If you’re looking for a cozy, irresistible treat that fills your kitchen with the warm aroma of fall, you’ve got to try this Apple Cinnamon Monkey Bread Recipe. It’s a delightful, pull-apart bread made from soft biscuit dough pieces generously coated in cinnamon sugar and studded with tender, sweet apples. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this recipe is pure comfort on a plate and will quickly become one of your all-time favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Apple Cinnamon Monkey Bread Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays its part perfectly. From the soft, buttery biscuit dough to the fragrant cinnamon and juicy apples, every component enhances the flavors and texture, creating a treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Refrigerated biscuit dough (2 cans, quartered): The base of our bread that bakes into tender, fluffy bites perfect for pulling apart.
- Diced apples (1 cup, peeled): Adds natural sweetness and a juicy, fruity contrast; Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work beautifully.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Mixed with cinnamon to coat the dough pieces with a sweet, spiced crust.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Infuses that signature warm, cozy flavor we all adore in this recipe.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Creates a rich, caramelized sauce when baked with butter and vanilla.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Brings luscious moisture and flavor that ties the whole dish together.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds depth and a subtle sweet aroma that elevates the monkey bread.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Monkey Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greasing a bundt pan. This will ensure your monkey bread comes out hassle-free and doesn’t stick. While the oven warms up, peel and dice your apples into small, tender pieces — these will bake perfectly into the dough.
Step 2: Coat the Dough Pieces
In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon until evenly mixed. Toss the biscuit dough quarters in this fragrant cinnamon sugar mixture, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. This step is what gives every bite that signature sweet-spicy crust, and trust me, it’s worth the little extra effort.
Step 3: Layer Dough and Apples in the Pan
Time for some layering magic! Alternate between layers of coated dough pieces and the diced apples straight into your greased bundt pan. This gives an even distribution of cinnamon sweetness and juicy apple bites throughout the bread, ensuring every pull-apart piece has a perfect balance.
Step 4: Make the Butter Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. This thick, glossy mixture will caramelize while baking, creating pockets of buttery sweetness that soak into the dough and apples. Pour it evenly over the layered dough and fruit so every inch is covered in that rich sauce.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your prepared bundt pan into the oven and bake for about 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the dough is cooked through. Pro tip: place a baking sheet under the pan to catch any caramel drips – easier cleanup means more time to enjoy!
Step 6: Cool and Invert
Once baked, let the monkey bread rest for about 10 minutes so it firms up slightly but is still warm and gooey. Then carefully invert the pan onto a serving plate. You’ll reveal a beautiful domed bread dripping with caramel and bursting with apples and cinnamon goodness that’s impossible to resist.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Monkey Bread Recipe
Garnishes
While this monkey bread is absolutely delicious on its own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm vanilla glaze can add a lovely finishing touch. For an extra cozy feel, sprinkle some chopped toasted pecans or a few fresh apple slices on top right before serving to add texture and a fresh note.
Side Dishes
This Apple Cinnamon Monkey Bread Recipe shines as the centerpiece but pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. Think fresh fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream for breakfast or brunch. If serving as dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates it to decadent heights that will wow any guest.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving individual portions in mini bundt pans or muffin tins for cute single servings. You can also provide spread options on the side like cream cheese frosting, caramel sauce, or cinnamon butter to let everyone customize their monkey bread experience. It’s a great way to add flair to your presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which might be tough!), store them covered tightly at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the bread soft and moist without drying out. For best taste, bring it back to room temperature before serving again.
Freezing
You can freeze your monkey bread before baking by assembling it in a freezer-safe bundt pan wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed with an additional 5–10 minutes if needed. Perfect for making ahead for busy mornings or special occasions.
Reheating
To reheat, pop individual slices or pieces into the microwave for about 15–20 seconds or warm the whole loaf at 300°F (150°C) covered with foil for 10–15 minutes until heated through. This revives that fresh-from-the-oven softness and gooey caramel goodness beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use fresh dough instead of canned biscuit dough?
Definitely! Fresh homemade biscuit dough works wonderfully if you prefer, though canned dough offers convenience and consistent results, especially if you’re short on time.
What types of apples work best for this recipe?
Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape and add a lovely tartness that balances the sweetness. Softer apples may turn mushy when baked, which changes the texture.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing after baking?
It’s best to freeze the monkey bread before baking for optimal texture. Freezing after baking can cause it to lose some of its softness and caramel texture, though it’s still possible if wrapped well.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use vegan biscuit dough options. However, the taste and texture may shift slightly, but it can still be delicious!
How should I serve monkey bread for a crowd?
Serve it warm in the bundt pan right on the table so everyone can pull apart their own pieces. Offer small plates and napkins because it’s wonderfully messy but oh so worth it!
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cinnamon Monkey Bread Recipe is the perfect hug in food form for crisp mornings or gatherings with loved ones. Its ease, incredible aroma, and irresistible caramelized sweetness make it a crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again. Don’t wait for the perfect occasion—grab those ingredients and treat yourself to this delectable delight!
Print
Apple Cinnamon Monkey Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Apple Cinnamon Monkey Bread is a warm, pull-apart bread made with soft biscuit dough pieces coated in cinnamon sugar and baked with tender, diced apples. This comforting and easy recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, filling your kitchen with irresistible fall flavors and a delightful aroma.
Ingredients
Dough and Fruit
- 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into quarters
- 1 cup diced apples, peeled
Spices and Sugars
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Butter and Flavorings
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Make Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Coat Dough Pieces: Toss the biscuit dough quarters in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the sweet spice blend.
- Layer Dough and Apples: Evenly layer the coated biscuit dough pieces and the diced peeled apples in the prepared bundt pan, alternating layers for a balanced distribution.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract, stirring until the sugar is dissolved and mixture is well blended.
- Pour Butter Mixture: Slowly pour the butter, brown sugar, and vanilla mixture evenly over the layered dough and apples in the bundt pan to ensure it soaks all layers.
- Bake: Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the monkey bread is golden brown and cooked through in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the monkey bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving plate. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use firm apple varieties such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and tart flavor contrast.
- Place a baking sheet underneath the bundt pan to catch any drips of butter and sugar during baking for easier cleanup.
- Best served warm and fresh to enjoy the gooey texture and aroma fully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
