Dessert

Apple Fritter Monkey Bread

Name: Apple Fritter Monkey Bread
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (16.3 oz each); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for coating); 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for apples); 2 cups peeled and diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1–2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)

ByMariem July 16, 2025

Jump to Recipe

Apple Fritter Monkey Bread is a mouthwatering pull-apart dessert that combines everything you love about classic apple fritters and sticky monkey bread. Loaded with tender cinnamon-spiced apples, caramelized glaze, and soft, pillowy dough pieces, this treat is perfect for weekend brunches, family gatherings, or holiday mornings. Every bite is bursting with apple pie flavor and sticky-sweet indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Apple Fritter Monkey Bread brings the best of two comfort foods into one irresistible creation. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, thanks to the use of refrigerated biscuit dough or homemade dough. The caramel sauce soaks into the dough, creating a gooey, sticky texture that’s simply addictive. The spiced apples add a fresh, fruity layer that balances the sweetness, making it an ideal dish for sharing with loved ones during breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients

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

Refrigerated biscuit dough (or homemade yeast dough)
Apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Ground cinnamon
Nutmeg (optional)
Unsalted butter (melted)
Vanilla extract
Powdered sugar (for optional glaze)
Milk (for glaze)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a Bundt pan generously with butter or non-stick spray.
In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a tablespoon of sugar. Set aside.
Cut the biscuit dough into quarters and roll each piece into a ball.
In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and additional cinnamon. Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.
Layer a portion of the dough balls in the bottom of the Bundt pan, followed by a spoonful of the apple mixture. Repeat until all dough and apples are used.
In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract. Bring to a gentle simmer, then pour the mixture evenly over the dough in the pan.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
Let the monkey bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate.
If desired, whisk powdered sugar with a splash of milk to create a glaze, and drizzle over the top before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 10–12 servings. Preparation time is 20 minutes, baking time is 45 minutes, and the total time is just over 1 hour, including cooling.

Variations

From Scratch: Use homemade yeast dough for a more traditional bread texture.
Glazed Version: Top with a classic apple fritter-style glaze made with powdered sugar and milk.
Add Nuts: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
Salted Caramel Twist: Replace the butter-sugar sauce with salted caramel for a deeper, richer taste.
Autumn Spice: Add ground cloves or allspice for a spicier seasonal version.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual servings for 15–20 seconds or place in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze individual portions and reheat as needed.

FAQs

Can I make Apple Fritter Monkey Bread ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it the night before, refrigerate it covered, and bake it fresh the next morning.

What type of apples work best?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape and provide a balanced flavor.

Can I use cinnamon rolls instead of biscuit dough?

Yes, cinnamon roll dough works well and adds extra spice and sweetness.

Why is it called “Monkey Bread”?

The name comes from the way it’s eaten—by pulling apart chunks with your fingers, much like a monkey might.

Can I add raisins or dried fruit?

Certainly. Dried cranberries or golden raisins are great additions to the apple filling.

How do I know it’s baked through?

The top should be deeply golden brown, and a skewer inserted into the center should come out clean or with sticky crumbs, not raw dough.

Do I need a Bundt pan?

A Bundt pan works best for even baking, but you can use a loaf or tube pan with adjusted baking times.

Is it overly sweet?

While rich and indulgent, the tartness of the apples balances the sweetness of the glaze and sauce.

Can I use pie filling instead of fresh apples?

Yes, but reduce the added sugar in the recipe to avoid over-sweetening.

What can I serve this with?

It pairs well with hot coffee, chai, or cold milk. It also makes an excellent brunch centerpiece alongside eggs or savory dishes.

Conclusion

Apple Fritter Monkey Bread is an irresistible fusion of dessert and breakfast that everyone will rave about. With layers of cinnamon-sugar dough, tender apples, and sticky caramel glaze, it’s the perfect pull-apart treat for holidays, gatherings, or lazy weekend mornings. Simple to make and delightful to share, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Mariem