Irresistible Apple Fritter Monkey Bread Recipe for Cozy Mornings

Crispy, golden apple fritter monkey bread brings pure comfort to your kitchen table.

Sweet aromas will dance through every corner of your home.

Sticky caramelized pieces promise delightful moments of indulgence.

Layers of tender dough combine with cinnamon-kissed apple chunks for an irresistible treat.

Warm spices and buttery textures create a magical breakfast or dessert experience.

Weekend brunch just got seriously delicious with this simple yet impressive recipe.

You’ll want to share every delectable bite with those closest to you.

Why You’ll Be Hooked on Apple Fritter Monkey Bread

• Bake with Minimal Fuss: This recipe requires basic baking skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels. Straightforward steps and common ingredients ensure anyone can create a delightful dessert without stress.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combining the beloved flavors of apple fritters and monkey bread, this treat offers a nostalgic twist that appeals to both kids and adults. Its pull-apart nature makes sharing fun and interactive during family gatherings or potlucks.
• Customize Your Creation: Easily adapt the recipe by experimenting with different spices, adding nuts, or switching apple varieties. The flexible technique allows bakers to put their personal spin on this classic dessert, making each batch unique.

What Goes in Apple Fritter Monkey Bread Bliss

• Flour: The primary dry ingredient that forms the foundation of the dough.
• Yeast: A crucial leavening agent that helps the dough rise and develop a light texture.
• Eggs: Provide structure, richness, and help bind the dough together.

• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a soft, tender dough.
• Butter: Contributes richness and helps create a smooth, tender texture in the bread.

• Apples: Fresh fruit that adds sweetness, moisture, and a classic flavor to the monkey bread.
• Brown Sugar: Enhances the apple's natural sweetness and creates a caramel-like coating.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement the apple and add depth to the overall flavor.

• Granulated Sugar, Cinnamon: Creates a sweet and spicy outer layer for the dough pieces.
• Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla, Salt: Ingredients that combine to make a smooth, sweet glaze for drizzling.

Step-by-Step Apple Fritter Monkey Bread Instructions

Step 1: Activate Yeast

Mix yeast with warm water and let it become frothy and bubbly for about 5 minutes until it looks puffy and alive.

Step 2: Create Dough Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and sugar, creating a small well in the center for wet ingredients.

Step 3: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour activated yeast, milk, eggs, and softened butter into the flour well. Stir and knead until a soft, slightly sticky dough develops.

Step 4: Knead and Rise Dough

Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled in size.

Step 5: Prepare Apple Mixture

• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg

Step 6: Roll and Cut Dough

Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut into small bite-sized squares about 1-inch in size.

Step 7: Coat Dough Pieces

Dip each dough piece first into melted butter, then roll completely in cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Step 8: Layer in Bundt Pan

Arrange coated dough pieces in a greased bundt pan, scattering seasoned apple chunks between layers.

Step 9: Final Rise

Cover monkey bread and let rise for 30 minutes at room temperature.

Step 10: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.

Step 11: Cool and Unmold

Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Carefully invert onto a serving plate.

Step 12: Create Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla
• Salt

Step 13: Finish and Serve

Drizzle glaze generously over warm monkey bread, letting it cascade down the sides. Serve immediately while warm and gooey, pulling apart individual pieces.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Apple Fritter Monkey Bread

• Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure water is between 100-110°F to wake up yeast without killing it, creating the ideal frothy environment for soft, fluffy dough.
• Keep Apples Crisp: Dice apples just before adding to prevent browning, and pat them dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture that could make monkey bread soggy.
• Knead with Care: Develop gluten by kneading dough until smooth and elastic, which helps create a tender, stretchy texture that pulls apart beautifully.
• Prevent Sticking Tricks: Generously grease bundt pan with butter or cooking spray, and dust with flour to ensure easy release after baking.
• Layer Strategically: Distribute apple chunks and dough pieces evenly throughout the pan, creating delicious pockets of flavor in every bite.

Creative Twists on Apple Fritter Monkey Bread

• Caramel Pecan Variation: Replace apple chunks with chopped pecans and add a layer of homemade caramel sauce between dough pieces for a rich, nutty flavor profile.
• Berry Cream Cheese Variation: Swap apple chunks with mixed berries and dollop cream cheese between layers for a tangy, fruity transformation.
• Pumpkin Spice Variation: Incorporate pumpkin puree into the dough and sprinkle pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon-sugar for an autumnal version.
• Chocolate Hazelnut Variation: Mix cocoa powder into the dough, replace cinnamon-sugar with ground hazelnuts, and drizzle melted chocolate over the finished bread for a decadent dessert.

Tasty Pairings for Apple Fritter Monkey Bread

• Pair with Cinnamon-Infused Coffee: Rich, warm coffee enhanced with ground cinnamon complements the apple fritter monkey bread's sweet and spicy notes, creating a harmonious breakfast or dessert experience.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Creamy, cold vanilla ice cream provides a delightful temperature and flavor contrast, melting softly against the warm, gooey monkey bread and enhancing its apple-cinnamon profile.
• Match with Caramel Apple Cider: Warm, spiced apple cider with a smooth caramel undertone elevates the dessert's fruity and sweet elements, offering a cozy and comforting beverage pairing that mirrors the bread's flavors.

How to Store and Reheat Apple Fritter Monkey Bread

• Wrap cooled monkey bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and freshness. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it stays away from strong-smelling foods.
• Keep monkey bread covered with a clean kitchen towel at room temperature for 1-2 days maximum. Place on a countertop in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight to prevent staleness.
• Carefully wrap the entire monkey bread or individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn.
• Thaw frozen monkey bread overnight in the refrigerator.

Apple Fritter Monkey Bread FAQs Answered

• What are the key ingredients for making Apple Fritter Monkey Bread?

Flour, yeast, milk, eggs, butter, apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, powdered sugar, and vanilla are the essential ingredients for creating this delicious dessert.

• How difficult is this recipe for home bakers?

This recipe is moderately challenging and requires some baking skills, particularly in handling yeast dough and understanding the rising process. Intermediate bakers will find it most comfortable to prepare.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have everything on hand?

Yes, you can use alternatives like whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour, and replace nutmeg with additional cinnamon if needed. Just ensure measurements remain consistent.

Apple Fritter Monkey Bread Recipe

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4.9 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes – 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Irresistible Apple Fritter Monkey Bread combines sweet cinnamon-coated apple chunks with pillowy dough, creating a crowd-pleasing dessert that screams comfort. Warm, gooey layers invite you to indulge in this crowd-pleasing treat perfect for weekend brunches or family gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Bread Dough Base:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter

Apple Filling:

• 3 medium apples (preferably granny smith)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

Coating and Glaze:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Dissolve yeast in warm water, allowing it to become frothy and activate for about 5 minutes.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and create a well in the center for wet ingredients.
3. Pour activated yeast mixture, milk, eggs, and softened butter into the flour well, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, then place in a greased bowl and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour.
5. While dough rises, peel and dice apples into small, uniform cubes, tossing with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
6. After dough has doubled, punch down and roll out on a floured surface to approximately 1/2-inch thickness.
7. Cut dough into small, bite-sized squares, roughly 1-inch pieces.
8. Dip each dough piece first into melted butter, then roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Layer coated dough pieces in a greased bundt pan, interspersing with seasoned apple chunks.
10. Cover and let assembled monkey bread rise for an additional 30 minutes at room temperature.
11. Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and thoroughly cooked.
12. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.
13. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt to create a smooth glaze.
14. Drizzle glaze generously over warm monkey bread, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
15. Serve immediately while warm and gooey, pulling apart individual pieces.

Notes

• Activate yeast precisely by using water between 100-110°F to ensure proper fermentation without killing the yeast.
• Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for balanced sweetness and texture that won’t become mushy during baking.
• Prevent dough stickiness by using room temperature ingredients and adding flour gradually during kneading for optimal consistency.
• Make gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining similar texture and structure.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 29 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg