Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread: The Ultimate Pull-Apart Treat
Experience gooey layers of caramelized sweetness that bring family and friends together.
Cinnamon roll monkey bread brings together two iconic breakfast favorites in one incredible, gooey, pull-apart masterpiece. Combining cinnamon rolls with the classic monkey bread technique yields a caramelized, flaky, and sweet dish perfect for special brunches, holidays, or simply a cozy weekend at home. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know—ingredients, directions, tips, customizations, and frequently asked questions—so you can bake this show-stopping treat with confidence.
Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
- Satisfying and nostalgic flavors: Classic cinnamon, brown sugar, and sweet icing meld together in every bite.
- Impressive presentation: Its golden, rippled appearance is perfect for brunch tables or gatherings.
- Fun to make and eat: The pull-apart style makes it interactive and kid-friendly!
- Versatile and customizable: Easy to adapt flavors and toppings for any season or taste preference.
What Is Monkey Bread?
Monkey bread is a classic American breakfast or dessert pastry made by baking balls or chunks of dough—usually enriched with butter, cinnamon, and sugar—in a Bundt pan. When inverted, the bread holds a majestic, cascading form that can be torn apart by hand, hence the name “monkey bread.” Its sticky sweetness and gooey layers have made it a beloved holiday and brunch staple.
This version takes the magic of monkey bread up a notch by using cinnamon roll dough, creating a decadent, caramelized treat that’s both flaky and soft inside. The addition of cream cheese icing elevates it to pure comfort food.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
Ingredients
- 3 (17.5 oz) cans large cinnamon rolls (such as Grands) – If unavailable, substitute 4 cans of regular-sized rolls, cut into 4 pieces each.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 2 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
- Nonstick cooking spray
Step-By-Step Directions
- Preheat & Prepare: Heat oven to 350°F. Open cinnamon roll tubes and remove frosting cups; let the frosting come to room temperature. Separate each cinnamon roll and cut into 6 pieces (or 4 if using smaller rolls).
- Make Cinnamon-Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Brown the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Continue to cook for 3–5 minutes until golden brown. Off heat, add vanilla extract (it will bubble), then whisk in brown sugar until smooth.
- Coat Rolls: Spray a 12-cup nonstick Bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray. Toss half the cinnamon roll pieces in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coat well, and layer in the Bundt pan. Drizzle with half the butter-brown sugar mixture.
- Repeat Layers: Coat the remaining pieces and layer them in the pan, followed by remaining butter-brown sugar mixture. Stir butter before drizzling if it has separated.
- Bake: Place pan in the oven and bake 35–40 minutes until the bread has risen by about 1 inch and the top is a rich, deep brown.
- Cool and Invert: Let bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Place a plate on top, use oven mitts, and carefully invert. Tap if needed to help the bread release.
- Glaze: Mix cream cheese with a spatula until smooth, then combine with the reserved frosting cups. Dollop or drizzle icing over the warm monkey bread, letting it ooze into the ridges.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately for the gooey, pull-apart experience!
Pro Tips for Perfect Monkey Bread
- Check for doneness: Monkey bread can be tricky since the outside browns before the inside cooks through. The bread is done when puffed by about 1 inch and the top is deep golden brown.
- Use a thermometer: For accuracy, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part; the center should read 190°–200°F for perfect texture.
- Grease well: Thoroughly coat your Bundt pan with nonstick spray to prevent sticking; pay extra attention to all nooks and crannies.
- Handle with care: When inverting hot monkey bread, use oven mitts and be cautious of any hot caramelized sugars.
- Let cool slightly: Wait about 10 minutes before inverting to help the bread keep its shape and reduce hot syrup spillage.
Storing and Reheating Monkey Bread
- Storage: Because of cream cheese icing, cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days to keep them fresh and safe.
- Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave at 50% power for 20-second intervals until your desired temperature is reached.
- Freezing: Monkey bread is best eaten fresh, but you can freeze un-iced portions. Wrap tightly, store for up to 2 months, and thaw before reheating in a low oven.
What others are reading
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
While cinnamon-sugar is a classic, you can easily upgrade your monkey bread with other ingredients and flavors:
- Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts between layers for a delightful crunch.
- Fruit: Layer in chopped roasted apples for an autumn twist—pairs perfectly with caramel drizzle.
- Spice blends: Replace cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice for seasonal depth.
- Chocolate: Scatter chocolate chips between pieces before baking for a gooey cocoa surprise.
- Caramel sauce: Swap the icing for caramel after baking for a sticky, fall-inspired treat.
When to Serve Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
This decadent bread shines as a centerpiece at various occasions:
- Mother’s Day brunch: Show-stopping for holiday celebrations.
- Birthday breakfasts: Treat someone special with a unique twist on classic cinnamon rolls.
- Weekend baking projects: A fun, rewarding activity for all ages—let kids help cut and toss the dough.
- Dessert with coffee or tea: Monkey bread is delicious any time of day.
Troubleshooting & Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I know when it’s done?
- The bread should puff and brown deeply. Use an instant-read thermometer in the center aiming for 190–200°F to ensure it’s not underbaked.
- What if it sticks to the Bundt pan?
- Let it cool 10 minutes, then gently tap the pan after inverting. If stuck, let gravity help and continue tapping gently. Greasing the pan well beforehand prevents most issues.
- Can I make it ahead of time?
- Monkey bread is best warm, but you can assemble the layers ahead, refrigerate overnight, and bake in the morning. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from chilled.
- Can I use homemade dough?
- Yes, though canned cinnamon rolls provide ease and consistent results. Homemade yeasted dough gives a more traditional bread-like texture.
- Is there a substitute for cream cheese icing?
- You can use simple powdered sugar glaze, caramel sauce, or leave it plain—monkey bread is delicious in many forms.
- Are there alternative pans?
- A Bundt pan creates the classic shape, but a tube pan or two loaf pans will also work. Adjust baking time as needed for different shapes.
Table: Ingredient Alternatives & Measurements
| Original Ingredient | Alternative | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Large Cinnamon Rolls (3 x 17.5 oz cans) | Regular Cinnamon Rolls (4 x 12 oz cans) | Cut regular rolls into 4 pieces each |
| Unsalted Butter | Salted Butter | Omit added salt if using salted butter |
| Granulated Sugar | Coconut or Turbinado Sugar | Gives slightly different texture/flavor |
| Vanilla Extract | Almond or Maple Extract | For a different flavor profile |
| Cream Cheese | Mascarpone or Greek Yogurt | For a tangier glaze |
Easy Monkey Bread: Classic vs. Cinnamon Roll Version
| Classic Monkey Bread | Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread | |
|---|---|---|
| Base Dough | Canned biscuits (typically buttermilk) | Canned cinnamon rolls |
| Main Flavoring | Cinnamon, sugar, butter | Cinnamon, brown sugar, cream cheese icing |
| Baking Form | Bundt or tube pan | Bundt pan preferred |
| Texture | Soft, pillowy, slightly chewy | Flaky, gooey, more layered |
| Finish | Crispy caramel crust | Cream cheese icing drizzle |
Serving Suggestions
- With fruit: Balance the sweet richness with a side of fresh berries or citrus salad.
- For dessert: Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent finish.
- On brunch buffets: Slice for easy picking, or let guests pull apart their servings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of canned?
A: Yes, homemade doughs work well. Just ensure the rolls are cut into similarly sized pieces for even baking, and allow extra time for rising if your dough is yeasted.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently for best results.
Q: How do I keep it from getting soggy?
A: Avoid overdoing the butter-sugar mixture, and bake until the top is very well browned and the inside reaches 190–200°F. Cooling for 10 minutes before inverting also helps preserve texture.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Use your favorite gluten-free cinnamon roll dough or biscuit dough—monitor for doneness as GF dough may require a slightly different baking time.
Q: What if I don’t have a Bundt pan?
A: Use a large tube pan or two loaf pans instead, but check for doneness—the baking time will vary and the presentation will differ.
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon roll monkey bread delivers unbeatable comfort and flavor in every bite. With simple ingredients, endless variation possibilities, and a spectacular presentation, it’s a recipe you’ll cherish for brunches, celebrations, and cozy weekend mornings.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a38697995/cinnamon-roll-monkey-bread-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a10982/monkey-bread/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTO_FSiBPQ4
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a64422579/monkey-bread-muffins-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a36078054/cheesy-monkey-bread-recipe/
Similar Articles
Read full bio of medha deb
