Discover the ultimate autumn delight: Ooey, Gooey Caramel Apple Monkey Bread. This spectacular twist on a classic features layers of tender sautéed apples, luxurious homemade caramel sauce, warm cinnamon, and crunchy pecans. Prepare for a breakfast or dessert experience so profoundly delicious, it will forever change your perception of monkey bread.
Hello, fellow food enthusiasts! While my kitchen often smells of pumpkin spice this time of year, I’m thrilled to take a delightful detour to bring you something truly special: a fusion of rich caramel and crisp apples that creates an irresistible treat. Get ready to embrace the flavors of fall with this exceptional recipe, though rest assured, more pumpkin-infused delights are still on the horizon!
The inspiration for this Caramel Apple Monkey Bread has been simmering in my mind for weeks, a culinary dream just waiting to be brought to life. A few weekends ago, I finally dedicated the time to make it a reality, and I can happily report that it exceeded every expectation. How could it possibly disappoint when it combines the heavenly trio of caramel, apples, and cinnamon, all sweetened to perfection? This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience, a masterpiece of flavors and textures that begs to be devoured, especially at breakfast with a tall glass of milk. Its warmth and sweetness make it an ideal centerpiece for any brunch or a cozy evening dessert.
In our home, Christmas morning holds a cherished tradition: after the last gift is unwrapped and the excitement fills the air, I make monkey bread for breakfast. This heartwarming custom began when my son was just a year and a half old, and it’s one I intend to continue for many years to come, creating lasting memories around the breakfast table. However, no recount of this tradition would be complete without sharing the unforgettable tale of my very first attempt at making monkey bread.
Back then, as a novice, I envisioned a brilliant plan to streamline Christmas morning. I thought, “Why not assemble the entire monkey bread the night before, pop it in the refrigerator, and then simply bake it fresh in the morning?” This, I reasoned, would save precious time and allow me to fully participate in the gift-opening festivities without being tied to the kitchen. So, with careful precision, I prepared the entire pan: each biscuit quarter rolled meticulously in a generous coating of cinnamon sugar, nestled into the bundt pan, and then generously topped with melted butter. Confident in my time-saving strategy, I covered the pan with aluminum foil and tucked it into the fridge, dreaming of a serene holiday morning.
The next morning, after the joy of unwrapping gifts, I preheated the oven, slid the seemingly perfect pan of monkey bread inside, and returned downstairs, eager to watch my baby discover his new toys. Approximately twenty minutes later, a distinct, acrid smell began to permeate the air. My heart quickened. That wasn’t the sweet aroma of baking bread; it was the unmistakable scent of burning. I dashed upstairs, flung open the oven door, and was met with a scene of absolute chaos. Melted butter, having expanded and bubbled over, had seeped everywhere, coating the oven’floor and sides. Thick, acrid smoke billowed out, filling the entire house. It was a frigid morning, with temperatures well below freezing, yet I had no choice but to open every window, allowing icy drafts to sweep through our warm home to clear the air.
The culprit, I later discovered, was the congealed melted butter. Having solidified overnight, it erupted spectacularly when reheated, overflowing the bundt pan. As it was my inaugural attempt at monkey bread, I hadn’t known the critical importance of placing an aluminum pan beneath the bundt pan to catch any potential spillage. It was a lesson learned, indelibly etched into my memory. Not only was our much-anticipated Christmas breakfast utterly ruined, but my oven was also in a dire state, requiring an extensive and arduous cleaning effort. From that fiery trial, however, a true monkey bread pro emerged. My skills have since evolved, culminating in this incredible Caramel Apple Monkey Bread, a recipe that transforms a simple classic into an extraordinary culinary delight.
My journey to perfecting this recipe began with the homemade caramel sauce, a component that, despite its luxurious taste, couldn’t be simpler to prepare. Its rich, buttery flavor far surpasses any store-bought alternative, adding an unparalleled depth to the monkey bread. Once the caramel was ready – and I’d enjoyed a cheeky spoonful or two – I moved on to the dough. Using convenient refrigerated biscuit dough, I cut each biscuit into quarters. Each quarter was then gently flattened, and a soft caramel square was nestled into its center. I carefully wrapped the dough around the caramel, creating a perfect, sealed little “caramel apple bomb,” ensuring no gooey caramel would escape during baking.
With all sixty-four dough balls meticulously prepared, I began assembling the bundt pan. After a thorough spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking, I scattered a generous layer of chopped pecans across the bottom. Next, I arranged the “caramel apple bombs” in a single, even layer, forming the foundation of this delectable creation. Once the bottom of the pan was filled, I turned my attention to sautéing the apples, using the same beloved method from my Apple Pie Breakfast Parfaits. These tender, spiced apples were then layered over the dough balls, followed by more chopped pecans, and finally, the remaining bread balls completed the top layer. The grand finale involved drizzling the rest of the luscious homemade caramel sauce over the entire masterpiece before it entered the oven. For fifty glorious minutes, my entire home was enveloped in the sweet, warm, and utterly irresistible aroma of baking caramel and apples, an olfactory preview of the treat to come.
I’ll be the first to admit, I often struggle with receiving compliments. I tend to be hyper-critical of my own culinary creations, my photography, and even my custom designs. I frequently question if my efforts are “good enough” or can truly compare to others’ work. Yet, with this Caramel Apple Monkey Bread, I experienced a rare and undeniable moment of conviction: I KNEW I had a winner. I devoured piece after piece while photographing it, indulging until my belly felt contentedly full. Later that morning, I shared it with friends, and their enthusiastic raves were continuous. Each bite reveals the perfect balance – the sweetness of the caramel, the delightful tang of the Granny Smith apples, and the warm spice of cinnamon. The irresistible “ooey, gooey” caramel melting from those little “bombs” is a sight to behold and a taste sensation that will captivate everyone.
It’s truly gratifying when a culinary vision comes to life and surpasses all expectations. This Caramel Apple Monkey Bread is a testament to that feeling, a recipe I am immensely proud of and one that I predict will become a new, cherished tradition for our Christmas mornings, or any occasion that calls for something truly special. Its exceptional blend of flavors and textures ensures it will be a crowd-pleaser, cementing its place as a favorite go-to recipe.
The delightful aroma of cinnamon and apples, combined with the rich, buttery sweetness of caramel, is more than just a treat for the taste buds; it’s an experience that evokes warmth, comfort, and joy. This bread is not just food; it’s a celebration, a moment of pure culinary bliss. Whether served warm for breakfast, as an impressive brunch item, or a comforting dessert, it promises to bring smiles and satisfaction. Its layers of flavor and captivating texture make it versatile enough for any gathering, from casual family meals to more festive holiday feasts. This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients, thoughtfully combined, can create something truly extraordinary and unforgettable.
3 votes
Caramel Apple Monkey Bread
Prep
Cook
Total
Author Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
Yield 12
Ooey, Gooey Caramel Apple Monkey Bread is layered with sauteed apples, homemade caramel sauce, cinnamon and pecans. It’s a yummy twist on classic monkey bread that’ll have you never turning back.
Ingredients
- Caramel Apple Bombs
- 2 cans (16.3 oz each) Pillsbury™ Grands!™ Flaky Layers refrigerated biscuits
- 64 Kraft Traditional Caramels
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- Homemade Apple Pie Spice
- 1 tablespoon + ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ginger
- Sauteed Apples
- 1 Granny Smith Apples, peeled, cored and diced
- 1 tablespoons homemade apple pie spice
- 1 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon butter
- Homemade Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/2 stick Butter (4 Tablespoons)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 Tablespoon Vanilla
- Pinch Of Salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C) and generously spray a bundt pan with cooking spray.
- In a shallow dish or bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon for rolling the dough balls. Set aside.
- Unroll the biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. This should yield a total of 64 quarters.
- For each quarter, flatten it slightly between your palms and place one caramel in the center. Carefully wrap the dough completely around the caramel, pinching the edges to seal it securely into a ball. Ensure the caramel is fully enclosed with no visible holes. (Repeat this process for all 64 dough quarters).
- Roll each prepared dough ball thoroughly in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring an even coating.
- Sprinkle 1/4 cup of chopped pecans evenly into the bottom of your prepared bundt pan. Drizzle with 1/4 cup of the homemade caramel sauce (recipe instructions follow below).
- Arrange the cinnamon-sugar coated dough balls into the pan, forming a single, even layer over the pecans and caramel.
- Evenly spread the sautéed apples (recipe instructions follow below) over the first layer of dough balls. Top with another 1/4 cup of homemade caramel sauce and the remaining chopped pecans.
- Arrange the rest of the dough balls on top of the apple layer, creating a final, even layer.
- Pour the remaining homemade caramel sauce generously over the entire bundt pan.
- Cover the bundt pan loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the internal temperature reaches a safe level for baked goods.
- Homemade Caramel Sauce
- Combine all ingredients (brown sugar, butter, heavy cream, vanilla, pinch of salt) in a medium sauce pot. Place the pot over medium-low heat.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring continuously with a whisk or spoon, until the mixture thickens to a rich, pourable caramel consistency.
- This recipe yields a little more than 1 cup of delicious homemade caramel sauce.
- Homemade Apple Pie Spice
- In a small bowl, stir together all ingredients (cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, ginger) until well combined. Set aside for use with the apples.
- Sauteed Apples
- In a bowl, combine the peeled, cored, and diced Granny Smith apples with the homemade apple pie spice and brown sugar. Mix gently to ensure the apples are evenly coated.
- Preheat a sauté pan to medium heat and add the butter.
- Once the butter has melted and is shimmering, add in your spiced apple mixture.
- Sauté over medium heat for 2-3 minutes to begin softening. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Continue to cook the apples, stirring occasionally, until they are fork-tender. This should take approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Remove the sautéed apples from the heat and allow them to cool slightly before layering into the monkey bread.
Notes
*Always place a baking sheet or a larger aluminum pan underneath your bundt pan in the oven. This crucial step acts as a safeguard, catching any potential overflow from the bubbling caramel and preventing a messy clean-up (a lesson hard-learned!). The Homemade Caramel Sauce recipe is inspired by the wonderful Pioneer Woman.
Cuisine Breakfast
While the process of wrapping and rolling all 64 dough balls might appear a tad time-consuming at first glance, I assure you, the effort is genuinely minimal compared to the incredible reward awaiting you. The moment you take that first bite of this Caramel Apple Monkey Bread, you’ll completely forget the labor involved, just as you might forget the fleeting discomfort for the joy of a truly wonderful outcome. Every sweet, tangy, and cinnamon-spiced bite will confirm that every minute spent was absolutely worth it. This is more than just a recipe; it’s a labor of love that results in pure, unadulterated bliss.
I encourage you to try this magnificent recipe and share your creations! If you make this Caramel Apple Monkey Bread, please capture a photo and share it on social media, remembering to use the hashtag #strawberryblondiekitchen. I absolutely love seeing your delicious versions and how you bring these recipes to life in your own kitchens!