Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is as effortless as it is indulgent. Made with store-bought biscuit dough and cooked entirely in the slow cooker, it’s a great set-it-and-forget-it option that leaves your oven free for other dishes. The cinnamon-sugar coating, melted butter, and sweet apple chunks create a sticky, caramel-like texture that’s irresistible. Plus, it’s kid-friendly, shareable, and perfect for special occasions or lazy weekends.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Refrigerated biscuit dough (cut into pieces)
- Apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Butter (melted)
- Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts, vanilla glaze for drizzling
Directions
- Prepare the dough: Cut each biscuit into quarters or small bite-sized pieces.
- Mix cinnamon sugar: In a large bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon. Toss the biscuit pieces in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated.
- Layer the slow cooker: Grease the insert of a 5–6 quart slow cooker. Layer half of the coated biscuit pieces on the bottom. Top with half of the diced apples and a sprinkle of brown sugar. Repeat the layers.
- Add melted butter: Drizzle melted butter evenly over the entire mixture.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the dough is cooked through and golden on the edges. Avoid removing the lid during cooking.
- Finish and serve: Once done, let cool slightly before serving. Optional: drizzle with a vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting for an extra sweet touch.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 8–10 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 2.5 to 3 hours
Total time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Add nuts: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch and flavor.
- Caramel-style: Add a few spoonfuls of caramel sauce between the layers before cooking.
- Spiced version: Add nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom for a deeper spice profile.
- Cream cheese filling: Cube cream cheese and tuck small pieces between biscuit layers for a rich surprise.
- Use other fruits: Pears or cranberries can be used instead of or along with apples.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, microwave individual portions for 30–45 seconds until warm.
You can also reheat the entire batch in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10–15 minutes.
This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen if wrapped tightly. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
FAQs
Can I use homemade biscuit dough?
Yes, homemade biscuit dough works well—just be sure it’s rolled and cut into small pieces.
What type of apple is best?
Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best for baking.
Do I need to line the slow cooker?
It’s not required, but lining with parchment or a slow cooker liner can make cleanup easier and prevent sticking.
Can I cook this on high?
It’s best to cook on low for even baking and to avoid burning the edges. High heat may cook the outside too quickly.
How do I keep it from getting soggy?
Don’t overdo the apples, and be sure to let it cool slightly uncovered to release steam before serving.
Can I make this the night before?
You can prep the ingredients the night before and store them separately. Assemble and cook fresh in the morning.
Can I make a glaze for the top?
Yes, a simple powdered sugar glaze with milk and vanilla works great for drizzling after cooking.
Can I use crescent roll dough?
Yes, crescent roll dough can be used as a substitute for biscuit dough, but the texture will be slightly different.
Is this a breakfast or dessert?
Both! It’s sweet enough for dessert but commonly served as a special occasion breakfast or brunch dish.
Can I add raisins or dried fruit?
Yes, sprinkle in a handful of raisins or dried cranberries between the layers for added texture and sweetness.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Apple Monkey Bread is a cozy, comforting treat that brings all the flavors of a warm apple-cinnamon pastry with none of the hassle. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or slow weekends, this easy recipe turns simple ingredients into a pull-apart masterpiece the whole family will love. Whether served for breakfast or dessert, it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite.
PrintSlow Cooker Apple Monkey Bread
Slow Cooker Apple Monkey Bread is a gooey, cinnamon-sugar pull-apart treat made with biscuit dough and apples, cooked to sticky perfection in the slow cooker—ideal for brunch or dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- Optional: vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting for drizzling
Instructions
- Cut each biscuit into quarters or bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. Toss biscuit pieces in cinnamon-sugar until fully coated.
- Grease a 5–6 quart slow cooker insert. Layer half of the biscuit pieces on the bottom, followed by half of the diced apples and a sprinkle of brown sugar. Repeat layers.
- Drizzle melted butter evenly over the top.
- Cover and cook on low for 2.5 to 3 hours, until dough is cooked through and golden on the edges. Do not lift the lid while cooking.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with glaze or frosting if desired.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture.
- Line the slow cooker with parchment or use a liner for easier cleanup.
- Add chopped nuts or caramel sauce between layers for extra richness.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
- To make a simple glaze, mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1–2 teaspoons milk and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg