Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread: The Ultimate Fall Treat
As the leaves begin to change color and a crispness fills the air, there’s nothing more comforting than the warm, spicy aroma of pumpkin spice filling your home. This Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread is not just a recipe; it’s an experience—a delightful blend of rich autumn flavors that will have everyone gathering around the kitchen, eager for a taste. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day, this monkey bread brings together the classic taste of cinnamon rolls with the seasonal flair of pumpkin spice.
Whether you’re hosting a fall brunch, looking for a delicious treat to serve during holiday gatherings, or simply want to indulge in a cozy dessert, this Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread is your go-to recipe. It’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is guaranteed to impress both family and friends. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe a must-have for your fall baking repertoire.
Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread
1. Simple Ingredients, Extraordinary Flavor: One of the greatest things about this recipe is how it takes simple, store-bought ingredients and transforms them into something extraordinary. Using Pillsbury Grands! Cinnamon Rolls as the base saves time without sacrificing flavor. The addition of pumpkin pie spice elevates the rolls, giving them that quintessential fall flavor everyone loves. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves creates a warmth that’s both comforting and inviting.
2. A Versatile Treat: This Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread is incredibly versatile. It can be served as a breakfast treat, a mid-morning snack, or even a dessert. Imagine waking up on a chilly fall morning to the smell of this bread baking in the oven—there’s no better way to start the day. It’s also an excellent choice for holiday gatherings. Serve it as part of a Thanksgiving brunch, or bring it to a potluck and watch it disappear in minutes.
3. A Fun Recipe for All Ages: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the process of making this monkey bread. From shaking the cinnamon roll pieces in a sugar-spice mixture to drizzling the warm icing over the finished product, it’s a fun and interactive recipe. Plus, who doesn’t love the idea of pulling apart a warm, sticky, sweet bread with their hands? It’s the perfect recipe to get everyone involved in the kitchen.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
To make this delightful Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cans of Pillsbury Grands! Cinnamon Rolls: These serve as the base of the monkey bread. Their rich, buttery flavor pairs perfectly with the pumpkin spice.
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar: Used to coat the cinnamon roll pieces, giving them a sweet and slightly crunchy exterior.
- 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, divided: This blend of spices infuses the bread with that warm, cozy flavor that’s synonymous with fall.
- ½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar: Adds depth and a hint of molasses flavor to the bread.
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted: This combines with the brown sugar to create a rich, gooey sauce that permeates the bread as it bakes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s walk through the process of making this Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread.
Step 1: Prepare Your Bundt Pan Start by spraying a 12-cup bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures that your monkey bread will slide out easily once baked.
Step 2: Cut the Cinnamon Rolls Open each can of Pillsbury Grands! Cinnamon Rolls and set the icing aside for later. Cut each roll into 4 pieces. These bite-sized pieces are what will form the layers of your monkey bread.
Step 3: Coat the Cinnamon Roll Pieces In a gallon-sized resealable bag, combine the granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. Add the cut-up cinnamon rolls to the bag, seal it, and shake until all the pieces are evenly coated with the sugar-spice mixture. This step is not only fun but also ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 4: Layer the Rolls in the Pan Place the coated cinnamon roll pieces in the prepared bundt pan. Try to distribute them evenly so that the bread bakes uniformly.
Step 5: Make the Brown Sugar Sauce In a small bowl, stir together the packed brown sugar and melted butter. This mixture will create a sticky, caramel-like sauce that adds sweetness and moisture to the monkey bread.
Step 6: Pour the Sauce Over the Rolls Drizzle the brown sugar and butter mixture over the cinnamon roll pieces in the bundt pan. As it bakes, this sauce will seep into the bread, making it incredibly moist and flavorful.
Step 7: Bake Bake the monkey bread in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 40-50 minutes, or until the top is a deep golden brown and the rolls are cooked through. The exact baking time can vary depending on your oven, so start checking around the 40-minute mark.
Step 8: Cool and Invert Once baked, remove the monkey bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully invert the pan onto your serving plate. Be cautious—both the pan and the bread will be hot!
Step 9: Add the Icing Stir the remaining ½ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice into the reserved icing that came with the cinnamon rolls. Drizzle this spiced icing over the top of the monkey bread. This final touch adds a sweet, creamy finish that perfectly complements the warm spices.
Step 10: Serve Warm This Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread is best served warm. The gooey layers, the sticky caramel-like sauce, and the spiced icing all come together in each bite to create a truly indulgent treat.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your ingredients, especially the spices, are fresh. Spices lose their potency over time, and using fresh pumpkin pie spice will give your monkey bread the most vibrant flavor.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your monkey bread as it bakes. Overbaking can cause it to dry out. You’re looking for a dark golden brown color and a firm texture, but not hard.
- Invert with Care: Inverting the bundt pan onto your serving plate can be a bit tricky. Use oven mitts and take your time to avoid any burns or spills.
Why Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread is Perfect for Fall
Fall is the season of comfort foods, and this Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread fits the bill perfectly. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves evokes memories of cozy sweaters, bonfires, and family gatherings. Whether you’re enjoying it with a hot cup of coffee in the morning or serving it as a dessert after a hearty meal, this monkey bread is sure to become a fall favorite.
Additionally, the ease of preparation makes it an ideal recipe for those busy autumn mornings. With minimal prep time and ingredients that are likely already in your pantry, you can whip up this delicious treat without much hassle. It’s also a great recipe to get the kids involved in—let them help shake the cinnamon roll pieces in the sugar-spice mixture or drizzle the icing on top.
Variations and Add-Ins
While this Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread is delicious as is, you can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Add Nuts: For a bit of crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts between the layers of cinnamon roll pieces.
- Use Pumpkin Puree: For an extra dose of pumpkin flavor, try adding a few tablespoons of pumpkin puree to the brown sugar and butter mixture before drizzling it over the rolls.
- Cream Cheese Icing: Swap out the icing that comes with the cinnamon rolls for a homemade cream cheese icing for a tangy contrast to the sweet bread.
Storing and Reheating
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), you can store the Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, simply pop a piece in the microwave for about 20 seconds, or until warm. The bread will retain its softness and gooey texture, making it just as delicious the next day.
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread is the epitome of fall baking—easy to make, full of warm, comforting flavors, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Whether you’re enjoying it as part of a leisurely weekend brunch or bringing it to a holiday gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. So, the next time you’re craving something sweet and spicy, give this Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread a try. Your taste buds—and everyone you share it with—will thank you!