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Monkey bread is one of the easiest sweet breads to make…and this cinnamon roll monkey bread is even quicker with store bought cinnamon rolls. Easy for breakfast or dessert!

We have a summer monkey bread, coffee monkey bread, and a Christmas monkey bread…but we had yet to share our famous traditional monkey bread made with cinnamon rolls. Today is that special day!

A close up of a person holding a piece of bread

Why is monkey bread called monkey bread?

Although the history of monkey bread dates back to the 1800’s (source), we have come to call this bread “monkey bread” because you pick it apart and eat it with your hands. Just like monkeys!

What to bake cinnamon roll monkey bread in?

Monkey bread is traditionally baked in a bundt cake pan. If you don’t have a bundt cake pan you can simply use a 9×13 baking pan. It may not take as long to bake, so watch it closely.

Can monkey bread be made in advance?

This recipe is best when made right before baking. The store bought cinnamon roll pieces may become flat and not bake up well if you put this together the night before. To shorten prep time in the morning, have sugar mixed together and other ingredients measured and ready to go for a quick breakfast.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

Preheat the oven to 350º Fahrenheit. Spray a bundt cake pan with cooking spray.
Open the cinnamon roll cans and set the icing aside. You’ll use this frosting to drizzle over the monkey bread once it is done.
Cut each cinnamon roll into 4 pieces.
Place ½ cup brown sugar and the teaspoon of cinnamon in a zippered bag. Toss the cinnamon roll pieces in the bag with the sugar.
Shake and turn the bag to coat all of the pieces.
Place the coated pieces of rolls in the prepared bundt cake pan.
Mix the melted butter and sugar together in a small bowl.
Pour this evenly over the cinnamon rolls.
Bake for about 35 minutes or until the top is lightly browned and puffy.
IMMEDIATELY turn out the monkey bread onto a serving plate. If you let it sit in the pan it will stick.
Drizzle the monkey bread with the reserved frosting.

How do you know if monkey bread is done?

The top of monkey bread will be lightly browned and puffy. If you tap the top of it, it should sound hollow.

Does monkey bread have to be refrigerated?

This monkey bread is ok to store at room temperature. Be sure it is covered well and sealed so it doesn’t dry out.

Can you reheat cinnamon roll monkey bread?

We normally just reheat monkey bread on a plate in the microwave. That is the quick & easy way. If for some reason you have a lot of leftovers, you can preheat an oven to 250º Fahrenheit. Grease a pan that is large enough to hold the monkey bread leftovers. Place the bread in the pan and reheat for about 5 minutes to start. Add a few more minutes if needed until the bread is as warm as you’d like it.

Other Cinnamon Roll Recipes

Tools To Make Monkey Bread

Bundt Cake Pan: This is a classic, must-have kitchen tool.
Bundt Cake Carrier: Store your bread in this carrier to keep it fresh and easy to transport!
Cake Plate: I have this cake plate and everyone loves it! It comes with the cute server too.