If you are craving a fun, gooey, and utterly irresistible breakfast treat, this Crockpot Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine soft, fluffy cinnamon roll pieces coated in cinnamon sugar, baked slowly to perfection in a crockpot, soaking up rich buttery sweetness and topped with a luscious icing drizzle or your favorite nuts and raisins. This recipe is pure magic for cozy mornings, brunches with friends, or anytime you want to fill your kitchen with the warm scents of cinnamon and brown sugar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is wonderfully simple with basic pantry staples that come together to create remarkable flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in balancing sweetness, tenderness, and that signature cinnamon aroma.
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon roll dough: These pre-made dough pieces make this recipe quick and effortlessly delicious.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds crystal-like sweetness and helps give the dough a delicate crunchy coating.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the dough with that classic spicy warmth that defines cinnamon rolls.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness and moisture, ensuring the monkey bread stays tender and buttery.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: The molasses notes deepen the sweetness and create a caramel-like glaze.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: Adds creaminess and helps the topping soak evenly into the dough pieces.
- Non-stick cooking spray: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Optional toppings: powdered sugar glaze, chopped pecans, raisins: Customize your monkey bread with extra texture and flavor boosts.
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 small step is essential because it ensures that your buttery cinnamon roll bites won’t stick to the sides, making serving and cleanup much easier and preserving the beautiful golden crust.
Step 2: Cut Your Cinnamon Rolls
Open the cans of cinnamon roll dough and cut each roll into four equal pieces. You want bite-sized portions that will bake evenly and get wonderfully coated with cinnamon sugar. Don’t forget to save the included icing packets – you’ll want those for drizzling later!
Step 3: Coat Dough Pieces in Cinnamon Sugar
In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, then toss the dough pieces thoroughly until each bite is evenly coated. This sugar coating is what gives the monkey bread its signature sweet and slightly crunchy exterior, so make sure every piece is well-covered.
Step 4: Layer the Dough in the Crockpot
Place the cinnamon-sugar coated dough pieces in the crockpot, layering them evenly. As the dough bakes, the layers will stick together, creating a pull-apart texture that is as fun to eat as it is tasty.
Step 5: Pour Over the Butter and Brown Sugar Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream until smooth and combined. Pour this luscious mixture evenly over the dough pieces in the crockpot. This step is key to infusing the monkey bread with moisture, sweetness, and that irresistible caramel flavor.
Step 6: Cook Low and Slow
Set your crockpot to low and cook for 2 to 2.5 hours. Cooking slowly allows the dough to fully bake inside while soaking up all the buttery brown sugar goodness. You’ll know it’s done when the monkey bread is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool Slightly and Add Icing
After cooking, let the monkey bread cool for a few minutes before drizzling the reserved icing packets on top or adding your optional toppings like pecans or raisins. This quick rest helps the icing set beautifully without melting away too fast.
Step 8: Serve Warm and Enjoy!
This monkey bread is best enjoyed warm right from the crockpot or plated for guests. The gooey, pull-apart pieces are delightful for sharing, making this dish perfect for gatherings or a special weekend treat.
How to Serve Crockpot Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your monkey bread by drizzling the included cinnamon roll icing over the top or sprinkle some chopped pecans for crunch. Raisins add bursts of fruity sweetness, while a light dusting of powdered sugar can make it look like a snowy morning treat.
Side Dishes
Because this monkey bread is sweet and rich, it pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or a simple yogurt parfait to balance the flavors. A hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a spiced chai is the perfect beverage companion to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the monkey bread in a bundt cake-style crockpot insert or on a wooden board surrounded by tiny ramekins of fruit preserves and whipped cream. For a brunch centerpiece, add edible flowers or fresh herbs like mint to bring some color and freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration ensures freshness without drying the bread out, but be sure to reheat gently to regain softness.
Freezing
If you want to keep this treat even longer, freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and a freezer bag. They can be kept frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover monkey bread in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or until warmed through. For an extra fresh-baked feel, you can reheat it in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, covered loosely with foil to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough instead of canned?
Absolutely! Homemade dough works wonderfully and allows you to customize flavors even more, though canned dough offers a massive time-saver with consistent results.
What if I don’t have a crockpot? Can I bake this in the oven?
You can bake a similar monkey bread in a bundt pan at 350°F for about 35-40 minutes; just watch carefully to avoid overbaking. The crockpot method gives a uniquely tender and moist texture.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Swap the butter for a dairy-free margarine and use coconut cream or any plant-based cream instead of heavy cream. The results remain deliciously rich and satisfying.
Is it possible to add other flavors to this recipe?
Definitely! Adding vanilla extract to the butter mixture or mixing in chopped apples, cranberries, or even chocolate chips can create exciting flavor variations.
How do I prevent the monkey bread from sticking to the crockpot?
Generously spray the entire crockpot surface with a non-stick cooking spray before layering the dough, and try to avoid opening the lid during cooking as it can affect the texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to fill your home with comforting aromas and treat yourself to a nostalgic, sweet delight, the Crockpot Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Recipe is a must-try. It’s super easy to make, irresistibly tasty, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. I can’t wait for you to savor that first gooey bite and see why this recipe has become one of my all-time favorites. Happy cooking and happy eating!
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Crockpot Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is a delightful, gooey treat made by layering cinnamon-sugar coated dough pieces in a slow cooker and pouring a rich butter, brown sugar, and cream mixture over them. Cooked low and slow, it results in a soft, pull-apart bread perfect for breakfast or dessert, with optional toppings like powdered sugar glaze, pecans, or raisins.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon roll dough
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Non-stick cooking spray
Optional Toppings
- Powdered sugar glaze (from reserved icing packets)
- Chopped pecans
- Raisins
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Spray the crockpot thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving later.
- Cut the Dough: Cut each refrigerated cinnamon roll into four equal pieces, and reserve the icing packets included in the cans for later use.
- Coat the Dough Pieces: In a large bowl, toss the dough pieces with granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until each piece is well coated with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Layer Dough in Crockpot: Evenly layer the coated dough pieces inside the prepared crockpot to form the base of the monkey bread.
- Prepare Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and heavy cream until combined, forming a rich sauce.
- Pour Sauce Over Dough: Drizzle the butter, brown sugar, and cream mixture evenly over the layered dough pieces in the crockpot to infuse them with sweetness and moisture during cooking.
- Cook: Cover and cook the mixture on low for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the cinnamon roll pieces are fully cooked and the bread is golden and pulling apart easily.
- Cool and Add Toppings: Allow the monkey bread to cool slightly inside the crockpot, then drizzle the reserved icing over the top or add optional toppings such as chopped pecans or raisins.
- Serve: Serve the monkey bread warm, directly from the crockpot or transfer to a serving plate, ideal for sharing as a sweet breakfast treat or dessert.
Notes
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the crockpot model; check doneness by ensuring the dough is fully cooked through.
- For extra texture and flavor, gently fold in chopped pecans or raisins with the dough before layering.
- Use the reserved icing packets for authentic cinnamon roll glaze or substitute with homemade powdered sugar glaze.
- Make sure to spray the crockpot well to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- This monkey bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated gently if needed.
