Irresistible Cinnamon Monkey Bread

Indulge in the Irresistible: Easy Cherry Cheesecake Monkey Bread with Cinnamon Rolls

Prepare to be amazed by this effortlessly delicious Cherry Cheesecake Monkey Bread recipe, a delightful fusion that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re seeking a show-stopping breakfast centerpiece, a cozy brunch item, or an unforgettable dessert, this bundt cake delivers a symphony of flavors with incredible ease. Crafted with just a few readily available ingredients, you can whip up this amazing easy monkey bread right in your own kitchen!

The Ultimate Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Recipe with a Cherry Twist

Our journey to monkey bread perfection begins with a fantastic shortcut: refrigerated cinnamon rolls. While many traditional monkey bread recipes call for biscuit dough, using pre-made cinnamon rolls elevates the flavor profile with their inherent sweetness and spices. We particularly love using standard refrigerated cinnamon rolls (not the “Grands” size, as the smaller rolls are easier to cut and distribute evenly). If you have Rhodes frozen cinnamon rolls on hand, simply thaw about 18 pieces until they are soft enough to cut. These versatile rolls can be transformed into so many delicious creations beyond just baking them on a sheet pan; today, we’re giving them a gourmet makeover with a fruity, cheesecake-inspired twist.

The inspiration for this unique treat came from a memorable stop at Schatt’s Bakery in Bishop, California. If your travels ever take you through the Eastern Sierra on the way to Mammoth, a visit to this beloved establishment is an absolute must for their incredible treats and deli items. It’s a small, incredibly popular bakery nestled at the base of the mountains, known for its delectable baked goods. This particular monkey bread creation aims to capture that same magic of a truly special, indulgent bakery experience, brought right into your home kitchen.

Essential Ingredients for Your Easy Monkey Bread

Creating this magnificent cherry cheesecake monkey bread requires only a few simple components, making it an accessible recipe for even novice bakers. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Cinnamon Rolls: You’ll need two cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls. Opt for the regular-sized cans, as opposed to the larger “Grands” biscuits, for easier cutting and consistent texture. Alternatively, thaw approximately 18 frozen cinnamon rolls (like Rhodes) for about 30 minutes until soft enough to handle and cut.
2. Cherry Pie Filling: One can of cherry pie filling will provide the vibrant fruit flavor and moistness to this monkey bread. Feel free to experiment with other fruit pie fillings to customize your creation.
3. Cream Cheese (for frosting): Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This is crucial for achieving a smooth, lump-free frosting that blends effortlessly with the marshmallow creme.
4. Marshmallow Creme (for frosting): A tub of regular-sized marshmallow creme is the secret to a light, airy, and incredibly delicious cheesecake-style frosting that perfectly complements the rich monkey bread.

Creative Variations and Simple Substitutions

One of the joys of cooking is the ability to personalize recipes, and this easy monkey bread is no exception. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

Dough Alternatives:

While refrigerated cinnamon rolls are the simplest choice, you can certainly use other dough options. If you prefer using Rhodes frozen dough balls, allow them ample time to defrost and soften before cutting them into smaller pieces. This will ensure they bake through evenly and absorb the delicious pie filling. Using frozen dough might add a bit more prep time for thawing, but the end result will still be fantastic.

Fruit Pie Filling Options:

Cherry pie filling offers a wonderful tart-sweet contrast, but don’t hesitate to explore other flavors. Blueberry pie filling, apple pie filling, mixed berry, or even peach pie filling would create equally delightful versions of this dessert. For those with a little extra time and a penchant for homemade, preparing your own fruit filling is also an option, offering a deeper, fresher flavor profile. However, a quality canned pie filling works perfectly and keeps the recipe super quick and convenient.

Baking Pan Choices:

We highly recommend using a bundt cake pan for this recipe. Its unique shape allows for even heat distribution, resulting in perfectly baked, golden-brown monkey bread with a beautiful presentation. While you could technically use a square baking dish, the bundt pan truly yields the best texture and appearance. For an extra touch, a light dusting of powdered sugar over the finished product is an option, though this dessert is wonderfully sweet and satisfying as is.

Simplified Guide: How to Make 2-Ingredient Monkey Bread (Plus Frosting)

Get ready to create a masterpiece with minimal effort! This recipe truly shines for its simplicity and incredible outcome. Here’s your step-by-step guide to making this mouthwatering cinnamon roll monkey bread:

• Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls: Begin by unrolling your refrigerated cinnamon rolls. Using a sharp knife or kitchen shears, cut each cinnamon roll into approximately four bite-sized pieces. Place these pieces into a medium-sized mixing bowl.
• Combine with Pie Filling: Open your can of fruit pie filling and add its entire contents to a large mixing bowl. Gently add the cut cinnamon roll pieces into the bowl with the pie filling.
• Gently Stir: Using a spatula or large spoon, very gently fold the cinnamon roll pieces into the pie filling. Be careful not to mash the rolls; you want them coated but still retaining their shape. The goal is to evenly distribute the fruit throughout the dough.
• Prepare and Fill the Bundt Pan: Generously spray the inside of your bundt pan with a non-stick cooking spray, or brush it with melted butter to ensure easy release. Carefully spoon the cinnamon roll and pie filling mixture into the prepared bundt pan, ensuring it’s spread evenly around the pan for consistent baking.
• Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the bundt pan into your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the internal dough is no longer sticky. You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.
• Cool and Invert: Once baked, remove the bundt pan from the oven. Allow the monkey bread to cool in the pan for at least 5-10 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the sticky sugars to set slightly, making it much easier to flip. After cooling, carefully invert the bundt cake onto a large serving platter.

Decadent Cheesecake Frosting: The Perfect Finishing Touch

While the monkey bread itself is incredibly flavorful, the creamy cheesecake frosting elevates it to an entirely new level, adding that “cheesecake” element to our cherry cheesecake monkey bread. Here’s how to create this simple yet luxurious topping:

In a mixing bowl, combine one block of softened (room temperature) cream cheese with a tub of regular-sized marshmallow creme. On a low setting, mix these two ingredients together until they are completely smooth and well combined. This creates a fluffy, tangy-sweet frosting that is absolutely amazing with the fruit and cinnamon rolls.

You have a couple of options for applying this delicious frosting. You can either use a pastry bag to squeeze the icing decoratively over the top of the entire bundt cake in a pretty zig-zag pattern once it has cooled slightly. Alternatively, serve the monkey bread plain and allow your guests to spoon the frosting directly onto their individual servings. Don’t forget, you can also use the small tubs of icing that come with the refrigerated cinnamon rolls for a super quick topping, but the homemade cream cheese and marshmallow creme frosting truly makes this dessert special!

Isn’t it simply beautiful? The monkey bread slides effortlessly out of the bundt pan after a few minutes of settling. The combination of the sweet cinnamon rolls, tart cherry pie filling, and the rich, creamy cheesecake frosting creates an unforgettable taste experience. It’s a dessert that looks impressive but is deceptively simple to prepare, making you look like a culinary star!

Baking Monkey Bread in a Muffin Tin: A Mini Treat Idea

Absolutely! Baking monkey bread in a muffin tin is a fantastic idea for individual portions, and it significantly cuts down on baking time. This method is especially fun for kids or for serving at parties. Simply spray your muffin tin generously with non-stick spray. Spoon the cinnamon roll and pie filling mixture into each muffin cup. Bake until golden brown and cooked through (the timing will be much shorter than for a bundt cake – typically around 15-20 minutes, or as indicated in our monkey bread muffins recipe). Once done, scoop them out and frost before serving. It’s a delightful, bite-sized version of this beloved treat!

Can You Bake Monkey Bread in a 9×13 Pan?

Yes, you can certainly bake this monkey bread in a 9×13 inch baking pan. If you choose this option, we recommend following the guidelines for our cinnamon roll breakfast casserole for best results. When baking in a rectangular pan, it’s essential to keep a close eye on it towards the end of the baking time to prevent it from over-browning, especially around the edges. The baking time might be similar to the bundt pan, but ovens vary. To check for doneness, look for a lightly golden top and a center that no longer appears wet. A toothpick inserted into the middle should come out clean, indicating that the biscuit pieces are fully cooked and no longer sticky. The shape might be different, but the delicious flavor remains!

This recipe builds upon a similar concept that inspired these delightful cherry cheesecake egg rolls I made years ago. The combination of cherry and cream cheese is simply irresistible, and I knew it would be a perfect pairing for monkey bread, offering a fresh and exciting twist on a classic favorite. While traditional monkey bread often involves rolling each dough piece in cinnamon sugar, with this recipe, that step isn’t necessary. The cinnamon rolls themselves bring the spice, and the pie filling and frosting add all the sweetness and flavor you could ever desire.

Unlike a traditional style where you might roll each cut piece of biscuit in a bowl of sugar and cinnamon, it isn’t necessary with this version. The flavors from the cinnamon rolls and pie filling are ample. We have a detailed recipe card at the bottom of this post, but here is a quick step-by-step overview of the cooking process:

Storing Leftovers: Keeping Your Monkey Bread Fresh

Should you be fortunate enough to have any leftovers of this delectable cherry cheesecake monkey bread, proper storage is key to maintaining its freshness and delightful texture. To prevent it from drying out, which can happen quickly when exposed to air, place any remaining monkey bread into an airtight freezer bag or container. If using a bag, try to press out as much air as possible before sealing.

Store the monkey bread in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 24-48 hours for optimal taste and texture. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, a quick warm-up in the microwave for 30-60 seconds will restore its gooey, fresh-baked warmth, making it almost as good as new. This makes it a perfect make-ahead treat that you can enjoy over a couple of days!

Looking for more dessert inspiration with similar ingredients or techniques? We have a few delightful suggestions:

• Use that same can of pie filling to create our ridiculously easy cherry pie filling dump cake – another simple yet impressive dessert.
• For a seasonal twist, our pumpkin monkey bread is absolutely amazing, especially during the autumn months. It’s packed with warm spices and comforting flavors.
• And for a surprisingly quick method, try our Instant Pot monkey bread! Yes, it’s possible to make monkey bread in your Instant Pot, and it’s a game-changer for speed and convenience.

If you’re a devoted cheesecake fan, you’ll also adore this Instant Pot cheesecake recipe for another simple, crowd-pleasing dessert. We hope you enjoy making and sharing this incredible cherry cheesecake monkey bread. It’s a recipe that promises big flavor with minimal fuss, perfect for creating sweet memories.