Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

If you love the gooey, sweet, and comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls but want an easy, shareable twist, then Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is your new best friend. This delightful treat combines soft biscuit dough coated in cinnamon sugar, baked to perfection with a buttery, caramelized topping that pulls apart irresistibly. It’s a fantastic recipe for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert, guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfied sighs from anyone lucky enough to dig in.

Why Cooks Rave About It

Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread has quickly become a fan favorite because it’s simple to make and delivers big on flavor. Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls that require rolling and frosting, this recipe uses two cans of refrigerated biscuit dough, making it incredibly convenient without sacrificing that classic cinnamon-sugar goodness. The combination of cinnamon, brown sugar, and melted butter creates a caramelized exterior that’s perfectly sticky and sweet.

Moreover, the option to add chopped walnuts and raisins means you can customize it to your taste or keep it plain and classic. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s fun to share—because who doesn’t love pulling apart warm, soft pieces of bread dripping with buttery cinnamon glaze? Whether it’s for a holiday morning, weekend brunch, or a cozy snack, this Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is a guaranteed winner.

What You’ll Need

• 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (10-count each)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Essential Tools for Success

• Bundt pan: Perfect for baking monkey bread evenly and creating that classic shape.
• Mixing bowls: For coating biscuit dough pieces and mixing sugar and cinnamon.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements make all the difference in baking.
• Pastry brush: Optional but helpful for brushing melted butter evenly.
• Oven mitts: Safety first when handling the hot pan!

Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Cooking Guide

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your bundt pan generously with butter or nonstick spray to ensure the monkey bread doesn’t stick.

Step 2: Cut and Coat the Biscuit Dough

Open the refrigerated biscuit dough cans and separate each biscuit. Cut each biscuit into quarters to create bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Toss the biscuit pieces in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated.

Step 3: Layer the Dough Pieces

Start layering the coated dough pieces into the greased bundt pan. If you’re using walnuts or raisins, sprinkle some between layers for added texture and flavor.

Step 4: Prepare the Caramel Sauce

In a separate bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered biscuit pieces in the bundt pan. This will melt and caramelize during baking, creating the signature sticky coating.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake the monkey bread in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. The top should be bubbly and caramelized.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the monkey bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. This helps it hold its shape while making it easier to pull apart. Serve warm with coffee or your favorite tea for a cozy treat.

Allergy-Friendly Swaps

• Butter: Use plant-based margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
• Biscuit dough: Substitute with a gluten-free biscuit dough if you have gluten sensitivities.
• Walnuts: Replace with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds if you have a nut allergy.
• Raisins: Omit or swap for dried cranberries or chopped dates for a different fruity twist.

Troubles You Can Avoid

• Sticky pan mess: Make sure to grease your bundt pan well to prevent sticking.
• Undercooked dough: Cut biscuit pieces evenly and avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even baking.
• Burnt sugar: Keep an eye on baking time; brown sugar can burn if left too long.
• Dry monkey bread: Don’t skip the melted butter and brown sugar mixture—it’s essential for moist, flavorful bites.

Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide

Once cooled, store any leftover Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual pieces in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or place the entire loaf in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying. This will refresh the gooey, soft texture just like when freshly baked.

Troubleshooting Q&A

Why is my Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread dry?

If your monkey bread is dry, it might be due to under-melting the butter or not using enough brown sugar in the caramel sauce. Ensuring the biscuit pieces are evenly coated and the buttery sugar mixture is poured generously will help keep the bread moist and flavorful.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread the night before. Cover the bundt pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake it fresh for the best gooey, warm experience.

What can I use instead of the biscuit dough?

If you don’t want to use canned biscuit dough, you can make your own quick yeast dough or use store-bought cinnamon roll dough. Both options work well and still deliver that soft, pull-apart texture.

How do I prevent the monkey bread from sticking to the pan?

Thoroughly greasing your bundt pan is key. Use plenty of butter or a nonstick spray designed for baking. You can also dust the pan lightly with flour after greasing to create an extra barrier.

Because You Liked This

• Try the Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread for another sweet and fruity twist on cinnamon flavors.
• If you love cinnamon and apples, don’t miss the Cinnamon Apple Bread—perfect for cozy mornings.

Ready, Set, Cook

Get your ingredients ready, preheat your oven, and prepare for a cinnamon-scented kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of warm, sticky, sweet bread. This Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread recipe is an easy, delicious way to brighten any breakfast or brunch table. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday gathering or a casual weekend treat, it’s a total crowd-pleaser that’s simple enough for any baker to master. Grab your bundt pan, and let’s get baking!

With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep, you’ll have a mouthwatering, pull-apart bread that everyone will love. Don’t forget to experiment with nuts or raisins if you want to add a little extra texture and flavor. Enjoy every gooey bite!

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