If you’ve ever wished for a dessert that’s equal parts cozy, comforting, and indulgently sweet, this Pumpkin Monkey Bread Recipe is going to be your new obsession. Sticky, spiced cinnamon rolls bathed in a luscious pumpkin-butter sauce and finished with a creamy glaze create the ultimate fall treat that’s perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself. The aroma alone will have everyone gathering around the kitchen, eager for a warm, gooey slice. This Pumpkin Monkey Bread Recipe strikes the perfect balance between classic comfort food and festive seasonal flair, making it a standout dish whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something deliciously different.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pumpkin Monkey Bread Recipe is surprisingly simple to make, with ingredients that come together to deliver rich flavors, a tender texture, and that classic autumn vibe. Each component plays a crucial role—from the cinnamon rolls that provide a soft, pillowy base to the pumpkin and spices that add warmth and depth, culminating in a smooth vanilla glaze that ties it all together.
- 32 ounces cinnamon rolls (2 cans): The fluffy, pre-made rolls give you an easy shortcut while ensuring a soft texture.
- 1 cup light brown sugar: Adds sweetness with a subtle caramel note that enhances the pumpkin’s earthiness.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened): Brings richness and helps create a luscious sauce.
- 1 cup pure pumpkin: The star ingredient that infuses moistness and warm autumn flavor.
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened): Provides tanginess and creaminess to the pumpkin sauce.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Amplifies sweetness and adds a fragrant hint.
- ½ cup sugar: Used to coat the cinnamon rolls with pumpkin pie spice, balancing sweetness and spice.
- 2 Tablespoons pumpkin pie spice: A blend of warm spices that evokes the essence of fall.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: For the sweet glaze that finishes the bread with a glossy touch.
- 3 Tablespoons milk: Creates the perfect consistency for the glaze.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Added to the glaze for an extra layer of warmth and spice.
How to Make Pumpkin Monkey Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees and generously spray a 9-inch bundt pan with baking spray. This ensures your monkey bread will release easily after baking and helps achieve those beautiful golden edges we crave.
Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup light brown sugar, ¼ cup softened butter, 1 cup pure pumpkin, 4 ounces softened cream cheese, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk everything until it’s completely smooth and creamy, then set it aside. This luscious sauce will soak into the cinnamon rolls, keeping every bite moist and flavorful.
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls
Remove the cinnamon rolls from the cans and cut each roll into 4 pieces. In a ziplock bag, mix together ½ cup sugar and 2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice, then add the cut cinnamon roll pieces to the bag. Shake well to coat every piece evenly with the spiced sugar mixture—this adds that irresistible cinnamon crunch on the outside.
Step 4: Layer the Monkey Bread
Place half of the coated cinnamon roll pieces into the prepared bundt pan. Pour half of your pumpkin sauce evenly over this first layer, allowing it to seep down into every nook and cranny. Repeat with the remaining cinnamon rolls and pumpkin sauce, creating layers of sticky, spiced goodness.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Set your bundt pan on a cookie sheet to catch any drips, then bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye on the bread until the cinnamon rolls look golden and set—this means the inside is perfectly cooked and the sauce has thickened into a wonderful glaze.
Step 6: Cool and Glaze
Once out of the oven, let the monkey bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then carefully invert it onto a wire rack to remove the pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 3 tablespoons milk, and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon until smooth. Drizzle this decadent glaze generously over the warm monkey bread and let it harden slightly before digging in.
How to Serve Pumpkin Monkey Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts adds a delightful crunch and earthy contrast to the soft bread. Fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream are also incredible options to elevate each bite into a truly sumptuous dessert experience.
Side Dishes
This Pumpkin Monkey Bread Recipe pairs beautifully with a hot cup of chai tea, coffee, or even a spicy spiced cider. If you want to turn it into a fuller brunch, consider serving alongside fresh fruit or a simple green salad dressed with a bright vinaigrette to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of a bundt pan, try assembling the coated cinnamon rolls in a muffin tin for individual monkey bread servings—perfect for parties or grab-and-go treats. Or arrange them stacked on a decorative plate for a dramatic centerpiece that invites everyone to pull apart a piece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover pumpkin monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration will extend its freshness for up to four days without drying it out.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover monkey bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe bag. It will maintain its best quality for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To enjoy your pumpkin monkey bread warm again, microwave a piece for 20 to 30 seconds or reheat in a 325-degree oven for about 10 minutes until heated through. The glaze may soften beautifully with warming, making it just like fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of canned?
Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls will add an extra level of freshness and flavor to your Pumpkin Monkey Bread Recipe. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even baking.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes, you can swap out the butter and cream cheese for plant-based alternatives, and use a non-dairy milk in the glaze. The pumpkin and spices will still shine, making a delicious vegan treat.
Can I make this Pumpkin Monkey Bread Recipe gluten-free?
Using gluten-free cinnamon rolls is your best bet for a safe and tasty gluten-free version. Many brands make excellent pre-made rolls that work perfectly.
How sweet is the monkey bread? Can I adjust the sugar?
This recipe balances sweetness with spice and tang from the cream cheese, but you can slightly reduce the sugar in the coating or glaze if you prefer it less sweet without compromising the flavor.
What’s the best way to ensure the bread doesn’t stick to the bundt pan?
Well-greasing the pan with baking spray is key. You can also lightly dust the pan with flour after spraying to help your monkey bread release smoothly once baked.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Pumpkin Monkey Bread Recipe a whirl because it’s a magical way to celebrate the flavors of fall with minimal fuss. Each bite is a little celebration of cinnamon, pumpkin, and gooey goodness that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether for a holiday brunch, a cozy weekend treat, or a special occasion, this recipe promises smiles around the table and a whole lot of happy tummy moments. Enjoy every sticky, sweet bite!
Print
Pumpkin Monkey Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pumpkin Monkey Bread is a delightful fall-inspired twist on the classic monkey bread, featuring tender cinnamon rolls coated in a spiced pumpkin and cream cheese glaze. Baked to golden perfection and drizzled with a smooth vanilla glaze, it’s a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert during the autumn season.
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Mixture
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup pure pumpkin
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Roll Coating
- 32 ounces cinnamon rolls (2 cans)
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 Tablespoons pumpkin pie spice
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 Tablespoons milk
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9-inch bundt pan thoroughly with baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the Pumpkin Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup brown sugar, ¼ cup softened butter, 1 cup pumpkin, 4 ounces softened cream cheese, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk continuously until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Cinnamon Rolls: Open the cans of cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into 4 equal pieces.
- Coat Cinnamon Roll Pieces: In a large ziplock bag, combine ½ cup sugar and 2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice. Add the cut cinnamon roll pieces into the bag, seal it, and shake vigorously until all pieces are evenly coated with the spiced sugar.
- Layer in Bundt Pan: Place half of the coated cinnamon roll pieces into the prepared bundt pan. Pour half of the pumpkin and cream cheese mixture evenly over this layer.
- Add Remaining Layers: Top with the remaining cinnamon roll pieces, then pour the remaining pumpkin mixture over the top to cover evenly.
- Bake the Monkey Bread: Place the bundt pan on a cookie sheet to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls are fully cooked and golden brown.
- Cool and Remove: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the monkey bread to cool for about 15 minutes. Carefully invert the bundt pan onto a wire rack to release the bread. Gently lift the pan away.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 3 tablespoons milk, and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon until smooth and well combined.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the warm monkey bread. Allow the glaze to set slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious pumpkin monkey bread!
Notes
- You can substitute pumpkin pie spice with a mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves if unavailable.
- Be sure to spray the bundt pan well to ensure the monkey bread releases easily.
- For an extra touch, add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts between layers.
- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened for easier blending in the pumpkin mixture.
- Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
