If you’re ready to dive into the coziest, most indulgent treat of the season, this Gingerbread Monkey Bread Recipe is exactly what you need to make your kitchen smell like holiday heaven. Imagine pillowy cinnamon roll dough drenched in warm gingerbread spices and a luscious cream cheese glaze all baked together in a fun pull-apart monkey bread style. This dessert is a crowd-pleaser that combines nostalgic comforts with a festive twist that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether it’s a special breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a festive dessert, this Gingerbread Monkey Bread Recipe brings joy with every sticky, sweet bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Gingerbread Monkey Bread Recipe is surprisingly simple to create, using ingredients you might already have on hand. Each component plays its part in building the perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and creamy goodness that makes this monkey bread truly unforgettable.
- 3 cans cinnamon roll dough: Provides the soft, fluffy base that pulls apart perfectly.
- 1/4 cup gingerbread coffee creamer: Adds a subtle gingerbread flavor and extra moisture.
- 3/4 cup sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes the dough for a lovely crust.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds depth and a hint of molasses richness.
- 2 tsp gingerbread spice: The star of the show, delivering classic ginger, cinnamon, and clove notes.
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon: Enhances warmth and complements the gingerbread spice.
- 3/4 cup butter (melted): Ensures a rich coating and helps the sugars cling to the dough.
- 1 (16 ounce) cream cheese frosting: Creates a creamy, tangy glaze that finishes the monkey bread perfectly.
- 1/4 cup gingerbread coffee creamer (additional): Mixed with frosting for a smooth, spiced drizzle.
How to Make Gingerbread Monkey Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease your bundt pan thoroughly with non-stick spray. This will guarantee your monkey bread releases easily once baked, preserving all those layered pieces of dough and glaze.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough Pieces
Next, unroll each can of cinnamon roll dough and separate the rolls. Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters to create bite-sized pieces that will bake evenly and be perfect for pulling apart later.
Step 3: Mix the Sugars and Spices
In a medium bowl, combine your sugar, brown sugar, gingerbread spice, and cinnamon. This fragrant sugar mixture will coat your dough pieces, giving them that classic gingerbread flavor and a caramelized texture.
Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze
Combine the cream cheese frosting with 1/4 cup of gingerbread coffee creamer. Blend these together until smooth and creamy, creating a luscious glaze that will be drizzled throughout the monkey bread and on top at the end.
Step 5: Melt Butter and Add More Flavor
Into your melted butter, pour the remaining 1/4 cup of gingerbread coffee creamer and stir well. This buttery, spiced mixture will help the sugar coating stick perfectly and infuse each piece with extra moisture and flavor.
Step 6: Coat the Dough Pieces
Dip each quarter of cinnamon roll dough into the melted butter mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Then immediately roll it in the bowl of sugar and spices, coating every bit for that irresistible sticky sweetness.
Step 7: Layer the Monkey Bread
Place half of your coated dough balls into the prepared bundt pan and drizzle with half of your cream cheese glaze. Layer the remaining dough pieces on top and prepare for baking. This layering ensures every bite gets that creamy glaze burst.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake your Gingerbread Monkey Bread Recipe for 35 to 45 minutes until the bread is golden brown and no longer doughy in the middle. The smell while baking is absolutely heavenly and a true sign that something special is coming.
Step 9: Cool and Invert
Once out of the oven, let the monkey bread rest in the bundt pan for about 15 minutes. Then invert it carefully onto a serving platter. Tapping the pan gently will release the monkey bread in one glorious, sticky mound.
Step 10: Final Glaze Drizzle
Finish it off by drizzling the remaining cream cheese glaze generously over the top. The creamy, spiced icing is the perfect final touch to your Gingerbread Monkey Bread Recipe and will make everyone’s taste buds do a little happy dance.
How to Serve Gingerbread Monkey Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Gingerbread Monkey Bread Recipe even more festive, sprinkle with chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few crystallized ginger pieces can also add a subtle elegance and extra zing.
Side Dishes
This monkey bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of chai tea, coffee, or even warm apple cider, making it a wonderful centerpiece for brunch or holiday breakfast. Fresh fruit on the side can balance the rich sweetness and refresh the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this treat directly from the bundt pan for a rustic look, or place it on a festive platter surrounded by holiday decorations. Tear-and-share style encourages communal enjoyment, perfect for family or friends gathered around the table. You can even portion it into smaller individual servings for cute gift boxes or party favors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Gingerbread Monkey Bread Recipe, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Make sure it’s well covered to keep the dough soft and the glaze moist.
Freezing
You can freeze the monkey bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to two months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently to bring back that fresh-baked softness.
Reheating
To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or warm the entire batch in a 300-degree oven for 10–15 minutes. This will allow the glaze to soften and the dough to regain its pillowy texture, almost like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use homemade dough instead of canned cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon roll dough can work beautifully and add your own personal touch. Just make sure it’s chilled and easy to cut into bite-sized pieces before coating in the butter and sugar mixture.
What can I substitute for the gingerbread coffee creamer?
If you don’t have gingerbread coffee creamer handy, feel free to use regular coffee creamer with added molasses and spices like cinnamon and ginger, or a splash of molasses combined with milk for that signature flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for larger groups?
Yes! You can easily double the ingredients and bake in a larger bundt pan or two standard ones to accommodate more people. Just keep an eye on the baking time as it may vary slightly.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan Gingerbread Monkey Bread Recipe, use vegan cinnamon roll dough, dairy-free cream cheese frosting, and substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative. The flavor will still be delightful and festive!
How long does it take to prepare and bake?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of hands-on prep time and 35 to 45 minutes in the oven, making it a relatively quick way to get a warm, comforting treat on the table.
Final Thoughts
This Gingerbread Monkey Bread Recipe is a sweet celebration of holiday flavors and fun textures that’s sure to become a cherished tradition. Once you dive into those warm, gooey pieces coated with spiced sugar and creamy glaze, you’ll understand why it’s such a favorite. I hope you make this recipe and share it with the special people in your life — it’s pure joy in every bite.
