Save Experience the ultimate comfort food with Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread, a warm, pull-apart treat crafted from soft cinnamon rolls baked into a gooey, caramelized delight. Perfect for cozy weekends, this dessert invites you to share sweet moments with family as each sticky, golden piece pulls apart effortlessly, releasing the rich aroma of cinnamon and caramel.
Save This recipe combines the nostalgic flavors of cinnamon rolls with the fun of monkey bread, turning simple dough pieces into a beautiful, shareable centerpiece. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or warmed up later, it delights with its balance of soft dough, cinnamon sugar, and buttery caramel.
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 orange zest to the sugar mixture brightens the flavor and adds a fresh citrus twist. If you want to switch up textures, substitute chopped apples for the nuts for a sweeter, fruitier variation.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Consider customizing your Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread by swapping optional nuts with raisins or adding both for extra texture. This recipe is naturally vegetarian and pairs well with various toppings, so adjust sweetness and nuts to fit your preference.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this warm monkey bread alongside a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a truly cozy experience. Its soft, gooey nature makes it perfect for brunch or as a comforting dessert to share with loved ones.
Save With simple steps and a few thoughtful touches, this Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread comes together as a show-stopping dish filled with sweet cinnamon goodness. Whether you keep it classic or try add-ins, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite weekend ritual.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use homemade dough instead of canned cinnamon rolls?
Yes, homemade cinnamon roll dough can be used. Ensure the dough is evenly cut and coated for similar caramelization and texture.
- → What nuts work best for this treat?
Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch and complement the sweet caramel and cinnamon flavors perfectly.
- → How do I prevent the top from over-browning?
If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover the bundt pan with foil during baking to maintain golden color without burning.
- → Can I add fruit to the mixture?
Yes, substituting nuts with chopped apples or raisins adds a fruity twist and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- → Is it necessary to use the icing provided with the dough?
Using the reserved icing adds extra sweetness and moisture when drizzled warm over the finished pull-apart, but it's optional based on preference.
- → What baking tools are required?
A 12-cup bundt pan is essential for shaping, along with mixing bowls, measuring utensils, and a zip-top bag for coating dough pieces.