Apple Fritter Monkey Bread

Apple Fritter Monkey Bread is a pull-apart pastry made from buttery dough balls coated in cinnamon sugar and filled with caramelized apples, baked until golden and drizzled with a warm cinnamon glaze—reminiscent of your favorite apple fritter in a shareable, communal form.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This indulgent treat combines the nostalgic flavors of apple fritters with the fun, social element of monkey bread. Each bite delivers soft, gooey, cinnamon-coated dough mixed with juicy apple pockets, ensuring a comforting, dessert-worthy experience perfect for breakfast gatherings or as a sweet afternoon treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Store-bought biscuit dough or refrigerated roll‑out dough

• Apples (peeled, cored, finely chopped)

• Unsalted butter

• Light brown sugar

• Ground cinnamon

• Granulated sugar

• Optional: chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)

• Glaze: powdered sugar, milk or cream, vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease a Bundt pan or tube pan thoroughly.

2. In a small skillet, cook apples with butter and brown sugar over medium heat until softened and slightly caramelized. Set aside to cool.

3. In a shallow bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon.

4. Cut dough into bite-sized pieces. Roll each piece in melted butter (optional), then toss in cinnamon‑sugar coating.

5. Assemble: Layer half the dough pieces in the pan, scatter half the caramelized apples and any nuts, then repeat with remaining dough and apple mixture.

6. Bake 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.

7. Make the glaze: While baking, whisk powdered sugar with milk or cream and vanilla until smooth.

8. Once out of the oven, let the monkey bread cool for 5 minutes. Drizzle with cinnamon glaze, allowing it to soak through the layers.

9. Serve warm—pull-apart style—for irresistible comfort food moments.

Servings and timing

• Yield: 8–10 servings (depending on portion size)

• Prep time: 20 minutes (plus apple cooking)

• Bake time: 30–35 minutes

• Cool + glaze time: 10 minutes

• Total time: Approximately 1 hour

Variations

• Maple-glazed version: Use maple syrup instead of vanilla in the glaze for a warm twist.

• Caramel apple upgrade: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the finished loaf for extra richness.

• Gluten-free dough: Use store-bought or homemade gluten-free biscuit dough.

• Pumpkin spice: Add ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for autumn flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep covered at room temperature for up to 2 days; store in the refrigerator up to 4 days.

• Reheating: Warm individual pieces in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or reheat the whole loaf in a 300 °F oven for 5–10 minutes.

• Freezing: Not recommended—may affect glue-resistant spin texture and glaze.

FAQs

Can I use homemade dough?

Yes—a soft, enriched dough (like brioche or sweet roll dough) works beautifully for a richer result.

Do I need to pre-cook the apples?

Cooking softens the apples and concentrates flavor—it’s recommended, but you could sprinkle raw diced apples if preferred.

Can I make mini monkey breads?

Yes—place dough pieces in muffin tins and bake for 15–20 minutes.

What type of apples work best?

Firm, sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith hold their shape and flavor.

Can I add nuts?

Absolutely—chopped pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch when layered with apples.

Why did the center sink?

Ensure dough pieces are snug but not compacted. Baking time may need adjustment if underdone.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes—you can assemble and refrigerate (covered) before baking. Bake from chilled, adding a few extra minutes.

How do I prevent a soggy bottom?

Use a well-greased pan and avoid excess apple moisture; drain caramel juices lightly before layering.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Not recommended—the texture changes. Instead, reheat baked portions as needed.

Can I make this vegan?

Yes—use vegan butter and plant-based milk in the glaze, and a dairy-free dough.

Conclusion

Apple Fritter Monkey Bread is a warm, irresistible fusion of classic apple fritters and pull-apart pastries. With its gooey apple pockets, sweet cinnamon layers, and communal appeal, it makes the perfect centerpiece for festive breakfasts, brunches, or cozy dessert tables.

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