Apple Pie Monkey Bread is the perfect fusion of two beloved desserts: classic apple pie and soft, gooey pull-apart monkey bread. This warm, cinnamon-sugar-coated treat is packed with tender biscuit pieces, sweet apple filling, and a rich brown sugar butter sauce that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. It’s a crowd-pleasing dessert that feels homemade yet requires minimal prep, making it ideal for holidays, weekend brunches, potlucks, and family gatherings.
Thanks to refrigerated biscuit dough and canned apple pie filling, this recipe is beginner-friendly while still delivering bakery-style results. Whether you bake it in a Bundt pan for a stunning presentation or a simple baking dish for convenience, Apple Pie Monkey Bread is guaranteed to disappear fast.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy dessert recipe using simple, store-bought ingredients
- No yeast or dough rising required
- Rich apple cinnamon flavor similar to homemade apple pie
- Soft, pull-apart texture perfect for sharing
About the Ingredients
Refrigerated Biscuit Dough
Pre-made biscuit dough saves time and bakes up soft and fluffy. Cutting the biscuits into quarters allows the cinnamon sugar and sauce to coat every piece evenly.
Apple Pie Filling
Canned apple pie filling provides consistent sweetness and tender apples. Chopping the apples into smaller pieces helps distribute them evenly throughout the bread.
Cinnamon and White Sugar
This classic combination coats the biscuit pieces and delivers the warm, comforting flavor that defines monkey bread.
Brown Sugar
Adds depth and a rich, caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with apples and butter.
Unsalted Butter
Melted butter binds the brown sugar and creates a sticky, glossy sauce that seeps into the layers as it bakes.
Optional Glaze
A simple powdered sugar glaze adds a bakery-style finish and extra sweetness, making the dessert even more appealing.
Tips & Tricks
Grease Your Pan Thoroughly
Ensure your pan is well-greased to prevent sticking, especially if you are using a Bundt pan.
Chop Apple Filling
Chop the apple pie filling into smaller pieces for better layering and distribution throughout the bread.
Avoid Overbaking
Keep an eye on the baking time to avoid overbaking. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
Pro Tips
- Let the monkey bread cool slightly before inverting to maintain its shape.
- Use a sharp knife or serving spoon to pull apart clean portions.
- For a professional finish, drizzle the optional glaze just before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a Bundt pan or a 9x13-inch baking dish to ensure easy removal later.
Prepare the Biscuit Pieces
Cut each biscuit into quarters. In a large bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Toss the biscuit pieces until they are evenly coated with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Chop the Apple Pie Filling
Chop the apple pie filling into bite-sized pieces. This will help ensure even distribution of apples throughout the monkey bread.
Layer the Ingredients
Layer half of the coated biscuit pieces in the prepared pan, then spoon half of the chopped apples over the top. Repeat with the remaining biscuit pieces and apples.
Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered biscuits and apples in the pan.
Bake and Cool
Bake the monkey bread for 35–40 minutes until it is golden brown and cooked through. If it starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil. Allow it to cool for 10 minutes in the pan before carefully inverting it onto a serving plate.
Optional Glaze
If desired, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and milk to create a glaze. Drizzle it over the warm monkey bread just before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Delicious Variations
Caramel Apple Monkey Bread
Add caramel sauce between the layers of biscuit and apple for a rich, indulgent twist.
Nutty Version
Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the layers to add a delightful crunch.
Spiced Flavor
Enhance the cinnamon sugar with a pinch of nutmeg or apple pie spice for a more complex flavor profile.
How to Store Apple Pie Monkey Bread
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Wrap the monkey bread tightly and freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Room Temperature
Keep the monkey bread at room temperature for up to 2 days, covered to prevent it from drying out.
Reheating
Warm individual portions in the microwave or oven until soft and heated through. This helps restore the bread's soft texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Apple Pie Monkey Bread ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble it the night before, cover tightly, refrigerate, and bake the next day.
Can I use a baking dish instead of a Bundt pan?
Absolutely. A 9x13-inch baking dish works perfectly.
Can I use low-sugar apple pie filling?
Yes, and you can also reduce the sugar slightly if preferred.
Why did my monkey bread stick to the pan?
This usually happens if the pan is not greased thoroughly or if the bread is inverted too soon.
Can I add more spices?
Yes, you can enhance the flavor by adding spices like nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon sugar mixture.