Orange Monkey Bread combines the sweet, citrusy flavors of orange with the soft, pull-apart texture of traditional monkey bread. This delightful twist on the classic recipe infuses every bite with the zesty aroma of fresh oranges, making it a perfect treat for breakfast or brunch.

The dough is rolled into balls, then coated in a buttery orange glaze before being baked to golden perfection. The result is a sticky, sweet, and slightly tangy bread that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious.

Ingredients Needed for This Recipe

For the Dough:

2 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough
Zest of 2 oranges
1/2 cup granulated sugar

For the Orange Glaze:

1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 2 oranges)

2 tablespoons orange zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

Additional:

Cooking spray for greasing
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions for Making Orange Monkey Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan generously with cooking spray.

Cut each biscuit into quarters. In a large zip-top bag, combine the granulated sugar and orange zest. Add the biscuit pieces to the bag, seal it, and shake well until all the pieces are coated with the sugar-zest mixture.
Arrange the coated biscuit pieces in the greased bundt pan, spreading them evenly.
In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup granulated sugar, butter, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.

Pour the orange glaze evenly over the biscuit pieces in the pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
Allow the monkey bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate. If desired, dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Enjoy your Orange Monkey Bread warm, pulling apart the pieces and savoring the sweet, citrusy flavor.

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

Choosing the Right Ingredients: The key to a flavorful Orange Monkey Bread lies in using fresh oranges for both the zest and juice. This provides a vibrant citrus flavor that bottled juice simply can’t match. Ensure the biscuits are fresh and use unsalted butter so you can control the amount of salt in the recipe.

Coating the Dough Evenly: When preparing the sugar and zest coating for the biscuit pieces, make sure each piece is thoroughly coated. This step not only flavors the dough but also helps in achieving a golden and crispy exterior with a soft, fluffy inside.

The Importance of a Bundt Pan: A bundt pan’s unique shape allows heat to distribute evenly, ensuring that the monkey bread cooks uniformly. If you don’t have a bundt pan, you can use a deep baking dish, but the cooking time may vary.

Achieving the Perfect Glaze Consistency: The orange glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. If it’s too thick, add a little more orange juice; if too thin, cook it a bit longer. The glaze acts as a flavor enhancer and helps to keep the bread moist.

Monitoring the Oven: Oven temperatures can vary, so it’s important to start checking the bread for doneness about 5-10 minutes before the suggested baking time ends. The bread should be golden brown on top and fully set in the center.

Serving Suggestions

Presentation: Serve the Orange Monkey Bread on a large platter or cake stand for an impressive display. Inverting the bread onto a serving dish allows the glaze to drizzle down the sides, creating a visually appealing dessert.

Accompaniments: Although delicious on its own, you can elevate the dish by serving it with a side of freshly whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of extra orange glaze. For a brunch spread, pair it with savory items like bacon or sausage to balance the sweetness.

Beverage Pairings: Complement the citrusy sweetness of the bread with hot beverages like coffee, tea, or a spiced chai latte. For a festive brunch, a mimosa made with fresh orange juice can tie the meal together beautifully.

Customizing the Flavor: Feel free to add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sugar coating for a spiced version. Chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, can be sprinkled between the layers for added texture and flavor.

Storage Tips

Cooling and Storing: Allow the monkey bread to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation from making it soggy. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days when covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Refrigerating: For longer storage, refrigerate the bread in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The cold can firm up the bread, so it’s best served warmed.

Freezing: Freeze individual pieces or the entire bread for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect it from freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or quickly in the microwave when ready to serve.

Reheating: To restore the bread’s warm, soft texture, reheat in a 300°F oven until warmed through, about 10 minutes. If microwaving, do so in short intervals to avoid drying it out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Orange Monkey Bread ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the bread up to the point of baking and then cover and refrigerate overnight. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.

Can I use homemade dough instead of biscuit dough? Absolutely. If you prefer homemade dough, you can use a basic sweet yeast dough recipe. The texture might be slightly different but just as delicious.

What if I don’t have a bundt pan? While a bundt pan is ideal for even cooking and presentation, you can use a deep cake pan or an oven-safe skillet as an alternative. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

Why did my monkey bread turn out dry? Overbaking is the most common reason for dryness. Ensure you’re checking the bread towards the end of the baking time and cover the top with foil if it’s browning too quickly.

Can I add other citrus flavors to the bread? Yes, lemon or lime zest and juice can be added along with the orange for a more complex citrus flavor. Adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the butter in the glaze? For a dairy-free version, you can use a plant-based butter substitute in equal amounts. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor profile of the glaze.

Orange Monkey Bread

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Orange Monkey Bread combines the sweet, citrusy flavors of orange with the soft, pull-apart texture of traditional monkey bread.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

2 cans 16.3 oz each refrigerated biscuit dough
Zest of 2 oranges

1/2 cup granulated sugar

For the Orange Glaze:

1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter

1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice about 2 oranges
2 tablespoons orange zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

Additional:

Cooking spray for greasing
Powdered sugar for dusting optional

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan generously with cooking spray.
Cut each biscuit into quarters. In a large zip-top bag, combine the granulated sugar and orange zest. Add the biscuit pieces to the bag, seal it, and shake well until all the pieces are coated with the sugar-zest mixture.
Arrange the coated biscuit pieces in the greased bundt pan, spreading them evenly.

In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup granulated sugar, butter, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
Pour the orange glaze evenly over the biscuit pieces in the pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil.

Allow the monkey bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate. If desired, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Enjoy your Orange Monkey Bread warm, pulling apart the pieces and savoring the sweet, citrusy flavor.