Sarah BrownAs you gather your friends and family for a tasty treat, why not whip up some Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread? It’s a unique twist on traditional cinnamon rolls and serves as a delightful centerpiece, perfect for breakfast or dessert. Pair this dish with a good cup of coffee or a milkshake, and you’re in for a real treat!
Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is a delicious, gooey dish that brings everyone together. The first time I made it, I could hardly believe how quickly it disappeared. My friends devoured it in minutes, and I got requests for the recipe before they even finished their last bites. It’s simple to make and uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Plus, the smell that fills your kitchen while it bakes? Pure magic.
Now, let’s talk about what makes this dish so special.
What is How To Make Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread?
Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is layers of soft cinnamon rolls baked in a bundt pan and coated in a buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture. You pull apart the pieces, making it a fun, communal dish that everyone can dig into.
Imagine the ooey-gooey cinnamon goodness in every bite, with each piece soft, warm, and slightly sticky. Perfect for brunch or a casual dessert, this dish won me over from the first whiff of cinnamon wafting through the air.
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Why This Recipe Works?
1. Quick and Easy Preparation
This recipe saves time. You use store-bought cinnamon rolls, cutting down on prep time drastically. I love recipes that don’t require hours in the kitchen, and this one fits the bill perfectly.
2. Shareable Fun
Monkey bread invites participation. Everyone pulls apart their own piece, making it a social food. It encourages laughter and interaction, turning a simple meal into a joyful occasion.
3. Flavor Explosion
The blend of cinnamon, sugar, and butter creates a flavor that is both comforting and indulgent. Each bite is a delightful surprise, especially when the warm icing drizzles down.
4. Versatile Nature
You can make this Monkey Bread your own! Swap out ingredients, add extras like nuts or chocolate chips, or even experiment with different spices. This dish is flexible and can adapt to whatever you have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This How To Make Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
To get started, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cans of Pillsbury Grands refrigerated cinnamon rolls (each can has 8 rolls)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar (this adds sweetness and deep flavor)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for that classic flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (enhances the spice profile without overpowering)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (adds depth)
- Cinnamon roll icing (from the included packet or homemade)
These ingredients are common, and if you’ve baked before, you’ve likely got most of them on hand.
How To Make These?
Crafting Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is as easy as 1, 2, 3. Follow these steps to a sweet, gooey delight.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). A hot oven is essential to ensure that your Monkey Bread bakes evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Bundt Pan
Grease your bundt pan generously using cooking spray or a thin layer of butter. This prevents sticking and allows for easy removal after baking.
Step 3: Cut the Cinnamon Rolls
Open the cans of cinnamon rolls and separate them. Using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife, cut each roll into quarters. This will help them absorb the buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture better.
Step 4: Mix Sugar and Spices
In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until mixed, allowing the spices to distribute evenly throughout the sugar.
Step 5: Coat the Dough Pieces
Take the quartered cinnamon rolls and toss them in the sugar mixture. Ensure each piece is coated well. This is where the magic really starts, as those flavors meld together!
Step 6: Layer in the Bundt Pan
Scatter half of the coated cinnamon roll pieces in the bottom of the bundt pan. Drizzle half of the melted butter over these pieces. Then, layer the remaining dough pieces, followed by the rest of the melted butter. This ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 7: Bake
Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the rolls have puffed up beautifully.
Step 8: Cool Slightly and Serve
After baking, allow the Monkey Bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, invert it onto a serving plate. Drizzle the icing over the warm bread and watch everyone’s eyes light up!
Tips
Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on your bread as it bakes to prevent a dry texture. You want that gooey center.
Icing Options: If you want to elevate the flavors, try making your own icing using powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to taste.
Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to mix in chopped nuts or chocolate chips with the cinnamon roll pieces for additional flavor and texture.
Make It Ahead: You can prep the monkey bread the night before. Just assemble it, cover it tightly, and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Bake it fresh in the morning!
Serving Size: This recipe serves around 8-10 people, making it a great choice for gatherings or brunches.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread contains approximately:
Keep in mind that this is a treat, so moderation is key!
How to Store The Leftovers?
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, place it in the fridge, where it can last for about a week. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave for a few seconds until warm.
What are some recommended side dishes for How To Make Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread?
Here are some delicious side dishes that pair perfectly with your Monkey Bread:
Fresh Fruit Salad
A light and refreshing fruit salad can balance the sweetness of the Monkey Bread. Use seasonal fruits like berries, melon, and citrus to bring vibrant colors and flavors to your table.
Yogurt Parfaits
Layer yogurt with granola and fruit. The creaminess of the yogurt complements the sticky sweetness of the monkey bread, and the granola adds a nice crunch.
Scrambled Eggs
Add a protein boost! Light and fluffy scrambled eggs are simple to prepare and pair nicely with the sweet flavors of Monkey Bread. If you’re feeling adventurous, add some cheese or herbs to the eggs.
Breakfast Sausages
Savory breakfast sausages provide a hearty side that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the Monkey Bread. You can grill or pan-fry these for added flavor.
If the items are not available in your pantry, what are some substitute options for the ingredients?
Refrigerated Cinnamon Rolls
If you can’t find Pillsbury Grands®, any store-bought refrigerated cinnamon rolls will work. Look for the larger biscuit-style versions to get the best pull-apart texture.
Unsalted Butter
You can use margarine or coconut oil if you’re out of butter. They will yield different flavors, but they’ll still keep your Monkey Bread moist and flavorful.
Light Brown Sugar
If you don’t have light brown sugar, granulated sugar or dark brown sugar can work as substitutes. Just keep in mind that dark brown sugar will impart a stronger flavor.
Ground Spices
In the absence of nutmeg, ginger or allspice can be used as alternative seasoning. They add warmth and depth to the recipe, just like nutmeg.
Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
- pan
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 2 cans of Pillsbury Grands refrigerated cinnamon rolls
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Cinnamon roll icing
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). A hot oven is essential to ensure that your Monkey Bread bakes evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Bundt Pan
- Grease your bundt pan generously using cooking spray or a thin layer of butter. This prevents sticking and allows for easy removal after baking.
Step 3: Cut the Cinnamon Rolls
- Open the cans of cinnamon rolls and separate them. Using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife, cut each roll into quarters. This will help them absorb the buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture better.
Step 4: Mix Sugar and Spices
- In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until mixed, allowing the spices to distribute evenly throughout the sugar.
Step 5: Coat the Dough Pieces
- Take the quartered cinnamon rolls and toss them in the sugar mixture. Ensure each piece is coated well. This is where the magic really starts, as those flavors meld together!
Step 6: Layer in the Bundt Pan
- Scatter half of the coated cinnamon roll pieces in the bottom of the bundt pan. Drizzle half of the melted butter over these pieces. Then, layer the remaining dough pieces, followed by the rest of the melted butter. This ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 7: Bake
- Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the rolls have puffed up beautifully.
Step 8: Cool Slightly and Serve
- After baking, allow the Monkey Bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, invert it onto a serving plate. Drizzle the icing over the warm bread and watch everyone’s eyes light up!
Notes
- Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on your bread as it bakes to prevent a dry texture. You want that gooey center.
- Icing Options: If you want to elevate the flavors, try making your own icing using powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to taste.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to mix in chopped nuts or chocolate chips with the cinnamon roll pieces for additional flavor and texture.
- Make It Ahead: You can prep the monkey bread the night before. Just assemble it, cover it tightly, and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Bake it fresh in the morning!
- Serving Size: This recipe serves around 8-10 people, making it a great choice for gatherings or brunches.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cinnamon rolls instead?
Absolutely! Allow them to thaw completely before proceeding with the recipe. You might want to let them rise a bit before mixing them with the sugar.
Can I add nuts or chocolate?
Yes! Feel free to fold in chopped pecans, walnuts, or chocolate chips with the cinnamon roll pieces before layering them in the pan. It adds a nice crunch and richness.
How do I know when the Monkey Bread is done?
Look for an even golden-brown color on top. You can also insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your Monkey Bread is ready.
Can I make Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread in advance?
Yes! You can assemble it ahead of time and cover it well, either in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Is there a gluten-free option?
You can use gluten-free cinnamon rolls available in most grocery stores. Just make sure to choose a brand that you enjoy for the best results
Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is a dish that evokes warm memories, laughter, and joy. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and satisfies both a sweet tooth and the need for good company. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, a cozy dinner, or just craving something sweet, this recipe is a real winner.
Now that you know how to bring this delightful dish to life, gather your loved ones and enjoy! Your kitchen will soon be filled with the joyous sounds of pulling apart those delicious pieces of Monkey Bread. Don’t be surprised if everyone asks for seconds—it’s that irresistible!
