This Apple-Walnut Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is a fun and yummy treat! It combines soft cinnamon rolls, sweet apple pieces, and crunchy walnuts, all baked together for a cozy dessert.
It’s perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying on a lazy Sunday. I like serving it warm with a drizzle of icing. It makes the kitchen smell amazing too—though you might have to fight for the last piece! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cinnamon Rolls: This recipe uses refrigerated cinnamon rolls for convenience. If you’d prefer homemade, feel free to make your own from scratch! Just be sure to adjust cooking times as raw dough may take longer.
Apples: I like using Granny Smith apples for a tart contrast to the sweetness of the rolls. However, any apple type works! Honeycrisp or Fuji are also great options. You can even substitute with pear if you don’t have apples handy.
Walnuts: Chopped walnuts add a nice crunch but can be replaced with pecans or even almonds if you’re looking for something different. For a nut-free version, just leave them out entirely!
Sugar & Cinnamon: The sugar and cinnamon mixture is key for flavor. You could reduce sugar for a less sweet option or swap it with brown sugar for a richer taste.
How Do You Get Perfectly Coated Cinnamon Rolls?
Coating the pieces evenly is essential for the best flavor. Break the cinnamon rolls into quarters, and then toss them gently in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This helps every bite be packed with that irresistible sweet and spicy flavor!
- Make sure each piece is coated before adding in the apples and walnuts.
- Gently fold the apples and nuts to avoid crushing the cinnamon roll pieces.
I also recommend layering the mix in the Bundt pan carefully for even baking. Enjoy the warm, gooey goodness when it’s ready!
Apple-Walnut Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Monkey Bread:
- 2 (12 oz) cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
- 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Optional Topping:
- Additional icing from cinnamon roll cans for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful monkey bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake. After that, you’ll need about 10 minutes to let it cool before you flip it over to serve. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour for a delicious homemade treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, take a moment to grease a Bundt pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking later. We want our monkey bread to come out nice and clean!
2. Mix Sugar and Cinnamon:
In a medium bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This is the sweet, flavorful essence that will coat our rolls and make them irresistible!
3. Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls:
Open the cans of cinnamon rolls and carefully pull apart each roll into quarters or bite-sized pieces. They don’t have to look perfect—just make them small enough to toss and coat easily.
4. Coat the Roll Pieces:
Toss the cinnamon roll pieces gently in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they are well coated. This part is really fun—make sure each piece gets a good cover of cinnamon goodness!
5. Add Apples and Walnuts:
Now, fold in the finely chopped apple pieces and half of the walnuts into the mixture. This will add a wonderful taste and crunch to your monkey bread.
6. Layer in the Bundt Pan:
Layer the coated cinnamon roll pieces along with the apple and walnut mix evenly inside your prepared Bundt pan. You want a nice even distribution so every bite has a bit of everything!
7. Add Butter:
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the pan. This will help them bake up rich and flavorful!
8. Top with Walnuts:
Sprinkle the remaining walnuts on top of the mixture in the Bundt pan. They’ll add a lovely crunch to the final product.
9. Bake It Up:
Pop the Bundt pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it as it bakes—it should turn golden brown and puff up nicely when it’s ready!
10. Cool and Invert:
Once it’s baked, carefully remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes. Then, carefully invert the monkey bread onto a serving plate. It’s like a sweet surprise when you flip it over!
11. Drizzle with Icing:
Finally, drizzle the included icing from the cinnamon roll cans (or a homemade glaze if you prefer) over the warm monkey bread. The warmth will make it melt into all those lovely crevices!
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the monkey bread warm and enjoy the gooey, cinnamon-apple, nutty goodness. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert!
This recipe will surely become a favorite for special occasions or just a cozy weekend treat. Enjoy every bite! 🍏🍏
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are a great choice for their tartness, you can use any type of apple you prefer, such as Honeycrisp or Fuji. Just make sure to peel and finely chop them for the best texture in the monkey bread.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just reheat it in the microwave or oven to enjoy it warm again!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You could prepare the cinnamon roll mixture the night before and assemble it in the Bundt pan, then cover it and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready, just pop it in the oven and bake it as directed. It’s a great way to save time!
What if I Don’t Have a Bundt Pan?
No worries! If you don’t have a Bundt pan, you can use a regular round cake pan instead. Just reduce the baking time slightly and keep an eye on it; it may bake a bit faster!
