Step into the delightful world of homemade goodness with our irresistible Cranberry Orange Monkey Bread! Imagine soft, buttery pull-apart pieces of biscuit dough, generously coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture, then dotted with tart cranberries and fragrant orange zest, all drenched in a luscious caramel sauce. This holiday-perfect treat is incredibly easy to make, thanks to the convenience of refrigerated biscuits, making it an ideal choice for a festive breakfast, a cozy brunch centerpiece, or a simple yet elegant dessert for any special occasion. Its vibrant flavors and inviting aroma will instantly transport you to a season of warmth and cheer.
If you’re a fan of the fun and flavorful nature of monkey bread, you’ll love exploring other variations. Why not try our Apple Cinnamon Monkey Bread for a comforting classic, or indulge in the rich decadence of Caramel Pecan Monkey Bread? For those who appreciate tradition, our Traditional Monkey Bread is a must-try, and for a twist, the yummy Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is always a hit.
The Ultimate Cranberry Orange Monkey Bread: A Holiday Delight
When the holiday season rolls around, or any time you crave a touch of sweetness with a bright, zesty kick, this Cranberry Orange Monkey Bread becomes an instant favorite. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. The moment it starts baking, your kitchen will fill with an intoxicating aroma of cinnamon, sweet caramel, and citrus, evoking a sense of nostalgic comfort and anticipation. This pull-apart bread isn’t just delicious; it’s designed for sharing, with each tender, sticky piece easily plucked from the bundt pan, making it a wonderful communal dish for family gatherings and festive brunches.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its elegant simplicity. We take a clever shortcut by using readily available refrigerated biscuit dough. This ingenious choice eliminates the need for complex dough preparation, allowing you to whip up this show-stopping treat with minimal effort. Simply open the can, transform the biscuits into bite-sized pieces, and toss them in a magical blend of cinnamon, sugar, and fresh orange zest. This sweet coating provides the perfect base before layering in the vibrant fresh cranberries and smothering everything in our homemade quick caramel sauce. The result is a symphony of textures and flavors that feels gourmet but comes together with incredible ease.
Why Cranberry and Orange are a Match Made in Heaven
The pairing of cranberries and oranges is a timeless classic, especially during the colder months. The bright, tangy notes of cranberries perfectly cut through the sweetness of the caramel and sugar, creating a harmonious balance that is both refreshing and deeply satisfying. Orange zest, packed with aromatic oils, infuses every bite with a sunny citrus perfume that elevates the entire dish. This combination isn’t just about taste; it’s about evoking the festive spirit, making this monkey bread an absolute must-have for your holiday spread. The interplay of sweet and tart, bright and cozy, ensures that every bite is a burst of joyful flavor.
For those who adore this dynamic flavor duo, we have an array of other delicious recipes that highlight the cranberry-orange combination. Explore our Orange Cranberry Cookies for a chewy delight, bake a loaf of our comforting Orange Cranberry Bread, enjoy a slice of tender Orange Cranberry Coffee Cake, or whip up a batch of homemade Orange Cranberry Sauce to complement your holiday meals. Each recipe celebrates the wonderful synergy of these two beloved ingredients.
Essential Ingredients for Your Monkey Bread Masterpiece
Creating this spectacular Cranberry Orange Monkey Bread relies on a few key ingredients, each playing a crucial role in delivering its irresistible flavor and texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for selection:
- Refrigerated Biscuits: The cornerstone of this easy recipe! You can use any brand of canned biscuit dough, but we highly recommend opting for larger “Grands” style biscuits for a chewier, more substantial bite. Pillsbury Grands are a fantastic choice, widely available at most grocery stores. Their flaky layers separate beautifully once baked, making for perfect pull-apart pieces.
- Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: This simple coating is far from basic. It adheres to every piece of biscuit dough, caramelizing as it bakes to create an incredible depth of flavor and a slightly crisp exterior. The blend of warm cinnamon and sweet granulated sugar is what gives monkey bread its signature taste.
- Cranberries: For the most intense burst of tart flavor and vibrant color, fresh or frozen cranberries are your best bet. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand; simply add them straight from the freezer. While dried cranberries can be used in a pinch, they won’t offer the same juicy pop or tart contrast that fresh or frozen berries provide.
- Orange Zest: The secret weapon for incredible citrus aroma and flavor! Freshly zested orange is paramount here. The zest contains all the essential oils of the orange, which will infuse the cinnamon-sugar mixture and the entire monkey bread with a bright, sunny fragrance. Mixing it directly with the sugar and cinnamon ensures even distribution.
- Light Brown Sugar: This is the foundation of our quick caramel sauce. Light brown sugar brings a wonderfully rich, molasses-like sweetness and a tender chewiness that granulated sugar simply can’t replicate. It’s essential for achieving that classic caramel flavor and deep, golden hue.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: To create a truly creamy and luxurious caramel sauce, heavy whipping cream is indispensable. It adds richness and helps achieve the perfect consistency, ensuring the sauce beautifully coats every piece of monkey bread without being too thin or too thick.
- Unsalted Butter: Used in the caramel sauce, butter contributes to the sauce’s smooth texture and adds a delightful richness that complements the brown sugar and cream.
- Salt: A tiny pinch of salt in the caramel sauce is crucial. It balances the sweetness, enhancing all the other flavors and preventing the sauce from becoming cloyingly sweet.
- Vanilla Extract: Added at the end of making the caramel sauce, vanilla extract rounds out the flavors, adding a warm, aromatic depth that completes the rich caramel profile.
How to Master Cranberry Orange Monkey Bread: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making this incredible monkey bread is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these steps to create a beautiful and delicious treat that will impress everyone:
- Prepare Your Pan and Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to a steady 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking from the moment your monkey bread enters the oven. Next, liberally grease a standard bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray. Don’t skip this step, as it’s crucial for easily inverting the finished bread later. Set the pan aside.
- Create the Flavorful Biscuit Coating: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Whisk them together thoroughly until well mixed. Then, add the fresh orange zest to this mixture and use your fingertips to rub the zest into the sugar, releasing its fragrant oils. This ensures that every granule of sugar is infused with bright citrus flavor. Set this aromatic mixture aside.
- Prepare and Coat the Biscuit Pieces: Open the cans of refrigerated biscuits and separate each biscuit. On a clean cutting board, cut each biscuit into four equal pieces. Now, take a handful of these cut biscuit pieces and toss them into the cinnamon-orange sugar mixture. Ensure each piece is completely coated, shaking off any excess. As you coat them, transfer the biscuit pieces to the prepared bundt pan, layering them evenly. Sprinkle a handful of fresh or frozen cranberries between the layers of coated biscuit pieces as you go. Continue this process until all biscuit pieces are coated and nestled in the bundt pan with the cranberries.
- Craft the Irresistible Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted, add the light brown sugar, heavy whipping cream, and a pinch of salt to the pan. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Allow it to boil vigorously for exactly 1 minute, still stirring. This rapid boil ensures the caramel reaches the perfect consistency. Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. The vanilla adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the warm, rich caramel.
- Pour and Saturate: Allow the freshly made caramel mixture to cool for just a minute or so—it should still be warm and pourable but not scalding hot. Carefully and evenly pour this luscious caramel sauce over the biscuit pieces and cranberries in the bundt pan. Make sure the sauce coats as many pieces as possible, seeping down into all the nooks and crannies.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the bundt pan into your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges of the monkey bread are beautifully golden brown and the dough is cooked through. A helpful tip: if you’re using a dark-colored bundt pan, you might need to extend the baking time by an extra 5-10 minutes, as dark pans tend to bake hotter. To check for doneness, you can insert a thin skewer or knife into the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool, Invert, and Serve: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven. This next step is crucial for a perfectly formed monkey bread: let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes. This cooling period allows the caramel to set slightly and the bread to firm up, making it easier to invert. After 10 minutes, place a large serving plate or platter upside down over the bundt pan. Carefully but quickly invert the pan and plate together, allowing the monkey bread to release onto the platter. If it sticks, give the bottom of the pan a gentle tap. Serve your Cranberry Orange Monkey Bread warm, pulling apart the sticky, flavorful pieces and savoring every delightful bite!
Tips for Success and Delicious Variations
To ensure your Cranberry Orange Monkey Bread turns out perfectly every time, and to inspire some creative twists, consider these tips:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When layering the biscuit pieces and cranberries, try to distribute them evenly without compacting them too much. This allows the caramel to seep through and ensures even baking.
- Prevent Sticking: Generously grease your bundt pan! You can use nonstick cooking spray, butter, or shortening. For extra insurance, a light dusting of flour or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar after greasing can help.
- Customizing Spices: While cinnamon is classic, feel free to experiment with a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom in your sugar mixture for an even more complex flavor profile, especially during the holidays.
- Add a Crunchy Texture: For an added layer of texture and nutty flavor, sprinkle about ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the bundt pan along with the cranberries. They’ll toast beautifully in the oven and add a satisfying crunch.
- Citrus Boost: For an even stronger orange presence, you can add a tiny splash of fresh orange juice to your caramel sauce just before removing it from the heat, or drizzle a simple orange glaze (powdered sugar mixed with orange juice) over the finished monkey bread.
- Pan Alternatives: No bundt pan? No problem! This recipe can also be baked in two loaf pans or a 9″ x 13″ baking pan. Just be aware that baking times will vary; smaller pans will generally bake faster, so keep an eye on it.
Serving Your Festive Monkey Bread
This Cranberry Orange Monkey Bread is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Serve it warm, straight from the pan, allowing everyone to pull off their own sticky, sweet pieces. It’s absolutely divine on its own, but also pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, a steaming mug of tea, or a glass of cold milk. For a more elaborate brunch spread, serve it alongside fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, or bacon for a perfect balance of sweet and savory. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream would also make for an indulgent dessert pairing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Orange Monkey Bread
For this recipe, both fresh and frozen cranberries work wonderfully and will deliver a much stronger, tarter flavor than dried cranberries. There’s no need to thaw frozen cranberries beforehand; you can simply sprinkle them directly into the bundt pan as directed in the recipe. They will bake perfectly.
To keep your monkey bread fresh, cover it tightly with aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it! Wrap the monkey bread tightly with plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
If a bundt pan isn’t available, you have several options. This recipe can be successfully baked in two standard loaf pans or a 9″ x 13″ baking pan. The primary difference will be the baking time, which may be slightly shorter for smaller or flatter pans. Always bake until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While monkey bread is best enjoyed warm and fresh from the oven, you can prepare some components in advance. You can cut the biscuit pieces and mix the cinnamon-sugar-orange zest coating. Store the cut biscuits in an airtight container in the fridge, and the sugar mixture sealed at room temperature. The caramel sauce can also be made ahead and gently reheated before pouring. For best results, assemble and bake on the day you plan to serve.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
To keep your Cranberry Orange Monkey Bread delightful for as long as possible, follow these simple storage and reheating guidelines:
- Refrigerator: Once cooled, cover the monkey bread tightly with aluminum foil or transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh and delicious in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Freezer: For longer preservation, wrap your monkey bread securely in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
- To Reheat: For individual portions, a quick reheat in the microwave until warm and soft is perfect. For a larger portion or the whole loaf, place it in a low oven (around 250°F or 120°C) until it’s heated through and the caramel is gooey again.
Cranberry Orange Monkey Bread Recipe
This cranberry orange monkey bread is covered in caramel sauce and bursting with tart cranberries and sweet orange zest. Made simple by using refrigerated biscuits, it’s the perfect breakfast recipe or simple dessert for the holiday season.
Cook: 35 mins
Total: 45 mins
Ingredients
Biscuits for Monkey Bread
- 2 16.3-oz. cans Refrigerated Biscuits, Pillsbury Grands or similar brand
- 1 tablespoon Cinnamon
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- 1½ cups fresh cranberries
Caramel Sauce for Monkey Bread
- 2/3 cup light brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175°C).
- Grease a bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside. In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon, then mix in the fresh orange zest, and set aside.
- Open and separate the biscuits, then cut each biscuit into four pieces. Roll a handful of the cut biscuit pieces into the cinnamon orange sugar mixture at a time, making sure to cover all the dough, then transfer the biscuits to the prepared bundt pan, layering in the cranberries. Repeat until all of the biscuit pieces are covered and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar, cream, and salt to the melted butter, and bring the mixture to a boil. Continue stirring and cooking at a rapid boil for 1 minute, then remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Let the caramel mixture cool for a minute or so, then pour over the cinnamon sugar coated biscuit pieces.
- Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the dough is cooked through. (Note: if you use a dark bundt pan, you may need to bake for an extra 5-10 minutes)
- Remove the pan from the oven and let it sit for 10 minutes before inverting it to a large plate or serving platter. Serve warm, and Enjoy!
Video
This Cranberry Orange Monkey Bread is covered in caramel sauce and bursting with tart cranberries and sweet orange zest. Made simple by using refrigerated biscuits, it’s the perfect breakfast recipe or simple dessert for the holiday season.
Nutrition
| Carbohydrates: 23g
| Protein: 0.3g
| Fat: 7g
| Saturated Fat: 4g
| Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g
| Monounsaturated Fat: 2g
| Trans Fat: 0.2g
| Cholesterol: 19mg
| Sodium: 100mg
| Potassium: 38mg
| Fiber: 1g
| Sugar: 21g
| Vitamin A: 244IU
| Vitamin C: 3mg
| Calcium: 24mg
| Iron: 0.2mg
Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.
Sharing this recipe with a link is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying/pasting and/or screenshots of full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Content and photographs are copyright protected.
Did you make this?
Don’t forget to leave a rating below and make sure to follow on Pinterest, Instagram and Tiktok for more!
More Sweet Breakfast Recipes to Brighten Your Day
If you’ve fallen in love with the sweet and satisfying flavors of this Cranberry Orange Monkey Bread, you’ll be thrilled to discover more delightful recipes perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Expand your repertoire with these other fantastic options:
- Pumpkin Stuffed French Toast
- Orange Twist Breadsticks
- Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake
- Pumpkin Cream Cheese Danish
- Apple Coffee Cake
- Berry Sweet Rolls
- Orange Sweet Rolls
- Strawberry French Toast Bake
- Mixed Berry Muffins
- Berry Coffee Cake
- Explore even more Breakfast Recipes
- Discover our full collection of Holiday Recipes
In conclusion, this Cranberry Orange Monkey Bread is truly a standout recipe, offering a perfect blend of convenience, vibrant flavors, and festive charm. Each warm, pull-apart piece, drenched in sticky caramel and bursting with tart cranberries and sweet orange zest, promises a moment of pure culinary bliss. It’s an easy, impressive, and utterly delicious way to celebrate the holidays or simply make any morning feel special.