Cranberry Orange Monkey Bread

Whip up a batch of Cranberry Orange Monkey Bread for a fun and delicious breakfast or brunch option that everyone will love. Drizzled with a sweet glaze, this gooey treat is sure to steal the show at any get-together!

Get ready to pull-apart your way to breakfast bliss with this Cranberry Orange Monkey Bread! At only 15 minutes to prep, this sweet biscuit treat and is packed with tangy cranberries, zesty orange goodness, and topped with a simple glaze. It’s the perfect cozy dish to brighten up your table and your spirits, whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or just enjoying a lazy Sunday morning in your PJs.

Similar to traditional monkey bread, this holiday season version is as easy to make as it is to eat. Just toss some biscuit dough, cranberries, and a sprinkle of magic together, and voilà—breakfast is served! Serve it with cooked bacon, sausage balls, eggs, and fresh fruit, and your meal is complete!

Cranberry orange lovers, you'll also want to make our viral Cinnamon Cream Cheese spread and Cranberry Orange Pound Cake!

Why You'll Love This Monkey Bread:

• Simple Recipe: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this pull-apart bread is a breeze, making it ideal for cooks of all levels.
• Festive Flavors: The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange flavor creates a vibrant flavor profile that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or any festive occasion. Christmas morning, Thanksgiving day, or New Year's Day, this cranberry orange pull-apart bread is one of the best festive delicious treats!
• Customizable & Fun: Each piece pulls apart easily, making this monkey bread recipe great for sharing with family and friends. Plus, you can easily modify the ingredients to suit your taste.
• Irresistibly Gooey!: The buttery goodness combined with the sweet glaze creates an indulgent treat that’s truly unforgettable.

Ingredients

Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below

Dough Ingredients:

• Canned Biscuit Dough: The base of the monkey bread, this bread dough makes preparation quick and easy while providing a fluffy and tender texture. You can use homemade dough if preferred.
• Dried Cranberries: Adds a fruity, tart flavor that complements the sweetness of the dish, providing a pop of color and texture.
• Orange Zest and Juice: Enhances the bread with a citrus flavor that balances the sweetness and elevates the overall taste.
• Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create a delicious caramelized crust during baking.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth, coziness, and a hint of spice.
• Butter: Provides richness and moisture, helping to create a golden, crispy exterior.
• Brown Sugar: Contributes depth of flavor and moisture, creating that gooey sweet bread texture everyone loves.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and warmth of the dish.

Glaze Ingredients:

• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the glaze and gives it a smooth consistency.
• Orange Juice and Zest: Adds a citrusy brightness to this sweet treat that complements the monkey bread perfectly.

Tools You'll Need

• 8"x4" Loaf Pan
• Small and Medium Mixing Bowl and Ziploc Bag
• Paring Knife
• Cutting Board
• Citrus Zester
• Whisk
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

How to Make Cranberry Orange Monkey Bread

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Grease with butter or nonstick cooking spray or line with parchment paper an 8x4-inch loaf pan.
2. Microwave ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice for 15 seconds. Mix the cranberries with the juice and set aside. 

3. Cut each biscuit dough into 6 pieces.

4. To a gallon Ziploc bag, add sugar, salt, 1 tablespoon of the orange zest, and cinnamon. Close the bag and mix the until blended well. Add the biscuit pieces to the sugar mixture and mix until all of the pieces are coated well.

5. Drain the orange juice from the cranberries. Add the cranberries to the biscuit dough mixture, and mix one last time. Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf pan.

6. In a medium pan over medium heat, combine butter, brown sugar, and vanilla. Whisk and cook just until the sugar has dissolved. Pour over the biscuit pieces, making sure the entire surface is covered.

7. Bake 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and dough cooked through. Cool 10 minutes then invert on a serving plate.

8. For the glaze, in a small bowl, whisk together the remaining orange zest, juice, and powdered sugar. Drizzle on top. ⠀

Pro Tips and Substitutions

• Double the Recipe. Easily double this cranberry monkey bread recipe and make in a bundt pan or 2 loaf pans. Adjust the bake time accordingly. The bundt pan will take about 30-35 minutes.
• Add Nuts. For extra texture, consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the layers.
• Make Ahead. You can prepare most of the monkey bread the night before. Just make the biscuit mixture, pour into a prepared loaf pan, cover, and refrigerate - WITHOUT the buttery brown sugar sauce. Remove to room temperature for 30 minutes, make the sauce, and bake as written.
• Adjust Sweetness. Feel free to add more or less sugar based on your preference for sweetness.
• Canned Biscuit Dough. You can use your own dough if you prefer. This is a great homemade dough option. Biscuit dough donut holes are another great way to use canned biscuit dough!
• Swap the Dried Cranberries. Substitute with raisins, chopped dried apricots, or cherries for different flavors.
• Substitute the Butter. Replace with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.

Storage

Store any leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Sweet Breakfast Dishes

• Bojangles Blueberry Biscuits
• Cinnamon Sugar Biscuits
• Overnight French Toast Casserole
• Baked Chocolate Oatmeal