Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread – The Ultimate Easy Breakfast Delight

Looking for a quick, indulgent treat that’ll wow your weekend crowd or holiday guests? This Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is everything you need—gooey, sweet, buttery, and delightfully easy to make using refrigerated cinnamon rolls. Whether you’re throwing together a festive brunch or simply craving a no-fuss dessert that tastes like home, this pull-apart bread delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

We’ll walk you through why this recipe stands out, what ingredients you need (and how to tweak them), how to master every step of the baking process, and tips to make it perfectly golden and sticky every time. Don’t miss our festive cinnamon rolls recipe if you’re looking for even more cinnamon-filled inspiration.

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Why Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is a Must-Try Treat

A Sweet Spin on a Classic Pull-Apart Bread

Monkey bread has always been a cozy classic, but swapping the standard biscuit dough for canned cinnamon rolls changes the game. The result? An ultra-soft, cinnamon-swirled bread that’s sticky and satisfying in every pull-apart piece. The dough is already rich with flavor, meaning less prep and more wow.

The Convenience of Using Canned Cinnamon Rolls

No yeast. No kneading. No rising time. Using pre-made cinnamon rolls like Pillsbury Grands Original with Icing makes this recipe a real winner for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings. They’re soft, fluffy, and consistent—perfect for stacking in that bundt pan. You can find them in most grocery stores, making them a handy pantry staple for this delicious breakfast shortcut.

Perfect for Weekend Brunches, Holidays, and Celebrations

From Christmas morning to lazy Sunday brunches, this cinnamon roll monkey bread feels festive without the hassle. It serves a crowd (up to 10!), and with its golden brown crust and maple-glazed icing drizzle, it’s bound to impress both kids and adults. Don’t miss our Christmas popcorn candy or holiday punch drink for more entertaining ideas.

This sweet dish fits right into any spread of breakfast casseroles, fresh fruit platters, or coffee pairings. And because it’s easy to pull apart, there’s no need for slicing or serving utensils. Just grab and enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

Store-Bought Cinnamon Rolls vs. Homemade

For ease and speed, this recipe calls for two cans of Pillsbury Grands Original Cinnamon Rolls with Icing—each 17.5 ounces. These pre-made rolls are soft, fluffy, and laced with cinnamon sugar flavor, making them an ideal base for monkey bread. Simply cut each roll into four pieces, and you’re good to go.

If you prefer a more homemade feel, you can absolutely use from-scratch cinnamon roll dough, but that will add time for rising and rolling. Either way, the result will be sticky, sweet, and delicious.

Want a twist? You can even use sweet potato biscuits or buttery crescent dough for a different flavor and texture.

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Cinnamon Rolls	2 cans (17.5 oz each)	Pillsbury Grands Original with Icing
Granulated Sugar	1 cup	Mixed with cinnamon for coating
Ground Cinnamon	3 teaspoons	Enhances flavor and aroma
Butter (melted)	½ cup (1 stick)	Used for dipping dough
Pecan Halves (optional)	½–1 cup	For a nutty crunch on top
Brown Sugar	For syrup and nut topping	Adds deep caramel notes
Maple Syrup	1 tablespoon (for icing)	Optional but highly recommended

The Rich Role of Nuts, Butter, and Brown Sugar

This Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread gets its signature gooey topping from a mix of melted butter, brown sugar, and optional chopped pecans. This sticky mixture is spooned into the bottom of a greased bundt pan before the cinnamon roll pieces are added. As the bread bakes, this base caramelizes into a warm, nutty glaze.

Not a fan of pecans? Allergic? No problem. You can leave out the nuts and still enjoy that golden, buttery coating.

The second layer of richness comes from a syrup of melted butter and brown sugar poured over the layered cinnamon rolls before baking. It seeps between every crevice, making the final pull-apart bread delightfully moist and indulgent.

Optional Toppings and Substitutions

This recipe finishes with an easy icing made by combining the cinnamon roll icing packets with a splash of maple syrup and a touch of cinnamon. Want to switch it up? Try:

• Cream cheese frosting for extra richness
• A vanilla glaze if you want something lighter
• Skip the syrup and add more powdered sugar for a thicker drizzle

If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some apple chunks, dried cranberries, or even mini chocolate chips between the layers for a seasonal twist. You might also enjoy our caramel apple fritter bread for similar fall flavors.

And for a savory counterpart to this sweet recipe, check out our sausage pinwheels in biscuit dough.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

Prepping the Bundt Pan and Nut Topping

First things first—preheat your oven to 350℉ and grease a 9½-inch bundt pan thoroughly with nonstick spray. You’ll want to coat every crevice to avoid sticking since that sticky syrup base tends to cling to the pan.

To make the nut topping, mix chopped pecans, brown sugar, melted butter, and a splash of water in a small bowl. Spoon this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. This layer becomes the caramelized crown once the bread is inverted after baking.

Skipping the nuts? No problem—just move straight to layering the dough pieces. The syrup alone still creates a sticky, golden top.

Coating Cinnamon Roll Pieces for Texture

Take out your two cans of Pillsbury Grands Cinnamon Rolls and set aside the icing packets. Cut each roll into four equal pieces. That’ll give you enough small bites to layer throughout the bundt pan.

In one bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. In another, melt a stick of butter. Working one piece at a time:

1. Gently round each dough piece in your palm.
2. Dip it into the melted butter.
3. Roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
4. Place it on top of the nut topping in the bundt pan.

Repeat until all the dough is used, layering evenly. You’ll likely have two full layers in the pan.

Layering, Baking, and Flipping for the Perfect Finish

Now it’s time to make the syrup that soaks through all the layers during baking. Just stir together ½ cup of melted butter and ¾ cup of brown sugar. Pour it evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the pan.

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp. Once done, remove the pan and let it cool for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate.

The result? A gorgeous dome of soft, sticky cinnamon rolls held together with gooey syrup and crunchy pecans.

Want to skip the icing? You can—but we highly recommend it for the ultimate cinnamon roll experience.

Finishing With Maple Cinnamon Icing

In a small bowl, mix the two icing packets with:

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Drizzle generously over the inverted monkey bread. If you prefer a thicker glaze, leave out the syrup and stick with just the icing.

You can also get creative and add crushed nuts, toffee bits, or even a light dusting of powdered sugar for extra flair. For another warm and cozy breakfast option, don’t miss our fluffy sweet potato pancakes.

Pro Tips for the Best Monkey Bread Every Time

Avoiding Sogginess and Sticking

To avoid soggy monkey bread, don’t overdo the syrup. Stick to the recommended butter-to-brown sugar ratio, and always allow your bread to cool for 10 minutes before inverting it. That short rest helps the syrup thicken just enough to hold the bread’s shape without dripping off entirely.

Properly greasing your bundt pan is also critical. Use baking spray with flour or generously butter the pan to prevent sticking. Still worried? A parchment paper ring in the bottom can act as insurance.

Making It Nut-Free or Extra Gooey

If allergies or preferences rule out pecans, leave them out—the recipe is just as delicious without them. Want more gooey texture? Double the cinnamon sugar coating or pour a little extra syrup over the top after baking.

You can also add chopped apples or raisins between the layers for a fruity spin. These additions pair beautifully with the warm cinnamon base.

Time-Saving Tricks for Busy Mornings

To make your Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread even faster:

• Assemble it the night before, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate.
• In the morning, allow it to sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes while the oven preheats, then bake as directed.

You’ll save time without sacrificing flavor. For other make-ahead ideas, check out our chessman banana pudding dessert.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

How to Serve It Fresh, Warm, and Instagram-Worthy

There’s no wrong way to enjoy monkey bread, but it’s best served warm when the icing is melty and the rolls pull apart easily. Present it on a cake stand or a rustic wooden board for extra visual appeal. Add a drizzle of extra maple syrup or sprinkle cinnamon on top just before serving.

Pair it with coffee, chai lattes, or a festive holiday drink for the ultimate breakfast treat.

Storing Leftovers and Reheating

Leftover monkey bread can be stored:

• At room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days
• In the fridge for up to 5 days

To reheat, pop slices in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. Add a bit more icing or syrup to refresh the flavors.

Can You Freeze Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread?

Yes—freeze it un-iced in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before adding fresh icing. It’s a great way to prep for holiday mornings in advance.

For another cozy winter dessert, you might love our apple crisp dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

Conclusion: Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Is Always a Good Idea

Whether you’re hosting brunch, prepping for the holidays, or just want a no-fuss indulgent breakfast, Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread delivers comfort, flavor, and fun in every pull-apart bite. Using canned cinnamon rolls turns this into a low-effort, high-reward treat you can make anytime. Add your own twist with nuts, syrups, or even fruit, and you’ve got a recipe worth repeating.

Looking for inspiration? Try our pumpkin cream cheese muffins next—they’re the perfect fall companion to this sweet monkey bread.

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