Instant Pot Caramel Apple Monkey Bread

When I think Instant Pot, I think “baked goods.” Just kidding. No one really associates the Instant Pot with baked goods, and I’m here to tell you that’s a big mistake. This caramel apple monkey bread is never dry, never burned, always moist and full of melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

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The secret is the pot-in-pot cooking method that allows you to make denser, richer foods in the Instant Pot by using a separate oven-proof container suspended over water. The monkey bread comes out rich, beautiful and evenly cooked and the apples are tender and juicy.

This recipe works equally well as a breakfast or dessert. It’s pretty enough for company or for holidays, yet easy enough for a lazy Sunday brunch.

This recipe works best using a 6-cup bundt pan. We love this bundt pan in particular for its non-stick coating and beautiful colors. It fits perfectly in your Instant Pot! For best results, let the monkey bread cool for at least 10 minutes after it comes out of the pan, then warm the icing a bit to make it pourable. Enjoy!

Always moist and full of melt-in-your-mouth goodness.


Ingredients:

  • 2 12 oz cans Pillsbury cinnamon rolls, separated and quartered, icing reserved
  • 1 granny smith apple, peeled and diced
  • 1/3 cup caramel topping (we like Smucker’s: https://amzn.to/2NxIMfd)
  • 1 cup water

Instructions:

  1. Coat the inside of a 6-cup bundt pan in non-stick spray (we love this pan: https://amzn.to/2xy7RMZ)
  2. Layer 1/3 of the quartered roll pieces in the bottom of the pan, pressing lightly into an even layer.
  3. Top with 1/2 of the apple pieces, and an additional 1/3 of the roll pieces. Repeat with remaining apple pieces and roll pieces.
  4. Pour the caramel topping evenly over the rolls, then cover the pan loosely with foil. Do not seal.
  5. Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot and insert the steam rack.
  6. Carefully lower the bundt pan onto the steam rack, then secure the lid, making sure the vent is closed.
  7. Using the display panel select the MANUAL function*. Use the +/- keys and program the Instant Pot for 20 minutes.
  8. When the time is up, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick-release the remaining pressure.
  9. Carefully remove the bundt pan and let cool for 5 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.
  10. Top with reserved icing. Serve warm.

*The MANUAL and PRESSURE COOK buttons are interchangeable.