Orange Monkey Bread Recipe: A Gooey Citrus Twist You’ll Love

If you’ve ever had traditional monkey bread, you know it’s a soft, gooey pull-apart treat that’s almost impossible to resist. But when you infuse it with bright citrus flavor, it transforms into something truly special. Orange Monkey Bread combines the familiar caramel sweetness of the classic with a fresh, zesty twist that makes every bite pop. It’s the perfect centerpiece for brunch, holiday mornings, or a cozy weekend breakfast. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make ahead, so you can wake up to a kitchen filled with the warm scent of orange and brown sugar. Looking for inspiration? Try our cinnamon apple bread recipe if you love fruity flavors in your baked goods.

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What is Orange Monkey Bread and Why You’ll Love It

Monkey bread, sometimes called “pull-apart bread” or “sticky bread,” is a soft, sweet bread baked in a bundt pan and served in gooey, tear-apart pieces. This version takes that concept up a notch by adding orange extract, fresh orange zest, and a buttery caramel glaze. The result is a bread that’s sweet but not overwhelming, with a citrus brightness that keeps you going back for more.

You’ll love Orange Monkey Bread because:

• It’s make-ahead friendly — assemble it the night before and bake in the morning.
• It uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients like frozen dinner rolls and butterscotch pudding mix.
• It’s crowd-pleasing — perfect for brunch tables, potlucks, and family gatherings.

For another creative twist on a classic, check out our birthday cake banana bread — it’s just as fun and festive.

Ingredients for the Perfect Orange Monkey Bread

Getting the ingredients right is the first step to creating this irresistible treat. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredient	Measurement	Purpose
Frozen white dinner rolls	18 rolls	Forms the base, soft and fluffy texture
Butterscotch cook & serve pudding mix (not instant)	1 package	Adds caramel flavor and gooey texture
Orange zest	Zest of 1 orange	Fresh citrus aroma and taste
Butter	½ cup (113 g)	Richness and helps form the glaze
Brown sugar	¾ cup (150 g)	Sweetness and caramelization
Orange extract	1 teaspoon	Enhances the citrus flavor

Ingredient Tips:

• Use cook & serve pudding — instant pudding won’t thicken and caramelize the same way.
• Fresh orange zest is key; avoid pre-packaged zest for the brightest flavor.
• You can swap brown sugar for coconut sugar if you want a slightly different sweetness.

Don’t miss our orange soda ice cream for another fun citrus-flavored dessert.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Orange Monkey Bread

This recipe comes together in three main stages: preparing the rolls, mixing the caramel-orange sauce, and baking after an overnight rise. Follow these steps closely for the best results.

Preparing the Bundt Pan and Rolls

Start by spraying your bundt pan generously with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and helps the bread release easily once baked. Arrange the 18 frozen dinner rolls evenly in the pan. If you can’t fit them perfectly, don’t worry—during baking, they’ll puff up and fill any gaps, creating that pull-apart texture we love.

Sprinkle the orange zest evenly over the rolls, followed by the butterscotch cook & serve pudding mix. This dry layer is key to creating the gooey base as the bread bakes.

Tip: If you’re a fan of caramel-forward flavors, you might also enjoy our better than sex cake for its rich, indulgent layers.

Mixing the Gooey Orange Sauce

In a medium bowl, melt ½ cup butter. Stir in ¾ cup brown sugar and 1 teaspoon orange extract until fully combined. The mixture should be thick but pourable.

Slowly pour this sauce over the prepared rolls, ensuring the liquid seeps down between them. The sugar will melt into the rolls overnight, creating pockets of sweet, citrusy caramel.

If you’re looking for more breakfast-worthy sauces and glazes, check out our lemon posset recipe for a creamy, citrus-based dessert topping idea.

Overnight Rise and Baking

Once your rolls are coated in the sauce, cover the bundt pan tightly with greased foil. Place it in a warm, draft-free area to rise overnight for 8–10 hours. During this time, the rolls will expand and absorb the flavors.

Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the foil and bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the caramel is bubbling around the edges.

Immediately invert the bread onto a large serving plate. Serve warm, pulling apart the pieces with your fingers—no knife required.

For another sweet breakfast option, don’t miss our fluffy pancake recipe, which pairs beautifully with fresh fruit.

Tips, Tricks, and Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Orange Monkey Bread is simple, but these pro tips will help you achieve bakery-level results:

• Don’t overproof: Leaving the dough out for more than 12 hours can cause it to over-expand and collapse after baking.
• Grease well: Thoroughly coat your bundt pan to prevent sticking—this bread is sticky by nature.
• Even sauce distribution: Pour the butter-sugar-orange mixture slowly so it seeps into every roll for uniform sweetness.
• Test for doneness: If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 5–7 minutes of baking.

If you love experimenting with texture and flavor, our cinnamon apple bread recipe is another easy bake that benefits from a few extra tricks.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Orange Monkey Bread is delicious on its own, but here are some ways to elevate it:

• Add crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts between the rolls before baking.
• Holiday twist: Add dried cranberries for a festive touch.
• Drizzle glaze: Mix powdered sugar with orange juice for an extra citrusy icing.
• Pairing ideas: Serve alongside fresh fruit salad, scrambled eggs, or our orange soda ice cream for a refreshing contrast.

FAQ: Orange Monkey Bread

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Brunch Treat

From its golden, caramelized exterior to its soft, citrus-infused interior, Orange Monkey Bread is proof that a few simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. Whether you’re baking for a holiday breakfast, a weekend treat, or a potluck, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The best part? You can prep it the night before and let the oven do the work in the morning. Don’t miss our fluffy pancake recipe for another brunch winner to pair with it.

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