Warm, gooey, and delightfully indulgent, Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is the ultimate breakfast treat that brings together the best of two sweet favorites: cinnamon rolls and pull-apart monkey bread. This recipe is not only crowd-pleasing and kid-approved, but also incredibly easy to make thanks to refrigerated cinnamon rolls. Whether you’re planning a cozy weekend brunch or a festive holiday morning, this sticky-sweet masterpiece is a guaranteed hit.
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Why You’ll Love This Gooey Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
There are countless reasons to make this Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread your go-to breakfast bake. First and foremost, it’s a total time-saver — perfect for busy mornings when you still want to serve something special. Using store-bought cinnamon rolls cuts down on prep time while still delivering that bakery-fresh flavor and texture.
It’s also ultra-versatile. Serve it as a festive Christmas breakfast, a birthday brunch centerpiece, or just a treat-yourself weekend reward. The result? A golden-brown, caramelized crust with a soft, cinnamon-spiced interior that’s as fun to pull apart as it is to eat.
This breakfast bake is the perfect combination of:
- Comfort food indulgence
- Quick and easy prep
- Gooey, sticky cinnamon-sugar goodness
- Family-friendly appeal
Ingredient Breakdown for Flavor and Texture
- Refrigerated Cinnamon Rolls: The base of the dish, packed with cinnamon flavor and convenience.
- Granulated Sugar: Helps coat the dough and creates a sweet, slightly crunchy texture on the surface.
- Ground Cinnamon: Intensifies the classic warm spice that monkey bread is known for.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, molasses-like depth that melts into a caramel-like sauce during baking.
- Unsalted Butter: Provides moisture and richness, creating that irresistible sticky texture.
- Icing Packets: Adds the final touch of creamy sweetness when drizzled on top.
Smart Swaps and Add-Ins
- Homemade Dough: Use from-scratch cinnamon roll dough if you want to make it more artisanal.
- Plain Biscuit Dough: For a less sweet option, substitute with refrigerated biscuit dough and increase the cinnamon-sugar.
- Chopped Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch and earthy balance.
- Dried Fruit or Apple Chunks: Add raisins or diced apples between layers for a fruit-forward variation.
- Cream Cheese Glaze: Replace the icing packets with a tangy homemade cream cheese frosting.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread – Step by Step
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a large bundt pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix ¾ cup sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon in a large bowl.
- Cut each cinnamon roll into 6 pieces, making small dough chunks for layering.
- Toss the dough pieces in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Place half of the coated pieces in the prepared bundt pan, forming the first layer.
- Mix ½ cup melted unsalted butter with ½ cup brown sugar in a separate bowl until combined.
- Pour half the butter mixture over the first dough layer.
- Add the remaining dough pieces to the bundt pan, creating the second layer.
- Top with the rest of the butter mixture, pouring it evenly across the top.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Cool for 5 minutes, then carefully invert the pan onto a serving plate.
- Warm the icing packets slightly, then drizzle generously over the warm monkey bread before serving.
Pro Tips for Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Success
- Nonstick Bundt Pan is Key: Prevents the bread from sticking and preserves the shape.
- Check Doneness with a Thermometer: Internal temp should reach about 190°F.
- Let It Rest After Baking: Cooling for just a few minutes helps it set without losing gooeyness.
- Warm the Icing First: A 10-second microwave zap makes it easier to drizzle.
- Add Extra Glaze If Desired: Want it extra sweet? Double the icing or make your own vanilla glaze.
Delicious Toppings, Pairings & Make-Ahead Tips
- Toppings: Try toasted pecans, caramel drizzle, or even mini chocolate chips for an extra layer of indulgence.
- Perfect Pairings: Serve with eggs, bacon, or a savory quiche to balance the sweetness.
- Holiday Twist: Add crushed candy canes for a peppermint version or dried cranberries for a Christmas-style variation.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Let sit at room temp 20 minutes before baking.
When to Serve Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
This cinnamon-sugar masterpiece is ideal for:
- Christmas Morning Breakfast
- Birthday Brunch Celebrations
- Potluck or Bake Sale Treats
- Weekend Family Breakfasts
- Thanksgiving Morning Spread
- Sleepover and Slumber Party Breakfasts
Its universal appeal, ease of preparation, and ooey-gooey pull-apart style make Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread a timeless crowd-pleaser for any occasion — especially when comfort and sweetness are on the menu.
Final Thoughts: Why Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Belongs in Your Recipe Rotation
If you’re searching for the perfect blend of simplicity, sweetness, and show-stopping appeal, Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread delivers on every front. It’s a recipe that transforms a few everyday ingredients into a warm, gooey masterpiece your friends and family will request again and again.
Whether served on Christmas morning, for a weekend brunch, or just because you’re craving something cozy, this monkey bread version of cinnamon rolls guarantees smiles with every pull-apart bite. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and packed with sticky cinnamon flavor, it’s the kind of treat that feels special without requiring bakery-level effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of cinnamon rolls should I use?
For best results, use Grands refrigerated cinnamon rolls that come with icing packets. Their size and texture work well for creating fluffy dough bites that hold up to the buttery caramel sauce. However, any canned cinnamon rolls can work in a pinch.
Can I prepare Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread the night before?
Yes, you can fully assemble the monkey bread, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Let it sit at room temperature while your oven preheats in the morning, then bake as directed. This makes it perfect for holiday mornings or busy brunches.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or rewarm the entire loaf in a 250°F oven until heated through.
More Relevant Recipes
- Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Sourdough Bread: This autumn-inspired bread combines the tang of sourdough with warm cinnamon swirls and a hint of pumpkin, making it a flavorful cousin to Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread. Great for fall brunches and cozy mornings.
- Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting: These soft pumpkin cookies are topped with a sweet cinnamon frosting, echoing the same warm spice and creamy finish as monkey bread. Perfect for those who love seasonal cinnamon treats.
- Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze: A moist and spiced pumpkin bread topped with a rich maple glaze. It shares the same sweet, spiced flavor profile and makes a fantastic make-ahead breakfast or snack alongside cinnamon bread recipes.
Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is a gooey, pull-apart breakfast treat made with refrigerated cinnamon rolls, coated in cinnamon sugar, layered with buttery brown sugar sauce, and topped with icing. Perfect for holiday mornings or cozy weekend brunches.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: for coating the dough pieces with cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: adds warm spice and classic flavor
- 35 ounces Grands Cinnamon Rolls with Icing (2 cans): the base dough with included icing packets
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: mixes with butter to create a gooey caramel-like sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: adds richness and binds the sugar layers
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large bundt pan generously.
- In a large bowl, combine 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon.
- Cut each cinnamon roll into 6 equal pieces.
- Toss all the dough pieces in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Layer half of the coated dough pieces evenly into the greased bundt pan.
- In a separate bowl, mix 1/2 cup melted butter with 1/2 cup brown sugar until smooth.
- Pour half of the butter-sugar mixture over the first dough layer.
- Add the remaining dough pieces on top to form a second layer.
- Pour the remaining butter-sugar mixture over the second layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Let the monkey bread cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
- Invert the bundt pan onto a serving plate to release the monkey bread.
- Warm the icing packets slightly and drizzle over the top before serving.
Notes
- Use a non-stick bundt pan and grease it thoroughly to ensure easy release.
- You can prepare this recipe the night before and bake it in the morning.
- Optional: Add chopped pecans, raisins, or diced apples between layers for added texture and flavor.
- Check doneness using a food thermometer—internal temperature should be around 190°F.
- Warm icing flows better—microwave for 10–15 seconds before drizzling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 439 kcal
- Sugar: 39 g
- Sodium: 597 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.3 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 63 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg