Can I assemble monkey bread ahead of time?

You can prep the dough pieces in the pan the night before and cover tightly with plastic wrap. In the morning, mix and pour the brown sugar and butter, then bake fresh—so you get maximum gooeyness!

Can I use a different type of pan?

Absolutely. While a bundt pan gives that classic look, any cake or loaf pan works. Just keep an eye on baking time—thinner pans may cook faster.

What if I don’t have Grands Cinnamon Rolls?

Most canned cinnamon roll brands work; just make sure you have about the same dough weight. Even biscuit dough + extra cinnamon-sugar can work in a pinch.

Is monkey bread safe to eat if slightly underbaked in the middle?

For food safety and the best texture, the center should be just cooked through—not doughy. If unsure, you can cover the top with foil and bake a few extra minutes.

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 (with icing, optional for topping); 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed; 1 cup butter, melted

Sticky, sweet, and loaded with that nostalgic cinnamon aroma, this Easy Monkey Bread recipe is the ultimate treat for those who crave something cozy and indulgent, but have zero patience for complicated baking projects. Using premade cinnamon rolls, a buttery brown sugar sauce, and a clever shortcut or two, it delivers irresistible pull-apart pieces in under an hour—making it absolutely perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend mornings alike. There’s no kneading, no waiting for dough to rise, and definitely no fussy steps. Every bite is melty and caramelized, with a delightfully gooey center. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will disappear faster than you can say “second helping.”

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Shockingly Quick and Fuss-Free: There’s nothing easier than starting with store-bought cinnamon rolls. Truly, if you can open a can, you can master this recipe.
Delightfully Decadent: Each piece is soft, pillowy, and soaks up that glorious brown sugar-butter mixture to create the ultimate gooey, sticky bite.
Perfect for Sharing: Monkey bread is made for gathering around, with everyone pulling apart pieces—no knives or forks required.
Versatile Treat: Good for breakfast feasts, brunch buffets, holiday mornings, or a sweet snack whenever the mood strikes.of time and freeze them for a quick and easy meal later on.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down the handful of ingredients that make this monkey bread so magical. No need for yeast or hunting down specialty items—you probably already have these in your kitchen!

Sugar: Acts as the sweet base for coating the dough, adding a delicate crunch to each piece.
Cinnamon: Essential for that soul-warming flavor. It brings aroma and a classic spiced kick.
Grands Cinnamon Rolls: The star shortcut! These make everything simpler, creating a doughy, cinnamon-laced foundation with minimal effort.
Brown Sugar: Mixed with butter, it forms that sticky, caramel-like sauce monkey bread is famous for.
Butter (Melted): Fat equals flavor here, helping dissolve the sugar into a rich, pourable syrup that bubbles into all the nooks and crannies.
Optional Icing: The included cinnamon roll icing can be drizzled over the warm bread for an extra-sweet finishing touch. Totally optional—delicious either way!

Tip: For best results, always use real butter (not margarine) and firmly pack your brown sugar for that signature sticky finish.

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

Monkey bread is the ultimate “choose your own adventure” treat. Here are a few fun twists to try:

Add Nuts: Toss in chopped pecans or walnuts between the dough layers for a lovely crunch.
Mix in Fruit: Scatter in a few raisins, dried cranberries, or diced apples for a fruity burst.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon-sugar mix.
Chocolate Twist: Tuck a few chocolate chips in between the dough pieces for double decadence.
Savory Switch: Believe it or not, monkey bread works with pizza dough, cheese, and pepperoni for a savory pull-apart version!

How to Make Easy Monkey Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F and give your cake or fluted bundt pan a generous coating of nonstick spray or butter. Trust me, you want every gooey piece to come out easily!

Step 2: Make Cinnamon Sugar

Combine sugar and cinnamon in a big zip-top bag. This will evenly coat each bite and makes cleanup easy.

Step 3: Prep the Dough

Pop open your cans of cinnamon rolls and separate them. Cut each roll into quarters (scissors or a sharp knife work well) so you get lots of small pieces—this helps ensure every bite is perfectly coated.

Step 4: Shake to Coat

Toss the dough pieces into your cinnamon-sugar bag, seal it, and give it a good shake. This is the fun part (and great for getting kids involved).

Step 5: Assemble in the Pan

Take those cinnamon-sugar-dusted dough chunks and arrange them loosely in your prepared pan. Don’t worry about it looking perfect—it all comes together in the oven.

Step 6: Make the Caramel Pour

In a bowl, mix melted butter and brown sugar until combined. Pour this luscious mixture all over the dough pieces, letting it settle into every gap.

Step 7: Bake

Slide the pan into the oven for 28–32 minutes. It’s done when the bread is golden brown on top and no longer doughy in the middle. Your kitchen should smell absolutely incredible by now.

Step 8: Cool and Flip

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to let everything set up just enough. Then, carefully invert it onto a large plate. The sticky caramel will drizzle over in beautiful, glossy ribbons.

Step 9: Optional Icing

If you love extra gooeyness, drizzle the provided cinnamon roll icing on top while warm.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Pull apart and devour while still warm and melty. No one will want to wait!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Check Early for Doneness: Ovens vary—peek at the bread after 28 minutes. If the center’s still gooey, give it a couple more minutes.
Be Generous with Greasing: A well-greased pan means your monkey bread will pop out beautifully, so don’t skimp.
Cool, but Not Too Much: Letting it rest 10 minutes helps set the sticky sauce, but unmold while still warm to avoid the caramel becoming too firm.
Double Up for a Crowd: This recipe disappears fast. Use two pans for bigger groups!

How to Serve

Monkey bread is best served warm and fresh from the oven, so everyone gets a taste of that melty, caramelized gooeyness.

Breakfast or Brunch: Pair with fresh fruit and coffee for a stunning spread.
Dessert: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream for true decadence.
Buffet Style: Break into bite-sized pieces so guests can help themselves—no utensils needed.
Holiday Mornings: This is a show-stopper for Christmas, Easter, or birthdays.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Monkey bread keeps surprisingly well! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The texture will be softer after the first day, but still tastes amazing.

Freezing

Cool completely and wrap tightly in plastic and foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp or gently reheat straight from frozen.

Reheating

To restore that fresh-baked magic, warm leftovers in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds per serving, or pop the whole dish (covered) in a 300°F oven until just heated through.

FAQs

Can I assemble monkey bread ahead of time?

You can prep the dough pieces in the pan the night before and cover tightly with plastic wrap. In the morning, mix and pour the brown sugar and butter, then bake fresh—so you get maximum gooeyness!
Can I use a different type of pan?

Absolutely. While a bundt pan gives that classic look, any cake or loaf pan works. Just keep an eye on baking time—thinner pans may cook faster.
What if I don’t have Grands Cinnamon Rolls?

Most canned cinnamon roll brands work; just make sure you have about the same dough weight. Even biscuit dough + extra cinnamon-sugar can work in a pinch.
Is monkey bread safe to eat if slightly underbaked in the middle?

For food safety and the best texture, the center should be just cooked through—not doughy. If unsure, you can cover the top with foil and bake a few extra minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Monkey Bread is one of those recipes everyone should keep in their back pocket. With minimal effort, a divine aroma, and unbeatable flavor, it never fails to impress a crowd or make any morning feel special. Go ahead and treat yourself—and your friends or family—to something extra delicious. Give it a try and see just how simple homemade magic can be!