Easy Overnight Caramel Rolls Recipe - A Well-Seasoned Kitchen® (2024)

Indulge in a heavenly treat that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction with our Easy Overnight Caramel Rolls ( a.k.a. Monkey Bread). This delightful recipe takes advantage of the convenience of frozen bread dough, transforming it into a delectable masterpiece that will leave you craving for more. With a luscious caramel coating and a soft, gooey center, these rolls are perfect for lazy weekend mornings or special occasions when you want to impress your loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen. Prepare to awaken your taste buds and embark on a journey of irresistible sweetness with these heavenly caramel rolls.

this Recipe

What is Monkey Bread?

These Overnight Bundt Caramel Rolls, also often called Monkey Bread, are full of caramel and cinnamon flavor. I love the deep, richness of caramel, in just about any dish. Similar to caramel is butterscotch, which I also love. Technically in this recipe, the caramel sauce ingredients are actually for butterscotch (brown sugar, butter), including even butterscotch pudding mix. But years ago when someone first gave this recipe to my mom, it was called Caramel Rolls, so we’ve kept the name. If I changed it to Overnight Bundt Butterscotch Rolls, no one in my family would know what they were! And, regardless of the name, they are super delicious.

Not only does it only take about 5 minutes to prepare these Caramel Rolls, you prep them the night before, and pop them in the oven the next morning around 35 to 45 minutes before serving. Easy enough for everyday, elegant enough for special occasions and entertaining!

Caramel Rolls Recipe Ingredients

There are only 6 ingredients in this gooey-gooey, caramel rolls:

  • Chopped toasted pecans
  • Unbaked frozen bread rolls (do not thaw) – I use Rhodes brand
  • Dry butterscotch pudding mix
  • Salted butter
  • Light brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

How to Make Caramel Rolls with Frozen Bread Dough

Monkey Bread is incredibly easy to prepare. Here are the steps involved:

  1. The Night Before Serving.
    These are the steps to complete the night before you would like to serve these delectable rolls.
  2. Butter a 10-inch (12 cup) Bundt pan.
    Put around 1 tablespoon of very soft butter on a small piece of paper towel and rum generously all over the inside of a bundt pan. Make sure to get inside all of the nooks and crannies.
  3. Sprinkle bottom of pan evenly with chopped pecans.
    Make sure they are both in and outside of the pan crevices.
  4. Place bread rolls in pan, touching and filling the bottom first, then layering on top.
    Don’t thaw rolls. Spread them as evenly as possible around the pan.
  5. Sprinkle pudding evenly over top of rolls.
    Cut off one end of the pudding packet and gently shake the powder to spread on top of the frozen rolls.
  6. Make the sauce.
    In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat, stirring constantly to keep it from separating. Stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until sugar is dissolved (the feel of the sauce will change and become less gritty once the sugar has dissolved).
  7. Pour butter mixture evenly over bread rolls and pudding mixture.
    Use a large spoon to help pour the butter mixture over the top of the rolls, spreading it evenly.
  8. Leave out, uncovered (do not refrigerate), overnight.
    It’s likely the dough will rise over the top of the pan, and that’s okay. Sometimes it doesn’t and that’s okay, too.
  9. The Next Morning.
    These are the few steps you follow the morning you’re serving these rolls.
  10. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
    Place an oven rack in the middle of the oven, and put a cookie sheet on an oven rack under the middle rack (to catch any drippings).
  11. Bake rolls.
    Put bundt pan with rolls on the middle rack in the oven, centered over the cookie sheet. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until puffy and bubbly hot.
  12. Remove from heat.
    Place rolls on a trivet and let cool slightly in the pan (2 to 3 minutes).
  13. Remove from pan.
    Place a serving plate over the top of the Bundt pan and, using oven mitts, hold the plate and pan together and flip them over so the plate is on the bottom. Remove the Bundt pan. Using a spoon scoop any sauce remaining in the pan (there may not be any).

Easy Caramel Rolls Add-Ins or Variations

There are several ways you can make these Caramel Rolls your own. Here are a few ideas:

  • Substitute chopped walnuts or slivered almonds for the pecans.
  • Add 1/2 cup raisins, dried cranberries or even dried blueberries. Sprinkle them in and around the frozen rolls.
  • Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips – or toffee chips. Sprinkle them in and around the frozen rolls.
  • Add orange zest. Stir into butter-sugar mixture before pouring over the rolls.

Overnight Caramel Rolls Recipe Tips

Here are my tips for ensuring your caramel rolls come out perfect, every time:

  • Toast the pecans. Toasting nuts before using brings out their flavor. I recommend toasting nuts before adding to almost any recipe. And, it’s easy to do – just spread the chopped nuts out on a large rimmed cookie sheet and roast in a preheated 350 degree oven for 5 to 7 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned.
  • Stir the butter constantly. When melting butter, you should stir it constantly to keep it from separating. Continue stirring once you add the sugar and cinnamon, again to make sure the ingredients don’t separate. You can also feel when the sugar is dissolved – it won’t feel grainy anymore.
  • Remove rolls from pan at the right time. To ensure the the caramel sauce (and nuts) stick to the rolls, let them sit in the pan for 2 to 3 minutes after removing from the oven. If you take them out right way, the sauce can all slide off, and if you let them rest them much longer than 3 minutes, the sauce can stick to the pan.

Caramel Roll Recipe FAQ

How long do these Caramel Cinnamon Rolls need to rise?

Frozen Rhodes Dinner Rolls take around 3 to 5 hours (depending on temperature of your kitchen) before they double in size and are ready to bake. Allowing them to rise longer doesn’t hurt this recipe!

Is it possible to make this Caramel Roll Recipe in less time if there’s no time to wait overnight? (Is there a quick rise method?)

As mentioned above, give the rolls 3 to 5 hours to rise or until they are doubled in size. Or, to make them even faster, thaw the rolls in the refrigerator ahead of time; then prepare the recipe as above. Let sit at room temperature (preferably in a warm place) for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until doubled in size before baking.

Storing and Reheating Frozen Bread Dough Caramel Rolls

These rolls are best the day they are baked. Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator; they will last for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap with foil and place in a 300 degree oven for around 10 to 15 minutes.

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Overnight Caramel Roll Recipe

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Print Recipe

Overnight Bundt Caramel Rolls are easy to prepare, oo-ey, goo-ey, cinnamon-y bites of moist deliciousness! Not only do they take only about 5 minutes to prepare, you make them the night before, and pop them in the oven the next morning around 35-45 minutes before serving. Easy enough for everyday, elegant enough for special occasions and entertaining!

  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 35 mins
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 10 to 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
  • 1819 frozen, unbaked bread rolls (do not thaw) – I use Rhodes brand
  • 1 package (3.5 ounce) dry butterscotch pudding mix
  • 1/2 cup salted butter
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Butter a 10-inch (12 cup) Bundt pan.
  2. Sprinkle bottom of pan evenly with chopped pecans.
  3. Place bread rolls in pan, touching and filling the bottom first, then layering on top.
  4. Sprinkle pudding evenly over top of rolls. Set aside.
  5. In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat, then stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until sugar is dissolved. Pour butter mixture evenly over bread rolls and pudding mixture. Leave out, uncovered (do not refrigerate), overnight. (Dough will rise over the top of the pan.)
  6. The next morning, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  7. Bake rolls for 25 to 35 minutes. Put a cookie sheet on the rack under the pan to catch any drippings. Remove from heat and let cool slightly in the pan (2 to 3 minutes).
  8. Place a serving plate over the top of the Bundt pan and, holding the plate and pan together, flip them over so the plate is on the bottom and remove the Bundt pan. The rolls hold together like a coffee cake and are topped with yummy caramel sauce and pecans. Pull the rolls apart with your hands as you serve them.

Notes

Note on removing cooked rolls from pan: If you wait more than 2 to 3 minutes to take the rolls out of the pan, you risk the yummy gooey sauce remaining in the pan. I invert them onto a serving plate, then place them in a warming (or 200 degree) oven to stay warm.

  • Author: (From “A Well-Seasoned Kitchen®” by Sally Clayton and Lee Clayton Roper)
  • Category: breakfast and brunch, baking

Originally Posted

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Categories

  • American
  • Bake
  • Breads
  • Breakfast and Brunch
  • Christmas
  • Easter
  • Pastries
  • Pot Luck
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  • WSK Recipes

About the author

Hi, I'm Lee.

I am inspired by my mother, Sally’s, love of cooking and entertaining to gather friends and family together over great meals and conversation. In fact, I held my first dinner party at the age of 16. Throughout the years, I’ve provided recipes, menu advice and cooking tips to friends seeking uncomplicated and delicious ideas for home entertaining.

Learn more about me

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Easy Overnight Caramel Rolls Recipe - A Well-Seasoned Kitchen® (2024)

FAQs

Can I leave cinnamon roll dough in the fridge overnight? ›

Recipe FAQs

If you like, you can assemble the cinnamon rolls, put them in the baking dish you're using and cover tightly with plastic wrap and transfer to the fridge to rise overnight. They might NOT rise very much in the fridge; that's ok!

How do you keep bread rolls soft when baking? ›

I get a soft crust, by not putting the rolls straight into a hot oven. They are proved in the air fryer, but an oven set to a low temperature would do, then when they have doubled in size I turn the temperature up to 190C and cook them. They come out with a thin soft crust.

Should you cover cinnamon rolls when baking? ›

We want to leave the lid (or foil) on so they don't over-brown. Baking them from frozen keeps that soft and gooey texture. Glaze the warm cinnamon rolls and serve.

How long can you let cinnamon rolls rise? ›

How long does it take cinnamon roll dough to rise? Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (up to 18 hours). The following day, remove from refrigerator and keeping them covered, let cinnamon rolls rise at room temp 1 to 1 1/2 hours (or in a 100˚F oven for 35 min) or until puffy.

Can I refrigerate homemade cinnamon rolls before baking? ›

Cover the rolls tightly and refrigerate for 8–12 hours. (16 hours max. 8–12 hours is best, but 16 hours is OK if absolutely needed. Do not exceed 16 hours.) The next morning, remove from the refrigerator and allow to rise on the counter for 1–2 hours before continuing with step 9.

What ingredient makes bread soft? ›

Adding sugar weakens the gluten structure, absorbs water, and eventually makes the bread lighter and softer. As a result, sugar improves the bread's taste, structure and texture. Yeast also eats up sugar to produce carbon dioxide, which raises the dough and makes bread fluffy.

What do bakeries put in bread to keep it soft? ›

Expandix is a modified tapioca starch that is an excellent thickener and dough conditioner. It will hold moisture well and help keep baked goods moist for a longer time. Commercial dough conditioners. They will help to lock moisture in the flour and keep bread and baked goods moist longer.

What is the secret of soft buns? ›

Don't over flour the dough. Knead for 5-6 minutes until the dough is soft and smooth. Let the dough rise in a warm spot until doubled, about an hour or so. (I usually let the dough rise right in the mixing bowl, but you can transfer to a lightly greased bowl and cover.)

Should I use parchment paper when baking cinnamon rolls? ›

Prepare 9x13in (doesn't have to be exact, just close) baking pans by lining with parchment paper. I use parchment paper just about every time I bake anything. Not only does it help keep things from sticking to the pan, it also helps keep the dough from burning. Now is a good time to start the oven preheating (350°F).

What is the secret ingredient in Cinnabon? ›

Cinnabon's Secret Ingredient

This special Indonesian cinnamon, called Makara, is trademarked by Cinnabon. And because of that trademark, you won't find this product in your local grocery store spice aisle.

What kind of pan is best for baking cinnamon rolls? ›

You can either put into a lightly greased 9 x 13 pan or I used 2- 9" round cake pans. Bake these at 400 degrees for 15 minutes.

Why didn't my cinnamon rolls rise overnight? ›

Add more yeast, blend in the starter, or knead in more flour to help initiate rising. Dough that has expired yeast, too much salt, all-purpose or cake flour, or antifungal spices like cinnamon might have trouble rising.

Can I leave uncooked cinnamon rolls out overnight? ›

Instead of letting the rolls rise at room temperature and baking them, you'll cut and arrange the rolls in the baking pan, tightly cover them with plastic wrap, immediately transfer them to the fridge and let them rest overnight. (Do not leave them out at room temperature for any longer than needed.)

What happens if you add too much flour to cinnamon rolls? ›

ONLY add as much flour as needed to handle the dough. It's better for the dough to be sticky at the start than to add too much flour and wind up with dense rolls, instead of light and fluffy ones.

How long can cinnamon roll dough sit in fridge? ›

These are easy to make ahead. You have two choices: you can make the dough and chill up to 2 days, then shape, let rise and bake, as described in the recipe, OR you can make the dough, chill for 2 hours, then shape, cover with plastic wrap that is sprayed with nonstick spray and chill for up to 2 days.

Can I refrigerate cinnamon roll dough after first rise? ›

Most bread recipes have two rises, a first rise (also called bulk fermentation), and a second or final rise. You can chill your dough during either the first or second rise. Your yeast won't give you much love if it's asked to do both rises in the fridge, so it's best to do one or the other at room temperature.

Can you refrigerate uncooked cinnamon roll dough? ›

Refrigerator (Overnight)

Some of the prep work for making cinnamon rolls can be done a day ahead, saving time when baking in the morning. You can either: Make the dough and refrigerate it overnight (loosely covered, not air-tight). Then in the morning assemble the rolls, let them rise, and bake.

How do you store unbaked cinnamon rolls overnight? ›

If you want to make cinnamon rolls the night before, roll and cut them, then tightly cover the cinnamon rolls with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

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