Easy Monkey Bread Recipe Using Cinnamon Rolls

Monkey bread made with cinnamon rolls is a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert that requires just 3 ingredients from canned cinnamon roll dough and bakes in 35-40 minutes. This shortcut recipe transforms store-bought cinnamon rolls into a pull-apart treat with gooey centers and crispy edges, perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings.

Creating monkey bread with cinnamon rolls is one of the easiest baking shortcuts you'll ever try. This beloved recipe uses pre-made cinnamon roll dough to deliver that signature sticky-sweet pull-apart texture without the hassle of yeast dough preparation. Whether you're hosting a holiday brunch or need a last-minute dessert, this method produces impressive results with minimal effort.

Why This Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Works

The magic happens because canned cinnamon rolls already contain the perfect ratio of dough, cinnamon, and sugar. When cut into chunks and layered with additional butter and brown sugar, they transform into individual morsels that bake into a cohesive yet separable delight. The key to success lies in proper layering technique and baking temperature control. Specifically, the high fructose content in commercial cinnamon roll filling accelerates caramelization during baking, while the layered structure creates steam pockets that facilitate the signature pull-apart separation—a process validated by food science principles of heat transfer and moisture distribution.

Historical Context & Evolution

Monkey bread's journey from Eastern European pastry to American brunch staple reveals how ingredient innovations transformed preparation complexity. Traditional Hungarian "arany galuska" required 3+ hours of yeast dough preparation, while modern adaptations leverage commercial products to maintain authenticity with practicality. This canned-dough method represents the latest evolution in making the treat accessible for contemporary home bakers.

Era	Preparation Method	Active Time	Key Innovation
Pre-1950s	Hand-kneaded yeast dough with homemade caramel	180+ minutes	Traditional Eastern European technique
1950s-1980s	Cake mix-based dough with packaged spices	45 minutes	Boxed mix convenience
1990s-Present	Pre-portioned cinnamon roll dough	15 minutes	Commercial flavor consistency

Source: Smithsonian Magazine: The Surprising History of Monkey Bread

Essential Ingredients

You'll need just three basic components for classic monkey bread made with cinnamon rolls:

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Canned cinnamon roll dough	2 cans (8-count)	Pillsbury Grands! works best for larger pieces
Unsalted butter	½ cup (1 stick)	Melted for coating the dough pieces
Brown sugar	1 cup packed	Light or dark both work; add 1 tsp cinnamon for extra flavor

Step-by-Step Preparation

Follow these simple steps for perfect cinnamon roll monkey bread every time:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 10-inch bundt pan
2. Separate cinnamon rolls into individual pieces and cut each into quarters
3. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon (if using)
4. Dip each dough piece into the butter-sugar mixture, ensuring full coverage
5. Layer coated pieces randomly in the bundt pan, filling to the top
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and bubbling
7. Cool 5-7 minutes in pan, then invert onto serving plate

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Professional bakers recommend these techniques for the best monkey bread made with cinnamon rolls:

• Don't overcrowd the pan - Leave about ½ inch space at the top for rising
• Use room temperature dough - Cold dough won't coat evenly with the sugar mixture
• Add nutty crunch - Sprinkle ½ cup chopped pecans between layers for texture contrast
• Prevent sticking - Double-grease the bundt pan with butter and non-stick spray
• Timing is crucial - Remove from oven when center tests done but before edges burn

Contextual Application Guidelines

Understanding where this recipe excels—and where alternatives may be preferable—ensures optimal results. Per King Arthur Baking's culinary research, this method performs best under specific conditions while requiring adjustments for others:

• Ideal for: Casual brunches, time-constrained preparations (under 1 hour), and standard humidity environments (40-60% RH). The pre-measured filling guarantees flavor consistency that's difficult to replicate with scratch methods.
• Requires modification for:
  • High-altitude baking (above 3,500 ft): Reduce baking time by 5 minutes to prevent over-browning
  • Extreme humidity (above 70% RH): Chill coated dough pieces for 10 minutes before layering
  • Dietary restrictions: Not suitable for gluten-free or dairy-free needs (canned dough contains both)

King Arthur's testing confirms that room temperature (68-72°F) and standard bundt pans yield optimal pull-apart texture. For formal events requiring artisanal presentation, traditional yeast-based methods remain preferable. Source: King Arthur Baking - Canned Cinnamon Rolls: Science & Application

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you've mastered the basic recipe for monkey bread using canned cinnamon rolls, experiment with these creative twists:

• Cheesecake swirl - Mix 4 oz softened cream cheese with 2 tbsp sugar for a marbled effect
• Maple pecan - Replace brown sugar with maple sugar and add toasted pecans
• Apple cinnamon - Layer with thinly sliced apples between dough pieces
• Chocolate drizzle - Add mini chocolate chips to the sugar mixture
• Savory option - Omit sugar and cinnamon; use garlic butter and shredded cheese

Serving and Storage Guidelines

For optimal enjoyment of your cinnamon roll pull apart bread:

• Best served warm within 2 hours of baking
• Pair with coffee, tea, or cold milk for balanced sweetness
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
• Reheat individual portions in microwave for 15-20 seconds
• Freeze whole unbaked loaf for up to 3 months (thaw before baking)

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with this easy monkey bread recipe using cinnamon rolls, you might encounter these problems:

• Sticking to pan - Always double-grease and cool just 5 minutes before inverting
• Soggy center - Bake 5 minutes longer; ensure oven is properly preheated
• Dry texture - Don't overbake; check at 35 minutes for 8-count roll versions
• Uneven browning - Rotate pan halfway through baking time
• Too sweet - Reduce brown sugar to ¾ cup or use half granulated sugar

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does monkey bread made with cinnamon rolls take to prepare?

The entire process takes about 15 minutes of active preparation plus 35-40 minutes of baking time. Unlike traditional yeast-based monkey bread recipes, this version requires no rising time since you're using pre-made cinnamon roll dough.

Can I use any brand of cinnamon rolls for this monkey bread recipe?

Yes, most major brands work well including Pillsbury, Great Value, and store brands. For best results with monkey bread made with cinnamon rolls, choose the larger "Grands!" size rolls as they create more substantial pieces. Avoid the mini cinnamon roll varieties as they'll become too small when cut into quarters.

Why is my cinnamon roll monkey bread soggy in the center?

Sogginess typically occurs when the bread isn't baked long enough or the oven temperature is too low. For perfect monkey bread made with cinnamon rolls, ensure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F and bake for the full 35-40 minutes. The center should be golden brown and pull away slightly from the sides when done. Using a convection setting can help with more even baking.

Can I make monkey bread with cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the unbaked monkey bread up to 24 hours in advance. After layering the coated dough pieces in the greased bundt pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes while the oven preheats, then bake as directed (may need 3-5 extra minutes).

How does altitude affect this recipe?

At elevations above 3,500 feet, reduce baking time by 5 minutes to prevent over-browning while maintaining pull-apart texture. This adjustment compensates for lower atmospheric pressure that accelerates moisture evaporation, as documented in USDA high-altitude baking guidelines.