Last Updated on November 25, 2024
Experience dessert perfection with this Apple Cinnamon Monkey Bread.

By combining the warmth of cinnamon rolls with the fruity charm of apple filling, this fluffy pull-apart bread doubles as a delightful breakfast treat and a dessert.
Serve it with homemade tropical ice cream (if serving for dessert) or with matcha green tea frappuccino (if serving for breakfast), and youโll surely melt your guestsโ hearts with every bite.
Caramel and apple always blend so well, so letโs begin this delectable journey!
Jump to:
- Are cinnamon rolls and cinnamon buns the same?
- SAVE THIS RECIPE!
- โค๏ธ Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- ๐ฅ Ingredients
- ๐ Substitutions
- ๐ Variations / Options / Add-Ins
- ๐ฅ Equipment Needed / Helpful Tools
- ๐ช How to Make Apple Cinnamon Monkey Bread
- ๐ฝ๏ธ Serving Suggestions
- โ Recipe FAQs
- ๐ Pairing
- SAVE THIS RECIPE!
- ๐ Recipe
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, theyโre 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 rollโs sweetness comes from its topping, the cinnamon bun, on the other hand, is typically served without icing or frosting.
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โค๏ธ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are some features thatโll 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. Itโs 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.
- Itโs 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, youโll no doubt also adore these cinnamon cupcakes.
๐ฅ Ingredients
Would you believe me if I said that this recipe only requires two main ingredients? Itโs 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 breadโs 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.
๐ 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.
๐ 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.
๐ฅ Equipment Needed / Helpful Tools
The essential tools youโll need to make this apple monkey bread are easily accessible. They can most likely already be found in your kitchen.
- Bundt pan: This panโs unique shape and central tube will help the bread bake evenly and develop its signature ring shape.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Youโll need this to coat the bundt pan to prevent the bread from sticking.
๐ช How to Make Apple Cinnamon Monkey Bread
Once youโre 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 doesnโt 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!

๐ฝ๏ธ 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.

โ Recipe FAQs
You can store apple cinnamon monkey bread leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 2 days. If you donโt have an airtight container, you may also cover the bread with aluminum foil before you refrigerate.
You may reheat the apple cinnamon monkey bread by popping it in an oven preheated to 350 degrees F until warm. Alternatively, you can microwave it for 40 to 60 seconds. Ensure you only reheat bread that you can consume immediately, as it may harden when it cools down after reheating.
Absolutely. Although the bundt pan brings the ideal shape of this monkey bread, flavorwise, this recipe will come out just as well in other baking pans, such as loaf pans, muffin pans, and tube pans.
๐ 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):
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๐ Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Monkey Bread
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Equipment
- Bundt pan
- Nonstick cooking spray
Ingredients
- 24 ounce packages cinnamon rolls 2 – 12 ounce packages
- 21 ounce can apple pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Then, grease the bundt pan using nonstick cooking spray.
- Slice the apple from the apple pie filling into small pieces. After that, cut each cinnamon roll into six small pieces.
- Spread half the apple pie filling evenly in the bottom of the bundt pan, then place half the cinnamon rolls on top.
- Add the remaining apple pie filling. And once again, top with remaining cinnamon roll pieces.
- Bake in the preheated oven. Cook for 20 to 22 minutes, until the cinnamon rolls look golden brown.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a serving plate. Drizzle the cinnamon roll icing on top of the cake before you serve.