Easy Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Bake with Maple Syrup

Prep: 10 minCook: 30 min1 loaf (12 slices)mediumAmerican
Easy Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Bake with Maple Syrup

Transform store-bought cinnamon rolls into an indulgent pull-apart monkey bread that's perfect for weekend brunch or holiday mornings. Each piece gets coated in cinnamon sugar, then baked with a rich maple butter sauce until golden and bubbly. The result is a gooey, caramelized treat that combines the convenience of refrigerated dough with homemade taste. Ideal for feeding a crowd or special family breakfasts when you want something impressive but effortless.

Ingredients

Yield: 1 loaf (12 slices)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 17.5 oz. cans Pillsbury Grands cinnamon rolls
  • ¼ cup butter, melted
    coconut oil1:1dairy-freedairy-free

    melted coconut oil works well

    Full guide →
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
    coconut sugar1:1refined-sugar-free

    coconut sugar adds slight caramel notes

    Full guide →
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
    honey1:1budget

    honey provides similar sweetness

    Full guide →

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven and grease baking pan

  2. 2

    Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in zip-top bag

  3. 3

    Cut cinnamon rolls into quarters and toss in cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated

  4. 4

    Arrange coated pieces in prepared pan

  5. 5

    Stir together melted butter, brown sugar and maple syrup

  6. 6

    Pour butter mixture evenly over cinnamon roll pieces

  7. 7

    Bake until golden brown and bubbly

  8. 8

    Remove from oven and drizzle with package frosting

  9. 9

    Serve warm

Tips

Tip 1

Use a zip-top bag to coat the cinnamon roll pieces evenly with the sugar mixture for consistent coverage.

Tip 2

Don't overbake - the monkey bread should be golden but still soft and gooey in the center.

Tip 3

Save the frosting packets from the cinnamon rolls to drizzle on top after baking for extra sweetness.

Good to Know

Storage

Cover and refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days. Reheat in microwave or low oven.

Make Ahead

Assemble night before, cover and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time if baking cold.

Serve With

Serve warm directly from the pan with coffee or milk. Provide small plates and forks.

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip greasing the pan to avoid sticking

Watch

Cut pieces evenly to ensure uniform cooking

Watch

Watch carefully during last 10 minutes to prevent overbrowning

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

butter
coconut oil1:1dairy-freedairy-free

melted coconut oil works well

Full guide →

General Alternatives

maple syrup
honey1:1budget

honey provides similar sweetness

Full guide →
brown sugar
coconut sugar1:1refined-sugar-free

coconut sugar adds slight caramel notes

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use regular cinnamon rolls instead of Grands?

Yes, but use 3-4 regular cans since Grands are larger. Adjust baking time down by 5-10 minutes and watch for doneness.

What if I don't have maple syrup?

Substitute with honey, corn syrup, or additional brown sugar mixed with a tablespoon of water for similar sweetness and moisture.

How long does this keep?

Store covered in refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm whole pan in 300F oven.