Bake Up Some Family Fun

MISSION, KS--(Marketwire - Oct 4, 2012) - (Family Features) Sticky, gooey, sweet and satisfying monkey bread is a favorite of kids and grownups alike. If your family loves cinnamon pull-apart bread, you can enjoy it even more when you make it together and add a fun twist.

Making this flavorful treat is easy even for beginner bakers, especially with the help of Auntie Anne's Apple Cinnamon At-Home Baking Kit. With step-by-step instructions and all the key ingredients you need, each kit lets you bake a number of tasty treats, such as an Apple Tart, Apple Cinnamon Soft Pretzels, or this Apple Cinnamon Pecan Monkey Bread.

Get the whole family in the kitchen for some baking fun. You can find more recipes and where to buy this kit and the Original Baking Kit at www.auntieannesrecipes.com.

Dough Preparation

1. You will not need the baking soda packet for this recipe. In a large bowl, dissolve contents of 1 yeast packet (from kit) in 1 1/4 cups lukewarm tap water. Let sit about 2 minutes. Add 1 dough mix and 1 apple cinnamon oat blend to yeast/water mixture (also from kit); combine until dough ball forms.

If using an electric mixer, follow Step 1 using a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer fitted with dough hook attachment, turn on low speed for 1 minute. Increase speed to medium-low and continue mixing for 4 more minutes. Dough should form a soft, smooth, and slightly tacky ball. Continue to Step 3.

2. Turn dough ball onto lightly floured surface and knead approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Add a small amount of flour if dough is too sticky. Place dough ball into large greased bowl.

3. Coat a sheet of plastic wrap with nonstick spray and place on top of dough ball, tucking sides down around dough (to prevent dough from drying out). Place bowl in a warm spot (85 to 95°F) for 30 minutes so the dough can rest (i.e.: place bowl by a sunny window, on top of or near a warm oven, or on top of a refrigerator).

Baking Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F.

1. In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, and contents of cinnamon sugar packet (from kit).
2. Place half the pecans in bottom of greased Bundt pan. Tear the risen dough into 45 to 50 pieces and roll each piece into a 1-inch ball.
3. Place half the dough balls into the pan on top of the pecans. Then pour half the cinnamon-sugar-butter mixture on top of the dough balls.
4. Place remaining pecans in pan and follow with remaining dough balls and cinnamon sugar butter mixture.
5. Bake 45 to 55 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool in pan 5 minutes. Invert onto serving plate. Best served warm.

About Family Features Editorial Syndicate
This and other food and lifestyle content can be found at www.editors.familyfeatures.com. Family Features is a leading provider of free food and lifestyle content for use in print and online publications. Register with no obligation to access a variety of formatted and unformatted features, accompanying photos, and automatically updating Web content solutions.