If you have a sweet tooth and love the comforting flavors of fall baked inside a cozy treat, this Apple Fritter Monkey Bread Recipe will instantly become your new favorite. Imagine soft, buttery biscuit pieces layered with cinnamon-spiced apples and baked into a pull-apart masterpiece that’s bursting with gooey, caramelized goodness. It’s the kind of dessert that turns any morning or gathering into a celebration, with every bite delivering that perfect balance of tender dough, sweet fruit, and that addictive cinnamon crunch. You’re about to discover just how simple it is to create this show-stopping crowd-pleaser right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Apple Fritter Monkey Bread Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are pantry-friendly and each one brings a special something to the table. From the juicy apples to the sticky brown sugar glaze, every component plays a vital role in creating that unforgettable flavor and texture combo.
- 2 cups apples (peeled and diced): Fresh apples add juicy sweetness and a tender bite after baking—use a firm variety for best results.
- ¼ cup brown sugar (packed): Combined with apples to intensify their natural sweetness and help caramelize during baking.
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon (divided): Cinnamon brings that warm, spicy note that’s key to the apple fritter flavor.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Mixed with cinnamon to coat the biscuit pieces for a sweet, crunchy exterior.
- 32 ounces refrigerator biscuits (2 packages): These convenient biscuits create soft, fluffy layers that soak up all the cinnamon sugar and apple juices.
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter (melted): Butter enriches the bread with a luscious, moist texture and helps the sugar sauce caramelize.
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed): Forms a sticky, gooey sauce that drizzles over the biscuit layers, making every morsel irresistible.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and a hint of warmth to the glaze for that perfect finishing touch.
How to Make Apple Fritter Monkey Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature when your monkey bread goes in. Grease a 12-cup bundt pan generously with non-stick cooking spray to make sure the bread releases easily after baking. This is an important first step to get that beautiful pull-apart shape.
Step 2: Mix the Apples
Combine the peeled, diced apples with ¼ cup of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon in a small bowl. This mixture will infuse the apples with warm sweetness and spicy flavor, making every bite truly delightful.
Step 3: Coat the Biscuit Pieces
In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar and the remaining 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. Open the biscuit packages and cut each biscuit into quarters. Toss these pieces in the cinnamon sugar blend until they’re thoroughly coated. This step is crucial for building that crisp, sugary layer on the outside of the bread.
Step 4: Layer Everything
Place one third of the apple mixture into the bottom of the bundt pan, then add one third of the cinnamon-coated biscuit pieces on top. Repeat these layers twice more until all the ingredients are in the pan. This layered approach ensures that every slice has an even distribution of tender dough and sweet apples.
Step 5: Add the Sauce
Whisk together the melted butter, packed brown sugar, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Pour this rich, sticky sauce evenly over the layers in the bundt pan. This luscious glaze will seep between the biscuit pieces and apples as it bakes, creating pockets of caramel delight throughout.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the monkey bread for 50 to 60 minutes at 350°F. Around 45 minutes in, check the top; if it’s browning too quickly, cover the pan lightly with foil to prevent burning. The bread should be golden brown, bubbly, and smell absolutely heavenly when done.
Step 7: Cool and Release
Allow the Apple Fritter Monkey Bread Recipe to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps the glaze set slightly while keeping everything moist. Then, carefully invert the bundt pan onto a serving plate and watch the delicious creation fall into perfect shape.
Step 8: Serve Warm
Serve your monkey bread warm for that melty, pull-apart experience that everyone will love. The combination of soft biscuits, tender spiced apples, and sticky glaze is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.
How to Serve Apple Fritter Monkey Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top or drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze for an extra touch of sweetness. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can also elevate this treat to dessert status.
Side Dishes
This Apple Fritter Monkey Bread Recipe pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, a glass of milk, or even some spiced apple cider. For brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or crispy bacon to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking the monkey bread in mini bundt pans to create individual servings, perfect for parties or gifts. Alternatively, serve it in a rustic cast iron skillet for a charming, cozy presentation that’s perfect for family gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. It stays soft and delicious, just right for nibbling the next morning.
Freezing
You can freeze baked monkey bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. Defrost it overnight in the fridge before reheating to enjoy a fresh-baked taste on demand.
Reheating
Warm leftover monkey bread in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the oven will help maintain the bread’s soft texture and gooey glaze.
FAQs
Can I use fresh homemade biscuit dough instead of refrigerated biscuits?
Absolutely! Fresh biscuit dough works just as well and can add an extra layer of homemade goodness. Just make sure the dough is rolled and cut into small pieces to replicate the texture of the store-bought biscuits.
What type of apples are best for this recipe?
Firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji hold up nicely during baking without turning to mush, giving you that perfect tender-crisp bite in every layer.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or vegan margarine. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious and gooey.
Can I prepare the monkey bread the night before baking?
You can assemble it and cover tightly, storing in the fridge overnight. Just be sure to bake it fresh the next day to keep the biscuits soft and the apple mixture bubbly.
How do I prevent the top from burning during baking?
If you notice the top browning too quickly during the last 15 minutes, cover it loosely with foil to shield it while the bread finishes baking through.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about this Apple Fritter Monkey Bread Recipe that brings warmth and happiness to any table. Whether you’re making it for a holiday brunch, a cozy weekend treat, or a special occasion, it never fails to impress and delight. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your go-to recipe for sharing joy with friends and family—after all, who can resist delicious bites of cinnamon-sweet apple goodness wrapped in tender biscuit bread? Give it a try and watch smiles grow around your kitchen!
Print
Apple Fritter Monkey Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in the irresistible Apple Fritter Monkey Bread, a warm and gooey treat combining tender biscuit dough, spiced cinnamon sugar, and juicy apples baked to perfection in a bundt pan. This crowd-pleasing dessert is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack, featuring layers of sweet apple filling and sticky brown sugar glaze that pull apart effortlessly.
Ingredients
Apple Mixture
- 2 cups apples (peeled and diced)
- ¼ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Dough
- 32 ounces refrigerator biscuits (2 packages)
Sauce
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 12-cup bundt pan thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Mix Apple Filling: In a small bowl, combine the peeled and diced apples with ¼ cup of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Stir well and set this mixture aside to macerate slightly.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ¾ cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon until evenly combined.
- Cut and Coat Biscuits: Open the packages of refrigerator biscuits and cut each biscuit into 4 equal pieces. Toss these biscuit pieces in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are fully coated.
- Layer Ingredients in Pan: Spoon 1/3 of the apple mixture into the bottom of the prepared bundt pan. Add 1/3 of the coated biscuit pieces over the apples. Repeat this layering process two more times, finishing with biscuit pieces on top.
- Make and Pour Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, 1 cup packed brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Pour this sauce evenly over the layered apples and biscuit pieces in the bundt pan.
- Bake: Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check at 45 minutes; if the top is browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the remainder of the baking time to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the monkey bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully invert the bundt pan onto a serving plate. Serve the monkey bread warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the bundt pan is well greased to allow easy removal of the monkey bread.
- Adjust cinnamon amount to taste if you prefer more or less spice.
- Use fresh apples that hold their shape well, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, for best results.
- This monkey bread is best served warm the day it’s made for maximum gooeyness.
- Leftovers can be reheated gently in the microwave or oven.
- For a richer flavor, you may add a pinch of nutmeg to the apple mixture.
