How to Make Rhodes Rolls Monkey Bread: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
If you’ve never tried Monkey Bread before, you’re in for a real treat! This gooey, cinnamon-sugar-coated dessert is as fun to make as it is to eat. And when you use Rhodes Rolls, it’s incredibly simple and quick! In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the process, so you can easily whip up this delicious pull-apart bread in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Rhodes Frozen Dinner Rolls – 12 rolls (You can find these in the frozen section of most grocery stores. They’ll need to thaw, so plan ahead!)
- Butter – ½ cup (melted)
- Sugar – 1 cup (granulated)
- Ground Cinnamon – 1½ teaspoons
- Brown Sugar – ½ cup (packed)
- Chopped Nuts (optional) – ½ cup (walnuts or pecans work great)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
The first thing you need to do is get the Rhodes Rolls ready. If you’re using frozen rolls, you’ll need to allow them to thaw and rise. Place the frozen rolls on a greased baking dish (9×13 works great). Cover the dish with a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls sit for about 3-4 hours at room temperature until they’ve doubled in size.
If you’re in a hurry, you can speed up the process by using the oven method: Preheat your oven to 200°F. Once it’s preheated, turn it off and place the rolls in the oven for about 30 minutes. This creates the perfect warm environment for the rolls to rise.
2. Mix Cinnamon Sugar
While your rolls are rising, it’s time to prepare the cinnamon-sugar coating. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Mix them together thoroughly, ensuring that all the cinnamon is evenly distributed in the sugar. This step adds the signature flavor to your Monkey Bread!
3. Prepare the Butter and Brown Sugar Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Mix them together until the brown sugar is fully dissolved. This will create a sweet, gooey sauce that will coat the rolls as they bake, making the Monkey Bread irresistibly sticky and sweet.
4. Cut the Rolls and Coat Them
Once the rolls have fully risen, it’s time to cut them into quarters. Using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife, cut each roll into four pieces. The pieces don’t need to be perfect, as they will bake together into a delicious, rustic pull-apart treat.
Take each of the cut pieces of dough and roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Place the coated pieces into the prepared baking dish. If you like, you can add chopped nuts between layers of dough for a little extra crunch and flavor.
5. Drizzle with Butter and Brown Sugar Sauce
Once all the dough pieces are placed in the pan, pour the butter and brown sugar mixture over the top. The mixture will seep between the rolls and create a delicious caramelized layer during baking. Don’t worry if the sauce looks a little runny—it’ll thicken as the bread bakes!
6. Let It Rest Before Baking
Now it’s time for the dough to relax for a few minutes while the oven preheats. Cover the pan with a towel and let the dough rest for about 10 minutes. During this time, the dough will continue to rise slightly and absorb the buttery cinnamon mixture.
7. Bake the Monkey Bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake the Monkey Bread for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dough is fully cooked. The bread should be puffed up and slightly firm to the touch. Keep an eye on it, as oven temperatures can vary, and you don’t want it to burn.
8. Let It Cool (If You Can Wait!)
Once your Monkey Bread is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This will give the sugary syrup time to set slightly. After that, it’s time to dig in!
9. Serve and Enjoy!
To serve, simply invert the pan onto a large plate or serving dish. The rolls should slide right out, leaving you with a beautiful, gooey Monkey Bread that’s perfect for pulling apart.
This sweet treat is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you need a delicious and fun snack! Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or tea for an extra special treat.
Expert Tips
- Make-Ahead Option: If you want to prepare your Monkey Bread the night before, simply assemble everything up to the point of baking, cover the pan, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, take it out of the fridge, let it come to room temperature, and bake as usual.
- Add-ins: Get creative with your Monkey Bread! Try adding a handful of mini chocolate chips, raisins, or a splash of vanilla extract to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for extra flavor.
- Storage: Leftover Monkey Bread (if there is any!) can be covered and stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. It can also be reheated in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Conclusion
Rhodes Rolls Monkey Bread is a deliciously easy recipe that will have everyone reaching for a piece! With minimal prep and simple ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering dessert or snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a family brunch, a holiday gathering, or simply as a special treat for yourself, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the gooey goodness, and happy baking!
This detailed recipe offers clear instructions and expert tips to make sure your Monkey Bread turns out perfect every time. Enjoy baking, and feel free to get creative with your add-ins!