Introduction

Apple Fritter Monkey Bread is a delightful, pull-apart treat blending tender baked dough with warm cinnamon-spiced apples. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or dessert, it’s an easy recipe that will impress friends and family alike.

A close-up view of a ring-shaped pull-apart bread made of many golden brown dough pieces coated in cinnamon and sugar, with small chunks of cooked apple scattered on top and nestled between pieces. A light cream glaze drips down the sides, adding a shiny texture to the bread. The bread sits on a white plate with a beaded edge, placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
2 tsp lemon juice
3 Tbsp brown sugar (for apples)
1 tsp cinnamon (for apples)
3 Tbsp butter (for cooking apples)
18 frozen dinner rolls
1 cup brown sugar (for coating)
2 tsp cinnamon (for coating)
1/2 cup butter (melted, for coating)
1 cup powdered sugar
2 Tbsp milk or water
1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste

Instructions

Step 1: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the frozen dinner rolls on it, cover with plastic wrap or a clean tea towel, and let them thaw for 1-2 hours until soft.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, toss the chopped apples with lemon juice to prevent browning. Add 3 tablespoons brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon, stirring to combine.
Step 3: Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the apple mixture and cook, stirring occasionally, until apples become fork-tender, about 5-6 minutes. Set aside.
Step 4: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Grease a bundt pan thoroughly and set aside.
Step 5: In a small bowl, mix 1 cup brown sugar with 2 teaspoons cinnamon. In another bowl, melt 1/2 cup butter.
Step 6: Cut each thawed dinner roll into four equal pieces. Dip each piece into the melted butter, then toss in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat well. Repeat until all pieces are coated.
Step 7: Add a small layer of cooked apples to the bottom of the greased bundt pan. Layer with coated dinner roll pieces. Alternate layers of apples and dough pieces until all are used. Pour any leftover melted butter over the top.
Step 8: Bake for 30-35 minutes. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking.
Step 9: Remove from oven and immediately invert the bundt pan onto a large serving plate. Allow the monkey bread to cool slightly before glazing.
Step 10: In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar with milk or water and vanilla bean paste until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm monkey bread.
Step 11: Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

Use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance sweetness and add a delicious tangy contrast.
Swap vanilla bean paste for vanilla extract if needed, though the paste adds extra glaze richness.
Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts between layers for crunch.
For extra gooeyness, drizzle caramel sauce over the finished monkey bread.

Storage

Store leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven until warm before serving. This treat is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 4 days if needed.

How to Serve

A round pull-apart monkey bread sits on a white plate with a raised bead rim, placed on a white marbled surface. The monkey bread is made up of many soft, golden brown dough pieces coated in cinnamon sugar, stacked closely in a ring shape with a hole in the middle. The dough pieces are topped with small, glossy chunks of cooked apples that are golden and slightly caramelized. A light, creamy white glaze is drizzled unevenly over the top, flowing down the sides and pooling slightly at the base, adding a shiny texture. In the background, there are stacked white plates and a red and white striped kitchen towel, both out of focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh dough instead of frozen dinner rolls?

Yes, fresh dough can be used but may require adjustments in thawing and baking times. Frozen dinner rolls provide convenience and consistent results.

How do I keep the monkey bread from sticking to the pan?

Be sure to grease the bundt pan thoroughly with butter or nonstick spray. Lining with parchment paper is not recommended as it can interfere with the bread’s shape when inverted.