Orange Monkey Bread is a joyful twist on the classic pull-apart bread everyone loves. Soft, fluffy dough pieces are coated in buttery orange-scented sugar, baked until golden, then drenched in a sweet citrus glaze that clings to every crevice. The result is sticky, fragrant, and impossible to resist.

This recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. It feels special enough for holidays and gatherings, yet easy enough to make on a relaxed weekend morning. The bright orange flavor adds freshness and balance, keeping the sweetness from feeling heavy.

Monkey bread is known for its playful, hands-on nature. It’s meant to be pulled apart, shared, and enjoyed slowly. Adding orange transforms it into something that feels both nostalgic and fresh at the same time.

Why Orange Works So Well in Monkey Bread

Orange is a natural pairing for buttery, sugary dough. The citrus zest adds aromatic oils that perfume the bread as it bakes, while orange juice brings gentle acidity that balances sweetness.

Unlike heavier glazes, an orange glaze feels light and vibrant. It enhances the bread without masking its fluffy texture or buttery flavor. The result is a pull-apart bread that feels indulgent but not overwhelming.

Orange monkey bread is also incredibly versatile. It works just as well on a brunch table as it does for dessert, especially when paired with coffee or tea.

Ingredients

For the Bread

Refrigerated biscuit dough
Granulated sugar
Orange zest
Ground cinnamon
Unsalted butter

For the Orange Glaze

Powdered sugar
Fresh orange juice
Orange zest
Vanilla extract

Each ingredient plays a role. The biscuit dough creates fluffy layers, sugar caramelizes into a sticky coating, butter adds richness, and orange ties everything together with brightness.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a bundt pan with butter or nonstick spray.
Prepare the Dough
Cut biscuit dough into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine granulated sugar, orange zest, and cinnamon.
Coat the Dough
Toss dough pieces in the sugar mixture until fully coated. Arrange evenly in the prepared pan.
Make the Butter Sauce
Melt butter in a saucepan and stir in remaining sugar mixture. Pour evenly over the dough.
Bake
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until deeply golden and bubbly. Let rest 5 minutes.
Prepare the Glaze
Whisk powdered sugar, orange juice, zest, and vanilla until smooth.
Finish and Serve
Invert monkey bread onto a plate and drizzle with glaze. Serve warm.