Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

Featured in: Weekend Warm-Bake Comforts

This warm, gooey treat features soft cinnamon roll dough coated in cinnamon sugar, layered with nuts and raisins, then baked with rich brown sugar and butter for a caramelized finish. After baking, a sweet icing drizzle adds extra indulgence to this pull-apart delight, ideal for sharing on cozy weekend mornings or festive gatherings.

Simple preparation with refrigerated cinnamon roll dough and common pantry ingredients offers a deliciously sweet and comforting dish that pulls apart easily for serving. Optional variations like orange zest or fruit swaps can add personalized twists.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:24:14 GMT
Pull-apart Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread, glistening and caramelized, makes the perfect brunch centerpiece. Pin It
Pull-apart Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread, glistening and caramelized, makes the perfect brunch centerpiece. | hazelflint.com

Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is a warm, pull-apart treat that transforms classic cinnamon rolls into a gooey, caramelized centerpiece perfect for cozy weekends and sharing with family. This easy American dessert fills your kitchen with inviting aromas of cinnamon and brown sugar, encouraging everyone to dive in and enjoy the sticky, sweet bites straight from the bundt pan.

Pull-apart Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread, glistening and caramelized, makes the perfect brunch centerpiece. Pin It
Pull-apart Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread, glistening and caramelized, makes the perfect brunch centerpiece. | hazelflint.com

This cinnamon roll monkey bread brings an effortless charm to your brunch or dessert table. The contrast of the cinnamon-sugar coated dough and rich caramel sauce makes each bite a comforting indulgence, while the technique is simple enough for even beginner bakers to enjoy the process and the reward.

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

Adding a bit of orange zest to the sugar mixture enhances the flavor with a fresh, citrusy twist that brightens the rich sweetness. For a fruity variation, try substituting the nuts with chopped apples, which bake up tender and juicy inside the caramelized layers.

Varianten und Anpassungen

To make the monkey bread your own, feel free to adjust the mix-ins—pecans or walnuts add a satisfying crunch, while raisins bring a chewy sweetness. This recipe is vegetarian-friendly and can be adapted by skipping add-ins if preferred.

Serviervorschläge

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Serve your warm cinnamon roll monkey bread alongside a hot cup of coffee or rich hot chocolate for a cozy, comforting experience that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert shared with loved ones.

Pin It
| hazelflint.com

With its irresistible pull-apart layers and sticky sweet finish, this cinnamon roll monkey bread is sure to become a beloved staple at your table. Simple to make and delightfully indulgent, it invites everyone to grab a piece and savor the shared warmth of homemade comfort.

Recipe FAQs

What pan is best for baking this pull-apart?

A 12-cup bundt pan works perfectly to hold the layered dough and creates a beautiful shape after baking.

Can I add nuts or fruit to the dough?

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

How do I prevent the top from browning too quickly?

If the top browns too fast, loosely cover the pan with foil during the last part of baking to avoid burning.

Is the icing required for serving?

Drizzling the reserved icing over the warm pull-apart adds sweetness and moisture but can be omitted if preferred.

How can I add a citrus twist to this dish?

Sprinkle orange zest into the cinnamon sugar mixture before coating the dough pieces for a bright flavor note.

Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

A gooey, caramelized pull-apart with cinnamon, brown sugar, and buttery layers perfect for cozy sharing.

Prep Time
25 minutes
Cook Time
35 minutes
Overall Time
60 minutes
Recipe by Vivian Gray


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 8 Servings

Diet Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly

Ingredient List

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

Directions

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: Open cinnamon roll cans, separate each roll, and cut each into quarters. Reserve icing for later.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Layer Dough and Add-Ins: Place half of the coated dough pieces into the prepared bundt pan. Sprinkle half the optional nuts and raisins, if using. Repeat layering with remaining dough and add-ins.

Step 05

Add Caramel Sauce: Mix melted butter and brown sugar in a small bowl until combined. Pour evenly over the layered dough in the bundt pan.

Step 06

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

Step 07

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

Step 08

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

Necessary Tools

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

Allergen Details

Review ingredients for allergens, and always talk to your doctor if you're unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk, and eggs.
  • May contain tree nuts if using pecans or walnuts.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Use this nutrition info as a reference only. It‘s not intended as healthcare advice.
  • Calories: 390
  • Fats: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 59 g
  • Proteins: 4 g