Name: Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 32 oz Cinnamon Rolls (Look for pre-made tubes of cinnamon rolls, such as Pillsbury Grands.); ½ cup White Sugar (Used for the cinnamon-sugar coating.); 2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon (Essential for flavoring the monkey bread.); ½ cup Unsalted Butter (Melted for the dough and the caramel sauce.); 1 cup Brown Sugar (Provides sweetness and gooey texture.); ½ cup Unsalted Butter (Used again in the caramel sauce.)

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There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread wafting through the house. I remember the first time I made it for my family; it was a chilly morning in fall, perfect for cozy treats. Everyone gathered in the kitchen, drawn by that sweet, cinnamon aroma. As I pulled the warm, gooey bread from the oven, I felt like a hero. The best part? Watching my loved ones tear into this delightful creation, their faces lighting up with joy at the first bite. Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread has become a cherished tradition, one that brings warmth and happiness to any gathering.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
45 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
30 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
324 kcal

Protein:
3 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
14 g

Tools Used:
Bundt Cake Pan

The Best Thing About This Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

It’s Perfect for Sharing

One of the reasons I absolutely adore Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is its shareability. It’s the kind of dish that invites everyone to dig in together, making it a fantastic centerpiece for family brunches or cozy gatherings with friends. The act of pulling apart the warm, sticky pieces brings a sense of togetherness that’s hard to replicate with individual servings.

Versatile for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a festive holiday breakfast or a weekend treat, Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread fits right in. You can serve it during holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas, or simply enjoy it as a special weekend breakfast. You can even dress it up for occasions by adding colorful icing or festive sprinkles for a holiday flair.

Endless Variations

This recipe is incredibly versatile! While the classic version is delicious, you can easily customize it. Consider adding nuts, fruits, or even chocolate for a rich twist. The possibilities are endless, making it a fun dish to experiment with, depending on what you have at home or your mood.

Easy to Make

Don’t be intimidated by the beautiful presentation; Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is surprisingly easy to prepare. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this indulgent treat without feeling overwhelmed. It’s perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a slice.

Deliciously Decadent

There’s no denying that Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is a treat. The combination of warm bread, rich butter, and sweet cinnamon creates an irresistible flavor. Each pull-apart bite is gooey and satisfying, making it a delightful indulgence you won’t regret.

Family-Friendly Fun

This recipe is a great way to involve kids in the kitchen. They love helping to cut the dough and mix the cinnamon-sugar. It’s a fun activity that allows for creativity and bonding, making the baking process just as enjoyable as the eating!

What to Buy for Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

When preparing for Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread, it’s essential to choose quality ingredients that complement each other beautifully. The primary components work harmoniously, creating a warm and inviting dessert that everyone will love. From the fluffy dough of the cinnamon rolls to the rich, buttery caramel, these ingredients come together to create a comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Cinnamon Rolls: Look for high-quality pre-made cinnamon rolls, such as Pillsbury Grands. These will provide the base for your monkey bread and are often available in tubes. The fluffy texture and cinnamon flavor are essential for this recipe.
White Sugar: A key ingredient in the cinnamon-sugar mixture that coats the dough pieces, bringing out the sweetness and enhancing the overall flavor.
Ground Cinnamon: This spice is the star of the show, giving your monkey bread its distinctive flavor. Freshly ground cinnamon will yield the best results.
Unsalted Butter: This will add richness to the dish. It’s essential for both the coating of the cinnamon rolls and the caramel sauce.
Brown Sugar: This ingredient adds depth and a touch of chewiness when melted, creating a gooey caramel that seeps into the monkey bread.

How to Cook Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

Making Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is a delightful process that you’ll thoroughly enjoy. Just follow these simple steps to create a warm and inviting treat that will impress everyone.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This preheating step is crucial to ensure even baking. While your oven is warming up, grab your Bundt cake pan and grease it thoroughly to prevent sticking. I usually use a little bit of butter for this, and it works wonders.
Open the tubes of cinnamon rolls and set the icing aside for later. Carefully cut each roll into quarters. This step not only makes it easier to pull apart but also ensures that the delicious cinnamon-sugar mixture gets into every nook and cranny!
In a large mixing bowl, combine the white sugar and ground cinnamon. Toss the cut pieces of cinnamon rolls in this mixture until each piece is well coated. You want each piece to be enveloped in that sweet, spicy goodness.
Now, place the coated pieces evenly in your prepared Bundt pan. Make sure to distribute them evenly for even baking and maximum gooeyness.
In a small saucepan, melt ½ cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in 1 cup of packed brown sugar until fully dissolved and smooth. This will create a rich caramel sauce that’s simply divine!
Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the Bundt pan. Make sure every piece gets a good drizzle of that luscious sauce. It’ll seep down and create a gooey texture that you won’t be able to resist!
Place the Bundt pan in your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want it to be golden brown and cooked through. The top should be crispy, and you’ll notice the caramel bubbling around the edges. Trust your instincts on the timing!
Once baked, let the Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This cooling period helps it retain its shape and prevents it from falling apart when you invert it.
Carefully invert the pan onto a serving plate. If it doesn’t release immediately, let it sit for a few more minutes and gently coax it out. The anticipation is worth it!
While the monkey bread is still warm, drizzle the reserved icing over the top. If you want, you can warm the icing slightly in the microwave to make drizzling easier. This final touch adds sweetness and a lovely presentation!

Things Worth Knowing

Prevent Over Baking: Be careful not to overbake your Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread. The small pieces of dough bake quickly and can become hard if left too long. You want it golden and gooey, not crunchy!
Pans Matter: Adjust your baking time or temperature if using darker pans. If the recipe calls for 375°F, lower it to 350°F for dark pans to avoid overcooking.
Cooling is Key: Allowing the monkey bread to cool for a few minutes helps it maintain its shape. If you try to invert it immediately, you might end up with a mess!
Check for Doneness: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your monkey bread. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the timer goes off.

Tips and Tricks about Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

As you embark on making Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread, here are some tips to ensure your baking adventure is a success!

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate it for 4 to 5 days if you prefer.
Freezing: You can freeze unbaked monkey bread! Just assemble it in the pan, cover tightly, and freeze. When ready, let it thaw and then bake as directed.
Variations: Feel free to get creative! Add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to the mix for extra flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions: Pair your Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread with fresh fruit or a side of yogurt to balance the sweetness.
Presentation: Drizzle the icing artistically over the monkey bread before serving for a beautiful presentation.

Accompaniments for Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

Pairing your Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread with the right accompaniments can elevate your experience. Here are some ideas:

Fresh Fruits: Serve with a side of mixed berries or sliced apples to add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or tea makes a wonderful complement to the rich flavors of the monkey bread.
Yogurt: A dollop of plain yogurt can balance the sweetness and add creaminess.
Breakfast Spread: Serve Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread during brunch events, alongside savory dishes like scrambled eggs or a breakfast casserole.
Holiday Celebrations: This monkey bread can be a festive addition to your holiday table, pairing well with seasonal drinks or breakfast spreads.
Storage Tips: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh for a couple of days.

FAQ

Absolutely! You can prepare the monkey bread in advance by assembling it in the Bundt pan, then covering and refrigerating it. When you’re ready to bake, simply let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed. This way, you can enjoy freshly baked Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread without the last-minute rush.

If you have any leftover Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You can also refrigerate it for up to five days. For a delicious breakfast treat, reheat individual portions in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up and restore some of their gooey texture.

Serve your Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread warm, drizzled with the reserved icing from the cinnamon roll tubes. Pair it with fresh fruits or yogurt for a balanced breakfast or dessert. It’s perfect for family gatherings, brunches, or as a special treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.

Yes, you can freeze unbaked Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread. Assemble it in the Bundt pan, cover tightly, and freeze. When you’re ready to bake it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. This makes it a convenient option for preparing ahead of time!

Definitely! Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruits to your Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread for a twist. Just make sure not to overload it, so the dough still bakes properly. This recipe is forgiving and allows for creativity.

Conclusion

The charm of Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread lies in its ability to bring people together over a beautifully gooey dessert. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, it’s a treat that everyone can enjoy and love. I encourage you to try making it for your next gathering or just because you deserve a little indulgence. You won’t regret it!