Slow Cooker Cinnamon-Spiced Monkey Bread
Soft, pull-apart monkey bread infused with cinnamon and brown sugar, slow-cooked to golden perfection. This American-inspired recipe, ready in about 200 minutes, layers all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, warm water into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup (110°F) warm water
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp melted unsalted butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, and 1 tsp salt. Pour in 1 cup warm water (110°F) and 3 tbsp melted unsalted butter. Mix to form a dough and knead for 5 minutes until smooth.
- Step 2: Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm spot until doubled in size.
- Step 3: Punch down the dough and tear into 1-inch pieces. In a separate bowl, mix 3 tsp ground cinnamon with 1/2 cup brown sugar.
- Step 4: Dip each dough piece into 3 tbsp melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar until coated. Layer the pieces into a greased slow cooker.
- Step 5: Drizzle 2 tbsp vegetable oil over the top and cover. Cook on low for 2-3 hours until golden and cooked through. Serve warm for a gooey, sweet treat.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow Cooker Cinnamon-Spiced Monkey Bread take to make?
Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Slow Cooker Cinnamon-Spiced Monkey Bread?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Cinnamon-Spiced Monkey Bread?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Slow Cooker Cinnamon-Spiced Monkey Bread for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Slow Cooker Cinnamon-Spiced Monkey Bread?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
