This Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread with Bacon Is the Ultimate Brunch Treat

Imagine a warm, gooey mountain of cinnamon roll dough, soaked in buttery brown sugar, topped with crispy candied bacon—then baked into golden, sticky perfection. That’s what you get with this Candied Bacon Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread. It’s the kind of recipe that steals the show at brunch, holiday breakfasts, or any time you want a sweet treat with a salty, smoky twist.

This recipe is super simple thanks to store-bought cinnamon rolls, and it comes together in under 40 minutes from start to finish!


Why I Love This Recipe

This monkey bread is:

  • 🍩 Soft, gooey, and full of cinnamon spice
  • 🥓 Crispy, smoky, and sweet thanks to the candied bacon
  • 🍯 Sticky and rich with a brown sugar-butter glaze
  • 🥄 Perfect for sharing and pulling apart at the table

It’s what happens when dessert meets breakfast—and adds bacon.


📝 Ingredients

  • 2 cans cinnamon rolls (8-count, with icing included)
  • 6 strips bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

🔁 Ingredient Notes & Swaps

  • Cinnamon rolls: Any brand works—just make sure they come with icing!
  • Bacon: Thick-cut works best for candied texture. Cook fully before adding.
  • Brown sugar: Light or dark both work; dark gives a deeper molasses flavor.
  • Butter: Salted or unsalted—both bring richness and help the topping bubble up.
  • Optional: Add chopped pecans or a drizzle of maple syrup after baking for extra indulgence.

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat Oven

Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and grease a bundt pan or large tube pan well.

2️⃣ Cut the Dough

Open the cinnamon rolls and cut each one into 4–6 smaller pieces.
Place pieces evenly into the prepared pan.

3️⃣ Add the Toppings

In a bowl, combine:

  • Brown sugar
  • Melted butter
  • Cinnamon

Stir to form a sticky mixture and drizzle it over the dough pieces.

Sprinkle candied bacon (fully cooked and crumbled) over the top.

4️⃣ Bake

Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly on top.

Let cool for 5–10 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving plate.

5️⃣ Add the Icing

Drizzle the included icing packet over the warm monkey bread.

Serve immediately—this one is best enjoyed fresh and warm!


🔥 Tips for Success

  • Cook the bacon until very crispy so it doesn’t soften too much during baking.
  • Grease the pan well—this monkey bread is sticky by nature!
  • Use a serrated knife or fork to gently pull pieces apart if serving plated.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

This monkey bread is amazing with:

  • ☕ Hot coffee or a maple latte
  • 🍳 A savory egg bake or frittata on the side
  • 🍓 Fresh fruit or berries to balance the richness
  • 🥂 Mimosas for the perfect brunch vibe

🧊 Storage & Reheating

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes.
  • Freeze: Not ideal due to icing and bacon, but unbaked dough can be frozen in a pinch.

💡 More Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re into gooey, sweet, pull-apart treats or crave-worthy breakfast bakes, don’t miss:


💬 Final Thoughts

This Candied Bacon Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is sweet, gooey, and completely irresistible. The cinnamon-spiced dough, brown sugar glaze, and crispy bacon work together like a dream. It’s perfect for weekend brunch, holiday mornings, or just treating yourself to something that feels a little extra.

Tried it? Tag @ChefManiac and show us your sticky, bacon-topped creations. And don’t forget to follow for more comfort bakes, sweet breakfasts, and crowd-pleasing desserts!