Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Recipe: Sweet and Easy to Make

Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is one of those treats that bring warmth and joy to any gathering. Imagine the gooey richness of cinnamon rolls combined with the fun, pull-apart nature of monkey bread. It’s a dessert that’s easy to make, hard to resist, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you’re planning a special breakfast, a weekend brunch, or a cozy dessert, Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is a dish that never disappoints.

The Sweet Origins of Monkey Bread

Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a quick journey back in time. Monkey bread, in its simplest form, has roots that stretch back to Eastern Europe. The earliest version, known as “aranygaluska” or “golden dumplings,” was a sweet, yeasted bread made from small balls of dough. These dough balls were rolled in butter and sugar before being baked together in a pan, creating a sticky, sweet treat that could easily be pulled apart.

When Eastern European immigrants made their way to the United States, they brought their culinary traditions with them, including this beloved sweet bread. Over time, this treat evolved into what we now call monkey bread. The name “monkey bread” likely comes from the way people eat it—pulling apart the sticky pieces of bread with their fingers, much like a monkey might.

The All-American Twist: Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

As monkey bread became more popular in America, bakers started to put their own spin on it. One of the most delicious adaptations is Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread. The original monkey bread was made with plain dough, but someone had the brilliant idea to use cinnamon roll dough instead. By adding the cinnamon-sugar filling that cinnamon rolls are famous for, this version of monkey bread became even more indulgent and irresistible.

Today, Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is a beloved dish that has found its place in many American homes. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it’s always a hit. The interactive nature of the dish, where everyone gets to pull apart their own piece, makes it perfect for gatherings and family meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

Creating this delightful treat is surprisingly simple, especially if you start with pre-made cinnamon roll dough. Here’s what you’ll need:

Refrigerated Cinnamon Roll Dough: This is the base of your monkey bread. It provides that classic cinnamon flavor and fluffy texture we all love. You can find pre-made dough in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores, or if you’re feeling ambitious, you can make your own from scratch.
Brown Sugar: This adds a deep, rich sweetness that complements the cinnamon. Brown sugar also helps create that sticky, gooey texture that makes monkey bread so delicious.
Butter: Melted butter adds richness and moisture to the bread. It helps the sugar and cinnamon adhere to the dough and contributes to the gooey texture.
Granulated Sugar: This adds a bit of extra sweetness and helps create a caramelized crust on the outside of the bread.
Cinnamon: The star spice of the dish, cinnamon adds warmth and depth of flavor. It’s what gives Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread its signature taste.
Optional Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunchy texture and a bit of nuttiness that complements the sweet, cinnamon flavor.
Cream Cheese Icing: This is usually included with the cinnamon roll dough. Drizzling it over the finished monkey bread adds a creamy, sweet finish that takes the dish to the next level.

Substitutions and Variations: Make It Your Own

One of the great things about Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is how easy it is to customize. Whether you have dietary restrictions or just want to try something different, there are plenty of ways to adapt this recipe.

Dough Alternatives: If you want to change things up, try using biscuit dough instead of cinnamon roll dough. Biscuit dough will give you a slightly different texture, but it’s still delicious. You can also make your own dough from scratch if you prefer.
Sweeteners: For a different flavor profile, try substituting brown sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup. Both of these alternatives will add their own unique sweetness to the dish.
Flavor Add-Ins: Feel free to get creative with your add-ins. Raisins, chocolate chips, or shredded coconut can all be mixed in with the dough for extra flavor and texture.
Toppings: While cream cheese icing is a classic choice, you can also drizzle your monkey bread with caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, or even a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Adding extra toppings like chopped nuts, sprinkles, or a dusting of powdered sugar can make your monkey bread even more indulgent.

Sourcing Fresh Ingredients: Quality Matters

To get the best results, it’s important to use high-quality ingredients. Here are some tips for sourcing the freshest and most flavorful ingredients for your Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread:

Cinnamon Roll Dough: If you’re using pre-made dough, buy it from a reputable brand that you trust. If you’re making your own dough, use fresh yeast and high-quality flour for the best results.
Sugar and Spices: Buy your sugar and spices from a trusted brand or specialty store. Fresh spices will give your monkey bread a more vibrant flavor.
Nuts: If you’re adding nuts, buy them from a specialty store or farmers’ market where you can get fresh, high-quality nuts. Freshly toasted nuts will have a better flavor and texture.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

Now that you’ve got your ingredients, it’s time to start baking. Follow these steps to create a Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread that’s gooey, sweet, and absolutely delicious.

Preparing the Dough

Cutting the Dough: Start by separating the cinnamon rolls and cutting each roll into quarters. This will give you the small, bite-sized pieces that make up the monkey bread.
Coating the Dough: In a large bowl, mix together granulated sugar and cinnamon. Toss the cinnamon roll pieces in the mixture until they’re evenly coated. This step is crucial for ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.

Assembling the Monkey Bread

Layering the Dough: Grease a Bundt pan with butter or non-stick spray. Start layering the coated cinnamon roll pieces in the pan, sprinkling brown sugar and chopped nuts (if you’re using them) between each layer. This layering process is what gives the monkey bread its pull-apart nature.
Adding Butter: Pour melted butter over the layered dough pieces. The butter helps to create that gooey texture that makes monkey bread so irresistible. It also helps the bread bake evenly, so don’t skip this step!

Baking the Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the monkey bread for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dough is cooked through. You might want to rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
Cooling: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. This cooling period allows the gooey layers to set slightly, making it easier to pull apart.

Adding the Icing

Drizzling the Icing: Warm the cream cheese icing that comes with the cinnamon roll dough. Drizzle it generously over the top of the monkey bread. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you can add additional toppings like caramel sauce or chopped nuts at this stage.

Serving Suggestions: Perfect for Any Occasion

Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is versatile enough to be served at any time of the day. Here are a few ideas for how to enjoy it:

Breakfast or Brunch: Serve your monkey bread as part of a special breakfast or brunch spread. It pairs perfectly with fresh fruit, yogurt, and a hot cup of coffee.
Dessert: For a truly decadent dessert, serve the monkey bread warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Snacks: Monkey bread is perfect for sharing, making it an ideal snack for gatherings or parties. Just set it out on the table and let everyone pull apart their own piece.

Tips for the Perfect Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

To ensure your Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

Balancing Flavors: Adjust the amount of cinnamon and sugar to suit your taste preferences. If you like a stronger cinnamon flavor, add a little extra cinnamon to the sugar mixture. If you prefer a sweeter bread, use a bit more sugar.
Even Cooking: Make sure the dough pieces are evenly spaced in the pan to prevent uneven baking. Rotating the pan halfway through baking can also help ensure that the bread cooks evenly.
Cooling: Don’t rush the cooling process. Allowing the bread to cool slightly before serving will help the gooey layers set, making it easier to pull apart.
Enhancing the Dish: For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the sugar mixture. These spices will add a new dimension of flavor to your monkey bread. And if you really want to go all out, drizzle some caramel or chocolate sauce over the top after baking.

Nutritional Information: A Sweet Treat Worth Indulging In

While Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is undeniably indulgent, it’s worth noting that it can still offer some benefits

when enjoyed in moderation.

Calories: Each serving of Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread typically contains around 300-400 calories, depending on the ingredients and portion size.
Carbohydrates: The dish contains around 50-60 grams of carbohydrates per serving, which come mainly from the dough and sugar.
Fat: You can expect about 10-15 grams of fat per serving, most of which comes from the butter and nuts (if you’re using them).
Protein: Each serving provides about 3-5 grams of protein, primarily from the dough and any nuts you’ve added.

While this dish is definitely a treat, some of the ingredients do have health benefits. For example:

Cinnamon: This spice is known for its antioxidant properties and its potential to help regulate blood sugar levels.
Nuts: Nuts are a great source of healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients like vitamin E and magnesium.

Adjusting the Recipe for Dietary Needs

If you have specific dietary requirements, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit your needs:

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cinnamon roll dough or make your own gluten-free dough from scratch.
Vegan: Substitute the butter with vegan butter and use a dairy-free dough. You can also make or buy vegan cream cheese icing to drizzle on top.
Low-Sugar: To lower the overall sugar content, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe or use a sugar substitute.

Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the monkey bread the night before and bake it in the morning. Simply assemble the bread, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake as directed when ready.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store leftover Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Can I Freeze Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread?

Yes, you can freeze the baked monkey bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

What Are Some Variations I Can Try?

Experiment with adding different spices, nuts, or even dried fruit to the recipe. You can also drizzle with different sauces like chocolate or caramel for extra flavor.

Can I Use Homemade Dough?

Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon roll dough or biscuit dough can be used for a more personalized touch. Adjust the baking time as needed to ensure the dough is fully cooked.

Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is more than just a dessert—it’s a tradition that brings people together. Its rich, gooey texture, combined with the fun, pull-apart nature of monkey bread, makes it a dish that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this treat is sure to bring smiles to everyone at the table.

So the next time you’re looking for a dish that’s both delicious and fun to eat, give Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread a try. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone who tastes it.