This cinnamon roll monkey bread is a fun and delicious pull-apart dessert that combines the convenience of store-bought cinnamon rolls with a gooey, sweet coating. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat.
The recipe is simple and requires minimal preparation, making it an excellent choice for gatherings or family celebrations.
Creating the Perfect Monkey Bread
Monkey bread is a delightful treat that brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia to any gathering. This version, made from cinnamon rolls, is particularly easy to prepare and offers a gooey, sweet experience that everyone will love.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Using store-bought cinnamon rolls saves time without sacrificing flavor. The combination of buttery cinnamon-sugar coating and the fluffy texture of the rolls creates a pull-apart dessert that’s perfect for sharing.
Ingredients That Make a Difference
To create this scrumptious monkey bread, you’ll need just a few key ingredients. Refrigerated cinnamon rolls serve as the base, while granulated sugar and ground cinnamon provide the classic flavor profile. Melted butter is essential for coating the dough, ensuring every piece is rich and delicious.
Optional ingredients like chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips can add an extra layer of flavor and texture. These additions allow for customization, making this dish suitable for various tastes and preferences.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Preparation is straightforward and can be completed in about 10 minutes. Start by preheating your oven and greasing a bundt pan to prevent sticking. The next step involves cutting each cinnamon roll into quarters, which makes it easier to coat them in the buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Once the pieces are ready, dip them in melted butter and roll them in the cinnamon-sugar blend. Layer the coated pieces in the bundt pan, ensuring an even distribution for consistent baking. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect golden-brown finish.
Baking to Perfection
After assembling the dough in the pan, it’s time to bake. The monkey bread should be placed in a preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it as it bakes, looking for that beautiful golden color on top.
Once baked, allow the monkey bread to cool for a few minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. This cooling period helps the bread set, making it easier to pull apart when serving.
Serving Suggestions
Drizzling the warm monkey bread with icing from the cinnamon roll cans adds a sweet finishing touch. Serve it warm, and watch as guests eagerly pull apart the fluffy pieces. Surrounding the bread with cinnamon sticks and a bowl of cinnamon sugar enhances the presentation and invites everyone to dig in.
This dish is perfect for brunch, dessert, or any cozy gathering. Its inviting aroma and delightful taste will surely make it a favorite among family and friends.
Storage and Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is simple. Keep the monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days. Reheating individual pieces in the microwave for a few seconds can restore their warmth and softness.
For longer storage, consider freezing the monkey bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw and reheat as needed.
Easy Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

This monkey bread features pieces of cinnamon rolls coated in a buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture, baked until golden and served warm. The recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and bake, serving approximately 6-8 people.
Ingredients
- 2 cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup raisins or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan with non-stick spray or butter.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls: Open the cans of cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into quarters.
- Mix Sugar and Cinnamon: In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Coat the Dough: Dip each piece of cinnamon roll in the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. If using, add chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips.
- Assemble in the Pan: Layer the coated pieces in the prepared bundt pan, ensuring an even distribution.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
- Cool and Glaze: Allow the monkey bread to cool for about 10 minutes, then invert it onto a serving plate. Drizzle with the icing from the cinnamon roll cans before serving.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6-8 servings
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
Related
- Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Recipe
- Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Recipe
- Quick Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Recipe
- Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Recipe