If you’re craving something sweet, gooey, and downright irresistible, look no further than Monkey Bread Cinnamon Rolls. This easy-to-make treat combines the warm, spiced goodness of cinnamon rolls with the fun, pull-apart charm of monkey bread. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch, need a delicious dessert for a gathering, or simply want to indulge in a cozy, home-baked snack, this recipe has you covered.
In this guide, we’ll show you step-by-step how to make monkey bread from canned cinnamon rolls, and give you tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe takes the ease of canned cinnamon roll monkey bread and transforms it into a delightful, shareable dish. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Minimal prep time: Using Pillsbury cinnamon rolls cuts down on time and effort, making this perfect for a quick bake.
- Rich flavors: The combination of cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar creates a deeply satisfying flavor profile.
- Customizable: You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even drizzle caramel for an extra indulgent twist.
Ingredients for Monkey Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Before diving into the steps, let’s make sure you have everything you need to create this delicious treat.
- 1 can of Pillsbury Grand Cinnamon Rolls (or your preferred brand)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional toppings: chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or caramel sauce
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Monkey Bread Cinnamon Rolls
1. Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (or setting up your grill for indirect heat if you’re grilling). Take your can of Pillsbury cinnamon rolls and carefully remove them from the packaging.
Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters, creating bite-sized pieces. Roll each quarter into small balls, ensuring they are evenly sized. This will help them bake evenly and create that classic pull-apart texture.
2. Layer the Dough in a Bundt Pan
Grab your bundt cake pan and lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Arrange the cinnamon roll balls in the pan, distributing them evenly. Don’t worry if it only fills the pan halfway — the dough will rise beautifully as it bakes.
3. Make the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Sauce
Now, it’s time to make the luscious sauce that will soak into the cinnamon roll balls as they bake. In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
Pour about half of this mixture over the dough balls, ensuring they are well-coated but not completely submerged.
4. Bake the Monkey Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Place the bundt pan in your oven (or grill if you’re cooking outdoors) and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the kitchen is filled with the irresistible scent of cinnamon.
5. Prepare the Icing Dipping Sauce
While the monkey bread is baking, it’s time to prepare the dipping sauce. Use the icing that came with the cinnamon rolls and mix it with the remaining brown sugar cinnamon sauce. This creates a rich, sweet dip that perfectly complements the baked monkey bread pieces.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Once the monkey bread made with cinnamon rolls is out of the oven, let it cool slightly before attempting to flip it out of the pan. If you want to avoid any accidents (like dropping your plate), you can leave it in the bundt pan and simply pull apart the pieces for serving.
Serve the cinnamon bun pull-apart bread warm with the dipping sauce on the side. Trust us, this will be a hit at any event, or just as a special treat for yourself!
Tips for Perfect Monkey Bread Cinnamon Rolls
- Use a bundt pan for even baking. The circular shape allows heat to distribute evenly, ensuring your monkey bread bakes perfectly.
- Grease your pan thoroughly to prevent the dough from sticking. You want those gooey pieces to come out easily!
- Customize your monkey bread: Want to take it up a notch? Add chopped pecans or walnuts between the layers for extra crunch. Drizzle with caramel sauce after baking for an added layer of indulgence.
FAQs About Monkey Bread Cinnamon Rolls
1. Can I use a different brand of cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely! While we recommend Pillsbury cinnamon rolls, you can use any canned cinnamon rolls available at your local store. Just be sure they have the same quantity and size for optimal results.
2. Can I make monkey bread cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the dough the night before and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, take it out, let it come to room temperature, and follow the baking instructions. This makes it a great option for busy mornings or last-minute events.
3. Can I add other ingredients to the monkey bread?
Definitely! Monkey bread is a versatile treat. Add raisins, dried cranberries, or even chocolate chips to make it your own. You can also play around with different spices like nutmeg or allspice.
4. How do I store leftover monkey bread?
Leftover monkey bread using cinnamon rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, store it in the fridge and reheat it in the oven before serving.
5. Can I use this recipe on the grill?
Yes! You can cook this cinnamon roll monkey bread on a grill by setting it to 350°F and using indirect heat. This method adds a slight smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and sugar.
Conclusion
This Monkey Bread Cinnamon Rolls recipe is the perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, the pull-apart nature of this dessert makes it a fun and delicious experience. With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a recipe that everyone can enjoy and make their own. Try it today and see how quickly it becomes a household favorite!
Let us know how it turns out, and don’t forget to experiment with your own twists!
Monkey Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 can of Pillsbury Grand Cinnamon Rolls or any canned cinnamon rolls
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Icing from the cinnamon rolls package for the dipping sauce
- Optional toppings: chopped nuts chocolate chips, or caramel sauce
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (or prepare your grill for indirect heat if grilling).
Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls
- Open the can of Pillsbury cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into quarters.
- Roll each quarter into small balls, ensuring even size for uniform baking.
Layer the Dough
- Grease a bundt pan lightly.
- Place the cinnamon roll dough balls evenly in the bundt pan.
Prepare the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Sauce
- In a bowl, mix together ½ cup heavy cream, ½ cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Pour half of this mixture over the dough balls in the bundt pan.
Bake
- Place the bundt pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. If using a grill, bake using indirect heat at 350°F.
Prepare the Dipping Sauce
- While the monkey bread is baking, mix the icing from the cinnamon rolls package with the remaining brown sugar cinnamon sauce. This will be your dipping sauce.
Cool and Serve
- Once baked, let the monkey bread cool for a few minutes. You can flip it out of the bundt pan or serve directly from the pan.
- Serve warm with the prepared dipping sauce on the side for extra sweetness.
