Slow Cooker Monkey Bread is a luxurious dessert or sweet brunch item that’s so easy to make! The slow cooker does all the work for you. This sweet pull-apart Crock Pot bread only takes 20 minutes to prepare using Rhodes frozen rolls.
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If you love bread pudding and/or cinnamon rolls, you have to try this recipe! Each bite-sized piece is filled with amazing flavor from the cinnamon sugar, melted butter, brown sugar, and warm spices. The texture is so addictive, too– sticky, gooey, soft, and delectable.
If you love crockpot bread recipes, be sure to try my Crock Pot Bread Pudding, Crock Pot Cinnamon Rolls, and Apple Cinnamon Rolls.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- So Yummy: This monkey bread with Rhodes rolls is incredibly tasty. The caramelized edges are the best part!
- Easy to Make: This Crock Pot monkey bread recipe is straightforward and great for beginners. No waiting on dough to rise and no complicated steps here.
- Family Favorite: This one is a winner! It has quickly become a repeat recipe in our weekend lineup when we make brunch for a big group.
- Breakfast or Dessert: You can make this monkey bread with frozen bread dough to go with brunch foods or have it as dessert. Either way, there likely won’t be leftovers!
Ingredients
- Yeast Dinner Rolls: I used Rhodes bake and serve dinner rolls. You'll want them thawed but still cold. These frozen rolls are a fantastic shortcut that saves you from making dough from scratch. You can find them in the freezer section of most grocery stores. Look for the original white dinner rolls, not the wheat or Texas-style varieties for this recipe.
- Granulated Sugar: Regular white sugar helps create the sweet cinnamon sugar crust. Make sure to mix the cinnamon and sugar well. Use standard granulated sugar, not powdered or any other variety of sugar.
- Cinnamon and Nutmeg: To add warmth and flavor to the monkey rolls. Cinnamon is the main flavor, but the nutmeg adds a subtle complexity that's so good too.
- Butter: It creates rich, moist texture and helps caramelize the sugars as everything cooks. Make sure the butter is completely melted but not browned or scorched at all.
- Brown Sugar: You could use light or dark brown sugar. It adds molasses flavor and helps create the gooey texture. Be sure to break up any lumps before mixing it with the butter.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla gets added to both the bread mixture and the icing. Use pure vanilla extract rather than imitation for the best flavor. The vanilla flavor complements the cinnamon and nutmeg perfectly.
- Powdered Sugar: We will be using confectioner's sugar for the icing. This helps give it the perfect smooth, lump-free texture before drizzling it over the monkey bread.
- Milk: Whole milk gives the icing a rich, creamy texture. Any milk you have on hand will work. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more to get the consistency you want.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Apple Version: Add diced apples to the mix for a fall-inspired version. You can layer the apples between the dough pieces and they will soften as they cook.
- Pumpkin Spice: Replace the nutmeg with pumpkin pie spice for a slightly different twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use frozen gluten-free dinner rolls. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
- Mix-Ins: You could throw in chocolate chips or chopped pecans or walnuts to add crunchiness to the monkey bread with frozen rolls.
- Icing Flavor: You could add maple or orange flavor to the icing, or make it using browned butter for an even more rich taste.
How to Make Monkey Bread in a Slow Cooker
Before you get started making Crock Pot monkey bread, you'll want to prepare a greased baking sheet covered with sprayed plastic wrap.
- Step 1: Prep the Rolls. Start by thawing them for 1-2 hours at room temperature or overnight in the fridge on the prepared tray. They should be cold and slightly risen. Cut each roll into four pieces.
- Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar. Combine the cinnamon and sugar in a bowl and mix it well. Be sure there are no lumps.
- Step 3: Fill the Slow Cooker. Line your slow cooker with parchment paper. Coat the dough in the cinnamon sugar mixture and place the bread pieces in the slow cooker.
- Step 4: Make the Sauce. Combine the melted butter, brown sugar, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Mix it up and then pour it over the dough.
- Step 5: Cook. Cook on high for 1 ½ hours or until the dough is no longer doughy in the center.
- Step 6: Make the Icing. Combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined and then pour over the monkey bread before serving.
Hint: When the Bread Is Done
You’ll know the bread is done cooking when it reaches an internal temperature of 190° to 200°F.
Expert Tips
- Thawing Properly: Allow the rolls to thaw. They should be cold but pliable. If they're still partially frozen, they won't rise properly and if they're too warm, they might be hard to cut and handle.
- Slow Cooker Liner: If you want the easiest cleanup that doesn't require scrubbing off cooked on bread, use a slow cooker liner.
- Checking for Doneness: Since slow cookers vary in temperature, start checking if the monkey bread is done at about 1 hour and 15 minutes. You can use a knife or toothpick to check, though a thermometer is more accurate.
Storage Directions
- Storing: Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a container with a secure lid to prevent the bread from drying out.
- Reheating: For the best texture when reheating, place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15-20 seconds. You can also reheat larger portions in a 300°F oven, covered with foil, for about 10 minutes. You can add a little butter before reheating if you want the bread to seem extra fresh.
Serving Suggestions
This monkey bread is versatile! Serve it for an impressive holiday brunch and or on a simple Sunday morning as a cozy treat. I've brought it to family gatherings and casual brunches with friends and everyone loves it!
- Pour yourself an ice-cold glass of milk to go with slow cooker monkey bread. It’s the perfect dessert or afternoon snack! If you wanted to get extra fancy, have a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a little whipped cream or caramel sauce drizzled on top.
- Have monkey bread with a classic brunch spread that includes tater tot breakfast casserole or slow cooker breakfast casserole along with bacon, sausage, potatoes, and fresh fruit.
- If you’re serving a big crowd, make monkey bread along with slow cooker French toast and crockpot breakfast potatoes.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! You can bake it in the oven at 350°F for about 30-35 minutes in a bundt pan or round baking dish.
Absolutely! Prepare everything up to Step 4 (before cooking), then cover your slow cooker insert and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, place the insert back into the slow cooker and cook as directed. You may need to add about 15 minutes to the cooking time since you're starting with cold ingredients.
This usually happens when the bread is too crowded or your slow cooker runs cooler than average. Make sure you're using a 6-quart slow cooker. If it's still doughy after the recommended cooking time, continue cooking in 15-minute increments until the center is fully cooked.
Yes, you can substitute 2-3 cans of refrigerated biscuit dough (the regular size, not grands). Cut each biscuit into quarters and follow the recipe as written. The cooking time may be slightly shorter, so begin checking for doneness after 1 hour.
More Crock Pot Dessert Recipes
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Slow Cooker Monkey Bread
Ingredients
Monkey Bread
- 18 Rhodes Yeast Dinner Rolls Thawed but still cold
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 cups butter melted
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Powdered Sugar Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk water can be substituted
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Thaw frozen dinner rolls on a greased baking sheet, covered with sprayed plastic wrap, for 1-2 hours at room temperature or overnight in the fridge. They should be cold and slightly risen. Then, cut eat roll into four pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon. Mix until well combined.
- Spray a 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Then, coat the dough in the cinnamon and sugar mixture and place in the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined and pour over the dough.
- Cook on high for 1½ hours or until no longer doughy in the center.
- In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined and pour over monkey bread before serving.
Notes
- When you thaw the rolls, make sure they're pliable but still cold.
- Thoroughly coat each dough piece in the cinnamon sugar.
- Insert a knife or toothpick into the center to check if it's done. It should come out clean.
- Allow the monkey bread to cool for 5 minutes before you add the icing on top.
Nutrition
*Nutrition information is an estimate. It may vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact ingredient numbers, I recommend calculating them with your preferred nutrition calculator.
Ryan Allen says
This is one of my favorites for holidays and an easy brunch.