The vibrant scent of fresh oranges mixed with warm cinnamon fills the kitchen, instantly lifting my spirits. It’s one of those days when I craved something cozy yet exciting, and that’s when I remembered a delightful treat I used to make: Orange Monkey Bread. This recipe is a game changer for anyone, whether you're looking to impress guests or simply want to spoil yourself on a lazy weekend morning.
What I love most about this dish is its incredible ease—using just refrigerated biscuit dough, you can whip up a stunning dessert that’s both fluffy and flavorful. Imagine pulling apart sweet, citrus-infused pieces that are drizzled with a luscious orange glaze. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up that extra fruit lying around. After just 55 minutes, you’ll have a warm, bubbly masterpiece that begs to be shared or savored all on your own. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering journey and awaken your taste buds!
Why You'll Love This Orange Monkey Bread
- This Orange Monkey Bread is incredibly easy to make, allowing you to create a delicious dessert in just 55 minutes.
- The delightful combination of orange zest and warm cinnamon creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Its versatility means you can adapt the recipe by adding your favorite fruits or spices to make it uniquely yours.
- With its golden, bubbling appearance, this dish is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a stunning centerpiece for any gathering.
Orange Monkey Bread Ingredients
• Get ready to savor every bite with these delightful components!
For the Dough
- Refrigerated biscuit dough – A shortcut to fluffy, pull-apart goodness in your Orange Monkey Bread.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetness that elevates the flavor and helps create a lovely caramelization.
For the Flavor
- Orange zest – Adds a refreshing citrus kick that brightens each piece deliciously.
- Ground cinnamon – Provides a warm, aromatic essence that perfectly complements the orange.
For the Syrup
- Unsalted butter (melted) – Helps bind the dough and adds richness, making the bread irresistibly moist.
- Powdered sugar – Creates a sweet glaze that enhances the Orange Monkey Bread's luxurious texture.
- Orange juice (fresh) – Infuses a burst of citrus flavor, making the glaze perfectly tangy.
- Vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavors with a comforting hint of sweetness.
These ingredients come together beautifully to create a delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion!
How to Make Orange Monkey Bread
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a bundt pan. This ensures your Orange Monkey Bread comes out effortlessly once baked, creating a beautiful presentation!
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Cut the refrigerated biscuit dough into small pieces, about an inch. In a large bowl, toss them with granulated sugar, orange zest, and cinnamon until evenly coated. The mixture should be fragrant and inviting!
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Arrange the dough pieces in the greased bundt pan. Pour the melted butter mixture over the top, allowing it to soak into the dough for extra moisture and flavor.
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Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the Orange Monkey Bread is golden brown and bubbling. A toothpick inserted should come out clean, revealing fluffy dough inside.
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Invert the baked bread onto a serving plate while it’s still warm, allowing it to slide out gracefully. Drizzle your homemade orange glaze over the top for a delightful finish.
Optional: Sprinkle with extra orange zest for a pop of color and added fragrance.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Orange Monkey Bread
Room Temperature: Store leftover Orange Monkey Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps it soft and fresh, perfect for snacking!
Fridge: If you want to extend its life, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat individual pieces in the microwave for about 10 seconds to enjoy its warmth again.
Freezer: You can freeze Orange Monkey Bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat from frozen, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10–15 minutes until warmed through. Enjoy the delicious aroma filling your kitchen once more!
Make Ahead Options
These Orange Monkey Bread preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the dough mixture and toss it with sugar, zest, and cinnamon up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it; this keeps those fragrant flavors infused and fresh. When you're ready to bake, arrange the coated dough in the bundt pan, pour over the melted butter mixture, and bake as directed. Alternatively, you can assemble the entire dish and cover it, refrigerating for up to 3 days before baking. Just remember to remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before popping it into the oven, ensuring that your Orange Monkey Bread bakes to fluffy perfection!
What to Serve with Orange Monkey Bread?
There's something truly magical about a warm, citrus-infused treat, and pairing it with the right sides will elevate your experience to new heights.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast, balancing the sweetness of the monkey bread beautifully.
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Greek Yogurt with Honey: Creamy and tangy, this yogurt is the perfect dip, enhancing each piece of monkey bread with richness and sweetness.
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Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage complements the flavors perfectly—coffee adds depth, while herbal tea brings a soothing note to your breakfast or brunch.
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Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, a dollop on top feels indulgent and adds a creamy texture that contrasts delightfully with the warm bread.
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Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy eggs provide a savory touch, rounding out the meal and making it feel more complete. It’s a comforting start to any day.
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Maple Syrup Drizzle: For those who love an extra touch of sweetness, a drizzle of maple syrup can elevate your orange monkey bread to a new level of indulgence.
Serve these delightful sides alongside your freshly baked Orange Monkey Bread, and you’ll create a spread that’s perfect for casual gatherings or cozy family mornings.
Orange Monkey Bread Variations
Feel free to get creative and personalize this delightful treat to match your taste preferences!
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Whole Wheat: Replace half of the biscuit dough with whole wheat dough for a heartier version rich in fiber. It brings a cozy, nutty flavor that pairs well with the orange.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free biscuit dough to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. You'll still enjoy all the fluffy goodness without the discomfort.
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Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra texture and flavor. Their crunchy bite contrasts beautifully with the soft bread and enhances the overall experience.
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Spiced Up: Toss in a pinch of nutmeg or ginger alongside the cinnamon for an aromatic twist that elevates the comforting spices of the bread. The added complexity will surely delight your senses.
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Chocolate Drizzle: For chocoholics, swirl melted chocolate over the glaze for a decadent finish. The combination of orange and chocolate is pure bliss that brings new depth to each bite.
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Fruit-Filled: Incorporate small pieces of dried fruit like cranberries or apricots into the dough. They provide bursts of sweetness with each pull-apart piece, making it even more irresistible.
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Maple Glaze: Swap orange juice in the glaze for pure maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness. This unique glaze adds a lovely warmth that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
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Cinnamon Roll Style: Transform the dough pieces into cinnamon rolls by spreading softened butter, brown sugar, and a sprinkle of cinnamon before arranging them in the pan. This creates a richer, even more indulgent twist!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Orange Monkey Bread, make sure to cut the biscuit dough into uniform pieces to ensure even baking.
- Avoid overmixing the dough with sugar, orange zest, and cinnamon to maintain a light and fluffy texture.
- For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice and zest rather than bottled options.
- Keep an eye on the baking time and check for doneness a few minutes early to prevent overbaking and ensure a moist result.
Orange Monkey Bread Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best oranges for the glaze?
Absolutely! When selecting oranges, look for firm, vibrant ones with smooth skin and devoid of dark spots. The weight of the fruit should feel heavy for its size, indicating juiciness. For the best flavor, I recommend using navel oranges; they’re sweet and easy to peel, making them perfect for zesting and juicing.
How should I store leftover Orange Monkey Bread?
To keep your Orange Monkey Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, transferring it to the fridge extends its life to about 5 days. Just be sure to reheat individual portions in the microwave for around 10 seconds for that warm, soft texture!
Can I freeze Orange Monkey Bread?
Yes, you can! To freeze, wrap the cooled Orange Monkey Bread tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until warm.
What should I do if my Monkey Bread is too dry?
If you find your Orange Monkey Bread is a bit dry, it might be due to overbaking or not enough butter mixed in. To fix this, drizzle more melted butter or a little warm orange juice over the top after baking, while it's still warm. For next time, keep a closer eye on the baking and test doneness earlier.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind for this recipe?
Yes! For those with allergies, be aware that this recipe contains gluten from the biscuit dough and dairy from the butter. If you have someone sensitive to gluten, you can experiment with gluten-free biscuit dough options available at grocery stores. Always double-check ingredient labels for hidden allergens. If you're making it for a gathering, confirming dietary restrictions ahead of time ensures everyone can enjoy this sweet treat!
Can I add other flavors to the Orange Monkey Bread?
Very much! Feel free to get creative! You can substitute some of the orange zest with lemon or lime zest for a citrus medley. Additionally, incorporating chocolate chips or nuts like pecans can add a delightful crunchy texture and flavor contrasts to your Orange Monkey Bread. The more the merrier!
Orange Monkey Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a bundt pan.
- Cut the refrigerated biscuit dough into small pieces, about an inch.
- In a large bowl, toss the dough pieces with granulated sugar, orange zest, and cinnamon until evenly coated.
- Arrange the dough pieces in the greased bundt pan. Pour the melted butter mixture over the top.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the Orange Monkey Bread is golden brown and bubbling.
- Invert the baked bread onto a serving plate while it’s still warm and drizzle with homemade orange glaze.
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