Name: Apple Fritter Monkey Bread
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: PT-487844H20M38S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough; 2 large apples, peeled and diced; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional); 1 cup powdered sugar; 2-3 tbsp milk; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

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Apple Fritter Monkey Bread is a pull-apart pastry that combines soft, cinnamon-sugar dough balls with tender apples and a rich glaze. Reminiscent of your favorite bakery-style apple fritter, this recipe transforms a classic monkey bread into a sticky, gooey, and crowd-pleasing treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you enjoy cinnamon rolls and apple fritters, this is the ultimate fusion of both. It’s easy to assemble using canned biscuits, requires no special baking skills, and makes for an impressive, sweet centerpiece. The gooey texture, caramelized apples, and warm spices create a comforting dish ideal for holidays, potlucks, or lazy weekend mornings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Refrigerated biscuit dough
Apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg (optional)
Unsalted butter (melted)
Vanilla extract
Powdered sugar
Milk or heavy cream (for glaze)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan generously with butter or nonstick spray.
In a bowl, mix granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cut biscuit dough into quarters and toss in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
In another bowl, combine diced apples with a bit of cinnamon and sugar.
Layer half of the dough pieces in the bundt pan, then top with half of the apples. Repeat layers.
In a small saucepan or bowl, mix melted butter with brown sugar and vanilla extract. Pour evenly over the dough and apple mixture.
Bake for 40–45 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked through.
Cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then invert onto a serving plate.
While still warm, drizzle with a glaze made of powdered sugar and milk. Serve warm.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 10–12
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

From-Scratch Dough: Use homemade yeast dough instead of canned biscuits.
Add Nuts: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
Caramel Sauce: Swap glaze for warm caramel drizzle.
Different Fruit: Try pears or mixed berries in place of apples.
Spiced Up: Add apple pie spice or clove for more depth.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze tightly wrapped (without glaze) for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Microwave individual portions for 15–20 seconds or warm the whole loaf in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.

FAQs

What is monkey bread?

Monkey bread is a pull-apart pastry made of soft dough pieces coated in sugar, often baked with butter and served with glaze or icing.

Can I make this with fresh dough?

Yes, you can use homemade dough if you prefer not to use refrigerated biscuits.

What type of apples work best?

Firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are best for baking.

Do I have to peel the apples?

Yes, peeling gives a softer texture and blends better with the dough.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake the next morning.

Why is my monkey bread undercooked in the middle?

This may happen if the dough is packed too tightly. Make sure to bake thoroughly and allow resting time after baking.

Can I bake it in a different pan?

A bundt pan is best, but you can use a loaf or cake pan—just adjust baking time accordingly.

How do I keep the glaze from soaking in too much?

Allow the monkey bread to cool slightly before drizzling the glaze.

Can I add caramel instead of glaze?

Yes, warm caramel sauce makes a great topping.

Is this freezer-friendly?

Yes, freeze before glazing and reheat before serving.

Conclusion

Apple Fritter Monkey Bread delivers everything you love about classic apple fritters in a fun, shareable form. Sticky, spiced, and sweet, it’s a cozy dish perfect for holidays, brunches, or whenever you need a comforting treat. With simple ingredients and no-fuss prep, this recipe is destined to be a go-to favorite.

Apple Fritter Monkey Bread

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Apple Fritter Monkey Bread is a pull-apart dessert combining cinnamon-sugar biscuit dough, caramelized apples, and a sweet glaze. It’s a fun and indulgent twist on traditional monkey bread, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hr
Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan well with nonstick spray or butter.
In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add diced apples, brown sugar, and nutmeg. Cook until apples are soft and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Cut each biscuit into quarters. In a large bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. Toss biscuit pieces in the cinnamon sugar to coat.
Layer half of the sugared biscuit pieces in the bottom of the bundt pan. Spoon half of the apple mixture over them. Repeat with remaining dough and apples.
Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a skewer inserted comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving plate.
In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over warm monkey bread before serving.