Ooey-Gooey Lemon Monkey Bread Recipe

Whether you're looking for the perfect dessert for your next brunch or just want to enjoy a sweet and tangy treat, this Ooey-Gooey Lemon Monkey Bread is the recipe for you. Packed with bright citrus flavor, soft pillowy dough, and a sticky glaze that’s impossible to resist, this monkey bread is perfect for bakers, lemon lovers, or anyone craving something indulgent and special.

This fun pull-apart treat combines the zingy freshness of lemon with the satisfying stickiness of monkey bread—it’s like a sunshine-filled hug in every bite!

Here’s how to make your own irresistible Ooey-Gooey Lemon Monkey Bread.

Ingredients for Ooey-Gooey Lemon Monkey Bread

This recipe keeps it simple, but delivers big on flavor. Here's what you'll need to get started.

For the Dough

2 cans of refrigerated biscuit dough (16.3 oz each)
½ cup granulated sugar
Zest of 2 lemons (finely grated)

For the Lemon Syrup

¾ cup unsalted butter (melted)
½ cup light brown sugar
⅓ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)

For the Lemon Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
3-4 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Optional Garnish

Extra lemon zest or thinly sliced lemons for decoration

How to Make Ooey-Gooey Lemon Monkey Bread

This recipe is easy to follow and just as fun to make as it is to eat. Follow these simple steps for delicious results.

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Generously grease a bundt pan with butter or non-stick spray. Make sure every surface is coated to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Sugar and Lemon Zest

Combine the granulated sugar with the lemon zest in a small bowl.
Rub the zest into the sugar using your fingertips—this releases the bright citrus oils and creates an aromatic sugar.

Step 3: Create Dough Balls

Cut each biscuit dough round into quarters to create bite-sized pieces.
Roll the dough pieces into balls and toss them in the lemon sugar mixture until evenly coated.

Step 4: Layer the Dough

Place the sugar-covered dough balls into the prepared bundt pan, layering evenly.

Step 5: Make the Lemon Syrup

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
Stir in the brown sugar and lemon juice until fully combined, creating a rich lemony syrup.
Pour the syrup evenly over the dough balls in the bundt pan.

Step 6: Bake the Monkey Bread

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
Remove from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before flipping it onto a serving plate.

Step 7: Drizzle with Lemon Glaze

While the monkey bread is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until a smooth glaze forms.
Drizzle the glaze generously over the bread, letting it seep into all the crevices.

Step 8: Add the Finishing Touch

Garnish the monkey bread with extra lemon zest or thinly sliced lemons for a vibrant, decorative touch.

Pro Tips for Making the Perfect Lemon Monkey Bread

Don’t Overstuff the Pan: The dough needs space to rise, so avoid packing it too tightly into the bundt pan.
Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest are key to achieving the tangy brightness that makes this dessert sing.
Experiment with Add-ons: For extra flair, mix in blueberries or raspberries for a fruity kick, or add a pinch of dried lavender for an aromatic twist.

When to Serve Lemon Monkey Bread

This recipe is incredibly versatile and makes the perfect addition to any occasion:

Weekend Brunch: Brighten up the table with this pull-apart lemony delight alongside coffee or mimosas.
Spring Gatherings: Its fresh citrus flavor makes it a hit during spring celebrations like Easter or Mother’s Day.
Dessert Cravings: Warm it up and enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent dessert.

Why This Lemon Monkey Bread Will Be Everyone’s Favorite

There’s something magical about the combination of buttery dough, zesty lemon, and sweet glaze. It’s indulgent yet refreshing, sticky and messy in the best way, and completely shareable. Serve it once, and you’ll have everyone begging for “just one more piece.”

Try This Recipe and Brighten Your Day with Every Bite

Whether it’s for a cozy morning at home or a celebratory brunch, Ooey-Gooey Lemon Monkey Bread is guaranteed to delight every lemon lover. Packed with flavor and irresistibly fun to pull apart, it’s a recipe that will bring sunshine to any table.

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