Are you craving a warm, gooey, and utterly irresistible dessert but short on time? Then look no further! This easy monkey bread recipe uses frozen rolls, making it a perfect quick dinner idea or a delightful treat for any occasion. Forget complicated baking – this homemade cooking marvel is surprisingly simple, even for beginners. Get ready to experience the joy of warm, cinnamon-sugar goodness with minimal effort. This recipe is one of the best recipes for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated or frozen dinner rolls
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for extra warmth)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan generously. If using frozen rolls, allow them to thaw slightly – this helps prevent them from tearing during the assembly process.
Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Set aside. If adding nuts, toast them lightly in a dry skillet before adding them to the sugar mixture. This enhances their flavor.
Assemble the Monkey Bread: Separate the rolls and gently pull them apart. You can leave them whole or tear them into smaller pieces depending on your preference. Dip each roll into the melted butter, ensuring it's well coated. Then, toss the buttered roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, making sure it's fully coated.
Bake the Delight: Arrange the coated rolls in the prepared baking pan, layering them snugly together. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the monkey bread is golden brown and the rolls are cooked through. You'll know it's ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Let the monkey bread cool slightly in the pan before inverting it onto a serving plate. This allows it to firm up slightly, making it easier to serve. Serve warm, and enjoy this delicious and easy dessert!
Tips and Variations:
- Frozen vs. Refrigerated Rolls: Frozen rolls work perfectly fine! Just make sure they are slightly thawed before separating them.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for an extra flavour boost.
- Fruity Twist: Incorporate dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped apples into the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a fruity twist.
- Glaze it: For an extra decadent touch, drizzle a simple glaze (powdered sugar mixed with milk or lemon juice) over the cooled monkey bread.
- Make it Ahead: You can assemble the monkey bread ahead of time and keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add a few minutes to the baking time.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the type of rolls used and added ingredients. However, a general estimate per serving (assuming 12 servings) is approximately:
- Calories: 300-400
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
- Protein: 4-6g
This is a rough estimate and can change based on specific ingredients. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients.
This easy monkey bread recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Its simple steps and delicious results make it a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. Enjoy!