Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

Featured in: Weekend Olive-Frost Home Favorites

This warm, pull-apart treat combines soft cinnamon roll dough coated in a cinnamon-sugar blend and baked with rich caramel sauce. Layered with chopped nuts and raisins, it offers delightful textures and flavors perfect for cozy weekend gatherings. The golden crust and gooey interior invite sharing, while the drizzle of cinnamon icing completes the indulgence. Easy to prepare and comforting, this treat pairs wonderfully with coffee or hot chocolate.

Updated on Thu, 11 Dec 2025 23:29:33 GMT
Gooey, golden-brown Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread, perfect for sharing and pulling apart warm. Save to Pinterest
Gooey, golden-brown Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread, perfect for sharing and pulling apart warm. | olivefrost.com

Experience the cozy comfort of Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread, a warm, pull-apart dessert that combines fluffy cinnamon rolls with a rich, gooey caramel sauce. This American classic is perfect for leisurely weekend mornings or sharing with family and friends, offering a sweet and satisfying treat that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious.

Gooey, golden-brown Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread, perfect for sharing and pulling apart warm. Save to Pinterest
Gooey, golden-brown Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread, perfect for sharing and pulling apart warm. | olivefrost.com

This recipe transforms familiar cinnamon rolls into a delightful monkey bread experience, layering sweet dough with cinnamon sugar and a luscious caramel glaze. Whether enjoyed as a decadent breakfast or dessert, it invites everyone to dig in and enjoy the melty, cinnamon-spiced goodness.

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 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

Ensure the bundt pan is well greased to prevent sticking and allow the monkey bread to release smoothly. If the top browns too quickly, covering with foil protects it while baking. Use the reserved icing generously for an extra sweet finish.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Add orange zest to the sugar mixture to brighten the flavor with a citrus twist. For a fruitier version, substitute chopped apples for nuts. Incorporate raisins or different nuts to suit your taste and texture preferences.

Serviervorschläge

Serve warm with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a comforting experience. Pull the pieces apart with family and friends to enjoy the gooey caramel and cinnamon flavors together.

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| olivefrost.com

With its effortless preparation and irresistible flavor, this Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is sure to become a family favorite. Perfectly balanced between sweet, sticky, and soft, it makes every weekend feel special.

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Recipe FAQs

What type of dough is used for this dish?

Refrigerated cinnamon roll dough is used, providing a soft and sweet base.

Can I add nuts or fruit to enhance flavor?

Yes, chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins can be layered for added texture and taste.

How do I prevent the top from browning too quickly?

Cover the bread loosely with foil during baking if the top starts to brown before the center is cooked.

Is there a way to add a citrus twist?

Adding orange zest to the sugar mixture gives a fresh, citrusy flavor boost.

What’s the best way to serve this treat?

Serve warm with the cinnamon icing drizzled on top, ideal for sharing with coffee or hot chocolate.

Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

Gooey pull-apart cinnamon rolls baked with caramel and nuts for a warm, shareable treat.

Prep Time
25 minutes
Time to Cook
35 minutes
Overall Duration
60 minutes
Recipe by Natalie Wilson


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Serves 8 Portions

Dietary Info Meat-Free

What You 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 Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

Prepare Dough: Open cinnamon roll cans and separate each roll. Cut each roll into quarters. Reserve the icing.

Step 03

Coat Dough with Sugar Mixture: In a large zip-top bag, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Add dough pieces and shake until evenly coated.

Step 04

Assemble Layers: Layer half of the coated dough pieces in the prepared bundt pan. Sprinkle with half of the nuts and raisins if using. Repeat with remaining dough and add-ins.

Step 05

Add Caramel Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar until combined. Pour evenly over the layered dough.

Step 06

Bake: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. If browning too fast, cover loosely with foil.

Step 07

Cool and Invert: Allow to cool in pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate.

Step 08

Serve: Drizzle reserved icing over warm bread. Serve immediately, pulling pieces apart.

What You'll Need

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

Allergy Details

Be sure to check ingredients for allergens and ask your doctor if you’re not sure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk, and eggs.
  • Tree nuts if pecans or walnuts are used.
  • Check packaging for potential cross-contamination or ingredient changes.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Intended only for informational use, not medical advice.
  • Calories: 390
  • Fats: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 59 g
  • Proteins: 4 g