This fun and tasty monkey bread features sweet cinnamon rolls, juicy apples, and crunchy walnuts all baked together. It’s gooey, warm, and perfect for sharing with family or friends!
You can pull apart each piece and enjoy the yummy flavors. I love serving it for breakfast or brunch—it’s like a hug in a dish. Plus, it makes the kitchen smell amazing! 🍏🥁
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cinnamon Rolls: Using refrigerated cinnamon rolls is a huge time saver, but feel free to make homemade if you have the time! For a lighter option, try using reduced-fat cinnamon rolls.
Apples: Fuji and Gala are perfect because they’re sweet and hold their shape well. You could also use Granny Smith for a tart kick or swap them for pears if you prefer!
Walnuts: Chopped walnuts add a lovely crunch. If you have nut allergies, try using sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead. For a different flavor, pecans work nicely too!
Butter: Unsalted butter is best since it gives you complete control over the saltiness. You can also use coconut oil for a dairy-free version!
How Do I Get the Best Texture for My Monkey Bread?
The key to a great monkey bread texture is ensuring the cinnamon roll pieces are well-coated and layered neatly. This allows all the flavors to meld together during baking.
- Be generous when rolling the dough in the cinnamon-sugar mix—this adds flavor and sweetness.
- Layer the monkey bread tightly in the pan to avoid gaps; this helps it bake uniformly.
- Before inverting, use a knife to loosen the edges; this will help it come out smoothly!
Remember, the gooeyness comes from the butter and the syrupy sauce created during baking, so don’t skip the butter drizzle!
Apple-Walnut Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For Monkey Bread:
- 2 cans (10 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
- 1 medium apple (such as Fuji or Gala), peeled and finely chopped
- 1 cup chopped walnuts, divided
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: 1/4 cup brown sugar (for extra caramel flavor)
For Optional Glaze:
- Icing from cinnamon rolls (included in cans)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious monkey bread will take about 15 minutes to prepare, and then it needs about 30-35 minutes to bake. After that, let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Overall, you can enjoy this sweet treat in less than an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, take a bundt pan or tube pan and grease it with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking later.
2. Mix the Sugar and Cinnamon:
In a large bowl, blend together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. If you’re using brown sugar for a deeper flavor, mix it in with the granulated sugar now.
3. Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls:
Open the cans of cinnamon rolls and take out each roll. Cut each roll into bite-sized pieces—this makes it easier to pull apart once baked!
4. Coat the Dough:
Take each piece of cinnamon roll dough and roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until it’s well-coated. This step is important for maximizing flavor!
5. Add Apples and Walnuts:
Next, gently toss your coated dough pieces with the finely chopped apples and about 3/4 cup of the chopped walnuts. This will distribute the apple and walnut goodness throughout.
6. Layer in the Pan:
Now, layer your mixture evenly into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it out as you go. This will help it bake evenly!
7. Drizzle with Butter:
Drizzle the melted butter all over the top of the dough mixture—it will soak in and add moisture and flavor.
8. Sprinkle Remaining Walnuts:
Finally, sprinkle the remaining walnuts on top for an extra crunch and flavor.
9. Bake:
Place your bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the monkey bread is golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on it towards the end!
10. Cool and Invert:
Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully run a knife around the edges and invert the bundt pan onto a serving plate. Give it a little shake to help it release.
11. Drizzle with Icing:
While the monkey bread is still warm, drizzle the icing that came with the cinnamon rolls all over the top. If you’d like another layer of sweetness, prepare the optional glaze!
12. Optional Glaze:
For an extra special touch, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the top of your monkey bread.
13. Serve:
Now the best part—serve it warm and let everyone pull apart their pieces! Enjoy the gooey, sweet, apple-filled, cinnamon delight!
This recipe captures the gooey texture of classic monkey bread with a fruity apple crunch and nutty walnut topping, all enhanced by warm cinnamon flavors and a sweet glaze. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Cinnamon Rolls Instead?
Yes, frozen cinnamon rolls can be used! Just make sure to thaw them completely in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before using. This will help them rise properly once baked.
What Can I Substitute for Walnuts?
If you have nut allergies or simply don’t have walnuts on hand, you can substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. You could also use pecans for a different nutty flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy them warm, you can reheat individual pieces in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the monkey bread up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking so it can rise a bit.