This Cherry Pie Monkey Bread is the ultimate fun, shareable dessert—combining sweet cherry pie filling, graham cracker-coated dough balls, and cream cheese icing into one irresistible pull-apart treat. Perfect for brunch, potlucks, or holiday mornings, this recipe brings together the best of monkey bread and cherry pie in every sticky, delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Sweet & Tangy – Juicy cherry filling balances the buttery dough.
🍞 Soft, Fluffy Texture – Homemade yeast dough for the perfect chew.
🍒 Nostalgic Flavors – Tastes like cherry pie meets cinnamon rolls!
🎉 Great for Sharing – Pull-apart fun for groups.
Ingredients & Substitutions
For the Dough:
- 1 tbsp + ½ cup granulated sugar – For yeast activation and sweetness.
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast – Ensures a fluffy rise.
- ⅔ cup warm water (110-115°F) – Too hot kills yeast!
- 4¼ cups all-purpose flour – Bread flour works too.
- 2 tbsp dry milk powder – Adds richness (omit if needed).
- 1 tsp salt – Balances sweetness.
- ⅔ cup milk – Whole milk preferred.
- 2 tbsp melted butter – For tender dough.
- 1 large egg – Binds the dough.
For the Filling & Layers:
- 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling – Or homemade!
- ¼ cup graham cracker crumbs – Adds crunch.
- ¼ cup sugar – For coating dough balls.
- ¼ cup melted butter – For dipping.
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar – Sifted for smoothness.
- 4 oz cream cheese – Softened.
- 2 tbsp milk – Adjust for consistency.
- ½ tsp lemon juice – Brightens the sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Activate the Yeast
- Dissolve 1 tbsp sugar + yeast in warm water. Let sit 5-10 mins until foamy.
2️⃣ Make the Dough
- Mix 3 cups flour, dry milk powder, and salt.
- Add milk, melted butter, egg, and yeast mixture. Stir until combined.
- Knead 10 mins by hand (or 5 mins in a stand mixer) until smooth.
- Let rise 1-1¼ hours until doubled.
3️⃣ Assemble the Monkey Bread
- Mix graham crumbs + sugar in a bowl.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls, dip in melted butter, then coat in crumb mixture.
- Layer in a greased Bundt pan with cherry pie filling between layers.
- Let rise 45 mins until puffy.
4️⃣ Bake & Glaze
- Bake at 350°F for 40-45 mins until golden.
- Cool 10 mins, then invert onto a plate.
- Drizzle with cream cheese icing and serve warm!
Pro Tips for Perfect Monkey Bread
🍒 Use Thick Pie Filling – Prevents sogginess.
🔥 Don’t Overbake – The center should be soft but cooked.
🌀 Even Layering – Distribute cherries throughout.
🍋 Zest in Icing – Add orange or lemon zest for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
☕ With Coffee – Perfect for brunch.
🍦 À La Mode – Vanilla ice cream takes it next-level.
🎄 Holiday Breakfast – Great for Christmas morning!
Storage & Reheating
❄ Room Temp – Keeps 1 day covered.
🔥 Reheat – Microwave briefly or warm in oven.
⛄ Freeze – Freeze before baking (thaw + rise before baking).
Delicious Variations
🍎 Apple Cinnamon – Swap cherries for apple pie filling + cinnamon sugar.
🍫 Chocolate Cherry – Add chocolate chips between layers.
🥥 Tropical Twist – Use pineapple filling + coconut flakes.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Pie Monkey Bread is gooey, fruity, and impossible to resist—the ultimate comfort dessert for sharing!
Bake it for your next gathering and watch it disappear! 😋🍒