Introduction
There's something truly comforting about the warm, sweet aroma of apple cinnamon monkey bread filling your kitchen. This delightful pull-apart bread combines the classic flavors of spiced apples and cinnamon, making it a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert.
The soft, buttery dough pieces are coated in cinnamon sugar and nestled together in a bundt pan, creating an irresistible, gooey masterpiece when baked. It's a rewarding, fun recipe that invites everyone to gather around and enjoy.
Whether for a cozy family brunch or a festive gathering, apple cinnamon monkey bread never fails to impress. Let’s dive into this deliciously simple recipe, sure to become a beloved favorite.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
Flour is the backbone of monkey bread, providing the structure and texture needed for the dough. All-purpose flour strikes a perfect balance, yielding a soft yet supportive base when mixed with yeast. - 1 packet (2.25 tsp) active dry yeast
Yeast acts as a leavening agent, causing the dough to rise. It ferments sugars in the flour, producing carbon dioxide that gives the bread its fluffy texture. - 1 cup milk, warmed
Milk enriches the dough, adding moisture and flavor. Warm milk helps activate the yeast more quickly, leading to a better rise and softer crumb in the bread. - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Sugar not only sweetens the dough but also feeds the yeast, helping it to grow. The sweetness enhances the overall flavor profile, balancing the cinnamon spice. - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Butter brings richness to the monkey bread, contributing moisture and flavor. Its fat content creates a tender crumb and helps the pieces pull apart easily. - 1 tsp vanilla extract
Vanilla elevates the flavor, adding a warm note that complements the cinnamon and apples beautifully. It's a subtle yet significant flavor enhancer. - 1 tsp salt
Salt is essential in baking as it balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor. It also strengthens the gluten structure, contributing to the dough's elasticity. - 2 tsp ground cinnamon
Cinnamon is the star spice in this recipe, creating the signature warmth and sweetness that pair perfectly with apples. Its fragrant aroma fills the home while baking. - 2 cups apples, peeled and chopped
Apples introduce moisture, sweetness, and a slight tartness to the bread. They add texture and flavor, making every bite a delightful experience. - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
Brown sugar adds depth to the sweetness with its molasses content, contributing a richer flavor profile. It melts beautifully in the oven, creating a sticky, caramelized coating.
Directions & Preparation
Step 1: Activate the yeast.
In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial as it ensures the yeast is active and ready to leaven your dough, leading to a light and airy texture.
Step 2: Make the dough.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and melted butter. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms. Kneading helps develop gluten, which gives the bread its structure and chewiness. Aim for a smooth, elastic dough that isn't too sticky.
Step 3: Let the dough rise.
Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled in size. This fermentation phase is vital; the yeast produces gases that cause the dough to expand, creating air pockets for a fluffy texture.
Step 4: Prepare the apple filling.
While the dough rises, mix the chopped apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. The apples will soften and release juices during baking, adding flavor and moisture to the bread. Tossing them in cinnamon and sugar ensures every bite is deliciously seasoned.
Step 5: Shape and coat the dough.
Once risen, pinch off small pieces of dough and flatten each into a disc. Place a spoonful of the apple mixture inside, fold the dough over the filling, and roll into a ball. This method encases the filling, allowing it to meld with the bread as it bakes while ensuring a wonderful apple flavor in each pull-apart piece.
Step 6: Layer in the bundt pan.
Grease a bundt pan generously and layer the balls of dough, sprinkling any remaining apple mixture in between. This arrangement allows the flavors to meld and creates a visually appealing effect once turned out onto a plate.
Step 7: Second rise.
Cover the bundt pan and let the dough rise a second time for 30-45 minutes. This final rise helps the dough develop further, ensuring the monkey bread is light and fluffy rather than dense.
Step 8: Bake the monkey bread.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the monkey bread for 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it; the top should be golden brown and the bread should sound hollow when tapped. Baking not only cooks the dough but also caramelizes the sugars, enhancing flavor and texture.
Step 9: Cool and serve.
Allow the monkey bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. This waiting period helps the sticky bits set slightly, ensuring it holds its shape as you serve. Enjoy it warm, where the gooey texture and heavenly aroma draw everyone in.
Choosing the Right Apples
When selecting apples for your monkey bread, opt for varieties that hold their shape well during baking, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Their balanced tartness contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the brown sugar and cinnamon, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
The Importance of Two Rises
Allowing your dough to rise twice is crucial for achieving a fluffy and light texture in your monkey bread. The initial rise allows the yeast to work and develop flavor, while the second rise contributes to the final texture, ensuring an airy, pull-apart experience.
Variations to Try
Feel free to experiment with different spices or add-ins. A pinch of nutmeg or even a splash of maple syrup can further elevate the flavor. You might also consider incorporating nuts for added crunch or substituting pears for the apples in the filling for a different twist.
FAQs
What can I do if my monkey bread turns out too sweet?
If you find the monkey bread overly sweet, consider reducing the sugar in both the dough and the apple filling. Balancing it with more tart apples can also help counteract sweetness.
Can I make this recipe without a bundt pan?
Yes, you can use a regular cake pan or muffin tin. Just ensure to adjust the baking time, as smaller portions may cook faster than the traditional bundt shape.
What if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough fails to rise, it might be due to inactive yeast. Check the expiration date, and ensure the milk was warm (but not hot) when mixed with the yeast to activate it properly.
Can I substitute the apples with another fruit?
Absolutely! Pears or even peaches can be a delightful change. Just remember that different fruits may release varying amounts of juice, which can affect the texture.
How can I prevent my monkey bread from becoming soggy?
To avoid sogginess, ensure not to overload the filling and let the bread cool slightly after baking before serving. Properly balancing moisture is key to a perfect texture.
Is it possible to scale down this recipe for a smaller batch?
Certainly! You can halve the ingredients for a smaller yield, but adjust the baking time accordingly, as smaller amounts may require less time in the oven.
Conclusion
Sweet apple cinnamon monkey bread is a delightful treat that brings warmth and joy into any gathering. Its combination of gooey goodness, aromatic spices, and tender bread makes it a standout addition to your baking repertoire.
With just a few steps and simple ingredients, you can create this delicious centerpiece that captures the essence of comfort food. Share it with family and friends, and watch as they eagerly pull apart the pieces, savoring every bite.
Recipe Card
Elevate Your Dinner with Burrata Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet.
- Cook until tomatoes soften and release juices, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper, and stir in torn basil leaves.
- Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the tomato sauce.
- Remove from heat and gently fold in the burrata, breaking it into pieces.
- Serve immediately, garnished with more fresh basil if desired.
Notes
Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.
For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.
Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.
