Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

Featured in: Weekend Rustic Bake Projects

This warm pull-apart features bite-sized cinnamon roll dough coated in cinnamon sugar, layered with nuts and raisins in a bundt pan, and topped with rich caramel sauce. Baked to golden perfection, it offers a gooey texture with a balance of sweet and spice. The reserved icing drizzle adds a final luscious touch. Ideal for cozy weekends or sharing with loved ones, it’s a comforting dish that combines simple ingredients into an indulgent treat with minimal effort.

Updated on Thu, 11 Dec 2025 22:51:18 GMT
Golden pull-apart cinnamon roll monkey bread glistening with caramelized sugar and icing. Pin It
Golden pull-apart cinnamon roll monkey bread glistening with caramelized sugar and icing. | hazelflour.com

There's something irresistibly cozy about pulling apart soft, gooey cinnamon rolls baked right into a caramelized, sticky monkey bread. This Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread recipe transforms simple refrigerated cinnamon roll dough into a warm, shareable dessert perfect for weekend mornings or family gatherings. Each bite bursts with sweet cinnamon, brown sugar caramel, and optional bursts of nuts or raisins—making it a comforting treat to enjoy straight from the pan.

Golden pull-apart cinnamon roll monkey bread glistening with caramelized sugar and icing. Pin It
Golden pull-apart cinnamon roll monkey bread glistening with caramelized sugar and icing. | hazelflour.com

This monkey bread is ideal for warming up chilly mornings or as a sweet finish to a family dinner. The scent of cinnamon and caramelized sugar fills your kitchen, turning baking time into a comforting experience. Whether you stick with the classic version or add your own twist, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of soft dough and sticky sweetness.

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 the 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

Try adding orange zest to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a bright, citrusy twist that lifts the warm flavors. Make sure to shake the dough pieces thoroughly in the sugar mix to achieve an even coating for maximum sweetness and cinnamon aroma.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Substitute chopped apples for nuts to create a fruity version of this monkey bread that adds a fresh, juicy contrast. You can also leave out the add-ins entirely for a classic, straightforward cinnamon pull-apart treat.

Serviervorschläge

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This monkey bread pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or rich hot chocolate, making it an ideal cozy indulgence during cold mornings or relaxed weekend afternoons.

Warm, gooey cinnamon roll monkey bread: a comforting, family-favorite dessert recipe. Pin It
Warm, gooey cinnamon roll monkey bread: a comforting, family-favorite dessert recipe. | hazelflour.com

With its effortless assembly and guaranteed crowd-pleasing flavors, this Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread becomes a fast favorite for those intimate family moments or a sweet indulgence to brighten any day.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different nuts in this dish?

Yes, pecans or walnuts work well and add a nice crunch. You can also substitute apples for a fruity alternative.

How do I prevent the top from browning too fast?

If the bread browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil during baking to ensure even cooking.

Is it necessary to use the icing included with the dough?

The icing adds a sweet finishing touch when drizzled over warm bread, enhancing flavor and texture, but can be omitted if desired.

What baking pan is recommended for this preparation?

A 12-cup bundt pan is ideal for layering and baking to achieve the signature pull-apart structure.

Can this be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it in the pan, refrigerate for a few hours, and bake when ready to serve for fresher results.

Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

A gooey, caramelized pull-apart treat with sweet cinnamon rolls and caramel sauce, perfect for sharing.

Prep Time
25 minutes
Time to Cook
35 minutes
Total Duration
60 minutes
Recipe Creator Gabriel Lawson


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 8 Portions

Diet Preferences Suitable for Vegetarians

Ingredient List

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

How-To Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

Prepare Dough Pieces: Open the cinnamon roll cans. Separate and quarter each roll, reserving the icing for later.

Step 03

Coat Dough: In a large zip-top bag, mix granulated sugar with ground cinnamon. Add dough pieces and shake until evenly coated.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Add Caramel Sauce: Combine melted butter and light brown sugar in a small bowl, then pour evenly over the dough layers 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 fast.

Step 07

Cool and Invert: Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.

Step 08

Serve: Drizzle reserved cinnamon roll icing on warm bread and serve immediately, pulling apart pieces.

Tools Needed

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

Allergen Details

Always review ingredients for allergens. If unsure, ask a healthcare professional.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk, and eggs
  • Tree nuts if pecans or walnuts are added

Nutrition Details (one portion)

Nutrition listed here is for guidance only. It's not a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calorie Count: 390
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Total Carbs: 59 g
  • Protein: 4 g