If you are looking for a show-stopping, irresistible treat to share with friends or family, the Apple Pie Monkey Bread Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This heartwarming dish perfectly combines tender cinnamon rolls, sweet apple pie filling, and a gooey brown sugar glaze to create a delightful pull-apart dessert that’s bursting with flavor and comforting autumn vibes. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this recipe delivers layers of soft dough, spicy cinnamon, and juicy apples that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of this Apple Pie Monkey Bread Recipe lies in its simple ingredients—all easy to find but crucial to achieving that perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and enticing aroma. Each component plays a unique role in building layers of flavor and a soft, sticky finish you’ll want to dive into immediately.
- 3 cans Cinnamon Rolls (8 count): These provide the fluffy dough base and a rich cinnamon flavor that carries the entire dish.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Coating the dough pieces for that initial sweetness and crunch.
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon: Added to sugar for that warm, spicy twist.
- 1 can Apple Pie Filling: Brings juicy, tender apple chunks and classic apple pie taste.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: For richness and to help create the luscious gooey sauce.
- 1 cup Light Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel notes that soak into the bread.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Mixed into the brown sugar sauce to amp up the spice and warmth.
How to Make Apple Pie Monkey Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Bundt Pan and Apples
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees and generously spraying your bundt pan with cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks. Next, pour the apple pie filling into a medium bowl and chop the apples into smaller pieces with a sharp knife to evenly distribute fruit through every bite.
Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar
Combine the granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon in a bowl or a ziplock bag. This sweet and fragrant mixture will coat the cinnamon roll pieces for that classic cinnamon bun taste with a bit of crunch.
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls
Open the cinnamon roll cans and carefully reserve the icing for later drizzling. Cut each cinnamon roll into four pieces, which will create those perfect monkey bread-sized chunks that you can pull apart with your fingers.
Step 4: Coat the Dough Pieces
Toss the cut cinnamon roll pieces in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Once done, discard any leftover sugar mixture to keep your layers from becoming soggy.
Step 5: Layer the Ingredients in the Bundt Pan
Start by placing one-third of the coated cinnamon roll pieces evenly in the bottom of the bundt pan. Next, layer half of your chopped apple pieces on top of the dough. Repeat this layering process with another third of the cinnamon roll pieces, the remaining apples, and finally, the last third of the cinnamon rolls on top.
Step 6: Make and Pour the Brown Sugar Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then stir in the light brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Continue cooking until the mixture starts bubbling to create a thick, caramel-like sauce. Pour this hot sauce evenly over the layered cinnamon rolls and apples in the bundt pan. Give the pan a few gentle taps on the counter to help the sauce seep down through the layers.
Step 7: Bake and Finish
Bake in your preheated oven for about 55 minutes until the top turns golden and bubbly. Once out of the oven, let it cool on the counter for 15 minutes. Carefully invert the bundt pan onto a serving plate to reveal your beautifully baked Apple Pie Monkey Bread. Drizzle the reserved cinnamon roll icing generously over the top to add an extra touch of sweetness and gooey delight.
How to Serve Apple Pie Monkey Bread Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra pizzazz, sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar on top or add a handful of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side also elevates this treat into the realm of pure indulgence.
Side Dishes
This sweet monkey bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai. For brunch, consider serving it alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit to balance the richness and bring in some freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Apple Pie Monkey Bread on a rustic wooden board or a cake stand to highlight its homey charm. You can even separate the pull-apart pieces into small bowls for guests to dig in individually, making it perfect for casual gatherings or family breakfasts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Apple Pie Monkey Bread refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This ensures it stays fresh but still moist and flavorful for your next craving.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to prepare it in advance. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers warm and gooey, reheat in the oven at 325 degrees for about 10–15 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps preserve the crisp top layer and melts the sugary sauce perfectly once again.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling?
Yes, fresh apples can be used, but make sure to peel, core, and dice them finely. You might want to toss them in some sugar and cinnamon beforehand to mimic the sweetness and spice of the canned filling.
Is there a way to make this Apple Pie Monkey Bread Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Use vegan cinnamon rolls, plant-based butter, and a dairy-free brown sugar substitute. Check the apple pie filling label or make your own to keep it fully vegan.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, substitute the cinnamon rolls with a gluten-free dough or rolls if available. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free but always verify labels to be sure.
What’s the best bundt pan size for this recipe?
A standard 10-inch bundt pan works perfectly for this recipe, giving the monkey bread enough room to bake evenly and achieve that golden crust.
Why does my monkey bread sometimes come out soggy?
Soggy monkey bread can happen if excess sugar mixture is left in the pan or if the butter sauce is too watery. Make sure to discard leftover sugar coating before layering and cook the butter/brown sugar sauce until it’s bubbling and slightly thickened.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the Apple Pie Monkey Bread Recipe that makes any day feel special. Its perfect combination of soft cinnamon rolls, juicy apples, and caramelized sugar will have you reaching for second (and third) helpings without guilt. Give this recipe a try and watch it become your go-to for cozy gatherings, festive mornings, or whenever you want to treat yourself to a delicious, comforting bake.
PrintApple Pie Monkey Bread Recipe
This Apple Pie Monkey Bread combines the comforting flavors of classic apple pie and cinnamon rolls into a pull-apart, shareable treat. Layers of cinnamon-sugar coated dough and spiced apple pie filling are baked in a bundt pan, then topped with a buttery brown sugar glaze and drizzled with cinnamon roll icing for a decadently sweet and gooey dessert perfect for breakfast or dessert gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dough and Filling
- 3 cans Cinnamon Rolls (8 count each)
- 1 can Apple Pie Filling (about 21 oz)
Sugar Coating
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
Brown Sugar Glaze
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Icing
- Reserved icing from the cinnamon rolls
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously spray a bundt pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Apple Filling: Pour the apple pie filling into a medium bowl. Using a sharp knife, chop the apples into smaller pieces to distribute evenly throughout the bread. Set aside.
- Mix Sugar and Cinnamon: Combine the granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon in a bowl or ziplock bag; this will be used to coat the cinnamon roll pieces.
- Prepare Cinnamon Rolls: Open the cinnamon rolls and carefully reserve the icing packet for later use. Cut each cinnamon roll into four pieces.
- Coat Dough Pieces: Toss the quartered cinnamon roll pieces into the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Discard any leftover sugar mixture.
- Layer Dough and Apples: Place one-third of the coated cinnamon roll pieces in the bottom of the bundt pan. Then layer half of the chopped apples on top. Add another one-third of cinnamon roll pieces, followed by the remaining apples, and finally the last third of cinnamon roll pieces on top.
- Make Brown Sugar Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the light brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, stirring occasionally until the mixture starts to bubble.
- Add Glaze to Pan: Pour the hot brown sugar glaze evenly over the layered cinnamon rolls and apple mixture in the bundt pan. Gently tap the bundt pan on the counter a few times to help the glaze seep down through the layers.
- Bake: Bake the monkey bread in the preheated oven for approximately 55 minutes, or until the topping is bubbly and the dough is cooked through.
- Cool and Invert: Remove the bundt pan from the oven and let cool for 15 minutes. Then place a cake plate over the bundt pan and carefully invert it to release the monkey bread onto the plate.
- Drizzle Icing: Drizzle the reserved cinnamon roll icing evenly over the top of the monkey bread before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh peeled, cored, and chopped apples mixed with sugar and cinnamon for the canned apple pie filling if preferred.
- Be careful when inverting the bundt pan as the monkey bread will be hot and sticky.
- This recipe can be served warm for best gooey texture or at room temperature.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and warmed gently in the microwave or oven.
- Spraying the bundt pan well with cooking spray or butter is essential for easy release.
