There is something utterly magical about waking up to the sweet, gooey delight of monkey bread that tastes just like your favorite cinnamon rolls. My Crockpot Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Recipe takes those classic flavors and gives them a hands-off twist by cooking everything perfectly in a slow cooker. This recipe is an absolute game-changer for busy mornings, brunch gatherings, or anytime you crave a warm, comforting treat that’s bursting with cinnamon sugar goodness and drizzled in buttery, brown sugar syrup. Trust me, once you try this Crockpot Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Recipe, it will become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple staple ingredients is all it takes to make this delicious monkey bread. Each element plays its own role, from adding sweetness and spice to creating that irresistibly tender texture and luscious sauce that soaks into every bite.
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon roll dough: The foundation of the recipe, conveniently pre-made dough brings soft, fluffy layers packed with cinnamon flavor.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: For coating the dough pieces, adding that classic crunch and extra sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: This warms and spices the sugar coating, delivering signature flavor bursts.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Butter ensures rich moisture and helps the brown sugar sauce blend beautifully.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: The caramelizing superstar that gives the bread its gooey, sticky sweetness.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: Adds creaminess and helps create a luscious syrup that soaks into every crevice.
- Non-stick cooking spray: Keeps your crockpot clean and makes sure nothing sticks to the sides, so cleanup is a breeze.
- Optional toppings (powdered sugar glaze, chopped pecans, raisins): Personalize your monkey bread with extra texture and flair.
How to Make Crockpot Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Crockpot
Start by generously spraying your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray. This little step is vital because it ensures your monkey bread will come out in one delicious, sticky-but-not-stuck mass instead of a crumbly mess. A well-prepped crockpot makes the final presentation flawless.
Step 2: Cut and Coat the Dough
Take each can of refrigerated cinnamon roll dough and cut the rolls into quarters. This bite-sized approach allows every piece to absorb that cinnamony sweetness perfectly. Set aside the icing packets for later drizzling. Toss the dough pieces in a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until every nook is covered with that irresistible spice-sugar coating.
Step 3: Layer the Dough in the Crockpot
Once coated, transfer the dough pieces to your crockpot, layering them evenly. This helps the pieces cook uniformly, and when baked slowly, the dough merges into a pull-apart masterpiece loaded with pockets of caramelized sugar.
Step 4: Prepare the Brown Sugar Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, packed brown sugar, and heavy cream. This gooey, buttery sauce will seep into the dough as it cooks, creating that signature sweet stickiness that monkey bread lovers adore.
Step 5: Pour and Cook
Pour the brown sugar mixture evenly over the layered dough pieces. Set your crockpot to low and cook for 2 to 2.5 hours. Keep an eye on it to ensure it’s cooked through fully but remains tender and moist—not overbaked or dry.
Step 6: Cool and Add Final Touches
Once the cooking time is up, allow your Crockpot Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Recipe to cool slightly inside the crockpot. This short resting time helps the sticky layers set just right. Drizzle the reserved icing over the top, and if you like, sprinkle with chopped pecans or raisins for extra texture and bursts of flavor.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your warm monkey bread straight from the crockpot or carefully transfer it onto a serving plate. Either way, prepare for delighted smiles and requests for seconds. The best part? Everyone can pull apart a piece, making it a communal treat full of warmth and joy.
How to Serve Crockpot Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up the cozy vibe, drizzle the leftover icing that came with the cinnamon rolls over the top, letting it drip down the sides for a sweet, glossy finish. Chopped pecans add a lovely crunch that balances the soft dough, while a sprinkle of powdered sugar garnish adds a touch of winter wonderland charm.
Side Dishes
This monkey bread shines as a star item, but if you want to pair it, creamy scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad add a refreshing contrast to the richness. A cup of piping hot coffee or cappuccino also enhances the comforting experience, making your breakfast or brunch truly special.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gatherings, slice the monkey bread into wedge-like portions and serve on a decorative platter with small dipping bowls of cream cheese frosting, caramel sauce, or honey butter. You can also bake the monkey bread in festive shapes using small bundt pans if you want to take it out of the crockpot box altogether!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from this delicious Crockpot Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep that soft, tender texture. Refrigeration tends to dry out the dough, so it’s best avoided unless necessary.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, keeping them fresh for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm gently in the microwave or oven to restore the gooey delight.
Reheating
Reheat leftover monkey bread in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds per serving or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes. This brings back the softness while encouraging the brown sugar glaze to get melty and irresistible again—almost like fresh out of the crockpot.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough instead of refrigerated dough?
Absolutely! Homemade dough adds a personal touch and can be delicious. Just make sure it is fully risen and sticky enough to hold the sugar coating for the best results with the Crockpot Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Recipe.
What if I don’t have a crockpot? Can I bake it in the oven?
Yes, though the slow cooker creates a unique soft, pull-apart texture. To bake, use a bundt pan and bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid overbaking, and expect a slightly different crumb from the slow-cooked version.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit inside the bread?
Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even raisins and dried cranberries work beautifully mixed into the dough pieces or sprinkled on top before cooking for extra flavor and crunch.
How do I know when the monkey bread is done in the crockpot?
The dough should be fully set and spring back lightly when touched. Cooking times may vary slightly, but generally 2 to 2.5 hours on low is perfect. Make sure there’s no raw dough in the center before taking it out.
Can I prepare this recipe the night before and cook it in the morning?
You can assemble the coated dough and sauce in the crockpot insert, cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, add the sauce if not mixed already, and cook on low for the recommended 2 to 2.5 hours. Just allow a bit of extra cook time if taken straight from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting about pulling apart warm, cinnamon-drizzled pieces of baked goodness any time of day. The Crockpot Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Recipe really makes creating that feeling effortless and fun. Whether it’s a leisurely weekend brunch or an easy crowd-pleaser for gifting, this recipe promises smiles and sticky fingers every time. So go ahead, grab your crockpot, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this irresistible sweet delight—you won’t regret it!
Print
Crockpot Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy a delightful and easy-to-make Crockpot Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread, perfectly soft and sweet with layers of cinnamon sugar-coated dough baked to golden perfection. This pull-apart treat is ideal for breakfasts, brunches, or cozy desserts, featuring the convenience of slow cooking with rich buttery and brown sugar flavors.
Ingredients
Dough and Coating
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon roll dough
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Additional
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Optional toppings: powdered sugar glaze, chopped pecans, raisins
Instructions
- Prepare the crockpot: Spray the crockpot generously with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking during the slow cooking process.
- Cut the dough: Open each can of cinnamon roll dough and cut each roll into four equal pieces. Reserve the icing packets for later use as a glaze.
- Coat the dough pieces: In a bowl, mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Toss the dough pieces thoroughly in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are well coated on all sides.
- Layer the dough: Place the coated dough pieces evenly in the bottom of the prepared crockpot, creating a layered effect for even cooking.
- Prepare sugar sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together melted unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and heavy cream until smooth and combined.
- Pour sauce over dough: Evenly pour the butter and sugar mixture across the layered dough pieces to ensure the monkey bread is richly flavored and moist.
- Cook in crockpot: Cover and cook on low heat for 2 to 2.5 hours. Check toward the end; the monkey bread should be fully cooked and golden, with a soft and pull-apart texture.
- Cool and serve: Allow the monkey bread to cool slightly before drizzling the reserved icing over it. Optionally, add chopped pecans or raisins for extra texture and flavor. Serve warm directly from the crockpot or transfer to a serving plate.
Notes
- Cooking time may vary depending on the crockpot model, so start checking at the 2-hour mark to avoid overcooking.
- To add texture and flavor, consider adding nuts or dried fruit between layers before cooking.
- The reserved cinnamon roll icing makes a perfect glaze to drizzle on top for extra sweetness.
- Ensure the crockpot is well-greased to prevent sticking and make serving easier.
- This monkey bread can be kept warm in the crockpot for up to one hour after cooking on the ‘Keep Warm’ setting.
