Orange Monkey Bread – Sticky, Sweet, and Bursting with Citrus

Orange monkey bread is one of those magical recipes that feels like a celebration the moment it comes out of the oven. Warm, gooey, and dripping with citrus glaze, it’s the kind of breakfast-or-dessert that draws everyone into the kitchen before it even hits the table. Each soft, pull-apart piece is coated in buttery orange sugar, making every bite sweet, tangy, and irresistibly comforting.

This recipe is especially perfect for slow mornings, holiday brunches, or anytime you want something special without a lot of fuss. Using refrigerated biscuit dough keeps things easy, while fresh orange zest and juice give it that bright, homemade flavor that makes it taste far more special than it actually is. It’s nostalgic like classic monkey bread, but with a sunny citrus twist that feels fresh and joyful.

As the bread bakes, the butter and sugar melt into a bubbling syrup at the bottom of the pan. When you flip it out, that syrup becomes a glossy glaze that drips down into every crevice. Add a simple orange glaze on top, and suddenly you have a centerpiece-worthy treat that disappears faster than you’d expect.

Ingredients

For the Monkey Bread

• 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• Zest of 2 oranges
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ cup fresh orange juice

For the Orange Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• ½ teaspoon orange zest

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan generously.
2. Cut each biscuit into quarters and set aside.
3. In a bowl, combine granulated sugar and orange zest, rubbing together with fingers to release the citrus oils.
4. Toss biscuit pieces in the orange sugar until well coated.
5. Layer coated biscuit pieces evenly into the prepared bundt pan.
6. In another bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and orange juice.
7. Pour butter mixture evenly over the biscuit pieces.
8. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
9. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
10. Carefully invert onto a serving plate.
11. Whisk powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth.
12. Drizzle glaze generously over warm monkey bread before serving.

Orange Monkey Bread

Soft pull-apart monkey bread coated in orange sugar and topped with a sweet citrus glaze.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 410

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Bread

• 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough
• 0.75 cup granulated sugar
• 2 oranges zested

Sauce

• 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
• 0.5 cup brown sugar

Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 3 tbsp orange juice

Equipment

• Bundt pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk

Method

 

1. Coat biscuit pieces in orange sugar.
2. Layer biscuits in greased bundt pan.
3. Pour butter and sugar mixture over dough.
4. Bake until golden and bubbly.
5. Invert and drizzle with orange glaze.

Notes

Serve warm for best texture and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Orange monkey bread delivers everything we love about classic pull-apart bread with a brighter, fresher flavor. It’s sticky without being heavy, sweet without being overpowering, and easy enough for beginner bakers.

Helpful Tips

• Use fresh oranges for the best flavor.
• Don’t skip greasing the pan—this bread is sticky.
• Let it rest briefly before flipping so it holds together.
• Serve warm for maximum gooey goodness.

Variations

• Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• Swap cinnamon for cardamom for a bakery-style twist.
• Use blood oranges for a deeper citrus flavor.
• Add a splash of vanilla to the glaze.

Serving Ideas
Perfect for holiday mornings, weekend brunch, baby showers, or dessert with coffee. It pairs beautifully with tea, espresso, or a cold glass of milk.

Storage
Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.