Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

Featured in: Weekend Pecan-Style Treats & Snacks

This warm pull-apart treat blends soft cinnamon roll dough with a rich caramel glaze, creating a gooey and irresistible bread. Coated with cinnamon sugar and layered with optional nuts or raisins, it bakes into a golden delight perfect for cozy weekends. Drizzled with sweet icing, it’s easy to prepare and ideal for sharing with family. The bundt pan shape ensures even baking and a visually appealing presentation.

Updated on Thu, 11 Dec 2025 23:21:19 GMT
Warm and gooey Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread, perfectly pullable, glistening with icing, a delightful brunch dessert. Save to Pinterest
Warm and gooey Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread, perfectly pullable, glistening with icing, a delightful brunch dessert. | pecanthyme.com

Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is the ultimate cozy weekend treat—warm, gooey, and irresistibly sweet. This American dessert transforms simple cinnamon rolls into a caramelized pull-apart bread that's perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether for brunch or a special dessert, its layers of soft dough, cinnamon sugar, and brown sugar butter make every bite a delight.

Warm and gooey Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread, perfectly pullable, glistening with icing, a delightful brunch dessert. Save to Pinterest
Warm and gooey Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread, perfectly pullable, glistening with icing, a delightful brunch dessert. | pecanthyme.com

This recipe requires just two cans of cinnamon roll dough and a handful of pantry staples, coming together beautifully in a bundt pan. The combination of cinnamon sugar coated dough pieces layered with optional nuts or raisins, topped with a rich caramel sauce, creates a decadent result that looks as impressive as it tastes.

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

Enhance the cinnamon sugar coating by adding a teaspoon or two of orange zest for a bright, citrusy aroma. Make sure to reserve the icing for drizzling, as it adds a delightful sweetness and gloss that makes the monky bread irresistibly gooey. For an even easier cleanup, line your bundt pan with parchment paper before greasing.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Customize your monkey bread by swapping nuts for chopped apples to add a fresh, fruity note. Alternatively, omit the add-ins altogether for a classic cinnamon sugar pull-apart treat. For a nut-free recipe, simply leave out the pecans or walnuts.

Serviervorschläge

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Serve this warm treat with a cup of rich coffee or creamy hot chocolate for the perfect cozy pairing. It’s also delightful enjoyed as a special brunch centerpiece or a sharing dessert for gatherings.

Pulling apart freshly baked Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread reveals its layers, an American dessert, perfect for sharing. Save to Pinterest
Pulling apart freshly baked Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread reveals its layers, an American dessert, perfect for sharing. | pecanthyme.com

With simple ingredients and easy steps, Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread delivers a crowd-pleasing dessert that everyone will love. Pull apart the warm pieces, savor the caramelized flavors, and enjoy this comforting, shareable treat anytime you want a sweet indulgence.

Your Questions Answered

What type of dough is used?

Refrigerated cinnamon roll dough provides a soft and fluffy base with included icing for drizzling.

Can I add nuts or fruits?

Yes, chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins can be layered to add texture and flavor.

How is the caramel sauce prepared?

Butter is melted and combined with brown sugar, then poured over the dough before baking for a gooey finish.

What baking equipment is needed?

A 12-cup bundt pan is essential to achieve the pull-apart shape and even baking.

How do I prevent over-browning?

If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil partway through baking to maintain a golden color.

Any serving suggestions?

Serve warm and drizzle with reserved icing; pairs well with coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.

Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

Gooey pull-apart bread with cinnamon roll dough, caramel sauce, and optional nuts or raisins.

Prep Time
25 min
Time to Cook
35 min
Total Duration
60 min
Author: Ethan Ward


Skill Easy

Cuisine American

Portions 8 Portion Size

Dietary Notes Vegetarian-Friendly

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

How to Make It

Step 01

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

Step 02

Prepare Dough: Open cinnamon roll cans and separate individual rolls. Cut each roll into four equal pieces. Reserve icings for later use.

Step 03

Coat Dough Pieces: Place granulated sugar and ground cinnamon into a large zip-top bag. Add dough pieces and shake until evenly coated with the sugar-cinnamon mixture.

Step 04

Layer Dough and Add-Ins: Arrange half of the coated dough pieces evenly in the bundt pan. Sprinkle half of the optional nuts and raisins over the dough. Repeat layering with remaining dough pieces and optional add-ins.

Step 05

Add Caramel Sauce: Combine melted unsalted butter and packed light brown sugar in a small bowl until blended. Pour the mixture evenly over dough layers in the pan.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Cool and Unmold: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert carefully onto a serving plate.

Step 08

Add Icing and Serve: Drizzle the reserved cinnamon roll icing over the warm bread. Serve immediately, encouraging pulling apart the pieces.

What You'll Need

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

Allergy Details

Please check every ingredient for allergens and talk to a healthcare provider with any concerns.
  • Contains gluten, milk, eggs; may contain tree nuts if pecans or walnuts are added.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Nutritional info is for reference and doesn't replace a professional's advice.
  • Caloric Value: 390
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 59 g
  • Proteins: 4 g