Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Recipe

Name: Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: ¾ cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons cinnamon; 2 cans Pillsbury Grands Cinnamon Rolls ((two 17.5-ounce cans)); ¾ cup unsalted butter, (melted); reserved icing from both the containers of Grands Cinnamon Rolls, (for garnish)

Published on February 28, 2019
Last updated on May 29, 2025

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Cinnamon roll monkey bread with thick icing drizzled over golden brown pull-apart bread

This incredible, easy and delicious homemade cinnamon roll monkey bread makes a special breakfast treat.

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Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Servings

With only five ingredients, this gooey pull-apart cinnamon roll monkey bread recipe couldn’t be easier. Using prepared cinnamon rolls makes this version of traditional monkey bread so simple.

Overhead view of glazed cinnamon roll monkey bread on a cake stand

Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Ingredients

Labeled ingredients for cinnamon roll monkey bread including canned cinnamon rolls, butter, sugar, cinnamon, and brown sugar

You’ll need:

¾ cup of granulated sugar
2 teaspoons of cinnamon
2 (17.5-ounce) cans of Pillsbury Grands Cinnamon Rolls
¾ cup of unsalted butter, melted
Garnish: reserved icing from both the containers of Grands Cinnamon Rolls

Substitutions And Additions

CINNAMON: If you’re looking to switch up the classic cinnamon flavor, consider using apple pie spice as a delightful alternative.

This blend of spices will infuse a subtle fruitiness into your monkey bread, adding a unique twist without changing the baking time or other ingredients.

SUGAR: Swap out regular granulated sugar for brown sugar to give your monkey bread a rich, caramel-like sweetness. The brown sugar will melt and create a gooey, decadent layer that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon.

NUTS: For a crunchy and nutty addition, toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts. Sprinkle them between the dough balls and enjoy the delightful contrast of textures.

How To Make This Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Recipe

PRO TIP:

You can even do the prep the night before. Do all the steps except the baking, and then cover the pan of goodness with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to put it in the oven.

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a standard, 12-cup bundt pan very well with baker’s spray. Set aside.

PRO TIP:

It is really important that you spray the bottom of the bundt pan really, really well so that none of the deliciousness sticks to the pan.

STEP TWO: In a medium bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.

STEP THREE: Open both canisters of the Pillsbury Grands Cinnamon Rolls and remove the cinnamon rolls and the containers of icing.

Transfer the icing into a microwave-safe small bowl with a pour spout. You will use this to garnish your baked cinnamon roll monkey bread.

STEP FOUR: Cut all the individual cinnamon rolls into quarters and gently roll them into individual balls using the palm of your hand.

Cinnamon rolls cut into quarters on a wooden cutting board with instruction to cut each into 4 pieces

STEP FIVE: Roll 4-6 of the cinnamon roll balls in the cinnamon-sugar mixture and place them into the prepared bundt pan.

Repeat until all the balls have been rolled in the sugar and placed into the bundt pan.

STEP SIX: To the bowl of melted butter, add the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture and stir to combine.

STEP SEVEN: Pour the butter and sugar mixture evenly over all the cinnamon roll balls in the pan.

Baking pan filled with cinnamon roll dough pieces and sauce poured evenly over the top

STEP EIGHT: Bake for 30 minutes or until golden and the dough has fully risen in the pan.

PRO TIP:

Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your monkey bread as the suggested baking time approaches.

STEP NINE: Allow the cinnamon roll monkey bread to cool for 10 minutes in the pan before flipping it out onto a serving plate.

STEP TEN: To garnish, you will drizzle the reserved icing over the top of the cinnamon roll monkey bread.

You may need to warm your icing for 7-10 seconds in the microwave to make it a little easier to pour over the bread.

How To Serve

Serve slices of warm cinnamon roll monkey bread alongside a steaming cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk.

Turn this monkey bread into a show-stopping dessert. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm and cold contrast, along with the creamy icing, creates a heavenly dessert experience.

If you’re looking for another great recipe idea, make sure you try our peanut butter monkey bread. It’s another fantastic take on the classic monkey bread recipe.

For another great breakfast option, check out our sausage breakfast casserole.

Storage

IN THE FRIDGE: This easy monkey bread tastes best served on the same day but can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for one day and in the refrigerator for up to four days.

IN THE FREEZER: This sweet treat can also be frozen for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and serving

Top-down view of cinnamon roll monkey bread ring glazed with icing on a cake stand

This cinnamon roll monkey bread is a go-to recipe when we have a family breakfast planned. It’s easy and delicious and combines two of my all-time favorite breakfast items.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a chocolate filling to this monkey bread?

Spread a layer of chocolate hazelnut spread or chocolate chips between the dough balls for a delightful chocolatey surprise. Adjust the amount to your chocolate preference.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe for a less sweet version?

Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. Reducing it slightly won’t greatly affect the texture, but it will make the monkey bread less sweet.

Can I freeze the cinnamon roll monkey bread?

You can freeze it! Wrap the baked monkey bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven or microwave before serving.

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