Crockpot Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Recipe

If there’s one breakfast treat guaranteed to make everyone leap out of bed, it’s Crockpot Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread. This gooey, pull-apart dish layers bite-sized cinnamon roll pieces with buttery brown sugar and a warm hint of vanilla, slow-cooked until they’re sweet, sticky, and golden around the edges. With a quick prep and hands-off finish, you’ll get all the cozy, bakery-style flavors you crave, no oven required! Whether it’s for a lazy weekend brunch, a holiday morning, or a sweet dessert, this crowd-pleaser always brings joy to the table.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Crockpot Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread plays a starring role—from the spiced sweetness to the buttery finish and that irresistible pop of gooeyness. Don’t be tempted to swap or skip anything; with just a handful of staples, you’ll turn simple items into something downright magical.

• Refrigerated cinnamon rolls (2 cans, 8-count each): These make the recipe quick and give your monkey bread a soft, flaky base with all the classic cinnamon roll flavor.
• Granulated sugar (½ cup): Coats the dough pieces, adding a sweet crunch to the outside of every bite.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): Boosts the warmth and gives this dish its signature, cozy spice.
• Unsalted butter, melted (½ cup): Provides rich flavor and that essential gooey texture.
• Brown sugar (½ cup): Melts into a delicious caramel sauce as it cooks, making each pull-apart piece extra decadent.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and lovely aroma to the buttery sauce.
• Nonstick cooking spray: Keeps everything from sticking, so all the caramelized bits stay with your monkey bread—not in the crockpot.
• Optional toppings (chopped pecans, icing drizzle): Pecans bring a nutty crunch, and the icing makes everything dreamy and sweet at the finish.

How to Make Crockpot Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Crockpot

Spray the inside of your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. A good coating makes sure you get every last sticky bite out with no hassle, and if you’re after easy cleanup, a slow cooker liner is a lifesaver. Set your crockpot aside while you prepare the dough.

Step 2: Cut and Coat the Cinnamon Roll Pieces

Open up those cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into quarters. Toss the cut pieces into a large zip-top bag along with the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Seal the bag and shake it up like you mean it! Every piece should end up with a lovely sugary-cinnamon dusting—this is where the magic (and flavor) starts.

Step 3: Mix the Buttery Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. This simple mixture turns into an irresistible caramel sauce in the slow cooker, infusing the monkey bread with richness and keeping everything perfectly moist.

Step 4: Layer and Assemble in the Crockpot

Spoon half of your cinnamon roll pieces evenly into the bottom of the crockpot. Drizzle half of the luscious butter-brown sugar-vanilla mixture over the dough, then layer on the remaining cinnamon roll pieces and finish with the rest of the butter mixture. The layers let every bite soak up that oozy caramel goodness.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Pop the lid on your crockpot and cook on low for 2 to 2 ½ hours, until the dough is cooked through and golden along the edges. Resist the urge to peek too often; keeping the lid closed lets the steam work its magic for a tender, pull-apart result. As soon as it’s done, turn off the heat and let the bread cool slightly.

Step 6: Finish with Icing and Toppings

Take the reserved icing packets that came with the cinnamon rolls and drizzle them over the warm monkey bread. If you’re after extra flair or crunch, scatter chopped pecans on top. Serve this Crockpot Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread warm and watch everyone dive in!

How to Serve Crockpot Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

Garnishes

For the dreamiest finish, pull apart the monkey bread while still warm and let that icing drip down every nook and cranny. Sprinkle on some chopped pecans for a contrasting crunch, or add a dusting of powdered sugar if you’re feeling fancy. Fresh berries on top also add a pop of color and brightness.

Side Dishes

Crockpot Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is a shining centerpiece, but it plays so well with others! Offer with a big bowl of fresh fruit salad, creamy vanilla yogurt, or simply a hot pot of coffee. For a celebratory brunch, pair it with scrambled eggs or savory breakfast casseroles so there’s a balance of sweet and savory on the table.

Creative Ways to Present

There are so many fun ways to present this sticky masterpiece. Serve it like classic monkey bread in one big mound, or scoop individual portions into bowls for easy serving. For special occasions, turn out the entire loaf onto a platter and drizzle extra icing tableside. Mini muffin liners also work well for cute, grab-and-go servings—perfect for brunch buffets!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crockpot Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is rare, but if you do have some, simply cover it tightly and store right in the crockpot insert or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and retains a lot of its moisture and flavor when stored properly.

Freezing

This monkey bread freezes beautifully! Once completely cooled, wrap pieces securely in plastic wrap and place in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, microwave single portions for about 20 to 30 seconds until warm and gooey. For larger amounts, cover the dish with foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes. Add a fresh drizzle of icing to revive that signature, just-made taste!

FAQs

Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough instead of refrigerated?

Absolutely! Homemade dough brings wonderful freshness, though you’ll want to keep the piece size small and watch the cooking time, since homemade dough can sometimes be denser than store-bought.

What’s the best way to keep the monkey bread from sticking to the crockpot?

Generously spray the insert with nonstick cooking spray or line with parchment paper (or use a slow cooker liner). Both options make cleanup a breeze and ensure every sweet, sticky piece comes out easily.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

You can, but make sure your slow cooker is big enough so the dough cooks evenly. Doubling works best in an oval 6-quart crockpot or larger, and you may need to add an extra 30–45 minutes to the cooking time.

Is it possible to prepare this dish overnight?

Not quite—refrigerated dough doesn’t benefit from sitting in the slow cooker overnight before cooking. The texture is best when everything is assembled right before you start the crockpot. Prep the ingredients ahead, though, to save time in the morning!

Can I skip the pecan or icing toppings?

Definitely! The toppings are totally optional. The Crockpot Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is just as delicious warm and sticky right out of the slow cooker—you can personalize it to suit your taste.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is one of those recipes that people ask for again and again—so easy, so fun, and packed with cozy, cinnamon-swirled comfort! Give it a try the next time you need an irresistibly simple breakfast or dessert, and let it bring smiles (and sticky fingers) to your table.

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