Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

Featured in: Dew-Soft Cozy Breakfasts

This warm, pull-apart treat layers tender cinnamon roll dough coated in a cinnamon-sugar mix, baked with melted butter and brown sugar for a caramelized finish. Optional nuts or raisins add texture and flavor, while the sticky icing drizzle adds extra sweetness. Ideal for relaxed weekends or sharing with loved ones, it combines soft, gooey layers with a crisp exterior for a comforting sweet bite. Simple steps and common ingredients make this a delightful family favorite.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 02:09:10 GMT
Warm, gooey Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread, perfectly golden brown and ready to pull apart and enjoy. Save
Warm, gooey Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread, perfectly golden brown and ready to pull apart and enjoy. | dewhearth.com

Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is the ultimate cozy dessert for chilly mornings or relaxed weekends. This warm, pull-apart treat combines gooey cinnamon rolls baked into a caramelized, tender monkey bread that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. The aroma of cinnamon and brown sugar filling the kitchen is sure to bring smiles and create sweet memories around the table.

Warm, gooey Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread, perfectly golden brown and ready to pull apart and enjoy. Save
Warm, gooey Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread, perfectly golden brown and ready to pull apart and enjoy. | dewhearth.com

This recipe brings that classic cinnamon roll flavor a step further by layering sweet, spiced dough pieces into a bundt pan, then baking them in a luscious caramel sauce. The result is a golden, irresistible dessert that’s both elegant and inviting, ideal for weekend breakfasts or festive gatherings.

Ingredients

  • Dough
    • 2 cans (16 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (with icing)
  • Sugar Mixture
    • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
    • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • Caramel Sauce
    • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
    • 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • Optional Add-Ins
    • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
    • 1/2 cup raisins

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup bundt pan with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Open the cinnamon roll cans and separate each roll. Cut each roll into quarters. Reserve the icing.
3. In a large zip-top bag, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Add the dough pieces and shake until coated.
4. Layer half of the dough pieces in the prepared bundt pan. Sprinkle with half of the nuts and raisins, if using. Repeat with remaining dough and add-ins.
5. In a small bowl, mix melted butter and brown sugar until combined. Pour evenly over the dough in the pan.
6. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
7. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate.
8. Drizzle reserved cinnamon roll icing over the warm monkey bread. Serve immediately, pulling pieces apart.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For an added flavor twist, try incorporating orange zest into the sugar mixture before coating the dough pieces. This adds a refreshing citrus note that brightens the rich cinnamon and caramel. Remember to gently toss the dough to ensure even coverage without tearing.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Swap the nuts for chopped apples if you prefer a fruity variation that adds moisture and natural sweetness. You can also mix raisins into the dough pieces for bursts of chewy texture. These adaptations personalize the monkey bread to suit dietary needs and flavor preferences while keeping it vegetarian.

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This Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread shines alongside a warm cup of coffee or creamy hot chocolate, making breakfast or dessert extra special and comforting. Serve it fresh out of the pan to enjoy the gooey texture and warm cinnamon aroma at its peak.

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| dewhearth.com

With minimal prep and familiar ingredients, this Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread recipe transforms simple refrigerated dough into an irresistible, shareable dessert. Its gooey, caramelized layers of cinnamon and sugar will soon become a beloved classic at your table.

Recipe FAQs

What type of pan is best for this dish?

A 12-cup bundt pan works perfectly to create the classic pull-apart shape and allows even baking.

Can I add nuts or raisins?

Yes, chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins can be layered between dough pieces for added texture and flavor.

How do I prevent the top from overbrowning?

If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it with foil during the last part of baking to avoid burning.

Is the dough pre-flavored or plain?

The dough comes refrigerated with cinnamon and icing already incorporated, making preparation quick and flavorful.

What is the best way to serve this treat?

Serve warm with the icing drizzled on top; it pairs wonderfully with coffee or hot chocolate.

Can any substitutions be made for the nuts?

Chopped apples can replace nuts for a fruity variation, offering a sweet contrast to the cinnamon sugar coating.

Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

Sweet cinnamon rolls baked into a gooey, caramelized pull-apart with optional nuts and raisins.

Prep Time
25 minutes
Bake Time
35 minutes
Time Needed
60 minutes
Created by Claire Martin

Recipe Category Dew-Soft Cozy Breakfasts

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 8 Portions

Diet Preferences Meatless

What You'll Need

Dough

01 2 cans (16 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon roll dough with icing

Sugar Mixture

01 1/2 cup granulated sugar
02 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Caramel Sauce

01 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
02 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar

Optional Add-Ins

01 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
02 1/2 cup raisins

Directions

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 12-cup bundt pan with unsalted butter or a nonstick spray.

Step 02

Prepare Dough Pieces: Open the cinnamon roll cans and separate each roll. Cut each roll into quarters and reserve the icing.

Step 03

Coat Dough with Sugar Mixture: Combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a large zip-top bag. Add dough pieces and shake until evenly coated.

Step 04

Layer Dough and Optional Add-Ins: Arrange half of the coated dough pieces in the bundt pan. Sprinkle with half the nuts and raisins if using. Repeat with remaining dough and add-ins.

Step 05

Add Caramel Sauce: Mix melted butter and light brown sugar in a small bowl until combined. Pour evenly over the layered dough in the pan.

Step 06

Bake: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Cover loosely with foil if the top browns too quickly.

Step 07

Cool and Invert: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate.

Step 08

Add Icing and Serve: Drizzle reserved cinnamon roll icing over the warm pull-apart bread. Serve immediately by pulling pieces apart.

Tools Needed

  • 12-cup bundt pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Zip-top bag

Allergy Details

Review each item for allergens and see a medical expert if you're unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk, and eggs. Tree nuts if using pecans or walnuts. Check packaging for possible cross-contamination.

Nutrition Details (for each portion)

Details are informational only and shouldn't replace health advice.
  • Energy: 390
  • Fats: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 59 g
  • Proteins: 4 g