Can I make this recipe the night before and bake in the morning?

You can prepare everything up to the baking stage, but I recommend keeping the butter-sugar mixture separate overnight. In the morning, warm the butter mixture slightly before pouring over the dough pieces and then bake. This prevents the sugar mixture from hardening or the dough from becoming soggy overnight.

Why is my monkey bread doughy in the middle?

This usually happens when the bundt pan is overfilled or the oven temperature isn't accurate. Make sure to cut the rolls into smaller pieces, don't crowd them too tightly, and consider using an oven thermometer to verify your temperature. If the top is browning too quickly but the center isn't done, cover loosely with foil and continue baking.

Can I use homemade dough instead of canned cinnamon rolls?

Absolutely! While canned rolls are the quick version, you can use your favorite sweet dough recipe. Prepare the dough through the first rise, then cut into small balls, and continue with the coating and assembly steps. You'll likely need to adjust baking time, so keep an eye on it.

How do I know when monkey bread is done baking?

Perfect monkey bread should be golden brown on top and feel firm when gently pressed. The most reliable test is inserting a thin knife or skewer into the thickest part - it should come out clean with no raw dough attached. If you see any doughiness, continue baking in 5-minute increments.

Easy Monkey Bread Recipe

Name: Easy Monkey Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 2 cans Grands Cinnamon Rolls; 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed; 1 cup butter, melted

This mouthwatering Easy Monkey Bread is the ultimate pull-apart treat that combines warm cinnamon, gooey caramel, and soft, pillowy bread in every bite. Using convenient store-bought cinnamon rolls, this impressive dessert comes together in just 40 minutes and will fill your home with an irresistible aroma that’ll have everyone gathering in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Shortcut Genius: Using canned cinnamon rolls transforms what’s traditionally a time-consuming recipe into something you can whip up on a weeknight or lazy weekend morning.
Crowd-Pleaser: There’s something magical about pulling apart warm, sticky pieces of cinnamon-sugar coated bread that brings everyone together – kids and adults alike can’t resist it!
Foolproof: Even if you’re not a confident baker, this recipe is nearly impossible to mess up. The straightforward steps make it perfect for beginning bakers or cooking with kids.
Versatile: Works beautifully as a special breakfast, afternoon snack, or dessert – add it to your brunch spread or serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream after dinner!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Grands Cinnamon Rolls: The brilliant shortcut that makes this recipe so easy – they’re already perfectly spiced and sized for creating those pull-apart sections. The dough is tender and rises beautifully during baking.
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar creates that classic sweet coating that becomes slightly crunchy on the outside of each piece.
Cinnamon: Adds that warm, comforting spice that defines monkey bread. Using it in the coating ensures every bite has that perfect cinnamon kick.
Brown Sugar: Creates that incredible caramel-like sauce that drips down through all the bread pieces during baking. The molasses content gives depth to the sweetness.
Butter: When melted and combined with brown sugar, it transforms into that signature sticky, gooey coating that makes monkey bread so addictive. Don’t skimp here – real butter makes a difference!
Icing: The packets included with the cinnamon rolls provide the perfect finishing touch – drizzle as much or as little as you like for extra sweetness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Add-In Options

Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts between layers for delightful crunch and nuttiness
Fruit: Tuck small apple chunks or fresh blueberries between pieces for fruity burst
Chocolate: Add mini chocolate chips throughout for chocolate-lovers
Pumpkin Spice: Swap regular cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice in fall months

Flavor Twists

Orange Glaze: Mix orange zest and juice into the icing for a citrus kick
Cardamom-Vanilla: Add a pinch of cardamom and vanilla extract to the sugar coating
Maple Bacon: Drizzle with maple syrup and sprinkle with crispy bacon pieces before serving
Cream Cheese: Mix softened cream cheese with the icing for a tangy finish

How to Make Easy Monkey Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Heat your oven to 350°F and generously grease your bundt pan, making sure to get into all the crevices to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

Combine the sugar and cinnamon in a large ziplock bag and shake to mix completely – this becomes your dipping station!

Step 3: Prepare the Dough

Open the cinnamon roll cans and separate each roll. Cut each one into quarters to create bite-sized pieces perfect for pulling apart later.

Step 4: Coat the Dough Pieces

Working in batches, place the dough quarters in the ziplock bag and shake until they’re completely coated in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Step 5: Arrange in Pan

Arrange the coated pieces evenly in your prepared bundt pan, creating a random pattern that allows spaces for the caramel sauce to seep through.

Step 6: Create the Caramel Sauce

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and brown sugar until well combined. This mixture will create that irresistible gooey texture as it bakes.

Step 7: Add the Sauce and Bake

Pour the butter-brown sugar mixture evenly over all the dough pieces in the pan. Bake for 28-32 minutes until golden brown and thoroughly cooked in the center.

Step 8: Cool Slightly and Serve

Let the monkey bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes – this allows the caramel to set slightly so it doesn’t all run out when inverted. Flip onto a serving plate and top with icing if desired!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Even Cutting: Try to make your dough pieces similarly sized so they bake evenly – a kitchen scissors works great for this!
Check for Doneness: Insert a small knife into the center to ensure no raw dough remains – the middle tends to stay doughy longer than the edges.
Proper Cooling: Don’t skip the 10-minute cooling time! It’s tempting to flip immediately, but patience prevents a messy, too-liquid caramel situation.
Bundt Pan Alternative: No bundt pan? A 9×13 baking dish works in a pinch, though you’ll lose the classic ring shape.
Prevent Sticking: Use a non-stick bundt pan or apply cooking spray generously right before adding the dough – if applied too early, it can slide down the sides.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve warm pieces alongside fresh coffee or cold milk for the ultimate comfort food experience. For an extra-special dessert, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts into the warm caramel.

Presentation Ideas

Present on a cake stand with a small bowl of extra icing for dipping. For brunch, surround with fresh berries for color contrast and a hint of freshness to balance the sweetness.

Complete the Meal

For breakfast, balance with some protein like scrambled eggs or yogurt. As dessert, it follows hearty meals beautifully, especially ones with savory notes that contrast with its sweetness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store completely cooled leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days, though the texture is best in the first 48 hours.

Freezing

Freeze completely cooled monkey bread by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. It keeps well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Warm individual portions in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or reheat the entire bread (if not frozen) in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Add a bit of fresh icing after reheating for that just-baked taste.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe the night before and bake in the morning?

You can prepare everything up to the baking stage, but I recommend keeping the butter-sugar mixture separate overnight. In the morning, warm the butter mixture slightly before pouring over the dough pieces and then bake. This prevents the sugar mixture from hardening or the dough from becoming soggy overnight.
Why is my monkey bread doughy in the middle?

This usually happens when the bundt pan is overfilled or the oven temperature isn’t accurate. Make sure to cut the rolls into smaller pieces, don’t crowd them too tightly, and consider using an oven thermometer to verify your temperature. If the top is browning too quickly but the center isn’t done, cover loosely with foil and continue baking.
Can I use homemade dough instead of canned cinnamon rolls?

Absolutely! While canned rolls are the quick version, you can use your favorite sweet dough recipe. Prepare the dough through the first rise, then cut into small balls, and continue with the coating and assembly steps. You’ll likely need to adjust baking time, so keep an eye on it.
How do I know when monkey bread is done baking?

Perfect monkey bread should be golden brown on top and feel firm when gently pressed. The most reliable test is inserting a thin knife or skewer into the thickest part – it should come out clean with no raw dough attached. If you see any doughiness, continue baking in 5-minute increments.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Monkey Bread takes the intimidation factor out of making a show-stopping treat that creates instant happiness whenever it appears. The combination of warm cinnamon, sweet caramel, and pillowy bread pieces makes it impossible to eat just one serving! Whether you’re looking for a special breakfast without the fuss or a dessert that brings everyone to the table, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Give it a try this weekend – your family will be reaching for seconds before the first batch disappears!