Apple Pie Monkey Bread

This Apple Pie Monkey Bread is sticky and sweet and so delicious and kid-friendly!

It is like a giant sticky bun, but even easier because it usually starts with a refrigerated bread dough or pastry. It is sticky and sweet and so delicious and kid-friendly!

With so much hustle and bustle this time of year, it is great to have a really simple dessert in your repertoire for last minute company or when you are just cooking up so many other things that you need to take a short cut for dessert. I know that I have tons of cookies to bake this weekend, so there is no time for elaborate desserts, which made this apple pie version of monkey bread perfect for our Saturday night treat. While this is not exactly like monkey bread because it is not covered in the sweet sauce, it reminds me of it because it has the same texture and pull apart like consistency of monkey bread.

This recipe requires very little ingredients and can be made ahead of time and baked while you are sitting down to dinner.

You can use either homemade apple pie filling or store bought, it is up to you depending on what you have on hand. My Dad makes apple pie filling and cans it, which is always a great idea so you always have some in the pantry!

You could also substitute a different pie filling and when I made this I actually made a cherry one as well. I really liked the cherry, but the apple was a bigger hit with my other family members.

I hope this easy dessert graces your table sometime during this holiday season!

Apple Pie Monkey Bread Recipe

Adapted from: Spend with Pennies

Ingredients:

• 1 can apple pie filling or 21 oz. of homemade apple pie filling
• 1 can refrigerated crescent rolls
• 2 tbsp. brown sugar
• 1 tsp. cinnamon

Note: This only makes a small casserole dish. It was the perfect amount for our family of three but if you are cooking for more, I would double it!

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.
2. Pour your apple pie filling into a casserole dish in a flat layer. Open the crescent rolls, but do not unroll them! Keeping them in the cylinder shape, cut the dough into thin discs and lay on top of the apples. You should have about 16 discs of dough.
3. Sprinkle with 1 tbsp. of the brown sugar and 1/2 tsp.of the cinnamon.
4. Bake for 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
5. Remove pan from the oven and flip your crescent discs to the other side. Sprinkle with the remaining brown sugar and cinnamon and put back in the oven for another 10-12 minutes, or until this side is golden brown. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped topping!

How to Customize and Elevate Your Apple Pie Monkey Bread

If you love the cozy flavors of apple pie and the gooey pull-apart texture of monkey bread, combining the two is the ultimate indulgent treat. Whether you’re making it for a fall brunch, holiday dessert table, or just a fun family breakfast, this apple pie monkey bread is easy to customize with creative twists and complementary sides.

Ingredient Add-Ons for Extra Flavor

• Toasted Pecans or Walnuts: Add crunch and nutty richness by layering chopped nuts between the biscuit pieces.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the finished bread for extra decadence.
• Maple Syrup: Replace some of the brown sugar with maple syrup for a deeper, more complex sweetness.
• Vanilla or Cinnamon Extract: Boost flavor by adding a teaspoon of extract to the butter and sugar mixture.
• Raisins or Dried Cranberries: Mix in dried fruit for bursts of tartness and texture that complement the apples.

Ingredient Alternatives for Special Diets or Preferences

• Homemade Dough: Swap canned biscuit dough with homemade sweet dough or brioche for a bakery-style result.
• Gluten-Free Biscuits: Use a gluten-free biscuit mix or dough to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Fresh Pears or Peaches: Substitute apples with diced pears or peaches for a seasonal variation.
• Coconut Sugar: A great natural sweetener alternative to brown sugar with a similar caramel-like taste.
• Dairy-Free Butter Substitute: Use plant-based butter for a fully dairy-free version of this dessert.

Fun Ways to Dress It Up

• Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: Serve warm slices with vanilla ice cream or homemade whipped cream for a classic pairing.
• Powdered Sugar Dusting: Lightly dust the top with powdered sugar for a simple but elegant presentation.
• Apple Slices Garnish: Fan out thinly sliced apples on the serving plate or top for an extra festive touch.
• Bundt Pan Variation: Bake it in a Bundt pan for that iconic monkey bread shape with crispy edges and soft pull-apart layers.
• Mini Versions: Use muffin tins to create individual servings—great for parties or grab-and-go treats.

Perfect Side Pairings

• Bacon or Sausage Links: Add a savory contrast when serving this as a breakfast or brunch item.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing side that balances the richness of the monkey bread.
• Hot Apple Cider or Chai Tea: Warm, spiced beverages enhance the fall flavor profile and pair perfectly with the sweet, sticky bread.
• Greek Yogurt Parfaits: If you’re serving this as part of a brunch spread, a yogurt parfait with granola offers a protein-rich, tangy contrast.

With these variations and serving suggestions, your apple pie monkey bread can easily go from simple comfort food to a standout dish for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging in a weekend treat, a few creative touches can make all the difference.

Enjoy!