. If you have leftovers, reheat them slightly in the microwave for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Variations
Flavor Additions and Substitutions
You can change the flavor of your cinnamon roll monkey bread easily. Try adding vanilla extract or nutmeg to the dough. These flavors blend well with the cinnamon. You can also swap out the icing for cream cheese frosting if you want a tangy twist.
Different Types of Nut and Fruit Combinations
Nuts and fruits can change the taste. Use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans for a different crunch. You can mix in dried cranberries or chopped apples for a fruity burst. These additions bring new textures and flavors to each bite.
Alternative Dough Options
If you want to switch up the dough, use biscuit dough instead of cinnamon rolls. This change gives a flakier texture and a different taste. You can also try pizza dough for a savory version. Each option changes the dish while keeping it fun and easy.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Monkey Bread
To store leftover monkey bread, first let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can also place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for about three days at room temperature. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing it.
Reheating Tips for Preserving Freshness
To reheat your monkey bread, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bread on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with foil. Heat for about 10 to 15 minutes. This helps keep the bread moist while warming it up. You can also reheat it in the microwave. Just warm it for 15 to 20 seconds at a time, checking after each interval.
Freezing Instructions for Long-term Storage
If you want to freeze your monkey bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer bag or container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it as mentioned above. This way, you can enjoy fresh-tasting cinnamon roll monkey bread anytime!
FAQs
What is Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread?
Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is a fun and tasty dessert. It combines pieces of cinnamon roll dough into a gooey, sweet treat. You pull apart the pieces, making it perfect for sharing. The bread bakes in a bundt pan, creating a beautiful shape. It is often topped with icing for extra sweetness.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. You can prepare the dough and layer it in the pan. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge overnight. When you are ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Then, bake as usual. This saves time on a busy morning or for a special event.
How do I know when monkey bread is done baking?
To check if your monkey bread is done, look for a golden brown color. You can also insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready. It should feel firm but springy to the touch. Make sure not to underbake it, or it may be doughy inside.
What can I serve with Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread?
You can serve Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread with a variety of items. Fresh fruit pairs nicely with the sweet bread. You can also add whipped cream for a creamy touch. A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it even more special. For a fun twist, try serving it with coffee or hot chocolate.
Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread combines easy steps and fun flavors. We explored main ingredients, add-ins, and essential tools. You now have clear steps to prepare, layer, and bake your bread. Remember the baking tips to avoid common mistakes. Feel free to try different flavors and storage methods. Lastly, use the FAQs as helpful guides. Enjoy making this tasty trea

Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
Ingredients
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 2 unsalted butter, melted
- 1 2 chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 4 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan or a deep dish oven-safe skillet with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well mixed.
- Open the cans of cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into quarters.
- Dip each quarter piece of dough into the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat well.
- Layer half of the coated dough pieces evenly in the prepared bundt pan. If you’re using nuts and raisins, sprinkle half of them over this layer.
- Add the remaining dough pieces on top of the first layer and sprinkle the remaining nuts and raisins, if you are using them.
- Pour any leftover melted butter over the top, ensuring an even drizzle.
- Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon-sugar over the top if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and let the monkey bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Carefully flip the pan upside down onto a serving plate to release the monkey bread.
- Drizzle the icing that came with the cinnamon rolls over the warm monkey bread for added sweetness.


