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Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

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Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is the kind of breakfast treat that makes the whole kitchen smell warm, buttery, and impossible to resist. Every pull-apart bite is coated in cinnamon sugar and baked until soft in the center with golden edges, giving you all the comfort of classic cinnamon rolls in a fun shareable form.

It is a great choice for holiday mornings, lazy weekends, brunch tables, or anytime you want something sweet that feels special without making dough from scratch. With canned cinnamon rolls, a rich buttery coating, and a simple glaze drizzle, this bake comes together easily and still tastes like something everyone will talk about.


What Makes Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread So Irresistible?

This recipe works because it combines the gooey texture of monkey bread with the familiar flavor of cinnamon rolls. The dough pieces puff up as they bake, soaking in melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon along the way. Once flipped out of the pan, every piece comes apart with sticky, tender layers and plenty of sweet spice in each bite.

Ingredients for the Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

  • 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls, 8-count each
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread (1)

How To Make the Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

Step 1: Prep the pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a bundt pan well so the bread releases cleanly after baking.

Step 2: Cut the cinnamon rolls

Open the cans and set the icing aside for later. Cut each cinnamon roll into 4 pieces so they bake into easy pull-apart bites.

Step 3: Coat the dough pieces

In a large bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Toss the cinnamon roll pieces in the mixture until lightly coated.

Step 4: Make the buttery syrup

In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until combined.

Step 5: Layer everything in the pan

Add half of the coated dough pieces to the greased bundt pan. Drizzle over half of the butter mixture. Repeat with the remaining dough and the rest of the syrup.

Step 6: Bake until golden and puffed

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top looks deeply golden and the center is cooked through. If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil during the last few minutes.

Step 7: Cool and flip

Let the monkey bread rest in the pan for about 10 minutes. Carefully invert it onto a serving plate while still warm.

Step 8: Finish with glaze

Mix the reserved cinnamon roll icing with powdered sugar and enough milk to make it pourable. Drizzle over the warm monkey bread and serve.


Serving and Storing Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

Serve Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread warm for the best texture and flavor. It is perfect on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with coffee, fresh fruit, or a savory breakfast casserole if you are building out a brunch spread.

Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 1 day or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that soft, gooey center. For longer storage, wrap portions tightly and freeze them, then thaw and warm before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread ahead of time?

Yes. You can assemble it the night before, cover the pan, and refrigerate it. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking.

Do I have to use a bundt pan?

A bundt pan gives the best shape and even baking, but you can also use a deep round cake pan or loaf pan if needed. Just keep an eye on the baking time.

How do I know when it is done?

The top should be golden brown and the center should no longer look doughy. If needed, gently check the middle with a knife to make sure it is baked through.

Can I add nuts or extra filling?

Absolutely. Chopped pecans or walnuts work well, and you can also add a little extra cinnamon sugar between the layers.

Why should I let it rest before flipping?

Letting it rest for about 10 minutes helps the syrup settle slightly so it holds together better when turned out, while still staying gooey.

Can I use homemade dough instead of canned cinnamon rolls?

Yes. Homemade dough works beautifully if you want a more from-scratch version, though canned rolls make this recipe much faster and easier.


Want More Breakfast Ideas?

If you love warm, cozy breakfast bakes like this Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread, you might also enjoy these favorites from Nina Dishes:

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread to your Pinterest breakfast board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add nuts, extra glaze, or serve it straight from the oven while it was still warm?

I love seeing how these recipes turn into family favorites in different kitchens. For more daily recipe inspiration, visit my Pinterest here: Nina Dishes on Pinterest.


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Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread


  • Author: Nina Klatten
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Description

Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is a warm, gooey pull-apart breakfast bake made with cinnamon roll dough, buttery brown sugar coating, and a sweet glaze on top. It is easy enough for a relaxed weekend morning and special enough for holidays, brunch, or anytime you want a cozy homemade treat without extra fuss.


Ingredients

2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls, 8-count each

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 to 2 tablespoons milk


Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a bundt pan well.

2. Open the cinnamon roll cans and set the icing aside for later. Cut each roll into 4 pieces.

3. In a large bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Toss the dough pieces in the mixture until coated.

4. In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.

5. Add half of the coated dough pieces to the bundt pan and drizzle with half of the butter mixture.

6. Add the remaining dough pieces and pour over the rest of the butter mixture.

7. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown and baked through.

8. Let the monkey bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving plate.

9. Stir the reserved icing with powdered sugar and enough milk to make a pourable glaze.

10. Drizzle the glaze over the warm monkey bread and serve.

Notes

Grease the bundt pan very well so the monkey bread releases cleanly after baking.

Do not skip the 10-minute rest time, because it helps the bread hold together when flipped.

Serve it warm for the softest texture and the best gooey cinnamon flavor.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 540mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 58g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: cinnamon roll monkey bread, monkey bread, pull apart bread, easy brunch recipe, sweet breakfast bake

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