Monkey-Ball Cake
A sweet, cinnamon-sugar coated cake made with refrigerated rolls, perfect for a comforting dessert or brunch treat with a soft, gooey texture and warm flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put 1 cup sugar and butter or margarine in a pot on the stove and melt on low heat.
- Grease a Bundt or angel food cake pan.
- Open all 4 cans of refrigerated rolls.
- Cut each roll into quarters.
- Shake the roll pieces in a Tupperware bowl with a lid, along with 2/3 cup sugar and cinnamon.
- Place the roll balls in the prepared Bundt pan and pour half of the melted sugar mixture over them.
- Repeat with the remaining two cans of rolls, adding more cinnamon to the mixture if needed, then pour the rest of the melted sugar mixture on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar in the melted mixture. You can also add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the roll pieces for added texture and taste. If you're short on time, substitute homemade dough with store-bought biscuit dough. This will save prep time without sacrificing flavor, making it an excellent choice for gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Monkey-Ball Cake warm, drizzled with extra melted butter or a dusting of powdered sugar for an indulgent touch. This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a refreshing side like Picnic Macaroni Salad to balance the sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm individual pieces in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Monkey-Ball Cake contains roughly 776 calories, with 8g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 533mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the roll balls and the melted sugar mixture ahead of time. Assemble them in the Bundt pan, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven to ensure even baking.
What can I use instead of refrigerated rolls?
If you prefer a homemade option, you can use your favorite biscuit or dough recipe to make the roll pieces from scratch. Alternatively, you could use frozen dough balls, allowing them to thaw and rise before shaking them in the sugar and cinnamon mixture.
Can I freeze Monkey-Ball Cake?
Yes, you can freeze the Monkey-Ball Cake. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).