Ah, Apple Monkey Bread – the ultimate treat where gooey, sweet, and cinnamon-spiced bites come together in the most delightful way! I first discovered this recipe at a family gathering, and let me tell you, it was a hit. My cousin Sara showcased it like it was a crown jewel, and everyone around the table couldn’t resist snagging piece after piece. Ever since that day, I’ve made it a tradition to whip up this comforting dessert whenever I want to impress guests or simply treat myself to something sweet.
What makes Apple Monkey Bread so special? Well, think about it: comforting biscuit dough, sweet apples dancing in gooey cinnamon goodness, and a luscious glaze drizzled on top. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make! You’ll have the kitchen filled with the heavenly aroma of baked cinnamon apples, and before you know it, your home will feel as cozy as a warm hug.
What’s in Apple Monkey Bread?
Let’s break down these mouthwatering ingredients that make this dessert a true sensation:
Refrigerated Biscuit Dough: You can’t go wrong with this handy little dough. I love using the classic buttermilk biscuits for that perfect fluffiness. It’s super convenient and saves a ton of time!
Granulated Sugar: This sweet staple is what gives our monkey bread its delightful sugary goodness.
Ground Cinnamon: Oh, the magic of cinnamon! It adds that warm, cozy flavor that makes you feel like you’re wrapped in a blanket by the fireplace.
Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar gives that rich caramel flavor, making it a perfect pairing with the apples.
Unsalted Butter: Ah, butter – the essence of decadence! Melted butter will help bind all those delicious flavors together.
Chopped Apples: I swear by Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples! They’re both tart and sweet, making them the perfect stars of our dish.
Apple Pie Filling: This adds a wonderful burst of apple flavor without the hassle of peeling and slicing.
Powdered Sugar: We need this for our irresistible glaze! It adds that final touch.
Milk: Just a bit helps make our glaze smooth and creamy.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla will elevate the flavor of the glaze and tie everything together beautifully.
Is Apple Monkey Bread Good for You?
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – is this sweet delight good for you? Well, it’s certainly a treat.
– The **chopped apples** bring in some fiber and vitamin C, which is always a bonus. Who said dessert can’t be partially healthy?
– The **cinnamon** has shown to have some health benefits too, like anti-inflammatory properties and potential blood sugar-regulating qualities — but, let’s not get carried away; we’re drenching this in sugar and butter!
On the flip side, moderation is essential here. With sugar and butter as key players, it’s best to savor this dish as an occasional dessert rather than an everyday affair. So, indulging in Apple Monkey Bread every now and then is totally guilt-free fun!
Ingredients
– 2 cans (16.5 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
– 2 cups chopped apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
– 1 cup apple pie filling, chopped
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tbsp milk
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
*Serves: About 8-10 people – or one super enthusiastic dessert lover!*
How to Make Apple Monkey Bread?
1. First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan or a similar baking dish. We want that monkey bread to glide out effortlessly!
2. In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This is where the magic begins!
3. Open the biscuit dough – watch out for that pop! Cut each biscuit into quarters, and toss the pieces in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they’re all coated.
4. Layer half of the coated biscuit pieces in your prepared bundt pan. Then, sprinkle half of those delicious chopped apples and half of the apple pie filling over the top.
5. Drizzle half of the melted butter over this layer. Yeah, it’s getting good! Repeat the process with the remaining biscuit pieces, apples, and apple pie filling.
6. Pour the remaining melted butter on top and sprinkle the brown sugar all over to create that sweet caramelized topping.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until it’s golden brown and the house smells like the essence of fall!
8. While the monkey bread is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl to create your luscious glaze.
9. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Invert it onto a serving plate. (You might want to do a little happy dance here!)
10. Drizzle that beautiful glaze over the warm monkey bread and serve. Trust me, the ooey-gooey goodness is irresistible!
Serve it Up Sweet!
For those who want to take this treat to the next level, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans between the layers for a nutty crunch. And oh, serve it warm for the best texture and flavor. If I’m feeling extra indulgent, I like to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Yum!
I can’t wait for you to try making this delicious Apple Monkey Bread! It’s a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any gathering or simply an excuse to treat yourself. Let me know how it turns out – happy baking!
