Let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite comfort foods: Apple Fritter Monkey Bread. There’s something about pulling apart soft, warm dough coated in sugary cinnamon and loaded with juicy apples that brings a smile to my face every single time. This recipe has become a staple at our family gatherings and weekend brunches. I mean, how could you resist a dessert that practically screams “share me” in the coziest way possible?
My first encounter with this delightful monkey bread was during a lovely autumn weekend when my friend decided to host a brunch. As soon as I took a bite, I knew I had to get the recipe. The memories of laughter, warm mugs of cider, and the aroma of cinnamon and apples wafting from the kitchen still linger sweetly. So, let’s dive into this deliciousness that deserves a spot on your table!
What’s in Apple Fritter Monkey Bread?
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: Two cans (16 oz each) make this recipe unbelievably easy and provide that fluffy pull-apart texture.
- Medium apples: I recommend using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for a delightful mix of tart and sweet. Make sure to peel and dice them for easy bites!
- Granulated sugar: A sweetener that adds that classic dessert flavor when combined with cinnamon.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice! It brings warmth and that signature taste that pairs perfectly with the apples.
- Unsalted butter: Melting this goodness adds richness and helps everything come together fabulously.
- Brown sugar: Packed brown sugar adds a lovely caramel flavor that makes this bread even more indulgent.
- Vanilla extract: Because what’s a dessert without a hint of vanilla that makes everything better?
- Icing (optional): A drizzle of icing on top is the cherry on the cake—or should I say, the icing on the monkey bread!
Is Apple Fritter Monkey Bread Good for You?
Now, listen, I wouldn’t exactly call this bread health food. Apple Fritter Monkey Bread is more of an indulgence—a sweet, gooey treat meant to be savored rather than something you should eat after your green smoothie. However, it does offer some benefits! For one, apples are packed with fiber and vitamin C, and they may even help with heart health. But, let’s be honest, the sugar, butter, and biscuit dough kind of balance that out, right?
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could swap out some of the sugars for healthier alternatives or even use whole wheat biscuit dough. Just know that this bread is best enjoyed warm and gooey, so maybe save the health-professional hat for another day when you’re not elbow-deep in tasty goodness!
Ingredients List
- 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (16 oz each)
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup icing (optional, for drizzling)
How to Make Apple Fritter Monkey Bread?
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is like the warm-up before the big show!
- In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Give it a whisk because we want those flavors to mingle.
- Open the cans of biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. It’s like giving little biscuit nuggets a makeover!
- Toss the biscuit pieces in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they’re all evenly coated. Get in there with your hands for maximum coating efficiency!
- In a separate bowl, mix the diced apples with about 1/4 cup of the leftover cinnamon sugar mixture.
- In a bundt pan, layer half of the coated biscuit pieces, followed by half of the apple mixture. Then repeat with the remaining biscuit pieces and apples on top—it’s a delicious layering game!
- In a small saucepan, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until combined, then pour it evenly over the biscuit and apple layers in the bundt pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
- Allow the monkey bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. Patience is key for this beauty!
- If desired, drizzle with icing before serving. Go wild with it!
Sweet Tips for Your Apple Fritter Monkey Bread Adventure
- For an added crunch and sweetness, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts in between the layers.
- Want to amp up the flavor? Add a dash of nutmeg or ginger in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- This monkey bread is best served warm, but if there are leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container for a couple of days—and it’s still fabulous!
So there you have it! This Apple Fritter Monkey Bread is a joy to make and even more fun to eat. I can assure you that it’ll become a cherished recipe in your collection, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring all on your own. Don’t be shy—give it a whirl, and let me know how it turns out! Happy baking!