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 Gooey Layers and Glaze

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!

Ingredients

Scale

12 frozen rolls or homemade yeast bun dough
1/4 cup warm water for homemade dough
1.5 teaspoons instant or active dry yeast
1 teaspoon granulated sugar for yeast
1 cup warm water
1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 to 3.5 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar for coating
Zest of 2 lemons
1/4 cup melted butter for coating
1 cup powdered sugar for glaze
1 tablespoon melted butter for glaze (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice for glaze

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