Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

Featured in: Soft Crumb Bake & Roast Plates

This warm pull-apart treat combines soft cinnamon roll dough coated in cinnamon sugar, layered with nuts and raisins, then drizzled with a rich brown sugar caramel sauce. Baked until golden, it offers a gooey texture perfect for sharing. The finishing touch of cinnamon icing adds creaminess and sweetness. Ideal for relaxed weekend mornings or festive occasions, it brings comforting aromas and flavors to your table with minimal effort.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 02:17:12 GMT
Golden monkey bread, pull-apart cinnamon rolls baked to perfection, warm and gooey, ready to serve. Save
Golden monkey bread, pull-apart cinnamon rolls baked to perfection, warm and gooey, ready to serve. | junipercrumb.com

Imagine a warm, gooey treat that invites everyone to gather around and pull apart delicious cinnamon rolls baked together into one irresistible caramelized monkey bread. This Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread offers the perfect blend of sweet, soft dough and rich buttery caramel, making it the ultimate cozy weekend dessert that’s ideal for sharing with family and friends.

Golden monkey bread, pull-apart cinnamon rolls baked to perfection, warm and gooey, ready to serve. Save
Golden monkey bread, pull-apart cinnamon rolls baked to perfection, warm and gooey, ready to serve. | junipercrumb.com

This recipe transforms familiar cinnamon rolls into a visually stunning and irresistibly tasty monkey bread. The caramel sauce seeps in between dough chunks, creating a sticky, golden crust while the cinnamon sugar coating adds an extra layer of sweetness and spice. It’s comfort food at its finest and guarantees smiles at every bite.

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
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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
In a large zip-top bag, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Add the dough pieces and shake until coated.
4. 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.
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. Drizzle icing
Drizzle reserved cinnamon roll icing over the warm monkey bread. Serve immediately, pulling pieces apart.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Adding orange zest to the sugar mixture introduces a refreshing citrusy layer that balances the sweetness. For a fruity twist, substitute the nuts with chopped apples, which also add moisture and texture. Keep a close eye during baking to prevent over-browning and cover with foil if necessary to ensure even cooking.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can customize this monkey bread by mixing in toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch, or plump raisins for bursts of sweetness. Feel free to experiment by swapping raisins for dried cranberries or adding a sprinkle of nutmeg to the sugar mixture for extra spice. This versatile recipe can be adapted easily to fit seasonal flavors and preferences.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this treat fresh and warm alongside a cup of rich coffee or creamy hot chocolate for a truly comforting experience. It works wonderfully as a brunch centerpiece or a festive dessert, where everyone can tear off warm, gooey bites to enjoy together.

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With straightforward steps and flexible add-in options, this Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that elevates classic cinnamon rolls into a festive, pull-apart masterpiece. Its inviting caramelized exterior and pillowy interior make it a perfect treat for any sweet moment throughout the year.

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Your Questions Answered

What type of pan is best for this dish?

A 12-cup bundt pan works best to achieve the layered pull-apart effect and even baking.

Can I add nuts or fruits to this preparation?

Yes, chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins can be layered between the dough pieces for added texture and flavor.

How can I prevent the top from browning too quickly?

Loosely cover the pan with foil during baking if you notice the top is browning too fast.

Is it possible to add a citrus twist to the sugar coating?

Adding orange zest to the cinnamon sugar mixture introduces a bright, refreshing note.

What is a good serving suggestion for this dish?

This treat pairs wonderfully with hot coffee or chocolate, making it great for cozy mornings or gatherings.

Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

A gooey, caramelized treat with sweet cinnamon rolls baked to golden perfection for cozy gatherings.

Time to Prep
25 mins
Time to Cook
35 mins
Overall Time
60 mins
Created by Brooke Taylor


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 8 Portions

Diet Info Vegetarian Option

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 with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 02

Prepare Dough Pieces: Separate cinnamon rolls and cut each into quarters. Reserve icing for later.

Step 03

Coat Dough with Sugar Mixture: Combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a large zip-top bag. Add dough pieces and shake to coat evenly.

Step 04

Assemble Layers: Place half the coated dough pieces into the bundt pan. Sprinkle with half the nuts and raisins if using. Repeat with remaining dough and add-ins.

Step 05

Add Caramel Sauce: Mix melted butter and brown sugar until combined, then pour evenly over the dough layers in the pan.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Cool and Serve: Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate.

Step 08

Add Icing: Drizzle reserved icing over the warm pull-apart bread and serve immediately.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Warning

Double-check the ingredient list for allergens, and ask your doctor if you’re uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk, and eggs.
  • Tree nuts present if pecans or walnuts are used.
  • Check packaging for potential cross-contamination.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Nutritional details are for informational purposes only, and not a substitute for medical guidance.
  • Total Calories: 390
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 59 g
  • Proteins: 4 g