This fun treat combines fluffy cinnamon rolls, sweet apples, and crunchy walnuts, all baked together to create a gooey delight! It’s a wonderful mixture of flavors that smells amazing!
I love how easy it is to pull apart and enjoy each bite. Plus, who can resist that warm, cinnamon goodness? Perfect for brunch or a cozy dessert night with friends! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cinnamon Roll Dough: The recipe calls for refrigerated dough for convenience. You can use homemade dough if you’re up for a challenge! If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free cinnamon roll dough or a basic biscuit dough as a substitute.
Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work well because of their tartness. You can replace them with Fuji or Braeburn apples if you prefer sweeter flavors. If you want a different taste, pears can be a fun swap!
Walnuts: Chopped walnuts add crunch, but feel free to use pecans for a different flavor or skip nuts entirely if you’re allergic. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can add a nice texture, too!
Ground Spices: The nutmeg is optional, but it adds warmth. If you don’t have it, you can stick with just cinnamon, or consider adding a bit of allspice for more depth.
How Do I Make Sure My Monkey Bread is Fluffy and Golden?
Getting a fluffy and evenly golden monkey bread is key! First, don’t skimp on the oven temperature—350°F is just right. Also, be attentive when mixing the dough pieces with the apple-walnut mixture.
- Mix gently so the dough pieces stay intact. You want to coat them but not crush them.
- Layer them loosely in the bundt pan. This allows for that tasty pull-apart texture you want.
- Keep an eye on the baking time; you want that beautiful golden brown but not overbaked! Every oven is different, so start checking at 30 minutes.
How to Make Apple-Walnut Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Dough:
- 2 cans (16 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon roll dough with icing (store-bought)
For The Apple-Walnut Filling:
- 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and finely diced
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For The Glaze:
- Icing from the cinnamon roll cans (usually included inside)
- Additional powdered sugar icing (optional for extra drizzle)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and around 30-35 minutes for baking. Plus, you’ll want to cool it for about 10 minutes after baking. So, in total, you should set aside about an hour to whip up this yummy treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grease a bundt pan or a tube pan with non-stick spray or butter to keep the monkey bread from sticking.
2. Prepare Apple-Walnut Mixture:
In a medium bowl, melt your butter. Once melted, mix it with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is well combined. Next, add in your diced apples and chopped walnuts. Toss them gently to coat in the mixture.
3. Cut Dough into Pieces:
Take your refrigerated cinnamon roll dough out of the cans. Separate the rolls and cut each one into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1-inch chunks. It doesn’t have to be perfect; you just want them to be small enough to pull apart and share!
4. Coat Dough Pieces:
Now, toss those cut dough pieces into the apple-walnut mixture. Stir gently to make sure that all the pieces get nicely coated. This is where all the tasty flavors come together!
5. Assemble Monkey Bread:
Layer the coated dough pieces into your greased bundt pan. Spread them out evenly, and make sure the apples and walnuts are well distributed throughout.
6. Bake:
Place your bundt pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips and pop it in the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the monkey bread is golden brown and cooked through. To check, insert a toothpick into the bread; it should come out clean (with maybe a couple of apple bits sticking, but that’s fine!).
7. Cool and Remove:
Once baked, let the monkey bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps it set. After cooling, carefully invert it onto a serving plate.
8. Add Icing:
While your monkey bread is still warm, drizzle the included icing from the cinnamon roll cans all over the top. If you want, you can whip up a quick powdered sugar glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a little milk or cream to drizzle on top for an extra sweet touch.
9. Serve Warm:
Now it’s time to dig in! Pull apart the monkey bread pieces and enjoy them warm, relishing the gooey apples, the crunch of walnuts, and the sweet cinnamon flavor. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you want a delicious treat!
Enjoy this delightful Apple-Walnut Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread!
Can I Use a Different Type of Dough?
Absolutely! While the recipe uses refrigerated cinnamon roll dough for convenience, you can substitute it with homemade dough if you prefer. Just ensure it’s similar in texture for the best result. Gluten-free doughs are also a great option if needed!
What Apples Are Best for This Recipe?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are great choices due to their balance of tartness and sweetness. However, you can use any firm, sweet, or tart apples like Fuji or Braeburn. Even pears can be a delightful alternative!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it where it will last up to a week. Just reheat in the microwave or oven before serving!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the apple-walnut mixture and cut the cinnamon roll dough in advance. Assemble the monkey bread the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Just allow extra time for baking, as it may need a few more minutes if cold from the fridge!