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    Home » Breakfast

    Apple Monkey Bread Muffins

    Published: Feb 22, 2020 · by Elizabeth Waterson · This post may contain affiliate links, which may pay me a small commission for my referral at no extra cost to you! Thank you for supporting Confessions of a Baking Queen!

    602 shares
    Jump to Recipe
    apple monkey bread muffins on a silpat lined sheet pan next to a cup of coffee and stack of plates and forks

    Easy homemade monkey bread muffins are filled with tons of apples and cinnamon sugar, individual sizes mean they're perfect for your next brunch party!  This mini apple monkey bread muffin recipe is perfect for your brunch table! 

    apple monkey bread muffins on a silpat lined sheet pan next to a cup of coffee and stack of plates and forks

    I LOVE LOVE LOVE monkey bread, like any excuse to make it and I'll take it. I especially love cream cheese stuffed monkey bread, its the bomb! Literally my favorite. I have made it many times. Last time my nan was here from England  (she will be here Dec 5 for two months woo hoo) on her last day she requested monkey bread, one of my best friends requests it on her birthday each year and friends at work request it for early morning meetings or Christmas decorating mornings! Honestly SOOOOO good.

    But naturally, with the season, I have become a tad bit obsessed with baking with apples, I freaking L_O_V_E cooked apples, like the Miley Cyrus song "And we can't stop, And we won't stop" I literally WILL NOT STOP cooking with apples. But really that is a good thing right, how does that saying go? An apple a day, keeps the doctor away? 😉

    apple monkey bread on a white plate

    It only made sense that I would combine apples with monkey bread. I made the dough and also froze half for later so when I get the craving for cooked apples again I will be able to make these Mini Apple Monkey Bread on the spot!

    I also really REALLY loved these muffins cold out of the fridge, I can't decide which is better hot out of the oven or chilled?! Maybe I should make these again to decide ?;)

    Let's get to the recipe.

    Jump to:
    • What are the ingredients
    • How do you make monkey bread muffins
    • Craving more apple recipes?
    • Recipe Card
    • Recipe Ratings & Comments
    close up of an apple monkey bread on a white plate

    What are the ingredients

    For this monkey bread dough, you could use store-bought dough or make your own enriched dough. You'll need:

    • Yeast ( I use Rapid Rise/ Quick Rise)
    • Warm Water (115F/46C)* See note below
    • Whole or 2% Milk, warmed
    • Dry Milk Powder
    • Unsalted Butter, melted
    • Granulated/ Caster Sugar
    • Large Eggs, at room temperature
    • Salt
    • All-Purpose/ Plain Flour
    water being poured into a metal bowl with yeast in

    To make the apple filling you'll only need a few things:

    • Light Brown Sugar
    • Granulated/ Caster Sugar
    • Pure Vanilla Extract
    • Ground Cinnamon
    • Unsalted Butter, melted
    • Apples.

    Next time try my apple banana bread recipe.

    How do you make monkey bread muffins

    The most important thing in this recipe is to make sure your liquid is warmed to the proper temperature. Too warm and you could burn the yeast, too cold and your yeast won't activate properly.

    thermometer testing water temperature

    In a large bowl or bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with a dough hook add the yeast and warm water to dissolve yeast, swirl it around then let it sit for 5 minutes.

    water being poured into a metal bowl with yeast in

    Add the warmed milk, dry milk powder, melted butter, sugar, eggs, and salt, mix until evenly combined.

    liquid ingredients for an enriched dough recipe in a metal bowl

    Add the first 3 cups of the flour.

    flour added to wet ingredients for an enriched dough recipe in a metal bowl

    Mix on low-medium speed for 2-3 minutes then add in the remaining flour and mix until everything is incorporated.

    flour added to wet ingredients for an enriched dough recipe in a metal bowl

    You can knead with the dough hook in the electric mixer or remove the dough from the bowl and place the dough on a lightly floured surface then knead by hand for 6-8 minutes.

    monkey bread dough in a metal bowl

     The dough should be tacky, but not too sticky. If too sticky you should add a little more flour.

    hand holding enriched dough

    Once kneaded place the dough in a large lightly oiled bowl and place a tea towel over it.

    If you want to wait overnight before the rest of the dough. Place the bowl in the refrigerator with plastic wrap covering the dough to prevent it from drying out.

    In the morning take the dough out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature for 45 minutes to one hour.

    If you want the dough to rise now place the dough in a warm spot. I turn the oven on to 200F/93C then turn the oven off and place the bowl in the oven with a towel over the top. This helps create a warm environment for the dough to rise. It should take around 1 hour.

    enriched dough before and after proofing

    Cut the dough pieces into one-inch size, place each piece on a Silpat lined baking sheet, then lightly cover with a towel and let rise another 45 minutes.

    You may use all of the dough to make 24 mini monkey bread muffins or cut the dough in half and freeze the other half for use later.

    hand holding a scraper cutting enriched dough

    Once the dough pieces have risen you are ready to assemble the monkey bread muffins.

    monkey bread dough bites before and after proofing

    Preheat the oven to 350F/180C.

    Add melted butter to a small bowl, ideally a deep one, it is easier to dip.

    In a medium-sized bowl mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until evenly combined.

    cinnamon sugar and vanilla mixed in a bowl next to a bowl of melted butter

    Take one piece of dough dip it in the melted butter then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

    monkey bread dough bites next to bowl of melted butter and bowl of cinnamon sugar
    monkey dough bites rolled in cinnamon sugar on a silpat lined baking sheet

    Once all of the dough is dunked, add the apple slices to the remaining sugar and toss to combine.

    apple mixed with brown sugar and cinnamon in a glass bowl

    Take the remaining butter mixture and use a pastry brush to grease each muffin cavity.

    cupcake pan brushed with leftover butte and sugar

    Take two to three dough chunks and alternate with some apple slices and place inside each muffin cavity, repeat until all the dough and apples are used up.

    apple monkey bread muffins before baking

    Place the muffin pan on a cookie sheet (The cinnamon sugar will bubble up and you don't want to smoke up the oven). Bake the monkey bread muffins for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. I like to use a digital internal thermometer to check the bread is baked to 190–200°F (88–93°C). I use my Thermapen MK4.

    Once baked let the muffins cool for at least 5 minutes before placing a baking sheet on top and flipping over to invert the rolls out, give them a little wiggle to release.

    apple monkey bread muffins baked and inverted on to a sheet pan

     These are best eaten right away. But I love them out of the fridge too!

    apple monkey bread muffins on a silpat lined sheet pan

    Apple Monkey Bread Muffins are one of my all-time favorite breakfast treats. I hope you love them as much as my family does.

    apple monkey bread muffin on a white plate next to a cup of coffee

    Tips and Tricks

    • Working with live yeast can be tricky but if you follow directions you are golden. One necessary part is to add the right temperature of water to activate your Yeast, generally around 100F-125F. Check the directions on the yeast you are using for the exact temperature.
    • I highly suggest investing in an instant-read thermometer. I get SOOO much use out of my Thermapen Mk4 (affiliate link). From cooking filet mignon, tempering chocolate, roast turkey, making caramel and more! 
    • These mini apple monkey bread bites are also a delicious dessert served a la mode!

    Craving more apple recipes?

    • Brown Sugar Apple Blondies
    • Apple Muffins with a Maple Glaze
    • Maple Apple Bread
    • Apple Pie with Cloves
    • Salted Caramel Apple Bars

    ★★★★★ Please let me know if you make this recipe by leaving a star rating and comment below!

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    Recipe Card

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    apple monkey bread muffins on a silpat lined sheet pan next to a cup of coffee and stack of plates and forks

    Mini Apple Monkey Bread

    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Easy homemade monkey bread is filled with tons of apples and cinnamon sugar, individual sizes mean its perfect for your next brunch party!  This mini apple monkey bread recipe is perfect for your brunch table!

    • Total Time: 2 Hours 10 Minutes
    • Yield: 24 muffin size monkey bread 1x

    Ingredients

    Units Scale

    Monkey Bread Dough

    • 2 ¼ Teaspoons (1 package) Yeast ( I use Rapid Rise/ Quick Rise)
    • 2oz (¼ Cup) Warm Water (115F/46C)* See note below
    • 8oz (1 Cup) Whole or 2% Milk, warmed
    • 2 Teaspoons Dry Milk Powder
    • 2.6oz (⅓ Cup) Unsalted Butter, melted
    • 50 grams (¼ Cup) Granulated/ Caster Sugar
    • 2 Large Eggs, at room temperature
    • 1 Teaspoon Salt
    • 625 grams (5 Cups) All-Purpose/ Plain Flour

    Apple Mixture

    • 100 grams (½ Cup) Light Brown Sugar
    • 100 grams (½ Cup) Granulated/ Caster Sugar
    • 1 Tablespoon Pure Vanilla Extract
    • 2 Teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
    • 3oz (6 Tablespoons) Unsalted Butter, melted
    • 2 Medium-Sized Apples, peeled and sliced* I like to use Granny Smith

    Instructions

    Monkey Bread Dough

    1. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with a dough hook or large bowl add the yeast and warm water*see note* to dissolve yeast, let it sit for 5 minutes. Add the warmed milk, dry milk powder, melted butter, sugar, eggs, salt and 375 Grams/3 Cups of the flour. Beat on low-medium speed for 3 minutes then add in the remaining flour and mix until a firm dough is made. You can then knead with the dough hook or remove dough from the bowl and place the dough on a lightly floured surface then knead by hand for 6-8 minutes. Place dough in a large lightly oiled bowl and place a tea towel over it. 
    2. Either place in the refrigerator overnight (if doing this then cover in plastic wrap to prevent drying) or turn the oven on to 200F/93C then turn oven off and place the bowl in the oven with a towel over the top. (This is creating a warm environment for the dough to rise)
    3. In the morning take the dough out of the fridge and let come to room temp for 45 minutes to one hour OR if the dough was rising in the oven take it once it is doubled in size about 45 minutes.
    4.  Cut the dough into one-inch size pieces, place each piece on a Silpat lined cookie sheet, then lightly cover with a towel and let rise another 45 minutes (if you are in a cold environment I would do the oven trick again).You may use all of the dough to make 24 mini monkey bread muffins or cut the dough in half and freeze the other half for use later.

    Apple Mixture

    1. Once the dough has risen, preheat oven to 350F/180C and grease a muffin pan.
    2. Add melted butter to a small bowl. 
    3. In a medium-sized bowl mix together brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon together.
    4. Take a chunk of dough, dip it in the melted butter then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place three dough pieces inside each muffin, repeat until all dough is used up.
    5. Mix apples in remaining sugar mixture and place 2-3 apple slices in between dough. Place muffin pan on a cookie sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for at least 5 minutes before using an angled spatula to gently remove or place a baking sheet on top of the muffin tin and invert the monkey bread muffins. Best eaten right away. 

    Equipment

    muffin pan

    Muffin Pan

    Buy Now →
    thermapen mk4

    Thermapen Mk4

    Buy Now →
    oxo food scale

    OXO Kitchen Scale

    Buy Now →

    Notes

    **To ensure you are using the right temperature of water to activate your yeast I highly suggest investing in an instant-read thermometer. I get SOOO much use out of my Thermapen Mk4.

    Dough recipe adapted from Taste of Home Baking

    • Author: Elizabeth Waterson I Confessions of a Baking Queen
    • Prep Time: 1 Hour 45 Minute
    • Cook Time: 25
    • Category: Breakfast
    • Method: Baking
    • Cuisine: American

    Keywords: monkey bread muffins, apple muffin recipe, cinnamon apple breakfast

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @confessionsofabakingqueen on Instagram and hashtag it #cbqbakes

    Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes

    This post was originally published on November 11, 2013 as of February 21, 2020 the photos and text have been updated.

    Mini Apple Monkey Bread on baking sheet close up
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    Comments

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    1. Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says

      November 11, 2013 at 7:15 pm

      This is delicious!! LOVE apples and monkey bread is a star in our house!

      Reply
    2. Nicole @ Young, Broke and Hungry says

      November 12, 2013 at 11:46 am

      Since it's mini, I can eat five without guilt! Yes please.

      Reply
      • Elizabeth says

        November 12, 2013 at 1:34 pm

        That's why you and I get along, we think the same!! 🙂

        Reply
    3. Manhattan Image and Style says

      November 12, 2013 at 2:02 pm

      OMG!! They look and sound yummy!! Thank you so much for sharing the recipe!! 🙂

      Feel free to visit my blog as well if you wish! <3

      Diana

      Reply
      • Elizabeth says

        November 12, 2013 at 3:05 pm

        Thanks Diana!

        Reply
    4. Ally @ The Cheery Baker says

      November 12, 2013 at 2:19 pm

      I'm with you.. I love everything monkey bread! I absolutely love how you made it here as individual servings.. makes it so much easier to eat one or 10 🙂 These apple flavored ones sound so delicious!

      So glad I stumbled upon your blog!

      Reply
      • Elizabeth says

        November 12, 2013 at 3:08 pm

        Haha yes I can eat ten of these for sure! LOL

        Reply
    5. shashi @ http://runninsrilankan.com says

      November 12, 2013 at 3:17 pm

      I have never tried my hand at monkey bread! These not only look and sound delicious - they are adorable!

      Reply
    6. Gloria // Simply Gloria says

      November 13, 2013 at 12:03 pm

      That is going to be so fun when your nan gets here to visit you! I love how you did these as mini treats...my sons favorite treat to make them. Can't wait to try this version!

      Reply
      • Elizabeth says

        November 16, 2013 at 10:23 am

        Yes it will be so fun Gloria!! You have to try this version Gloria soooo good!

        Reply
    7. [email protected] says

      November 17, 2013 at 1:05 pm

      Oh my goodness, these look SO gooey and lovely!! I want monkey bread now!! 🙂

      Reply
      • Elizabeth says

        November 18, 2013 at 8:16 pm

        You and me both sister!!

        Reply
    8. Maria says

      November 18, 2013 at 8:03 pm

      Ohhhh this looks so good!!!! I love the individual portions!!!

      Reply
      • Elizabeth says

        November 18, 2013 at 8:16 pm

        Thanks Maria 🙂

        Reply
    9. Beth @ The First Year Blog says

      November 19, 2013 at 6:05 am

      Oh my..let me wipe the drool off of my computer. I plan on sharing this recipe on my FB page soon!

      Reply
      • Elizabeth says

        November 20, 2013 at 11:03 pm

        Thank you Beth!!!

        Reply
    10. Averie @ Averie Cooks says

      November 26, 2013 at 12:40 am

      HOLY moly it looks amazing. I made a pumpkin money bread for a big project I've been working on, but never mini and never apple. You take the cake here! Girl. Pinned!

      Reply
    11. Laura Dembowski says

      November 26, 2013 at 1:01 pm

      Okay, you're making me super jealous. I want to move to SoCal sooooo badly. I mean I'm already over winter . . . and it's not even technically winter yet.

      And this money bread. Amazing! It's so gooey and doesn't even need frosting. I've had monkey bread in restaurants and bakeries and tried making it and never found one I loved . . . until today. Yum!

      Reply
    12. Jan Rutledge says

      January 04, 2020 at 9:51 am

      Any chance of the recipe in grams for us in the UK?
      Thanks Elizabeth

      Reply
      • Elizabeth Waterson says

        January 04, 2020 at 10:06 am

        Hi Jan, hope you had a lovely Christmas season. I actually have this recipe on my list for this month to reshoot as there are no process shots and I hate that about it! I have gone ahead and added more instructions and gram conversions to the recipe card for you in case you want to bake these sooner than I get to them! I have used Morrison's fast action yeast before and had great results. As always please let me know if you have any questions. XX Liz

        Reply
        • Jan Rutledge says

          January 04, 2020 at 10:56 am

          What a quick reply, I’m very impressed, thank you very much and yes I am anxious to try the recipe it sounds delicious.
          Thank you once again, much appreciated.
          Jan

          Reply
          • Jan Rutledge says

            January 04, 2020 at 11:03 am

            Another request. Would it make a lot of difference if I didn’t use the 2 teaspoons of milk powder?
            Thanks

            Reply
    13. Jan Rutledge says

      January 04, 2020 at 11:18 am

      Would it make much difference if I didn’t use the 2 teaspoons of milk powder? I don’t usually have it in my cupboard.
      Thanks

      Reply
      • Elizabeth Waterson says

        January 05, 2020 at 2:48 pm

        Hi Jan, I think you should be totally fine without the dry milk powder. If anything I would just do all milk instead of some water and some milk. But since the milk will be activating the yeast make sure that it is warmed to the proper temperature. Good luck!! XX Liz

        Reply
    14. Jan Rutledge says

      January 09, 2020 at 6:51 am

      Reply

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    Waterson, Elizabeth Cropped Size Photo CAke copy 2

    Hiya! I am Elizabeth Waterson, welcome to my treat-filled site. After spending 15 years in the restaurant industry and growing up baking, I wanted to share my love of baking with you all. My step-by-step tutorials will help you learn how to bake at home. Confessions of a Baking Queen (CBQ) has been featured in CBS LA, HuffPost Taste, BuzzFeed, Taste of Home, and more! Here you will find loads of sweet recipes with a few savory ones for good measure. Feel free to message me with any questions! Happy Baking! 

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    Hiya! I am Elizabeth Waterson, welcome to my treat-filled site. After spending 15 years in the restaurant industry and growing up baking, I wanted to share my love of baking with you all. My step-by-step tutorials will help you learn how to bake at home. Confessions of a Baking Queen (CBQ) has been featured in CBS LA, HuffPost Taste, BuzzFeed, Taste of Home, and more! Here you will find loads of sweet recipes with a few savory ones for good measure. Feel free to message me with any questions! Happy Baking! 

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