This Caramel Apple Monkey Bread is a fun and tasty treat! Soft, pull-apart dough balls coated in cinnamon sugar and mixed with sweet caramel and apples will make your taste buds dance.
Making it dairy-free means everyone can enjoy this deliciousness. The gooey caramel sauce is just the cherry on top! I love serving this warm, straight from the oven—perfect for cozy gatherings.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: You can use refrigerated biscuit dough for quick prep. If you need a dairy-free option, look for dairy-free biscuit varieties in stores. Alternatively, you could make your own from scratch using almond or coconut milk for a fluffy texture.
Apples: Granny Smith apples are perfect for their tartness, balancing the sweetness. If you want a sweeter flavor, Fuji or Honeycrisp apples also work well. Don’t be afraid to mix types of apples for more depth!
Coconut Sugar: This is great for a caramel flavor, but brown sugar can be substituted if you have that on hand. For a lighter option, feel free to use regular granulated sugar instead, just keep in mind it won’t have the same rich flavor.
Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk gives creaminess, but you could also use almond milk or oat milk. Just select a product that’s creamier to maintain that rich sauce!
How Do You Make Sure the Caramel Sauce is Perfect?
Making a great dairy-free caramel sauce is key to your monkey bread! Start by heating the coconut sugar and vegan butter in a saucepan on medium heat, stirring often. When it starts to bubble, reduce it to a simmer. Keep an eye on it!
- Stir for about 5 minutes until it thickens. If it gets too thick, a splash more coconut milk can help.
- Once thickened, remove from heat, and add vanilla and a pinch of salt for flavor.
- Remember to reserve some caramel for drizzling on top at the end for that extra flavor boost!
Enjoy making this cozy treat! The combination of warm bread and sweet caramel is simply irresistible.
Caramel Apple Monkey Bread (Dairy-Free)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough Balls:
- 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (or dairy-free biscuit dough), cut into 1-inch pieces
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Dairy-Free Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1/4 cup dairy-free butter substitute (such as coconut oil or vegan butter)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 20 minutes of prep time and 35-40 minutes of baking time. You’ll want to let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving, so make sure to plan some time for that too. All in all, you can have this delicious treat ready in just under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, take a bundt pan or a loaf pan and grease it generously with your dairy-free butter substitute or some non-stick spray. This will help the monkey bread come out easily later!
2. Apples Ready to Go:
In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples with 2 tablespoons of coconut sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Toss everything together until the apples are well coated. Set this aside while you prepare the other components.
3. Cinnamon Sugar Mix:
In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. This mixture will make your dough balls extra delicious! Set this aside as well.
4. Coating the Dough:
Now it’s time to prepare the dough! Cut the biscuit dough into roughly 1-inch pieces. Toss these pieces in the cinnamon sugar mixture until each piece is fully coated. This step is what gives your monkey bread that lovely, sweet flavor!
5. Layering in the Pan:
Start layering the coated dough pieces in your greased pan. Alternate layers with the cinnamon-spiced apple mixture, distributing the apples evenly. You want a good mix of dough and apples in every bite!
6. Making the Caramel Sauce:
For the caramel sauce, combine 1 cup of coconut sugar, your dairy-free butter substitute, and 1/2 cup of coconut milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir this mixture until it comes to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
7. Adding Caramel to the Pan:
After removing the caramel sauce from the heat, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Pour about two-thirds of this caramel sauce over the layered dough and apples in the pan. Save the rest for drizzling on top later!
8. Baking the Monkey Bread:
Bake your monkey bread in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the dough is cooked through. The amazing smell will fill your kitchen!
9. Cooling Off:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This will make it easier to invert onto a serving plate without it falling apart.
10. Serving Time:
After cooling, carefully invert the monkey bread onto a serving plate. Drizzle the reserved warm caramel sauce over the top for that extra ooey-gooey goodness. Serve warm for the best experience—enjoy the delightful flavors of caramel and apples in every bite!
Indulge in this warm, pull-apart Caramel Apple Monkey Bread that is not only heavenly but also entirely dairy-free. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy day at home!
Can I Use Frozen Biscuit Dough for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen biscuit dough! Just be sure to thaw it completely before cutting it into pieces. You can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
How Do I Store Leftover Monkey Bread?
To store leftover monkey bread, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat it in the microwave in short intervals or warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Can I Add Other Ingredients, Like Nuts or Raisins?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even raisins for extra texture and flavor. Just mix them in with the apple filling or layer them between the dough pieces.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make this monkey bread gluten-free, use gluten-free biscuit dough. Many brands offer pre-made gluten-free varieties that will work just as well. Just be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.