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.
Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Ingredients
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Chocolate Zucchini Bread
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Lasagna
- No Bake Eclair Cake
- Monkey Bread Muffins
- Cinnamon Roll Bread
Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a standard, 12-cup bundt pan very well with baker’s spray. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
- 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.
- Cut all the individual cinnamon rolls into quarters and gently roll them into individual balls using the palm of your hand.
- 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.
- To the bowl of melted butter, add the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture and stir to combine.
- Pour the butter and sugar mixture evenly over all the cinnamon roll balls in the pan.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until golden and the dough has fully risen in the pan.
- Allow the cinnamon roll monkey bread to cool for 10 minutes in the pan before flipping it out onto a serving plate.
- To garnish, you will drizzle the reserved icing over the top of the cinnamon roll monkey bread. Note: 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.
Video
Notes
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Nutrition
Comments
Karin Grisham says
Do I greaae the bundt pan with buttee, spray or coat with flour?
Layne Kangas says
I use nonstick cooking spray when I make it. Enjoy!
reba amoush says
Definitely grease the pan, and flour lightly
Natalie DeBartolo says
Have all the ingredients, just not the right pan. Can I make this in a loaf pan?
Layne Kangas says
I don’t know if it will turn out using another pan, I have only ever made it in a bundt pan!
reba amoush says
You can use a bread/loaf pan, or a deep cake pan, you can make them work with pretty much any pan that is fairly deep
reba amoush says
You can use a muffin pan, bread pan, Bundt pan, cake pan, etc… As long as it is deep enough to withstand your recipe. if using a muffin tin, use just enough doughballs or dough to fill the cup or pan.
Stephanie Jones says
Absolutely love this. I have made it several times.
Rene says
Do you use the 8 count (original) or 5 count (grands) package of cinnamon rolls?
Layne Kangas says
It’s the 8-count cans, you’ll use a total of 16 biscuits. Enjoy 🙂
Eric Macio says
Actually either way works. I’ve successfully done both. Just cut the grands into six pieces.
Momma Mel says
I made this for my extended family (15 of us) when we were all staying together for my niece’s wedding. It was so easy, quick, and tasted amazing! We actually had arguments and hurt feelings because a few late-risers didn’t get some and everyone else was raving about it. Note to self– next time make 2!
Alyssa says
This isn’t the recipe I’ve had pinned and been using for months, when did it change??
Dennis Schultz says
Yummy
Jackie Claiborne says
I can make monkey bread every day
Virginia Richbourg says
The cinnamon roll monkey bread is absolutely delicious and easy to make. Everybody loves it. Thank you
Meg says
Made this for a family breakfast and it was yummy! Made exactly per recipe in a Bundt pan with 2 packages of Grands cinnamon rolls.