How to Make Delicious Apple Pie Monkey Bread at Home

Have you ever wondered what would happen if a warm, gooey apple pie met the sticky sweetness of monkey bread? The answer is pure magic — Apple Pie Monkey Bread! This irresistible treat combines tender pieces of dough coated in cinnamon sugar with gooey apple filling and a buttery caramel glaze. The best part? It’s easy to make, even if you’re not an experienced baker. If you love cozy fall flavors or want a quick dessert that looks impressive, this recipe is for you.

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Apple Pie Monkey Bread is the ultimate comfort dessert — perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an after-dinner treat. It’s like pulling apart little bites of caramelized apple pie! The recipe is simple enough for beginners and takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 35–40 minutes of baking time, so you can enjoy warm, sticky-sweet perfection in under an hour.

What makes this recipe special is its flexibility — you can make it with store-bought biscuit dough or homemade dough, and it’s endlessly customizable with nuts, caramel sauce, or even a drizzle of cream cheese glaze.

Time Required: About 55 minutes total
Difficulty Level: Easy
Serves: 8–10 people

Essential Ingredients

For the Monkey Bread:

• 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (or about 16 oz homemade biscuit dough)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup butter (1 stick), melted
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Apple Pie Filling:

• 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Optional Toppings:

• ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for crunch)
• Caramel sauce or cream cheese glaze (for drizzling)

Substitutions and Variations:

• Use crescent roll dough instead of biscuits for a lighter texture.
• Swap apples with pears or peaches for a different fruit flavor.
• For a richer taste, use salted butter to balance the sweetness.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or apple pie spice for extra warmth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
3. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5 minutes until apples are tender and caramelized.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 2: Prep the Dough

1. Cut biscuit dough into quarters.
2. In a large zip-top bag, combine sugar and cinnamon.
3. Add the dough pieces, seal the bag, and shake until all pieces are evenly coated.

Step 3: Make the Caramel Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar together over low heat.
2. Stir until smooth, then add vanilla extract.
3. Remove from heat once it’s well combined and slightly thickened.

Step 4: Assemble the Monkey Bread

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a bundt pan or loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray.
3. Layer half the cinnamon-sugar dough pieces in the bottom of the pan.
4. Spoon half of the apple mixture over the dough.
5. Add the remaining dough pieces and top with the rest of the apples.
6. Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
2. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a plate.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches
Drizzle with caramel sauce or cream cheese glaze, sprinkle with nuts, and serve warm.

Assembly Tips and Presentation

• If you’re making this for brunch, place the monkey bread in the center of a serving platter and drizzle extra caramel sauce right before serving.
• Sprinkle powdered sugar for a bakery-style look.
• Pair it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent dessert.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

To Store:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

To Reheat:

• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 15–20 seconds, or heat the entire loaf in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes to re-soften the caramel.

Make-Ahead Option:

• You can assemble the unbaked monkey bread the night before, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bake it the next morning for a fresh, warm breakfast treat.

Recipe Variations

1. Caramel Apple Monkey Bread:
   Add ½ cup caramel bits or drizzle caramel sauce between the layers before baking.
2. Apple Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread:
   Use cinnamon roll dough instead of biscuit dough for extra sweetness and drizzle the included icing on top.
3. Apple Pecan Monkey Bread:
   Add chopped pecans or walnuts between layers for a nutty crunch.
4. Apple Cranberry Monkey Bread:
   Add dried cranberries for a festive twist, perfect for holidays.
5. Mini Monkey Bread Muffins:
   Make mini versions using a muffin tin — great for portion control or parties.

Conclusion

Apple Pie Monkey Bread is more than just a dessert — it’s a warm, sticky hug in every bite! With its rich caramel coating, cinnamon apples, and fluffy dough, it brings together the best parts of apple pie and pull-apart bread. Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this easy recipe will quickly become a family favorite. So grab your mixing bowl, preheat your oven, and enjoy the delicious aroma that fills your kitchen!

FAQs

Q1: Can I use canned apple pie filling?
Yes! Substitute the homemade apple filling with one 21-ounce can of apple pie filling for a shortcut version. Just dice the apple slices before layering.

Q2: What’s the best type of apple to use?
Granny Smith apples are great for tartness, while Honeycrisp or Fuji apples add a sweet flavor. You can also mix two types for balance.

Q3: Can I make this recipe without a bundt pan?
Absolutely. Use a loaf pan, 9×9-inch baking dish, or even a muffin tin — just adjust the baking time as needed.

Q4: How do I keep my monkey bread from sticking?
Generously grease your pan with butter or nonstick spray, especially in the crevices. Let the bread cool for about 10 minutes before flipping it out.

Q5: Can I freeze Apple Pie Monkey Bread?
Yes! Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 325°F for about 15–20 minutes until warmed through.

Q6: Can I make it dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter and canned biscuit dough that doesn’t contain dairy. The result will still be delicious!

Q7: Can I reduce the sugar?
You can cut both the white and brown sugar by 25% without changing the texture. It’ll still be sweet, but not overly so.

This Apple Pie Monkey Bread is everything you love about fall wrapped into one easy, shareable treat — buttery, gooey, and packed with flavor. Whether for a cozy morning or a holiday gathering, it’s guaranteed to impress your family and friends.