Delicious Monkey Bread made right in your Instant Pot. Soft cinnamon rolls combined with a secret ingredient create a tender, gooey pull-apart bread that’s perfect for brunch, holiday mornings, or overnight guests. Using refrigerated cinnamon rolls keeps this recipe quick and easy, while a small box of butterscotch instant pudding boosts the flavor and helps keep the bread exceptionally moist. This version, inspired by a friend’s recipe, delivers sweet, sticky, buttery bites every time.
Where is Monkey Bread from?
Monkey Bread traces its roots to a Hungarian dessert called arany galuska, which translates as “golden dumplings.” Small balls of dough are tossed in butter, cinnamon, and sugar, then baked into a sticky, layered treat. Over time, the idea evolved into the monkey bread we enjoy today: bite-sized pieces of sweet dough baked together and usually served warm.
Why is it called Monkey Bread?
The name “monkey bread” likely comes from how it’s eaten: as a finger food you pull apart with your hands, much like a monkey picking at pieces. The pull-apart nature is part of the charm—everyone can grab a piece and enjoy the gooey cinnamon-sweet layers.
Now that we’ve covered the background, here’s how to make Instant Pot Monkey Bread that’s fluffy, tender, and perfectly saucy.
Monkey Bread in the Instant Pot
Making monkey bread in a pressure cooker keeps it ultra-moist thanks to the steam environment, and using store-bought cinnamon rolls removes the need to roll and cut dough. The butterscotch instant pudding powder coats the dough pieces, adding extra sweetness and a slightly caramelized flavor. This is one of the simplest monkey bread recipes you’ll find—fast to assemble and reliably delicious.
Monkey Bread
Ingredients
- 2 (12 ounce) cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls
- 1 small box butterscotch instant pudding
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters. Toss the pieces in the dry butterscotch pudding mix so they are lightly coated.
- Spray a 6-cup bundt pan with cooking spray. Alternate layers of melted butter and coated cinnamon roll pieces, starting and ending with butter.
- Place the trivet in the bottom of the Instant Pot and add 1 1/2 cups of water. Make a foil sling that will help you lift the bundt pan out after cooking. Place the bundt pan on the trivet (pan should be uncovered).
- Cook on high pressure for 22–25 minutes. Use quick release when the cooking time is finished.
- Carefully remove the bundt pan using the sling. Let the bread cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes, then invert onto a plate. Drizzle the cinnamon roll frosting over the top and serve warm.
Course: Bread, Breakfast
Monkey Bread Tips
- Serve warm: Monkey bread is best enjoyed fresh and warm, when the dough is soft and the syrup is gooey. It’s ideal right out of the Instant Pot or oven.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. You can also freeze any baked portions—wrap tightly and reheat from unthawed at 350°F until warmed through.
- Oven method: If you don’t have an Instant Pot, bake this recipe in a 6-cup bundt pan at 350°F for about 30–35 minutes, or until golden and no longer doughy in the center. Cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then invert onto a plate.
- Camping/Dutch oven: This recipe adapts well to camp cooking in a 12-inch Dutch oven. Line the Dutch oven with foil and bake the cinnamon roll mixture over coals at an even temperature—usually around the equivalent of 350°F. Start with about 18 briquettes on the lid and 6 underneath, then monitor frequently to avoid burning the bottom. Adjust briquette placement as needed for even heat.
- Pan size: A 6-cup bundt pan works well for this recipe; using the right size helps the bread cook evenly and retain its shape.
- Serving ideas: Pair your monkey bread with coffee, tea, or a simple fruit salad for a balanced brunch spread. It’s also a fun treat for holiday mornings or any special breakfast occasion.
If you enjoy Instant Pot desserts, try other pressure-cooker treats like an Instant Pot key lime cheesecake for a smooth, silky finish and bright citrus flavor.