Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is a deliciously fun and easy breakfast treat that combines the best of two beloved dishes: cinnamon rolls and pull-apart monkey bread. This gooey, sweet, and cinnamon-filled breakfast bread is perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any special occasion. With simple ingredients like refrigerated cinnamon rolls, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon, this recipe guarantees an irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Let’s dive into how to make this crowd-pleasing dish!

Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread recipe with gooey cinnamon glaze

Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

This Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread recipe is the ideal breakfast treat for anyone who enjoys a sweet, comforting start to the day. It’s quick and easy to make, with just a few ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, looking for a fun family project, or just in the mood for a special breakfast, this dish checks all the boxes. Its pull-apart nature makes it perfect for sharing, while the combination of gooey cinnamon sugar and melted butter ensures each bite is filled with flavor. Plus, it’s simple enough for anyone to make, even if you’re new to baking!

Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and is the base for the cinnamon-sugar coating that gives this monkey bread its iconic flavor.
  • Cinnamon: The key ingredient that provides that signature warm, spicy flavor we all love in cinnamon rolls.
  • Grands Cinnamon Rolls with Icing: These pre-made rolls make the recipe quick and convenient, while the icing adds a final sweet drizzle on top.
  • Brown Sugar: Enhances the sweetness and gives the bread a deeper, caramelized flavor.
  • Unsalted Butter: When melted, butter helps create the gooey, decadent texture that makes this monkey bread irresistible.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

  • Dough Alternatives: If you want to make this recipe gluten-free, consider using gluten-free cinnamon rolls. There are many brands that offer tasty alternatives.
  • Nuts and Fruit: For added texture and flavor, you can incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the layers. You could also add raisins or chopped apples to make the bread more fruit-forward.
  • Maple Syrup: Swap out brown sugar for maple syrup for a slightly different, richer sweetness. It also adds a lovely fragrance to the bread.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large bundt pan generously.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Stir to mix well.
  3. Cut each cinnamon roll into six pieces. Add the pieces to the cinnamon-sugar mixture, gently tossing to coat each piece evenly.
  4. Layer half of the coated dough pieces into the prepared bundt pan.
  5. In a separate bowl, mix together the melted butter and brown sugar. Pour half of this mixture over the dough pieces in the bundt pan.
  6. Add the remaining dough pieces in a second layer on top of the first. Pour the remaining butter and sugar mixture over the top.
  7. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. You can check doneness by inserting a toothpick—if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
  8. Let the bread cool for about five minutes, then carefully flip the bundt pan onto a plate or cake stand to remove the bread.
  9. Drizzle the included icing over the top. If you prefer a warm glaze, microwave the icing in a bowl for a few seconds to soften it before pouring.

Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

  • Oven Time: Keep an eye on the bread while it bakes. Every oven is different, and you might find that it needs a few minutes less or more than the recommended time.
  • Even Coating: Make sure each piece of dough is well-coated in cinnamon and sugar. This ensures that every bite has that perfect cinnamon flavor.
  • Storage: This bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days. If you add icing, refrigerate it to keep it fresh. Reheat leftovers in the microwave for a few seconds or in a low-temperature oven.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is fantastic on its own, but you can easily elevate it with some complementary sides or toppings. Pair it with a refreshing fruit salad for a balanced breakfast, or serve it alongside scrambled eggs and bacon for a savory-sweet spread. If you want to make it even more indulgent, top it with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

For variations, consider trying:

  • Spicy Version: Add a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a warm, spiced twist.
  • Chocolate Lovers: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough pieces for a decadent, chocolatey monkey bread experience.

Health Benefits of Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread (Optional)

Though it’s not a health food, Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread can be a special treat for holidays or celebrations. The cinnamon in the recipe has antioxidant properties and may help regulate blood sugar. The use of brown sugar and butter gives this recipe a richer, caramelized taste, which balances out the sweetness.

Enjoy this delightful breakfast treat and share the joy of Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread with family and friends!

Conclusion: Why Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is a Must-Try

Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is the perfect combination of warm cinnamon rolls and gooey pull-apart bread, making it a truly irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking it for a special holiday breakfast, a weekend brunch, or a fun family activity, this recipe guarantees a delicious, crowd-pleasing experience. With its minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy the magic of Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread the night before?

Yes! You can prepare the monkey bread the night before by following all the steps up until the baking part. Once assembled in the bundt pan, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed. It’s an excellent way to save time on busy mornings!

Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of store-bought ones?

Absolutely! While this recipe calls for refrigerated cinnamon rolls for convenience, you can use homemade cinnamon rolls as well. Just ensure they are cut into bite-sized pieces, and the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the dough thickness.

How do I store leftovers of Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread?

Store any leftover Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’ve added icing, it’s best to refrigerate it to maintain freshness. You can reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven for a few seconds to enjoy it warm again.

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Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread recipe with gooey cinnamon glaze

Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread


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  • Author: Zoey
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is a fun, gooey breakfast treat that combines the classic cinnamon rolls with a pull-apart monkey bread. This easy recipe features cinnamon rolls, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon for a sweet, irresistible start to your day. Perfect for special occasions like holidays or weekend brunches, it’s a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 35 ounces Grands Cinnamon Rolls with Icing (2 packages)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large bundt pan.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Stir to mix.
  3. Cut each cinnamon roll into six pieces and toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well-coated.
  4. Place half of the coated cinnamon roll pieces in the greased bundt pan.
  5. In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter and brown sugar. Pour half of this mixture over the first layer of dough pieces.
  6. Place the remaining cinnamon roll pieces in a second layer on top of the first layer.
  7. Pour the remaining butter and brown sugar mixture over the second layer of dough pieces.
  8. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Check doneness with a toothpick – it should come out clean.
  9. Let the bread cool for 5 minutes before flipping it onto a serving plate or cake stand.
  10. Drizzle the icing from the cinnamon rolls over the top. For a smoother drizzle, warm the icing slightly in a microwave-safe bowl before pouring over the bread.

Notes

  • If you want to make this ahead, prepare the dough in the bundt pan and refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning as directed.
  • For a nutty twist, add chopped pecans or walnuts between the layers of dough.
  • Check doneness starting at 35 minutes; baking time may vary depending on your oven.
  • This bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
  • If using homemade cinnamon rolls, ensure they are cut into small bite-sized pieces before assembling the bread.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 439
  • Sugar: 39g
  • Sodium: 597mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 63g
  • Fiber: 0.2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

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