Monkey bread with cinnamon rolls

If you’re looking for a quick and irresistible treat that makes your kitchen smell heavenly, Monkey Bread with Cinnamon Rolls is your go-to recipe.

This semi-homemade version takes all the gooey, buttery sweetness of traditional monkey bread and makes it easier by using canned cinnamon rolls.

It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert — and it comes together in under an hour.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a lifesaver when you want something indulgent without the hassle of making dough from scratch.

The cinnamon rolls add a soft, fluffy texture and rich cinnamon flavor, while the brown sugar-butter glaze bakes into a sticky caramel coating.

Every pull-apart bite is perfectly sweet, warm, and satisfying.

Ingredients

  • 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (8-count each)

  • ½ cup granulated sugar

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

  • ½ cup packed brown sugar

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

  • Non-stick cooking spray

Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan generously with non-stick spray.

Prepare the Dough
Open the cans of cinnamon rolls and set the icing packets aside. Cut each roll into quarters.

Coat the Dough
In a large zip-top bag, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. Add the cinnamon roll pieces and shake until they’re evenly coated.

Layer in the Pan
Place half of the coated dough pieces into the prepared bundt pan. Sprinkle with half of the nuts, if using.

Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Pour half of the mixture over the dough in the pan.

Repeat the Layers
Add the remaining dough pieces and top with the rest of the brown sugar-butter glaze.

Bake
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. If the top starts browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

Cool and Serve
Let the monkey bread rest for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. Warm the reserved icing packets and drizzle over the top. Serve while warm and gooey.

Serving Ideas

This recipe pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa.

It’s great for holiday mornings, brunch with friends, or as a fun weekend family treat.

If you’re hosting guests, serve it on a platter so everyone can pull apart their favorite pieces.

monkey bread with cinnamon rolls

Monkey Bread with Cinnamon Rolls is a quick and irresistible pull-apart treat made from refrigerated cinnamon rolls coated in cinnamon sugar and baked with a buttery brown sugar glaze. It’s soft, gooey, and full of sweet cinnamon flavor—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Drizzle the warm bread with icing for an extra indulgent touch. Ready in under an hour, it’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that tastes homemade with minimal effort.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls 8-count each
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • Non-stick cooking spray

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan with non-stick spray.
  2. Open the cinnamon roll cans and set the icing packets aside. Cut each roll into quarters.
  3. Combine sugar and cinnamon in a zip-top bag. Add dough pieces and shake to coat.
  4. Place half of the coated dough into the bundt pan and sprinkle with half of the nuts (optional).
  5. Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla in a bowl. Pour half of this mixture over the dough.
  6. Add remaining dough and pour the rest of the butter mixture on top.
  7. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
  8. Cool for 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate. Drizzle with warmed icing and enjoy while warm!

Notes

  • Use a bundt pan for best results and even baking.
  • Add extras like chopped apples, raisins, or chocolate chips for variety.
  • Reheat leftovers in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to make them gooey again.

Storage

Store leftovers (if there are any!) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to bring back the gooey goodness.


Monkey Bread with Cinnamon Rolls is proof that easy recipes can still feel special.

With minimal effort, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing, pull-apart masterpiece that’s dripping with cinnamon-sugar sweetness.

Whether it’s breakfast or dessert, this treat is guaranteed to disappear fast!

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