Pin This irresistible Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread transforms store-bought cinnamon rolls into a spectacular pull-apart treat that's greater than the sum of its parts. The combination of cinnamon-sugar coating, buttery brown sugar glaze, and cream cheese icing creates layers of flavor that make this dish absolutely unforgettable for weekend brunches or holiday mornings.
I first made this monkey bread for a lazy Sunday breakfast, and it's now our family's most requested special occasion breakfast. My children's eyes light up whenever they smell the cinnamon aroma wafting through the house as it bakes.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated cinnamon roll dough: provides the perfect shortcut while delivering bakery-quality results without the hours of work
- Granulated sugar: creates that classic crystallized coating that makes each piece irresistibly sweet
- Ground cinnamon: adds warm spicy notes that intensify as they bake into the dough
- Unsalted butter: forms the base of the sticky caramel coating that drenches each piece
- Light brown sugar: melts with the butter to create a rich caramel sauce that seeps into every crevice
- Cream cheese: adds tangy richness to the glaze that perfectly balances the sweetness
Instructions
- Prepare the pan:
- Thoroughly grease your bundt pan, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. This step is crucial for a clean release later. I recommend using butter for the best flavor, but a good quality baking spray with flour works well too.
- Cut the dough:
- Open your cinnamon roll cans and set aside the icing packets for later use. Cut each roll into quarters using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors. The smaller pieces create more surface area for the cinnamon sugar to cling to and make the finished bread easier to pull apart.
- Coat with cinnamon sugar:
- Combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a large zip top bag. Add the quartered dough pieces in batches, seal the bag, and shake until each piece is thoroughly coated. This method ensures even coverage without making a mess of your countertops.
- Arrange in bundt pan:
- Layer the coated dough pieces evenly in your prepared bundt pan. Avoid pressing them down too firmly as you want some air pockets for the bread to expand into during baking. The random arrangement creates the perfect pull apart texture.
- Create the caramel sauce:
- Whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until well combined. The mixture should be smooth with no sugar lumps. Pour this mixture evenly over the dough pieces, allowing it to seep down between the layers. This will create pockets of gooey caramel throughout the finished bread.
- Bake to perfection:
- Bake in your preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and ensure the center is fully cooked by inserting a toothpick. The bread should puff up significantly and any visible dough should no longer look raw.
- Cool slightly:
- Let the monkey bread cool in the pan for exactly 10 minutes. This cooling period allows the caramel to set slightly while still remaining fluid enough for a clean release. If you try to unmold too soon, the caramel will be too runny, but wait too long and it might stick.
- Prepare and add glaze:
- Mix the reserved icing packets with softened cream cheese and milk until smooth and pourable. Drizzle this glaze over the still warm monkey bread, allowing it to cascade down the sides and into the crevices for maximum flavor in every bite.
Pin The bundt pan shape is not just for looks. The center tube helps the dense dough cook evenly throughout, preventing any undercooked areas in the middle. I particularly love using canned cinnamon rolls because they already have the cinnamon swirl built in, creating beautiful spirals in each piece when pulled apart.
Storage and Reheating
This monkey bread stays fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days when covered tightly. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. The texture is best when eaten fresh, but you can easily revive leftover portions by microwaving individual servings for 15-20 seconds.
Make-Ahead Options
You can prepare this recipe up to the baking step the night before. After arranging the coated dough pieces and pouring the butter mixture, cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, remove from the refrigerator while the oven preheats, then add about 5 minutes to the baking time to account for the chilled dough.
Flavor Variations
Transform this basic recipe with simple additions that create entirely new flavor profiles. For a maple pecan version, add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup to the butter mixture and sprinkle 1/2 cup chopped pecans between layers of dough. For an orange cranberry twist, add orange zest to the cinnamon sugar coating and fold dried cranberries between the dough pieces.
Serving Suggestions
While delicious on its own, this monkey bread becomes an impressive brunch centerpiece when served alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and coffee. For dessert, try serving warm pieces with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm, cinnamon-spiced bread with cold, creamy ice cream creates a memorable dessert experience.
Pin I like to place the bundt in the center of the table and let everyone pull off their own pieces for an interactive dining experience.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I prevent the bread from sticking to the bundt pan?
Generously grease the pan with butter or nonstick spray, making sure to cover all the crevices. Let it cool slightly before inverting to release easily.
- → Can I add nuts for extra texture?
Yes, layer chopped pecans or walnuts between dough pieces before adding the butter mixture for a delightful crunch.
- → What's the secret to a gooey center?
Ensure all dough pieces are coated in cinnamon sugar and evenly covered by the butter-brown sugar mix before baking. Don’t overbake.
- → Is there an alternative to cream cheese glaze?
Swap out for a simple vanilla icing using powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for a different but delicious finish.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can assemble the dough and refrigerate overnight. Bake and glaze just before serving.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Cover and keep at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Warm before serving to refresh texture.