When the weather cools and autumn colors begin to show, I always crave warm, cozy bakes. Therefore, I often turn to recipes that fill my kitchen with nostalgic fall aromas. Because pumpkin spice is a personal seasonal favorite, I love preparing treats that celebrate it. This Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread instantly takes me back to crisp mornings, wool sweaters, and weekend breakfasts with family. As soon as it bakes, the scent of cinnamon and pumpkin spice floats through the house, and it truly feels like fall has arrived. While the recipe uses simple ingredients, it delivers bakery-quality comfort. Moreover, it brings everyone to the table fast, since no one can resist pulling apart the soft, sticky pieces.

I love this recipe because it feels special, yet it remains incredibly easy. While many fall pastries require long kneading or rising times, this version keeps things simple. Instead of fussing with dough from scratch, I use cinnamon rolls as the base. However, the final result tastes fully homemade thanks to the buttery sugar coating and warm spices. Additionally, it makes mornings feel exciting, especially when served alongside hot chocolate or tea. And because it bakes into a beautiful round, it works wonderfully for family weekends, brunch gatherings, or school-day surprises.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First, it offers cozy pumpkin spice flavor with soft, fluffy texture. Second, it requires very little prep time. Third, it creates a shareable pull-apart treat that everyone enjoys. Finally, the sweet glaze adds the perfect finishing touch, ensuring each bite feels warm and festive.
Versatile
Although the recipe celebrates fall, you can customize it easily. For instance, you may increase pumpkin spice for a stronger seasonal taste. Alternatively, you can top it with nuts or drizzle with vanilla glaze. Furthermore, this dish transitions seamlessly from breakfast to dessert.
Budget-Friendly
Because it relies on ready-made cinnamon rolls and pantry staples, it remains affordable. Moreover, it feeds a crowd without requiring specialty ingredients. Therefore, it works perfectly for families, gatherings, or holiday mornings.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread
-
2 cans Pillsbury Grands Cinnamon Rolls
-
¼ cup granulated sugar
-
1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (divided)
-
½ cup packed brown sugar
-
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Since these simple ingredients come together quickly, you will have a warm, fragrant treat on the table in no time.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread
I love how effortlessly this recipe comes together, yet it still feels indulgent and homemade. Because the dough is already prepared, I mainly focus on coating, layering, and baking. As a result, anyone can make this even on a busy morning. Additionally, the process fills the kitchen with a sweet, cozy aroma that makes everyone eager to gather around. While it looks impressive, it stays incredibly simple to prepare.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making
To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F. Then, spray a 12-cup bundt pan generously with nonstick cooking spray so nothing sticks later. After that, open both cans of cinnamon rolls and set the icing packets aside. Next, cut each roll into four equal pieces. Because the dough is soft, some pieces may loosen slightly, which is completely fine.
Now, place the granulated sugar and one teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice into a large resealable bag. Add the dough pieces to the bag, seal it tightly, and shake gently until every piece is coated evenly. While shaking, ensure all surfaces get covered in that warm cinnamon spice blend, because this creates the signature flavor.
After coating, stir the brown sugar and melted butter together in a bowl. Continue mixing until the sugar fully dissolves into the butter, forming a smooth sweet sauce. Then, transfer the cinnamon-coated dough pieces into the prepared bundt pan. Spread them evenly without pressing too firmly. Now pour the butter and brown sugar mixture slowly over the dough, allowing it to seep into every gap. Because this step adds rich caramel flavor, try to coat the surface evenly.
Next, place the pan into the oven. Bake for about 40 to 50 minutes, or until the top turns deep golden brown and the dough cooks through completely. Once baked, remove the pan and let it cool for five minutes. After cooling slightly, carefully invert the monkey bread onto a serving plate. Since the pan stays hot, handle it gently to avoid burns.
While the bread rests, stir the remaining half teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice into the reserved icing. Mix until smooth and fragrant. Finally, drizzle the icing generously over the warm monkey bread, allowing it to flow between pieces. Serve immediately while soft, steamy, and aromatic.
Quick and Easy
Because the dough comes ready-made, the preparation stays simple and fast. Therefore, you can enjoy homemade comfort without long rising times.
Customizable
However, you may add chopped nuts, extra spice, or even a touch of maple extract for variation. Additionally, you may serve with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Crowd-Pleasing
Since this bread pulls apart easily, everyone can enjoy a warm, sticky piece. Furthermore, it brings festive flavor to any breakfast or dessert table.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, you can assemble the coated dough pieces in the pan the night before and refrigerate. However, always bake fresh in the morning for the best soft texture. Additionally, allow the pan to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before baking so it heats evenly.
Can I use homemade dough instead of canned rolls?
Absolutely, although using prepared cinnamon rolls keeps the recipe quick. If you choose homemade dough, make sure it is soft and enriched so the final texture stays fluffy. Moreover, coat generously in cinnamon sugar for the same warm flavor.
What if I do not have pumpkin pie spice?
You may mix cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of cloves for a similar blend. Additionally, you can adjust ratios to suit your taste, ensuring the flavor remains balanced and cozy.
How do I store leftovers?
Place leftovers in an airtight container once cool. Although it tastes best warm, you can store it at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for slightly longer. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or oven so it becomes soft again.
Can I freeze this?
Yes, you can freeze baked monkey bread. Wrap tightly and freeze up to one month. Then thaw and reheat before serving so it regains its soft, gooey texture.
Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread Recipe
-
This Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread delivers warm fall flavors with minimal effort. Because it uses cinnamon rolls, it comes together quickly while still tasting homemade. Soft, sticky pieces coated in cinnamon sugar and pumpkin spice bake into a golden, fragrant pull-apart treat that feels cozy and festive. Serve warm for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Ingredients
-
2 cans Pillsbury Grands Cinnamon Rolls
-
¼ cup granulated sugar
-
1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (divided)
-
½ cup packed brown sugar
-
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 12-cup bundt pan generously with nonstick cooking spray.
-
Open the cinnamon roll cans and set icing packets aside. Cut each cinnamon roll into four equal pieces.
-
Place granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice into a large resealable bag. Add dough pieces, seal, and shake until all pieces are fully coated.
-
Stir the brown sugar and melted butter in a bowl until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth.
-
Transfer coated dough pieces into the prepared bundt pan. Spread pieces evenly without pressing down.
-
Pour the brown sugar butter mixture evenly over the dough, allowing it to seep between pieces.
-
Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the top turns deep golden brown and dough is fully cooked through.
-
Remove pan from oven and cool for 5 minutes. Carefully invert onto a serving plate while the pan is still warm.
-
Stir the remaining ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice into the reserved icing packets. Mix until smooth.
-
Drizzle the icing over warm monkey bread and serve immediately.
Notes
-
For stronger pumpkin spice flavor, increase spice slightly. For extra texture, add chopped nuts before baking. If preparing ahead, assemble in pan, refrigerate, and bake fresh. Always invert while warm so it releases cleanly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes