Name: Orange Monkey Bread Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ⅔ cup granulated sugar; 3 tablespoons orange zest; 2 (16.5-ounce) cans refrigerated biscuits; 1 cup unsalted butter; ¾ cup brown sugar; ⅓ cup fresh orange juice; ⅛ teaspoon salt

This Orange Monkey Bread is a delightful twist on a classic treat. With a bright and zesty orange flavor infused throughout, this monkey bread is perfect for a special breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The soft, fluffy biscuits are coated in a fragrant orange sugar mixture and baked in a bundt pan, creating a beautiful and shareable pull-apart bread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and Zesty: The combination of orange zest and juice creates a bright and refreshing flavor that complements the sweetness of the bread.
Easy to Make: Using refrigerated biscuits makes this recipe incredibly easy to assemble.
Beautiful Presentation: The bundt pan creates a stunning presentation that’s perfect for special occasions or gatherings.
Shareable: The pull-apart style makes it fun and easy to share with friends and family.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Orange Monkey Bread:

Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and is infused with orange zest for flavor.
Orange zest: Freshly grated, provides a burst of citrusy flavor.
Refrigerated biscuits: The base of the monkey bread.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
Brown sugar: Packed, adds a rich caramel-like flavor to the sauce.
Fresh orange juice: Adds a tangy citrus flavor to the sauce.
Salt: Balances the sweetness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Orange Monkey Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease a bundt pan with pan spray, making sure to coat the center and all crevices.

Step 2: Infuse the Sugar

Use a fork to mash the orange zest into the granulated sugar until fragrant. This will release the oils from the zest and infuse the sugar with a wonderful orange flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Biscuits

Cut the refrigerated biscuits into quarters.

Step 4: Coat the Biscuits

Toss the biscuit pieces in a large ziplock bag with the orange sugar until all the pieces are fully coated.

Step 5: Assemble the Monkey Bread

Transfer the coated biscuit pieces to the prepared bundt pan, distributing them evenly.

Step 6: Make the Sauce

In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, orange juice, and salt. Cook over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7: Bake

Pour the hot sauce over the biscuits in the bundt pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the monkey bread cool for 5-10 minutes before inverting it onto a heat-proof plate. Carefully lift the pan off and serve warm.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use fresh orange zest: Freshly grated orange zest will provide the best flavor.
Don’t overbake: Overbaking will result in a dry monkey bread.
Let it cool slightly: Cooling slightly allows the sauce to thicken and makes it easier to handle.
Add a glaze: If desired, drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and orange juice over the monkey bread.

How to Serve

Breakfast or Brunch: Serve it warm with coffee or tea.
Dessert: Enjoy it as a sweet dessert after a meal.
Special Occasion: This monkey bread is perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any special occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze monkey bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of biscuit?

Yes, you can use other types of biscuits, but the results may vary.

Can I add nuts to the coating or sauce?

Yes, you can add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts.

Can I use a different type of citrus zest?

Yes, you can use lemon or lime zest for a different flavor.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

You can try using gluten-free biscuits, but the results may vary.