Lemon Monkey Bread Recipe with Gooey Layers and Glaze

Benefits and Advantages of lemon monkey bread

Lemon monkey bread stands out for its simple preparation while delivering a burst of refreshing citrus flavor. This recipe combines the classic pull-apart bread experience with the bright, tangy notes of lemon zest and juice, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The use of lemon adds vitamin C and antioxidants, contributing a subtle health boost amidst the sweet indulgence.

Its versatility shines through with options for using either frozen rolls or homemade yeast dough, making it accessible to cooks of all skill levels. The fluffy, buttery dough layered with a lemon-sugar coating results in a tender, gooey texture that is both comforting and lively. Additionally, adaptations to accommodate gluten-free or vegan diets allow more people to enjoy this delightful treat. The lemon monkey bread’s ability to balance sweet and tangy flavors with a moist, pull-apart texture makes it a memorable centerpiece for gatherings or a special homemade treat.

Essential Ingredients for lemon monkey bread

12 frozen rolls (such as Rhodes rolls), thawed but still cold, or homemade yeast dough prepared with:

¼ cup warm water (105-110°F / 40-43°C)
1.5 teaspoons instant or active dry yeast
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 cup warm water
¼ cup melted unsalted butter
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 to 3.5 cups all-purpose flour (adjust as needed)

1/2 cup granulated sugar
Zest of 2 lemons (about 2 to 3 tablespoons), or more if using homemade dough (up to 4 lemons)
¼ cup melted butter (plus extra for dipping dough balls if making from scratch)
Glaze made with:

1 cup powdered (icing) sugar
1 tablespoon melted butter (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

These ingredients work together to create the tender dough, flavorful lemon coating, and luscious glaze that define lemon monkey bread. The lemon zest and juice infuse freshness, while butter and sugar provide richness and sweetness.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your lemon monkey bread

To customize lemon monkey bread for specific dietary needs, several substitutions can be effective:

Vegan adaptations: Use plant-based butter or coconut oil in place of unsalted butter. Replace dairy yeast dough with a vegan dough or use vegan biscuit rolls.
Gluten-free versions: Opt for gluten-free bread or biscuit dough made with gluten-free flour blends such as almond, rice, or oat flour. Almond flour can also be used for dusting dough balls.
Lower sugar or diabetic-friendly: Substitute granulated sugar with natural sweeteners like stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit sweetener to reduce sugar content without sacrificing taste.
Citrus variations: Swap lemon zest and juice with orange or lime zest for a different citrus flavor profile while retaining the zingy freshness.
Allergy-friendly: For nut allergies, avoid almond flour dusting and select oat or rice flours instead.

These substitutions enhance the recipe’s accessibility while preserving the essential lemony sweetness and tender texture that characterize lemon monkey bread.

How to Prepare the Perfect lemon monkey bread: Step-by-Step Guide

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan or 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or spray to prevent sticking.
Prepare Dough Pieces: If using frozen rolls, cut each in half. If making yeast dough, prepare and roll dough into 1-inch balls.
Make Lemon Sugar Mixture: Combine granulated sugar and lemon zest evenly in a bowl.
Melt Butter and Add Lemon Juice: Melt butter; stir in fresh lemon juice to create the lemon butter mixture.
Coat Dough Pieces: Dip each dough piece into the lemon butter mixture, then roll thoroughly in the lemon sugar mixture to coat.
Layer Dough in Pan: Arrange coated dough balls in the prepared pan in a single layer (if using frozen rolls) or stacked (if homemade dough). Pour any remaining butter mixture over the top.
Allow to Rise: Cover pan tightly with plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot until doubled in size. This takes about 4 to 6 hours or overnight for frozen rolls; for homemade dough, refrigerate overnight or allow 1 hour rise at room temperature before baking.
Bake: Remove plastic wrap and sprinkle remaining lemon sugar mixture over the dough. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes with frozen rolls, or 35-45 minutes with homemade dough until golden brown and cooked through.
Cool and Glaze: Let the bread cool for 10-15 minutes then invert onto a serving plate. Mix powdered sugar, melted butter (if using), and lemon juice to make glaze. Drizzle over the warm or cooled monkey bread.
Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy the pull-apart lemon monkey bread fresh and warm or store following recommended guidelines.

Allowing the dough to rise fully before baking is important for a light, fluffy texture and developing the lemon flavor within each piece.

For more about making pull-apart breads, see How to make monkey bread at home. To learn about the benefits of lemon zest, visit Benefits of lemon zest in cooking, and for tips on using frozen rolls, check Tips for using frozen rolls.

Advanced Tips and Variations

For the best lemon monkey bread, always use fresh lemons for both zest and juice to maximize the bright citrus flavor and aroma. Allow the bread to rest for about 10 minutes in the bundt pan before inverting; this step prevents tearing and maintains a neat presentation. To add visual interest and texture, sprinkle poppy seeds mixed into the lemon sugar coating or fold in toasted coconut flakes before baking.

For a richer taste, try drizzling a lemon cream cheese glaze over the finished bread or substitute some granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup to add depth. Experiment with a mix of citrus zest orange or lime can complement or substitute lemon for a different but delicious flavor. Adding coarse sugar on top before baking creates a subtle crunch that contrasts the soft, pull-apart dough. For dietary modifications, swap traditional butter with plant-based butter and use gluten-free dough to suit various needs while maintaining the bread’s tender texture and flavor.

How to Store lemon monkey bread: Best Practices

After baking, cool the lemon monkey bread completely before storing it to maintain freshness and texture. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. At room temperature, it will stay fresh for up to two days. To prolong shelf life, refrigerate the bread for up to five days, ensuring it is well wrapped to avoid drying out or absorbing odors.

For long-term storage, freezing is highly effective. Wrap the bread first in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen lemon monkey bread can be stored for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to restore its soft and gooey texture. This method preserves the lemon’s freshness and the bread’s moist pull-apart layers.

Nutritional Value of lemon monkey bread

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (Approximate)
Calories	334–463 kcal
Carbohydrates	54–77 g
Protein	4–8 g
Fat	12–15 g
Saturated Fat	7 g
Cholesterol	25–31 mg
Sodium	198–535 mg
Sugar	29–38 g
Fiber	1–3 g
Vitamin A	300–355 IU
Vitamin C	~2 mg
Calcium	9–155 mg
Iron	1–3 mg

This lemon monkey bread is moderately high in calories and carbohydrates due to its sugar and flour content, and contains moderate fat largely from butter. Protein is present from the dough’s yeast or biscuit base. The fresh lemon zest and juice contribute vitamin C and offer antioxidant benefits. Modifications like using whole wheat flour, sugar alternatives, or vegan butter can adjust nutrition to suit dietary preferences.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About lemon monkey bread

How long does lemon monkey bread dough need to rise before baking?

Lemon monkey bread dough typically needs to rise for 4 to 6 hours or until it has doubled in size. If the dough is spread in a single layer, it may take around 4 hours. Rising time can vary based on room temperature and humidity. For best results, cover the dough and place it in a warm, draft-free spot.

Can I prepare lemon monkey bread dough in advance and bake it later?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to the baking stage, then cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, let the dough come to room temperature while you preheat the oven. This allows for easy meal planning and maintains the dough’s texture before baking.

Is it okay to use store-bought biscuit dough for lemon monkey bread?

Absolutely. Store-bought biscuit or yeast bread dough can be used to simplify the recipe. Since canned biscuits don’t rise much, there’s no need to let them rest. Using store-bought dough can save time while still delivering a tasty lemon monkey bread.

Which type of lemons work best for lemon monkey bread?

Both Meyer lemons and regular lemons are suitable for this recipe. Meyer lemons have a sweeter, less acidic flavor, which can add a subtle difference to the taste, but regular lemons work perfectly well. Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best lemon flavor.

Can I bake lemon monkey bread in a pan other than a bundt pan?

Yes, you can bake lemon monkey bread in a 9×13-inch pan if a bundt pan is not available. Baking time may be shorter, so monitor the bread closely and use a toothpick to check for doneness. Adjust the baking time as needed to avoid overbaking.

Lemon Monkey Bread Recipe with Sweet Glaze and Gooey Pull-Apart Layers

Author: Valentina Lewis
Total Time: 3 hours or overnight
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

🍋 Enjoy this Lemon Monkey Bread for a burst of citrus flavor packed into gooey pull-apart layers.
🥯 Perfect for breakfast or a brunch treat, its sweet glaze and soft dough make it irresistible for all ages!

Instructions

1. For frozen rolls: Cut each roll in half, place in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Mix lemon zest and 1/2 cup sugar. Drizzle with 1/4 cup butter, sprinkle half lemon sugar. Cover to rise 4-6 hours. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
2. For homemade dough: Bloom yeast with 1/4 cup warm water and sugar. Mix 1 cup warm water, butter, 2 tablespoons sugar, salt, yeast mixture. Add flour, knead to a tacky dough. Rise 1.5 hours. Form 1-inch balls, dip in butter, coat in lemon sugar, arrange in a greased pan, refrigerate overnight or rise 1 hour. Bake at 350°F for 35-45 minutes. Cool slightly before inverting.
3. For glaze: Mix powdered sugar, butter, lemon juice. Adjust consistency with more juice or sugar. Drizzle over warm or cooled bread before serving.

Notes

❄️ Keep rolls cold initially for better texture.
⏰ Overnight dough prep saves time; bring to room temp before baking.
🍊 Experiment with zest variations like orange or lime for different flavors.

Prep Time: 25-30 minutes
Rising time: 1.5 to 6 hours
Cook Time: 25-45 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 334
Sugar: 34g
Sodium: 366mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 66g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 28mg

Keywords: Lemon, Monkey Bread, Gooey, Sweet Glaze