Delight in the cozy embrace of autumn with our Apple Fritter Monkey Bread, a recipe that intertwines the essence of fall with the joy of baking. This dessert, perfect for crisp autumn evenings or lazy weekend mornings, offers a harmonious blend of warm, spiced apples and soft, pillowy bread. Each bite is a celebration of the season’s best flavors, making it an ideal treat for both family gatherings and solitary coffee moments.
Crafted with care, this recipe starts with fresh, tart apples like Fuji or Granny Smith, peeled, cored, and diced into small pieces. The apples are then lovingly coated in a mixture of brown sugar and ground cinnamon, infusing them with the quintessential flavors of fall. Layered within a luscious assembly of biscuit dough, these cinnamon-kissed apples transform into a sumptuous filling that’s both comforting and indulgent.
The monkey bread itself, made from pre-prepared biscuit dough, offers a hassle-free baking experience without sacrificing homemade taste. As the bread bakes, it envelops the spiced apple mixture, creating a delightful texture that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. A final drizzle of melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract cascades over the top, adding a caramelized sweetness that perfectly complements the tartness of the apples.
This Apple Fritter Monkey Bread is more than just a dessert; it’s a warm, sweet hug in every slice. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in the pleasures of fall baking, this treat is sure to become a cherished addition to your recipe collection.
Apple Fritter Monkey Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Cinnamon Apples:
- 2 apples (Fuji or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and diced
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Monkey Bread:
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 3 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (such as Pillsbury, 16.3 oz each)
- 3/4 cup + 2 tbsp salted butter, melted and divided
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Generously grease a 12-cup fluted tube pan or bundt pan with baking spray.
- Prepare Cinnamon Apples: Mix the diced apples with brown sugar and cinnamon. Place about a third of this mixture into the pan. Set the remaining apple mixture aside.
- Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon together. Set this aside.
- Prepare Biscuits: Cut each biscuit into four pieces.
- Assemble Monkey Bread: Dip each biscuit piece into 1/2 cup of melted butter, shake off excess, then coat thoroughly with the cinnamon sugar mixture. Start layering the biscuit pieces in the prepared pan, alternating with layers of the cinnamon apples. You should create three layers of each.
- Final Touches: Mix the remaining 6 tablespoons of melted butter with brown sugar and vanilla extract. Evenly pour this mixture over the biscuits in the pan.
- Bake: Cook for 45-55 minutes or until the bread turns golden and isn’t doughy anymore. To catch any drips, consider placing a cookie sheet beneath the pan.
- Cool and Serve: Let the monkey bread cool for 15-20 minutes in the pan. Invert it onto a plate with a raised edge to catch any excess moisture. Serve the monkey bread warm and enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 50 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes Yield: 6 servings
This Apple Fritter Monkey Bread is a delightful, comforting dessert that combines the warm flavors of autumn with a fun, shareable format. It’s perfect for a cozy family gathering or as a special treat on a crisp fall day.
Apple Fritter Monkey Bread Recipe FAQS
How long do apple fritters last?
Apple fritters, like most fried pastries, are best enjoyed fresh. However, they can last for 2-3 days when stored properly. To keep them, let the fritters cool completely and then store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Refrigerating them can cause them to become soggy, so it’s better to keep them in a cool, dry place. Reheating them briefly in an oven or toaster oven can help restore some of their crispiness.
How do you know when monkey bread is done?
To check if monkey bread is done, insert a toothpick or a thin skewer into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs (but no raw dough), the bread is done. The top should be golden brown, and the bread should feel set when lightly pressed. Be aware that the sugar and butter can make it a bit sticky, so a little stickiness on the toothpick is normal. Also, the bread should pull away slightly from the sides of the pan.
How long can you keep monkey bread?
Monkey bread can be kept for about 2-3 days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. However, the texture is best when it’s fresh. To reheat, place it in an oven at a low temperature until warmed through. This helps to preserve its moisture and soft texture.
What are apple fritters made of?
Apple fritters are typically made from a batter that includes flour, sugar, eggs, milk, and baking powder, combined with chopped or diced apples. The apples are often coated in cinnamon and sugar before being mixed into the batter. This batter is then deep-fried in oil until golden brown and crispy. Once fried, apple fritters are usually coated in a glaze or dusted with powdered sugar for added sweetness. The result is a crispy, sweet, and slightly tart treat.
