Easy Monkey Cinnamon Bread Recipes – Quick to Homemade Versions
I fondly remember my mom making monkey bread on special occasions when we were kids. When I whip up a batch of monkey cinnamon bread, memories of Christmas mornings come flooding back. Although it’s often associated with the holidays, this delightful treat is perfect anytime.
You can’t beat warm, gooey cinnamon bread that fills the kitchen with an inviting aroma. When you add a fun twist to the mix—literally and figuratively—you create Monkey Cinnamon Bread. This pull-apart, sweet, and cinnamon-filled delight is perfect for cozy mornings, lively brunch gatherings, or simply as a special treat to share with friends and family.
What’s even better? It’s ridiculously easy to make and even more enjoyable to eat, ensuring that each bite brings back those cherished memories while creating new ones. Here are some simple variations for monkey bread that range from partially homemade to fully homemade, including homemade with yeast, yeast-free versions, and gluten-free versions.
Quick Monkey Cinnamon Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
20 frozen dinner rolls
1 cup brown sugar
¼ cup vanilla instant pudding mix
2 tsp cinnamon
¼ cup melted butter
½ cup granulated sugar
1 ½ tsp cinnamon (for coating)
2 tbsp melted butter (for coating)
Instructions:
Prepare the Pan – Grease a bundt pan generously with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Make Cinnamon Sugar Coating – Mix granulated sugar and 1 ½ tsp cinnamon in a small bowl.
Coat the Dough—Dip each frozen dinner roll in melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly. Place the coated rolls evenly in the pan.
Mix the Topping – In a bowl, combine brown sugar, vanilla pudding mix, and the remaining cinnamon. Stir to mix evenly.
Sprinkle & Pour – Sprinkle the sugar-pudding mixture over the rolls. Then, slowly pour the remaining melted butter over the top, ensuring it seeps through the layers.
Let It Rise – Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let the rolls rise until doubled in size (this can take several hours or overnight in the fridge).
Bake – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25 minutes until golden brown is cooked through.
Cool & Serve – Let the monkey bread cool for a few minutes before flipping it onto a plate. Serve warm and enjoy!
Homemade Dough for Monkey Cinnamon Bread
Ingredients:
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 egg
½ cup granulated sugar
1 ½ tsp cinnamon (for coating)
2 tbsp melted butter (for coating)
Instructions:
Activate the Yeast – Mix the warm milk, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Mix the Dough—In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
Knead the Dough – Move to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and stretchy. If using a stand mixer, knead with a dough hook for about 5 minutes.
Let It Rise – Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
Form Dough Balls – Once risen, divide the dough into small pieces and roll into balls.
Coat in Cinnamon Sugar – Dip each dough ball in melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Place them evenly in the greased bundt pan.
Proceed with the Monkey Bread Recipe: Sprinkle with the brown sugar-pudding mixture, pour the melted butter over, let rise again, and bake as directed above.
Quick No-Yeast Dough for Monkey Cinnamon Bread
Ingredients:
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 cup milk
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
½ cup granulated sugar
1 ½ tsp cinnamon (for coating)
2 tbsp melted butter (for coating)
Instructions:
Mix Dry Ingredients – Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
Add Wet Ingredients – Pour in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
Knead Lightly – Transfer the dough to a floured surface and gently knead for 1-2 minutes until smooth (don’t overwork it!).
Form Dough Balls – Divide the dough into small pieces and roll into balls.
Coat in Cinnamon Sugar – Dip each dough ball in melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Place them evenly in the greased bundt pan.
Proceed with Monkey Bread Recipe – Sprinkle with the brown sugar-pudding mixture, pour the melted butter over, and bake as directed above.
💡 This no-yeast dough won’t be as fluffy as the yeast version, but it still creates a delicious, soft, and tender pull-apart bread—perfect when you need a quicker option!
Gluten-Free Dough for Monkey Cinnamon Bread
Ingredients:
2 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum included)
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup granulated sugar
1 ½ tsp cinnamon (for coating)
2 tbsp melted butter (for coating)
Instructions:
Mix Dry Ingredients—In a large bowl, Whisk together the gluten-free flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add Wet Ingredients – Stir in the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla. Mix until a slightly sticky dough forms.
Knead Gently – Lightly flour a surface with gluten-free flour and knead the dough for 1-2 minutes (gluten-free dough is more delicate, so avoid over-kneading).
Form Dough Balls – Divide the dough into small pieces and roll into balls.
Coat in Cinnamon Sugar – Dip each dough ball in melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Place them evenly in the greased bundt pan.
Proceed with Monkey Bread Recipe – Sprinkle with the brown sugar-pudding mixture, pour the melted butter over, and bake as directed above.
💡 Tip: If your dough feels too sticky, add a tablespoon of extra flour at a time until manageable. If it is too dry, add a teaspoon of milk.
Monkey Cinnamon Bread is a fun, easy-to-make, and utterly delicious treat that brings people together. Its pull-apart nature makes it perfect for family breakfasts, holiday celebrations, or anytime you want to indulge in something sweet and comforting. With its warm cinnamon flavor and gooey texture, this bread will surely become a favorite in your kitchen. So, grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let the magic of Monkey Cinnamon Bread fill your home with love and warmth. Enjoy!
Have you ever made Monkey Cinnamon Bread? Share your favorite twists, tips, or memories in the comments below—we’d love to hear how you make this sweet treat your own!
