This Hawaiian roll monkey bread is a delightful twist on the classic pull-apart bread. Using soft and sweet Hawaiian rolls, this recipe creates a gooey, buttery treat that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert.
The preparation is simple and requires minimal ingredients, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or family brunches.
Creating the Perfect Monkey Bread
Monkey bread, with its gooey texture and sweet flavor, is a delightful treat that brings joy to any gathering. This version, made with Hawaiian rolls, takes the classic recipe to a new level of indulgence.
The soft and sweet nature of Hawaiian rolls makes them an ideal base for this pull-apart bread. Each piece is coated in a buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture, resulting in a warm, inviting aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes.
Ingredients That Shine
The simplicity of the ingredients used in this recipe is part of its charm. With just a handful of items, you can create a dish that feels special and indulgent.
Hawaiian rolls serve as the star of the show, while the combination of butter, sugar, and cinnamon adds a rich flavor profile. Optional ingredients like chopped nuts can enhance the texture, providing a delightful crunch amidst the soft bread.
Preparation Made Easy
Preparing this monkey bread is straightforward, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced bakers. Start by preheating your oven and greasing a bundt pan to ensure easy removal after baking.
The next step involves mixing the granulated sugar and cinnamon, creating a fragrant coating for the roll pieces. Dipping each quarter of the Hawaiian roll in melted butter before rolling it in the sugar mixture ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.
Baking to Golden Perfection
Once the rolls are coated, they are layered in the bundt pan, with brown sugar and optional nuts sprinkled in between. Pouring any remaining butter over the top before baking allows for a beautifully caramelized finish.
Baking for about 30-35 minutes transforms the rolls into a golden-brown masterpiece. The anticipation builds as the sweet aroma wafts through the air, promising a delicious treat.
Glazing for Extra Sweetness
After allowing the monkey bread to cool slightly, it’s time to add the finishing touch: a sweet glaze. Whisking together powdered sugar and milk creates a smooth drizzle that enhances the overall flavor.
Drizzling the glaze over the warm bread not only adds sweetness but also creates an appealing visual contrast against the golden-brown pieces. This step is optional, but it certainly elevates the presentation.
Serving Suggestions and Enjoyment
Once the monkey bread is ready, it’s time to serve! Pull apart the pieces and enjoy them warm, allowing everyone to indulge in this delightful treat.
This dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a crowd-pleaser, ensuring that it will be the highlight of any meal.
Easy Hawaiian Roll Monkey Bread

This monkey bread is made by coating pieces of Hawaiian rolls in a buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture, then baking them until golden and caramelized. The recipe takes about 45 minutes from start to finish and serves 8 people.
Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian rolls, cut into quarters
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze, optional)
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (for glaze, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan.
- Prepare the Sugar Mixture: In a bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon together.
- Coat the Rolls: Dip each quarter of the Hawaiian roll into the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Layer in the Pan: Place the coated roll pieces into the prepared bundt pan, layering them with brown sugar and nuts if using.
- Bake: Pour any remaining butter over the top and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool and Glaze: Allow to cool for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate. If desired, whisk together powdered sugar and milk to create a glaze and drizzle over the warm monkey bread.
- Serve: Pull apart pieces and enjoy warm.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 45g