Apple Cinnamon Monkey Bread

Are cinnamon rolls and cinnamon buns the same?

Cinnamon rolls and cinnamon buns are delicious baked goods that both feature a sweet and flavorful combination of cinnamon, sugar, and dough. These two share lots of similarities, but they differ much more than you think.

Although both desserts share the same buttery pastry base and cinnamon flavor, they’re each formed differently. 

Cinnamon rolls are typically sliced into individual rounds from a rolled-up log of dough, while cinnamon buns often refer to a more general category of sweet buns. Moreover, while most of the cinnamon roll’s sweetness comes from its topping, the cinnamon bun, on the other hand, is typically served without icing or frosting.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are some features that’ll make you love this cinnamon monkey bread recipe as much as my kids and I do! 

• This recipe is perfect for sharing. Food brings people together, and this recipe does that. It’s an undeniable treat to share at family gatherings, brunches, or potluck parties.
• The warmth and comfort it brings. The delightful blend of cinnamon and spiced apple creates a cozy and comforting aroma that fills your home as it bakes.
• It’s easy and fun to make. Apple cinnamon monkey bread is made with just a few ingredients and steps that are easy to follow, resulting in an amazing breakfast or dessert that tastes as if it took hours to prepare.

If you love this easy apple cinnamon monkey bread recipe, you’ll no doubt also adore these cinnamon cupcakes.

🥘 Ingredients

Would you believe me if I said that this recipe only requires two main ingredients? It’s not easy to find breakfasts or desserts that are easier to make than this! 

• Cinnamon rolls: These pre-packaged rolls of dough form the monkey bread’s base, providing a soft and doughy texture with a delightful hint of spice. I often use Pillsbury cinnamon rolls but feel free to choose ones from your favorite brand. 
• Apple pie filling: A ready-to-use mixture of sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes other spices.

See recipe card for quantities.

🔀 Substitutions

Cinnamon rolls: You can use homemade cinnamon roll dough instead of store-bought cinnamon rolls.

Apple pie filling: If you prefer a fresher approach, use diced granny smith apples mixed with a combination of sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of lemon juice. You can also opt for a different fruit pie filling, such as cherry or peach, for a unique flavor twist.

🌈 Variations / Options / Add-Ins

Here are some variations you can do to elevate your monkey bread game to fit your diverse tastes and dietary needs.

• Caramel Apple Twist: Drizzle rich caramel sauce over the bread and apple filling layers before baking for a sweeter, more decadent treat.
• Fruity Fusion: Experiment with fruit fillings like mixed berries or pears, offering a more exciting medley of flavors that complement the cinnamon-infused dough.
• Vegan Version: Adapt the recipe for a vegan audience by using dairy-free and egg-free cinnamon roll dough and ensuring the apple pie filling is vegan-friendly.

Anytime you want to experiment with making cinnamon rolls from scratch, you can always check out these air fryer copycat Cinnabon cinnamon rolls.

🥄 Equipment Needed / Helpful Tools

The essential tools you’ll need to make this apple monkey bread are easily accessible. They can most likely already be found in your kitchen.

• Bundt pan: This pan’s unique shape and central tube will help the bread bake evenly and develop its signature ring shape.
• Nonstick cooking spray: You’ll need this to coat the bundt pan to prevent the bread from sticking.

🔪 How to Make Apple Cinnamon Monkey Bread

Once you’re done preparing the ingredients and tools you need, just follow these steps to make this delicious easy pull-apart bread.

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease the bundt pan using the prepared nonstick cooking spray to ensure that the monkey bread doesn’t stick to the surface. 

Step 2: Slice the ingredients

Cut the apple slices from the pie filling into small pieces. Then, proceed to cut each cinnamon roll into six small pieces. 

Step 3: Layer the monkey bread

Spread half of the canned filling in the bottom of the bundt pan. Then, on top of the filling, layer half of the cinnamon roll slices evenly. Repeat the same layering process using the remaining ingredients. 

Step 4: Baking time

Bake the monkey bread in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes. It should be golden brown by the time you finish baking. 

Step 5: Cool down and serve

Allow the monkey bread to cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then invert the bread onto a serving plate. Drizzle the cinnamon roll icing on top of the cake, and serve!

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Apple Cinnamon Monkey Bread can be served on its own, but I absolutely love pairing it with other dishes. For an apple-centered dessert adventure, I recommend serving this delicacy with Crock Pot Apple Crisp and Apple Pie Bites.

❓ Recipe FAQs

🙏 Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with Apple Cinnamon Monkey Bread (the first two are if serving for breakfast, the last two are for dessert):