This fun Apple-Walnut Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is a sweet treat everyone will enjoy! It combines soft cinnamon rolls with tasty apples and crunchy walnuts for a delicious bite.
Let’s be real, it’s great for breakfast or as a dessert! I mean, who could resist pulling apart pieces of this warm, gooey goodness? Perfect for sharing or just treating yourself! 🍏🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cinnamon Rolls: The star here! Using refrigerated cinnamon rolls makes this recipe quick and easy. If you want to try homemade, feel free to use your favorite recipe instead.
Apple: A medium apple brings natural sweetness and moisture. I love using Granny Smith apples for their tartness, but Fuji or Honeycrisp are great options too. If you’re short on apples, you can substitute with a cup of pears or even raisins.
Walnuts: They add a lovely crunch. If allergies are a concern, try pecans or sunflower seeds instead. For nut-free, just skip them!
Granulated Sugar & Cinnamon: This duo is essential for that classic cinnamon roll flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, coconut sugar works well, and you can add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
Butter: Unsalted butter helps keep the flavors balanced. If you’re trying to cut back on dairy, coconut oil or a plant-based butter can be a good swap without losing the richness.
How Do You Ensure the Perfect Bake for Monkey Bread?
Baking monkey bread can sometimes be tricky. The goal is a golden outside with a soft inside. Here are a few tips to help you achieve that:
- Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F (175°C) before putting the bread in.
- Cover the top loosely with foil if it’s browning too quickly to prevent burning.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean when done.
After baking, let it cool in the pan for a bit. This helps it hold its shape better when you invert it. Enjoy pulling it apart warm—it’s the best part!
Apple-Walnut Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cans (8 ounces each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
- 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
- Optional: extra icing from cinnamon rolls or made from 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1-2 tbsp milk for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious monkey bread will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 30-40 minutes to bake. So, in total, plan for about 1 hour before you can dig in. A little bit of prep for a whole lot of yum!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a Bundt pan and generously grease it with butter or nonstick spray so the monkey bread won’t stick later on.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls:
Open the cans of cinnamon rolls and carefully separate each roll, cutting them into bite-sized pieces. This will help them bake evenly and be easier to pull apart later.
3. Mix the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix them together well; this will be the sweet coating for your cinnamon rolls!
4. Coat the Cinnamon Roll Pieces:
Toss the pieces of cinnamon roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, making sure each piece is coated evenly. This gives every bite that delicious cinnamon flavor!
5. Add Apples and Walnuts:
Now, add the diced apple and chopped walnuts to the bowl. Gently mix everything together, ensuring that the apples and nuts are evenly distributed among the cinnamon roll pieces.
6. Fill the Bundt Pan:
Carefully place the coated cinnamon roll pieces, apples, and walnuts into the greased Bundt pan, spreading them out evenly. This ensures that every part of the bread will be filled with goodness.
7. Melt the Butter:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s fully liquid. Once melted, you’re ready to add it to the mix!
8. Add the Butter:
Pour the melted butter evenly over the mixture in the Bundt pan, ensuring all the pieces get a nice buttery flavor.
9. Bake the Monkey Bread:
Place the Bundt pan in the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Look for a beautiful golden brown color on top. If you notice it browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning.
10. Cool and Remove:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps it set up a bit. Then, run a knife around the edges to loosen it up before flipping it onto a serving plate.
11. Drizzle and Serve:
Finally, drizzle the reserved icing from the cinnamon rolls or your homemade glaze over the warm monkey bread. Serve it warm, and enjoy this gooey delight by pulling apart pieces! It’s best enjoyed with friends and family!
This Apple-Walnut Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Enjoy the delicious combination of soft cinnamon rolls, sweet apples, and crunchy walnuts for a memorable treat!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are a great choice for their tartness, you can use any apple you prefer. Fuji, Honeycrisp, or even Gala apples work well and will add a nice sweetness to your monkey bread.
What If I Don’t Have Walnuts?
No problem! You can substitute the walnuts with pecans for a similar flavor and crunch, or skip the nuts altogether for a nut-free version. If you’re looking for something different, sunflower seeds can also be a great option.
Can This Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cinnamon roll mix and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Just let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking it the next day. This is a great time-saver for special occasions!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers 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. To reheat, simply microwave individual pieces for 10-15 seconds or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
