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Homemade Citrus Cream Cheese Monkey Bread photo

Citrus Cream Cheese Monkey Bread

This Citrus Cream Cheese Monkey Bread is a delightful breakfast treat! Soft, pull-apart goodness with a zesty, creamy filling!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Monkey Bread:
  • 1 package frozen roll dough (25-ounce, typically 18 Rhodes rolls)
  • 1/4 cup butter or margarine (melted)
  • 1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries (like Craisins) or chopped dried apricots
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (divided)
  • 2/3 cup 1/3-less-fat cream cheese (6 ounces, though 8 ounces works too)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon grated lemon rind
  • 1 tablespoon grated orange rind
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 5 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups
  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish or Bundt Pan
  • Whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Oven mitts

Method
 

Directions:
  1. Step 1: Prepare the Dough - Grease your baking dish or bundt pan with cooking spray.
  2. Step 2: Roll and Cut - Thaw and cut each roll into quarters.
  3. Step 3: Create the Citrus Cream Cheese Filling - Beat together cream cheese, orange juice, lemon rind, and orange rind until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Combine the Sugar and Dried Fruit - Mix 3/4 cup of granulated sugar with dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots.
  5. Step 5: Assemble the Dough Pieces - Dip quartered dough pieces in melted butter, then roll in the sugar and fruit mixture before layering in the baking dish.
  6. Step 6: Make the Egg Wash - Whisk together the egg and remaining granulated sugar and pour over the dough pieces.
  7. Step 7: Bake - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
  8. Step 8: Prepare the Glaze - Whisk together powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth.
  9. Step 9: Glaze and Serve - Drizzle the glaze over the baked monkey bread and enjoy!

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 5 days for longer storage.
  • Freeze wrapped well for up to 3 months; reheat in the oven until heated through.