Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread Recipe

The Ultimate Guide to Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread

As the fall season approaches, there’s no better way to celebrate than with the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin spice. This Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread is an easy, delicious treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Made with Pillsbury Grands! Cinnamon Rolls, this recipe is a quick and foolproof way to enjoy a pull-apart bread that’s gooey, sweet, and full of fall spices. Let’s explore how to make this delectable monkey bread, along with tips and variations to ensure it turns out perfectly every time.

Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread

This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, offering a delicious combination of flavors and textures. Here’s why you’ll love making and sharing this monkey bread:

Warm Fall Flavors: The pumpkin pie spice adds a cozy, autumnal touch to the cinnamon rolls, making this monkey bread the perfect treat for fall.
Quick and Easy: Using store-bought cinnamon rolls as the base makes this recipe incredibly simple to prepare, even for beginner bakers.
Gooey and Delicious: The combination of melted butter, brown sugar, and icing creates a gooey, caramelized texture that’s impossible to resist.
Perfect for Sharing: This pull-apart bread is fun to eat and perfect for sharing, whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying a cozy morning at home.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread:

Pillsbury Grands! Cinnamon Rolls (2 cans): The star of the recipe, these pre-made cinnamon rolls save time and effort while still delivering delicious results.
Granulated Sugar (¼ cup / 50g): Adds sweetness and helps create the cinnamon-sugar coating on the rolls.
Pumpkin Pie Spice (1½ teaspoons, divided): Infuses the bread with warm, spicy flavors that are quintessential for fall.
Brown Sugar (½ cup / 100g, packed): Adds depth and caramel-like sweetness to the monkey bread.
Unsalted Butter (½ cup / 113g, melted): Binds the brown sugar and creates a gooey, sticky texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread is straightforward, with just a few simple steps. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare the Bundt Pan:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously spray a 12-cup Bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the monkey bread later.

2. Cut and Coat the Cinnamon Rolls:

Open both cans of Pillsbury Grands! Cinnamon Rolls and set the icing aside for later use. Cut each cinnamon roll into four pieces. Don’t worry if they fall apart slightly—this will add to the texture of the monkey bread.
In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. Add the cut-up cinnamon roll pieces to the bag, seal it, and shake well to coat the pieces evenly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

3. Assemble the Monkey Bread:

Place the cinnamon roll pieces into the prepared Bundt pan, arranging them evenly around the pan.
In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and melted butter until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the pan.

4. Bake the Monkey Bread:

Bake the monkey bread in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until the top is a dark golden brown and the rolls are cooked through. The top should be firm to the touch, indicating that the monkey bread is fully baked.

5. Cool and Serve:

Let the monkey bread cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate. Be cautious, as the pan will be hot.
Stir the remaining ½ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice into the reserved icing. Drizzle the icing over the warm monkey bread, allowing it to melt into the crevices.
Serve the monkey bread warm, pulling apart the pieces with your fingers or a fork.

Tips for Success

Here are some tips to ensure your Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread turns out perfectly:

1. Grease the Pan Well:

To prevent the monkey bread from sticking, make sure to generously grease the Bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray. You can also use butter for an extra layer of flavor.

2. Check for Doneness:

Since the baking time can vary depending on your oven, start checking the monkey bread at around 40 minutes. The top should be a deep golden brown and firm to the touch. If it looks like it’s browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

3. Let it Cool Slightly Before Inverting:

Letting the monkey bread cool in the pan for about 5 minutes helps the caramelized sugars to set slightly, making it easier to invert onto a serving plate without it falling apart.

4. Use the Icing:

The icing that comes with the cinnamon rolls adds an extra layer of sweetness and moisture to the monkey bread. Don’t skip this step, and be sure to stir in the remaining pumpkin pie spice for added flavor.

Customization and Variations

This monkey bread is delicious as is, but you can easily customize it to suit your taste:

1. Add Nuts:

For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon roll pieces before adding the brown sugar and butter mixture.

2. Add Pumpkin Puree:

For an even stronger pumpkin flavor, try adding a few tablespoons of pumpkin puree to the melted butter before mixing it with the brown sugar.

3. Make It Extra Spicy:

If you love the flavors of fall spices, feel free to increase the amount of pumpkin pie spice, or add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

4. Use Homemade Dough:

If you have time, you can make your own dough instead of using store-bought cinnamon rolls. A homemade dough will add a personal touch and allow you to control the flavors even more.

5. Drizzle with Caramel:

For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle the finished monkey bread with warm caramel sauce in addition to the icing.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional information for one serving (based on the recipe making 10 servings):

Calories: 144 kcal
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 9g (Saturated Fat: 6g)
Cholesterol: 24mg
Sodium: 6mg
Potassium: 19mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 16g
Vitamin A: 284 IU
Vitamin C: 1mg
Calcium: 14mg
Iron: 1mg

This monkey bread is a rich, sweet treat that’s perfect for special occasions or a cozy weekend breakfast.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are some common issues you might encounter when making monkey bread and how to fix them:

1. Monkey Bread Didn’t Rise:

If the monkey bread is dense or didn’t rise properly, it could be due to under-baking or the dough not being fresh. Make sure to bake the bread until it’s fully cooked and golden brown on top.

2. Stuck to the Pan:

To prevent sticking, be sure to grease the pan well. If the monkey bread is still stuck, let it cool a bit longer in the pan before inverting it.

3. Too Gooey:

If the monkey bread is too gooey in the center, it may not have baked long enough. Ensure the top is golden brown and firm before removing it from the oven.

4. Icing is Too Runny:

If the icing is too runny, try refrigerating it for a few minutes to thicken it up, or add a little more powdered sugar.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread is the perfect fall treat, combining the comforting flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon in a fun, pull-apart format. Whether you’re serving it at a brunch, holiday gathering, or simply enjoying it with a cup of coffee on a crisp morning, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite. With easy-to-follow instructions and plenty of room for customization, this monkey bread is a must-try for anyone who loves the flavors of fall. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy this delicious, gooey treat!