Save It A festive and colorful pull-apart monkey bread with a soft, cinnamon-swirled coffee cake base, loaded with rainbow sprinkles and topped with a sweet glaze. Perfect for celebrations or a cheerful brunch.
I first made this monkey bread for a birthday brunch and it instantly became a family favorite. The funfetti sprinkles spark so many smiles and the cozy cinnamon flavor gets everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients
- Dough: 3 1/4 cups (400 g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar, 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast, 1/2 tsp salt, 3/4 cup (180 ml) whole milk, warmed, 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted, 2 large eggs, room temperature, 1/3 cup (55 g) rainbow sprinkles
- Cinnamon Sugar Coating: 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
- Streusel Topping: 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup (55 g) light brown sugar, packed, 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, pinch of salt
- Vanilla Glaze: 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, sifted, 2–3 Tbsp (30–45 ml) milk, 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract, 2 Tbsp rainbow sprinkles (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep Pan:
- Grease a 10-inch (25 cm) bundt pan or tube pan.
- Activate Yeast:
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, 1/4 cup sugar, and yeast; let sit 5–10 minutes, until foamy.
- Mix Dough:
- Add melted butter, eggs, and salt. Mix well.
- Add Flour:
- Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead by hand or mixer for 5–7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Add Sprinkles:
- Gently knead in 1/3 cup sprinkles.
- First Rise:
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, 60–75 minutes.
- Make Cinnamon Sugar:
- Mix 1/2 cup sugar and 1 Tbsp cinnamon in a bowl for coating.
- Prep Streusel:
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cold butter, cinnamon, and pinch of salt with a fork until crumbly. Chill until ready to use.
- Shape Dough Balls:
- Punch down the risen dough. Pinch off 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces and roll into balls.
- Coat and Layer:
- Dip each ball into melted butter, then coat with cinnamon sugar. Layer balls evenly in the prepared pan.
- Add Streusel:
- Sprinkle streusel topping over the dough balls.
- Second Rise:
- Cover and let rise 30 minutes, until slightly puffy.
- Bake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake 35–40 minutes, until golden and set. Cool in pan 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack.
- Make Glaze & Garnish:
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for glaze. Drizzle over warm monkey bread and garnish with extra sprinkles. Serve warm.
Save It This cake has become the centerpiece for our weekend breakfasts. My kids love helping layer the dough balls and add sprinkles, making it a true celebration treat.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, stand mixer (optional), bundt or tube pan, measuring cups and spoons, whisk, wire rack
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), milk, eggs, and may contain food coloring from sprinkles. Double-check sprinkles for potential allergens or gluten content.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 330. Total Fat: 12 g. Carbohydrates: 50 g. Protein: 6 g
Save It This funfetti monkey bread is pure happiness baked into every bite. Share warm and enjoy all the cheerful flavor.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I ensure the dough rises properly?
Let the dough rest in a warm, draft-free area until doubled in size. Covering it helps maintain moisture and temperature.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dough balls and streusel in the pan, then refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning for best results.
- → Do I have to use rainbow sprinkles?
Rainbow sprinkles add a festive touch, but you may substitute with nonpareils or omit for a classic cinnamon swirl flavor.
- → What is the best pan type to use?
A 10-inch bundt or tube pan helps bake evenly and gives the bread a nice pull-apart effect.
- → Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Instant yeast works well; add directly to dry ingredients and skip the initial proofing step for convenience.
- → Is it suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this treat uses no meat products and is made with vegetarian-friendly ingredients, including eggs and dairy.