This fun pull-apart treat mixes sweet cinnamon rolls with juicy apples and crunchy walnuts. It’s like a cozy hug in dessert form! Perfect for sharing with friends or family.
Making this apple-walnut monkey bread is a blast—just toss everything together and watch it turn into a delicious mess! I love serving it warm with a drizzle of icing on top. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cinnamon Rolls: Pre-packaged cinnamon rolls make this recipe quick and easy! If you want a homemade touch, try making your own dough. You can also use non-dough cinnamon rolls, but bake times may change.
Apples: A medium apple works well, but you can use any variety that suits your taste. I love Granny Smith for a tart flavor, but Honeycrisp or Fuji add great sweetness. If you need a substitute, pears work nicely too!
Walnuts: Chopped walnuts add a nice crunch. Pecans are a good alternative if you prefer them. For nut-free options, try sunflower seeds or skip the nuts altogether—this dish will still be delicious!
Butter: Unsalted butter gives better control over the saltiness. If you want to reduce dairy, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter spread instead. Both will work well in the recipe.
How Do I Ensure the Perfect Texture for My Monkey Bread?
The key to getting that lovely pull-apart texture is in the layering and mixing. Make sure to coat the cinnamon roll pieces evenly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Here are some steps for best results:
- Don’t rush when tossing the pieces; every piece should be fully coated.
- Layering is crucial. Don’t compress the mixture in the bundt pan. Just let it fall to create layers.
- For a gooey finish, ensure all the exposed pieces get some melted butter topping before baking.
Timing matters too! Make sure to bake just until golden to avoid drying out the rolls. Pull it out as soon as it looks perfect!
Apple-Walnut Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Monkey Bread:
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
- 1 medium apple, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Optional:
- Extra icing or glaze for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 30-35 minutes for baking. After baking, let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Overall, you’ll need around 1 hour to make this delicious monkey bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it nice and hot. While that’s heating up, grease a bundt pan generously with butter or non-stick spray so your monkey bread won’t stick.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls:
Open the two cans of cinnamon rolls, and separate each roll. Cut them into quarters—this will make it easy to pull apart once they are baked and mixed with all the delicious flavors!
3. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This mix will give our monkey bread that sweet, warm flavor we all love. Stir it together until it’s well blended.
4. Coat the Cinnamon Rolls:
Add the quartered cinnamon rolls into the bowl with the cinnamon sugar mixture. Gently toss them until they are all coated nicely. This ensures every piece will be deliciously sweet!
5. Add Apples and Walnuts:
Fold in the diced apple and half of the chopped walnuts. Be gentle when mixing to keep the cinnamon rolls from breaking apart too much. You want everything to be evenly distributed!
6. Layer in the Bundt Pan:
Now it’s time to layer the mixture into your prepared bundt pan. Start by adding half of the coated cinnamon roll mixture and then drizzle half of the melted butter over this layer.
7. Complete the Layering:
Next, add the remaining cinnamon roll mixture on top and pour the rest of the melted butter evenly over everything. This will help create that buttery, gooey goodness we’re after!
8. Add the Final Touch:
Sprinkle the remaining chopped walnuts on top for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
9. Bake the Monkey Bread:
Pop the bundt pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the top is golden brown and the rolls are fully cooked.
10. Cool and Invert:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This step helps it to set a little. Then, carefully invert the monkey bread onto a serving plate.
11. Drizzle with Icing:
Warm the icing that came with the cinnamon rolls a little to make it easier to drizzle. Pour it generously over the warm monkey bread for that final touch of sweetness!
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the monkey bread warm, inviting everyone to pull apart pieces and enjoy the gooey cinnamon, apple, and walnut goodness. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert!
This treat blends the soft texture of cinnamon rolls with the sweetness of apples and the crunch of walnuts, creating a warm, comforting delight. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Apples for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen apples, but be sure to thaw and drain them first to remove excess moisture. This will help maintain the texture of your monkey bread and prevent it from getting soggy during baking.
Can I Prepare This Monkey Bread in Advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the monkey bread a day ahead. Just keep it covered in the fridge before baking. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as directed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week! Reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or until warm.
What Can I Substitute for Walnuts?
If you need a nut-free option, try using sunflower seeds or simply omit the nuts altogether. You could also substitute with pecans for a similar flavor and texture. Just make sure to adjust according to your taste preference!
