Our 2 ingredient monkey bread muffins made with cinnamon rolls, frozen rolls or refrigerated biscuits are a fast, delicious option for breakfast or dessert. Using a can of apple pie filling, they bake in about 15–20 minutes and disappear quickly!
When I first tried these apple pie monkey bread muffins I wasn’t sure how they’d turn out, but they ended up being one of the most delicious things I’ve made. They’re simpler than a traditional pull-apart monkey bread, inexpensive, and great for kids to help make. Serve them for a weekend breakfast, brunch, or dessert. While apple or cherry pie filling works best, you can experiment with mixed berries or other flavors.
If you prefer, you can make homemade apple pie filling — it’s easy and useful when fruit is on sale or after a picking trip. For a quick treat, canned filling works perfectly. The whole pan costs under $10 to make, which is ideal for holiday gatherings or busy mornings.
For the best results, spray a muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray so muffins release easily after baking.
Monkey Bread Muffins with Cinnamon Rolls
To make the dough, cut up 2 cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls (save the frosting that comes with them). If using frozen cinnamon rolls, thaw for about 40 minutes so they’re easy to quarter. Start with one 21 oz can of apple pie filling (or another flavor you prefer). Chop larger apple pieces smaller before mixing.
Can you use biscuits?
You can use refrigerated biscuit dough, but it’s less sweet than cinnamon rolls. For a dessert-style muffin, cinnamon rolls or frozen roll dough give a sweeter, richer result. Regular-sized rolls work better than jumbo varieties.
Can you use frozen bread dough?
Yes. Frozen bread dough (like Rhodes) works if it’s thawed enough to cut into bite-size pieces—about 45 minutes of thawing. You’ll need roughly eight small pieces per muffin cup. Lay the dough out covered while it thaws, then mix and bake as directed.
How Long to Bake Monkey Bread Muffins
Bake the muffins for about 17–20 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid over-baking so the centers stay soft and gooey. Let them rest in the pan for about 5 minutes before removing so they hold their shape.
What can you use instead of a muffin tin?
If you don’t have a muffin tin, silicone muffin cups set on a flat baking sheet work well. They bake the same and let you serve each muffin individually in a colorful cup.
How do you know when they are done?
The tops should be golden brown and the centers no longer show raw dough. The texture should remain soft and sticky rather than dry. After a brief cooling period in the pan, remove and serve warm for the best pull-apart experience.
Frosting Ideas
For a creamier topping, blend room-temperature cream cheese with a small tub of marshmallow cream, spoon into a piping bag, and place a dollop on warm muffins. Alternatively, dust with powdered sugar or make a simple glaze by combining 1 cup powdered sugar with a few tablespoons of milk in a small saucepan until smooth, adding more milk to reach your desired consistency.
Monkey Bread Muffins Recipe
Print Recipe
Equipment
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1 muffin tin
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1 bowl
Ingredients
- 10 cinnamon rolls, refrigerated (8 per pkg.) or frozen
- 1 can apple pie filling (21 oz.)
Instructions
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Cut each cinnamon roll into 9 pieces and place in a bowl. If using frozen rolls, defrost covered for about 40 minutes first.
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Add the can of apple pie filling to the bowl. Use a knife to chop larger apple pieces into smaller bites.
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Stir the cinnamon roll pieces and pie filling together until evenly combined.
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Spray a muffin tin generously with non-stick spray.
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Spoon the mixture into the muffin tin cups—this should fill 12 cups.
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Place the rack low in the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 17–20 minutes, or until the pieces are browned and cooked through.
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Let muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes so they firm up, then remove and serve warm.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Other cinnamon roll recipes you’ll love
Try seasonal variations like pumpkin monkey bread or chocolate monkey bread for fall, or make an air fryer version if you prefer. For another fruity option, cherry monkey bread and apple spice dump cake are both delicious ways to use pie filling.