Orange You Glad You Made This: Delicious Orange Monkey Bread Recipe
Monkey bread is a classic comfort food, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Its pull-apart nature makes it fun to eat, and its sweet, buttery flavor is undeniably addictive. But have you ever considered adding a citrusy twist? This orange monkey bread recipe elevates the traditional favorite with bright, zesty orange flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Get ready to experience monkey bread like never before!
Why Orange Monkey Bread?
The addition of orange zest and juice transforms ordinary monkey bread into a vibrant and flavorful treat. The orange not only adds a refreshing tanginess that balances the sweetness but also infuses the entire bread with a delightful aroma. Imagine warm, gooey dough coated in a caramelized orange glaze – it’s a sensory experience you won’t soon forget. Plus, the vitamin C boost from the orange is a welcome bonus!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. You’ll need:
**For the Dough:**
* 1/2 cup warm milk (about 105-115°F)
* 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
**For the Orange Coating:**
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon orange zest
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
* 1/4 cup orange juice
**For the Glaze (Optional):**
* 1 cup powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons orange juice
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment Needed
* Large mixing bowl
* Measuring cups and spoons
* 9-inch bundt pan
* Electric mixer (optional, but recommended)
* Small saucepan
* Whisk
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get baking! Follow these detailed instructions to create your own delicious orange monkey bread.
**1. Prepare the Dough:**
* In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
* Add the melted butter, remaining granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
* Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. If using an electric mixer, use the dough hook attachment. If mixing by hand, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
* Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. Be careful not to add too much flour, as this can make the bread tough.
* Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
**2. Prepare the Orange Coating:**
* While the dough is rising, prepare the orange coating. In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, orange zest, and cinnamon. Mix well.
* In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the orange juice. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat.
**3. Assemble the Monkey Bread:**
* Grease a 9-inch bundt pan thoroughly. You can also spray it with non-stick cooking spray with flour.
* Punch down the risen dough to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
* Roll the dough into a log shape and cut it into approximately 1-inch pieces. You should have about 40-50 pieces.
* Dip each piece of dough into the melted butter mixture, then dredge it in the sugar mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
* Arrange the coated dough pieces in the prepared bundt pan, layering them evenly.
* Pour any remaining butter and sugar mixture over the dough in the pan. This will help create a delicious caramelized crust.
**4. Second Rise and Baking:**
* Cover the bundt pan with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the monkey bread rise in a warm place for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has slightly increased in size.
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Bake the monkey bread for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. To prevent the top from browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
* Let the monkey bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. This allows the caramelized sauce to set slightly.
**5. Prepare the Glaze (Optional):**
* While the monkey bread is cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
* Drizzle the glaze over the warm monkey bread. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Success
* **Use fresh yeast:** Make sure your yeast is active by testing it in warm milk with a little sugar. If it doesn’t foam, it’s likely expired.
* **Don’t over-knead the dough:** Over-kneading can result in a tough bread. Knead just until the dough is smooth and elastic.
* **Allow sufficient rising time:** Proper rising is essential for a light and airy monkey bread. Be patient and let the dough rise fully.
* **Grease the bundt pan well:** This will prevent the monkey bread from sticking to the pan and make it easier to remove.
* **Don’t skip the second rise:** The second rise allows the monkey bread to puff up and become even more tender.
* **Adjust sweetness to your liking:** If you prefer a less sweet monkey bread, reduce the amount of sugar in the coating.
* **Add nuts or chocolate chips:** For extra flavor and texture, add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the sugar mixture.
* **Use a stand mixer:** A stand mixer with a dough hook will make the kneading process much easier.
Variations and Customizations
This orange monkey bread recipe is delicious as is, but feel free to experiment with different variations and customizations to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas:
* **Cranberry Orange Monkey Bread:** Add dried cranberries to the sugar mixture for a festive holiday twist.
* **Chocolate Orange Monkey Bread:** Add cocoa powder to the sugar mixture and chocolate chips to the dough for a decadent treat.
* **Lemon Monkey Bread:** Substitute lemon zest and juice for the orange zest and juice for a tangy variation.
* **Spiced Monkey Bread:** Add a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom to the sugar mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.
* **Caramel Apple Monkey Bread:** Add chopped apples and caramel sauce to the sugar mixture for a fall-inspired treat.
* **Maple Pecan Monkey Bread:** Use maple syrup instead of granulated sugar in the coating and add chopped pecans for a nutty, sweet flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Orange monkey bread is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
* **Breakfast or Brunch:** Serve warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a delicious and satisfying breakfast or brunch.
* **Dessert:** Enjoy as a sweet and gooey dessert after a meal.
* **Potlucks and Parties:** Bring a loaf to your next potluck or party – it’s sure to be a hit!
* **Holiday Gatherings:** Orange monkey bread is a festive and delicious addition to any holiday gathering.
* **Snack:** Enjoy a piece as a warm and comforting snack any time of day.
Storage Instructions
* **Room Temperature:** Store leftover orange monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. It may become slightly drier over time.
* **Freezer:** For longer storage, freeze the monkey bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, let it sit at room temperature for several hours or overnight.
* **Reheating:** To reheat, wrap the monkey bread in foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual pieces for a few seconds until warm.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 300-400 per serving (depending on serving size and glaze)
* Fat: 15-20g
* Saturated Fat: 8-12g
* Cholesterol: 50-70mg
* Sodium: 200-300mg
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
* Sugar: 25-35g
* Protein: 4-6g
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and serving sizes.*
Conclusion
This orange monkey bread recipe is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. The bright, zesty orange flavors perfectly complement the sweet, buttery dough, creating a truly irresistible treat. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this monkey bread is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and unforgettable baking experience. Orange you glad you tried this recipe?