Get ready to indulge in a warm, pull-apart delight that will instantly become your breakfast or brunch superstar — the Crockpot Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Recipe is an absolute game-changer. This dish takes those irresistible cinnamon rolls you love and transforms them into a gooey, sweet, sticky masterpiece, all cooked conveniently in your crockpot. It’s wonderfully soft, filled with cinnamon-sugar goodness, and perfect for sharing with friends and family on a cozy morning. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be the recipe you clip, save, and revisit whenever you want a special treat without any hassle in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need are a few simple pantry staples, but each plays a crucial role in making the flavors pop and the texture just right. From the cinnamon-sugar coating that adds warmth to each bite, to the rich blend of butter and brown sugar that creates that signature gooey sweetness, every ingredient is essential for crafting this irresistible dish.
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon roll dough: The star of the show, these pre-made rolls make this recipe super easy and fluffy.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds an initial touch of sweetness and helps the cinnamon stick evenly.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Provides that classic warm and fragrant flavor we’re all craving.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Creates rich moisture and helps the brown sugar mixture coat the dough perfectly.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Brings deep caramel notes and that irresistible chewiness.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: Adds creaminess, making the topping luxuriously smooth and sticky.
- Non-stick cooking spray: Essential to keep all that ooey-gooey goodness from sticking to your crockpot.
- Optional toppings: powdered sugar glaze, chopped pecans, raisins: Personalize your bread with extra sweetness or crunch!
How to Make Crockpot Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Crockpot
Start by spraying your crockpot generously with non-stick cooking spray to ensure the bread releases easily after cooking. This little tip saves you from a sticky mess and helps your monkey bread keep its beautiful shape.
Step 2: Cut the Cinnamon Rolls
Open your cans of cinnamon roll dough and cut each roll into four pieces. Don’t forget to save the icing packets included in the cans — you’ll use those later for a delicious finishing touch.
Step 3: Toss Dough in Cinnamon Sugar
In a bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Toss your dough pieces until they’re fully coated in this fragrant sugar blend, ensuring each bite bursts with warm cinnamon goodness.
Step 4: Layer Dough in the Crockpot
Place the coated dough pieces evenly into your prepared crockpot. Layering them carefully helps create that classic monkey bread texture where each piece bakes into the next, perfect for pulling apart.
Step 5: Mix and Pour the Butter Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together your melted butter, packed brown sugar, and heavy cream until smooth. Pour this luscious mixture over the layered dough in the crockpot, sealing in that sticky sweetness as it cooks low and slow.
Step 6: Cook Low and Slow
Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 2 to 2.5 hours. This slow cooking process lets the dough rise and soak in all those delicious flavors, resulting in an irresistibly soft and caramelized monkey bread.
Step 7: Add the Final Touches
Once cooked, allow the monkey bread to cool slightly—just enough so the gooey sugar sets but it’s still warm and inviting. Drizzle the reserved icing over the top or sprinkle on your favorite optional toppings like chopped pecans or raisins for an added texture and flavor boost.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Crockpot Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Recipe warm, either straight from the crockpot for a casual vibe or on a platter if you’re aiming to impress guests. Either way, watch it disappear in minutes!
How to Serve Crockpot Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your monkey bread with a variety of garnishes like a drizzle of powdered sugar glaze for extra sweetness, a sprinkle of chopped pecans to introduce crunch, or a handful of plump raisins for chewy bursts of fruity flavor. These simple add-ons make every bite a new treat.
Side Dishes
Pair this sweet, sticky bread with savory breakfast staples to balance the meal. Crisp bacon, scrambled eggs, or fresh fruit salad all complement the richness of the monkey bread beautifully, turning your meal into a well-rounded sensation.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your monkey bread in mini crockpots for individual portions at brunch parties. Alternatively, turn it into a dessert by topping with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or adding a splash of warm caramel sauce right before serving. The possibilities are as endless as your cravings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), store the monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps its soft texture intact and the flavors fresh for your next indulgence.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to one month. This way, you have a ready-made treat that just needs reheating when cravings strike.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers or frozen pieces in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or until warm to revive that melt-in-your-mouth softness. For a slightly crispy bottom, pop it in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough instead of refrigerated dough?
Absolutely! Homemade dough will add a personal touch and possibly fresher flavor, though it may require adjustments to the cooking time depending on thickness and sweetness.
What if my crockpot runs hot and cooks faster?
Check the bread after 1.5 hours the first time you make this. If it’s done, great! If not, continue cooking but keep a close eye to avoid overbaking or drying it out.
Is this recipe suitable for a breakfast crowd?
Yes! This monkey bread is perfect for feeding a group, especially because it’s easy to prepare in the morning and cooks itself while you focus on other morning routines or party prep.
Can I omit the heavy cream in the butter mixture?
You can, but the cream adds extra richness and helps create that signature sticky glaze. Using milk or a dairy-free alternative is possible but might slightly change the texture.
How do I prevent the monkey bread from sticking to the crockpot?
Spraying the crockpot well with non-stick cooking spray is key. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper if you want extra insurance but usually the spray does the trick perfectly.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of pulling apart a warm, cinnamon-sweet, buttery bite of this Crockpot Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Recipe with loved ones. It’s simple to make, comforting to eat, and a surefire crowd-pleaser that fits beautifully into any lazy weekend or special occasion breakfast. Give it a try and watch it become your new go-to indulgence!
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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: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is a warm, gooey, and sweet pull-apart treat made using refrigerated cinnamon roll dough. Coated in a cinnamon sugar mixture and slow-cooked with a rich butter and brown sugar sauce, it’s an easy-to-make dessert or breakfast option perfect for cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon roll dough
Sugar Coating
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Brown Sugar Sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Other
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Optional toppings: powdered sugar glaze, chopped pecans, raisins
Instructions
- Prepare Crockpot: Spray the crockpot thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cut Dough: Cut each cinnamon roll into four pieces, keeping the icing packets reserved for later use.
- Coat Dough: Toss the dough pieces in a bowl with granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Layer Dough: Place the coated dough pieces in the bottom of the crockpot, layering them evenly.
- Make Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream until fully combined, then pour this mixture over the dough in the crockpot.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low heat for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the monkey bread is fully cooked and golden brown.
- Cool and Add Toppings: Allow the monkey bread to cool slightly before drizzling with the reserved icing or adding optional toppings like chopped pecans or raisins.
- Serve: Serve warm directly from the crockpot or transfer to a serving plate for immediate enjoyment.
Notes
- Do not open the crockpot frequently while cooking; it can slow down the cooking time.
- Ensure the dough pieces are coated well in the cinnamon sugar mixture for the best flavor.
- Optional toppings like pecans and raisins add texture and extra sweetness but can be omitted to keep it simple.
- Serving warm will provide the best gooey texture; leftovers can be reheated gently.
