This Apple-Walnut Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is a fun and yummy treat! It’s filled with sweet apples, crunchy walnuts, and warm cinnamon, all in bite-sized pieces, perfect for sharing.
You can pull apart the pieces and enjoy them warm—it’s like a cozy hug in dessert form! I love serving it for brunch; it always gets smiles and a few happy dance moves! 🕺🍏
Ingredients & Substitutions
Cinnamon Roll Dough: Using pre-made cinnamon roll dough saves time. I love the convenience! If you’re feeling adventurous, you could make your own dough, too. Just keep in mind it needs time to rise!
Apple: A medium apple works well, but I often reach for Granny Smith for that nice tartness. You can use any apple you prefer, like Honeycrisp or Fuji, depending on your taste.
Walnuts: Chopped walnuts add crunch, but if you have nut allergies, feel free to omit them or replace them with seeds, like sunflower seeds. Pecans are an excellent substitute if you still want the nutty flavor!
Sugar: While granulated sugar is in the recipe, swapping in brown sugar will give a deeper flavor. I sometimes use a mix of both to balance sweetness and caramel notes.
Butter: Unsalted butter is great, but you could use coconut oil for a dairy-free option. It gives a nice flavor, too!
How Do You Bake Monkey Bread Without Burning It?
Monkey bread can be tricky to bake evenly. Here’s how to ensure you get it just right without burning:
- Preheat Well: Always preheat your oven completely before placing the bundt pan inside. This helps the bread cook evenly from the start.
- Check Doneness: I recommend checking the bread at the 25-minute mark. If it’s browning too quickly, cover it with foil to prevent burning while the center finishes baking.
- Cool Before Serving: Letting the monkey bread cool for a few minutes in the pan helps it set and makes it easier to flip without falling apart.
Enjoy baking this treat! It’s fun to pull apart each piece and share the warmth and flavor with friends or family. Happy baking!
Apple-Walnut Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Monkey Bread:
- 2 cans (about 16 oz each) cinnamon roll dough with icing
- 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: 1/4 cup brown sugar (can replace part of granulated sugar for deeper sweetness)
- Additional canned cinnamon roll icing for drizzling (from the cans or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious monkey bread will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake, for a total time of about 45-50 minutes. You’ll just need to let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Perfect for brunch or a sweet treat anytime!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grease a bundt pan generously with butter or nonstick spray to ensure easy removal later. A well-greased pan makes all the difference!
2. Mix the Cinnamon-Sugar:
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. If you want an extra layer of flavor, add the optional brown sugar to this mixture for a delightful caramel taste.
3. Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls:
Open the two cans of cinnamon roll dough. Cut each roll into quarters, making bite-sized pieces that will be easy to pull apart once baked.
4. Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the quartered cinnamon roll pieces with the chopped apple and chopped walnuts. Make sure everything is mixed well so each piece gets some apple and nut goodness.
5. Add Cinnamon-Sugar Mix:
Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough, apple, and walnut mixture. Toss everything gently to coat them thoroughly with the sweet goodness.
6. Drizzle with Butter:
Now, drizzle the melted butter over the entire mixture. Give it another toss to incorporate the butter evenly, ensuring all pieces are coated.
7. Fill the Bundt Pan:
Transfer the mixture into your prepared bundt pan, layering it evenly so that everything cooks just right. Make sure to spread it out a bit for an even bake!
8. Bake the Monkey Bread:
Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent over-browning.
9. Cool and Invert:
Once baked, remove the monkey bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5-10 minutes. This allows it to set before inverting, helping it keep its shape. Carefully flip it onto a serving plate.
10. Add the Icing:
Generously drizzle the canned icing over the warm monkey bread. You can also use homemade icing if you like! Allow it to soak in for a moment.
11. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve your warm Apple-Walnut Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread to your friends and family. Pull apart those delicious pieces and enjoy every gooey, cinnamon-filled bite!
This monkey bread is a comforting dessert or sweet breakfast treat, with the lovely combination of cinnamon-scented dough, tender apple pieces, and crunchy walnuts topped with warm icing. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful treat!
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Apples?
Absolutely! Pears are a great substitute if you want a similar texture and flavor. You could also try diced peaches or even berries for a different twist. Just make sure they’re not too juicy to avoid sogginess!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. To reheat, warm it in the oven or microwave for a few seconds until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare everything the night before, layer it into the bundt pan, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time in the morning, as it will be chilled.
What Should I Serve With Monkey Bread?
This monkey bread is delightful on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, or a side of fresh fruit. For a more decadent treat, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!
