This fun Apple-Walnut Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is a tasty treat! Picture warm, gooey cinnamon rolls mixed with sweet apples and crunchy walnuts. Yum!
It’s like a party in your mouth! I love pulling apart the soft pieces and getting a little of that apple goodness in each bite. Perfect for breakfast or brunch with a side of giggles!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Cinnamon Rolls: Refrigerated cinnamon rolls are the star here. You can use any brand you like. If you prefer to make homemade dough, go for a basic cinnamon roll recipe.
Apples: Granny Smith apples work well for a nice tartness, cutting through the sweetness. Feel free to substitute with Honeycrisp or Fuji if you prefer a sweeter apple.
Walnuts: Chopped walnuts add great texture. If you’re allergic or don’t like nuts, use pecans, or skip them altogether for a nut-free version.
Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar gives a rich flavor. If you’re out, you can substitute it with white sugar plus a bit of molasses (1 tbsp per cup of white sugar) for that caramel note.
How Do I Get the Cinnamon Roll Pieces Well Coated?
Coating the cinnamon roll pieces evenly is key to getting fantastic flavor in every bite. Here are some steps to ensure they’re well-coated:
- First, cut the cinnamon rolls into quarters so they mix well with the sugar.
- In a bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon together before adding the roll pieces.
- Toss the dough pieces gently until each piece is coated. You can also use a zip-top bag for even mixing!
What’s the Best Way to Ensure My Monkey Bread is Fluffy and Not Dense?
The key to fluffy monkey bread is to avoid compacting the dough too much. Here’s how:
- When layering in the bundt pan, place pieces loosely without pressing down hard.
- Make sure your ingredients, like butter, are melted but not too hot when pouring to avoid cooking the dough.
- Let it cool in the pan for a short time before inverting; this keeps it from collapsing.
These tips will help you create a delicious and satisfying Apple-Walnut Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread that’s perfect for sharing. Enjoy your baking!
How to Make Apple-Walnut Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Monkey Bread:
- 2 cans (12 oz each) of refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
- 1 medium apple (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and finely diced
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: extra icing from cinnamon roll cans for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful monkey bread takes about 15 minutes to prep and 30-35 minutes to bake, plus a little time for cooling. In total, you’ll need around 1 hour for everything, from start to finish. Perfect for weekend brunch or a sweet snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, take a bundt pan and grease it generously with butter or non-stick spray. This will help the monkey bread come out easily later!
2. Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls:
Open the cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls and slice each roll into quarters. This will help them blend nicely with the other ingredients. Set them aside for now while you get the mixture ready.
3. Mix Cinnamon and Sugar:
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This sweet mixture will coat the cinnamon roll pieces for a delicious flavor boost.
4. Coat the Cinnamon Rolls:
Toss the pieces of cinnamon rolls in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they’re well coated. Don’t worry if they get a little messy; it’ll all taste amazing in the end!
5. Add Apples and Walnuts:
Now gently mix in the finely diced apple and about half of the chopped walnuts with the coated cinnamon roll pieces. This will add a nice crunch and yummy flavor to your monkey bread.
6. Layer in the Bundt Pan:
Carefully arrange the coated cinnamon roll mixture, apple, and walnuts in the greased bundt pan. Layer them evenly—you want all those flavors mixed Tightly packing the pieces can make it denser, so keep that in mind!
7. Prepare the Butter Sauce:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract. Cook the mixture until the sugar dissolves completely and it becomes smooth and bubbly.
8. Pour the Sauce Over the Rolls:
Take your warm butter and brown sugar mixture, and pour it evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the bundt pan. Make sure it covers all the pieces for the best flavor!
9. Bake the Monkey Bread:
Pop the bundt pan into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbly. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
10. Cool and Invert:
Once done, remove the monkey bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps it set up nicely. Then, run a knife around the edges to loosen it up, and invert the pan onto a serving plate to release the monkey bread.
11. Add Icing and Garnish:
Take the icing that came with the cinnamon rolls (you might want to warm it slightly for easier drizzling) and drizzle it over the warm monkey bread. Then, sprinkle the remaining chopped walnuts on top for a nice finish.
12. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve it warm and enjoy pulling apart the pieces of sweet, gooey, apple-walnut cinnamon bliss! Perfect for sharing (or not)! Enjoy!
This Apple-Walnut Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is a delightful fusion of flavors, with tender apples, crunchy walnuts, and gooey cinnamon rolls that creates a wonderful treat for any occasion!
Can I Use Other Fruits in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While apples bring a great flavor, you can also use pears or even diced peaches for a different twist. Just make sure the fruit is firm so it holds up during baking.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate for up to a week, and reheat in the microwave before serving.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free refrigerated cinnamon rolls. Be sure to check the other ingredient labels to ensure they are also gluten-free.
How Do I Reheat the Monkey Bread?
The best way to reheat the monkey bread is in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. You can also warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, wrapped in foil to keep it moist.
