Gluten-Free Apple Pie Monkey Bread
Pull-apart monkey bread layered with spiced cinnamon sugar-coated biscuits, fresh apples tossed in brown sugar and lemon juice, and melted butter. The combination of tender biscuits, softened apples, and warm spices creates a comforting breakfast or brunch centerpiece. Serve warm with coffee or milk for a crowd-pleasing treat that looks impressive but comes together easily using refrigerated biscuits. This version balances sweet and tart flavors, with the lemon brightening the apple filling.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (350°F)
- 2
Spray a 12-cup bundt pan with cooking spray
- 3
Combine granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg in a large resealable bag
- 4
Add refrigerated biscuits to the bag, seal, and shake until completely coated with sugar mixture
- 5
Toss apples with lemon juice in a large bowl until completely coated
- 6
Stir brown sugar into apples until absorbed
- 7
Layer half the apple mixture into the prepared pan
- 8
Top with half the coated biscuits
- 9
Layer remaining apples and biscuits
- 10
Pour melted butter evenly over the top
- 11
Place pan on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 40-50 minutes, checking at 40 minutes, until dough is cooked through at centers
- 12
Cover with foil and let sit for 10 minutes
- 13
Remove foil, invert onto a serving platter, and serve warm
Tips
Toss apples with lemon immediately after cutting to prevent browning and add brightness to the filling.
Check biscuits at 40 minutes to avoid underbaking in the center; oven temperatures vary.
Let the bundt sit 10 minutes before inverting so the buttery layers set slightly, preventing collapse.
Good to Know
Keep leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat uncovered in a 300 degrees F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Prepare the cinnamon sugar coating and chop apples up to 8 hours ahead. Assemble and bake fresh on the day of serving.
Serve warm, ideally within 30 minutes of baking. Pair with coffee, milk, or vanilla ice cream.
Common Mistakes
Do not skip the 10-minute rest period to avoid the monkey bread collapsing when inverted.
Do not underbake; check at 40 minutes to ensure the biscuit centers are cooked through and not doughy.
Do not coat biscuits too far in advance; they may absorb moisture and become clumpy.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
requires additional 15-20 minute prep time
FAQ
Can I use fresh apples instead of refrigerated ones?
Yes, use medium fresh apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into bite-sized pieces. Toss immediately with lemon juice to prevent browning.
What if my monkey bread doesn't invert cleanly?
Let it cool 15 minutes instead of 10, then run a thin knife around the edges before inverting. If pieces stick, simply arrange them on the platter.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, wrap cooled monkey bread tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat at 300 degrees F for 15-20 minutes.