Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

Featured in: Weekend Hearth-Style Treats

This warm, pull-apart bread combines soft cinnamon rolls coated in cinnamon sugar and baked in a rich caramel sauce. Optional nuts and raisins add texture and flavor. Perfect for cozy mornings or family gatherings, it’s easy to prepare with canned dough, then baked until golden and gooey. Finish with icing drizzled on top for added sweetness.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 02:18:28 GMT
Warm, gooey Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread, a pull-apart dessert with glistening caramel topping. Save
Warm, gooey Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread, a pull-apart dessert with glistening caramel topping. | meadowcinder.com

Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is the ultimate cozy dessert for weekend mornings or gatherings with family. This warm, pull-apart treat features sweet cinnamon roll dough pieces baked into a gooey, caramelized monkey bread, offering a delightful blend of tender cinnamon bites and rich caramel sauce. Perfectly easy to prepare, it turns classic cinnamon rolls into a shareable, irresistible indulgence.

Warm, gooey Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread, a pull-apart dessert with glistening caramel topping. Save
Warm, gooey Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread, a pull-apart dessert with glistening caramel topping. | meadowcinder.com

This recipe transforms simple refrigerated cinnamon rolls into a decadent, communal dessert that fills your kitchen with the aromas of cinnamon and caramel. The bundt pan layering creates bite-sized dough pieces enveloped in a buttery brown sugar glaze, delivering that perfect monkey bread pull-apart experience.

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

Preheat the oven and prepare pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup bundt pan with butter or nonstick spray.
Prepare dough
Open the cinnamon roll cans and separate each roll. Cut each roll into quarters. Reserve the icing.
Coat dough pieces
In a large zip-top bag, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Add the dough pieces and shake until coated.
Layer dough and add-ins
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.
Make caramel sauce and pour
In a small bowl, mix melted butter and brown sugar until combined. Pour evenly over the dough in the pan.
Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
Cool and invert
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate.
Finish and serve
Drizzle reserved cinnamon roll icing over the warm monkey bread. Serve immediately, pulling pieces apart.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Add a pinch of orange zest to the cinnamon sugar mixture to give the monkey bread a fresh, citrusy aroma that complements the sweetness. Baking the bread covered with foil during the final minutes can help prevent over-browning if your oven runs hot.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a fruity twist, swap the nuts for chopped apples to add some natural sweetness and texture. Feel free to omit the add-ins entirely if you prefer a simpler version focused solely on the classic cinnamon and caramel flavors.

Serviervorschläge

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Enjoy this Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread fresh and warm, paired beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or rich hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy treat that brings everyone together.

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| meadowcinder.com

This Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread reliably turns simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s enjoyable year-round. Whether for a holiday brunch or a casual weekend treat, its comforting sweetness and tender texture keep everyone coming back for more.

Recipe FAQs

What type of pan is best for baking this bread?

A 12-cup bundt pan works best to create even layers and the signature pull-apart shape.

Can I add nuts or fruit to this dish?

Yes, chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins can be added between layers for additional texture and flavor.

How do I prevent the top from browning too quickly?

If the top starts browning early, cover loosely with foil and continue baking until done.

Is it necessary to use canned cinnamon roll dough?

Using refrigerated cinnamon roll dough simplifies preparation, but homemade dough can be substituted if preferred.

Can I serve this warm or at room temperature?

It’s best served warm to enjoy the gooey caramel and soft texture, but it’s still delicious at room temperature.

Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

Soft cinnamon rolls layered with caramel sauce and cinnamon sugar for a comforting pull-apart.

Time to prep
25 minutes
Time to cook
35 minutes
Time needed
60 minutes
Author Lily Harris


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 8 Portions

Diet info Vegetarian-friendly

What You 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

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

Step 02

Cut dough: Open cinnamon roll cans and separate each roll. Cut each roll into quarters and reserve the icing.

Step 03

Coat dough pieces: 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 add-ins: Place half of the coated dough pieces in the bundt pan. Sprinkle with half the nuts and raisins if using. Repeat layering with remaining dough and add-ins.

Step 05

Add caramel sauce: Mix melted butter and brown sugar in a small bowl until combined, then pour evenly over dough in the pan.

Step 06

Bake: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. If top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

Step 07

Cool and serve: Allow to cool in pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto serving plate. Drizzle reserved icing over warm bread and serve immediately.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy warnings

Scan all components for allergens and seek medical advice if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk, and eggs
  • Tree nuts present if pecans or walnuts are used

Nutrition breakdown (one portion)

For informational use only. Not a substitute for healthcare advice.
  • Calorie count: 390
  • Fat content: 16 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 59 grams
  • Protein amount: 4 grams