Save to Pinterest Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is the ultimate comfort dessert that invites you to gather around and share. Picture warm, gooey bites of cinnamon-spiced dough baked together into a caramelized pull-apart treat, perfect for cozy weekend mornings or special family occasions. Its sticky sweetness and soft texture make every piece a delight, turning simple canned cinnamon rolls into a memorable, indulgent experience.
Save to Pinterest With minimal prep and an easy assembly, this dessert is designed for ease without sacrificing warmth or flavor. The combination of cinnamon, sugar, and buttery caramel creates a nostalgic and fragrant treat that's hard to resist.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (16 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (with icing)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup bundt pan with butter or nonstick spray.
- 2. Prepare dough
- Open the cinnamon roll cans and separate each roll. Cut each roll into quarters. Reserve the icing.
- 3. Coat dough pieces
- In a large zip-top bag, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Add the dough pieces and shake until coated.
- 4. Layer dough
- 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. Add caramel sauce
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter and brown sugar until combined. Pour evenly over the dough in the pan.
- 6. Bake
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
- 7. Cool and invert
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate.
- 8. Add icing and serve
- Drizzle reserved cinnamon roll icing over the warm monkey bread. Serve immediately, pulling pieces apart.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Experiment with adding a teaspoon of orange zest to the sugar mixture for a subtle citrus brightness that complements the cinnamon. When layering, gently press the dough pieces together to help the monkey bread hold its shape but keep it pull-apart friendly.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a fruity twist, substitute chopped apples for the nuts or omit add-ins altogether for a classic version. You can also swap raisins with dried cranberries or skip them for a nut-only variation. This recipe easily adapts to your preferred textures and flavors.
Serviervorschläge
Serve your cinnamon roll monkey bread warm with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for an indulgent breakfast or dessert. Its shareable nature makes it ideal for brunch gatherings, holiday celebrations, or cozy nights in with family.
Save to Pinterest This cinnamon roll monkey bread recipe combines ease with irresistibility, making it a go-to for whenever you crave a warm, sweet treat that brings everyone together. The balance of flavors and textures is sure to keep this on your repeat list for mornings and desserts alike.
Recipe FAQs
- → What pan is best for baking this pull-apart bread?
A 12-cup bundt pan works best to allow even baking and easy removal, giving it its characteristic shape.
- → Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Yes, chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins can be layered between dough pieces for extra texture and flavor.
- → How do I prevent the top from overbrowning?
If browning too quickly, loosely cover the bread with foil partway through baking to retain a golden crust without burning.
- → Is it necessary to use refrigerated cinnamon roll dough?
Refrigerated dough ensures ease of preparation and consistent texture, but homemade dough could be substituted with similar consistency and size.
- → What is the best way to serve this treat?
Serve warm, ideally right after drizzling with icing, to enjoy the gooey caramel and soft texture while pulling pieces apart.
- → Can I customize the flavor profile?
Try adding orange zest to the sugar mixture or substituting nuts with chopped apples for a fruity variation.