Save 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 funfetti coffee cake monkey bread for a birthday brunch, and everyone was delighted by how each bite was both colorful and delicious. The playful sprinkles always seem to bring a smile to every celebration.
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
- Prepare 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 Wet Ingredients:
- Add melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
- Add Dry Ingredients:
- 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.
- Prepare Coating & Streusel:
- Mix cinnamon sugar coating: combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1 Tbsp cinnamon in a bowl. Prepare streusel by working flour, brown sugar, cold butter, cinnamon, and salt together with a fork until crumbly. Chill until ready to use.
- Shape Dough Balls:
- Punch down risen dough. Pinch off 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces and roll into balls.
- Coat Dough:
- Dip each ball into melted butter, then coat with cinnamon sugar. Layer balls evenly in prepared pan.
- Add Streusel:
- Sprinkle streusel topping over 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.
- Finish & Serve:
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for glaze. Drizzle over warm monkey bread and garnish with extra sprinkles. Serve warm.
Save This monkey bread quickly became a family favorite, especially during weekend breakfasts and birthday mornings. The kids love pulling apart the pieces and discovering bits of bright sprinkles inside.
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 might contain food coloring from sprinkles. Review ingredient labels to suit your dietary needs.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 330, Total Fat 12 g, Carbohydrates 50 g, Protein 6 g
Save This pull-apart bread brightens any brunch table. Enjoy while warm for the best texture and gooey sweetness.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, instant yeast can be substituted. Skip the proofing step and add it directly with the dry ingredients.
- → How do I prevent sprinkles from bleeding into the dough?
Choose nonpareil sprinkles and gently knead them in. Avoid over-mixing and use sprinkles after dough forms.
- → What’s the best way to serve this bread?
Serve warm, freshly glazed. It pairs wonderfully with coffee or vanilla lattes at breakfast or special occasions.
- → Can this be made ahead of time?
You can prepare dough and assemble the bread the night before. Chill, then bake fresh before serving for best texture.
- → Is this treat suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the ingredients listed are all vegetarian-friendly. Double-check sprinkles for any additional additives.
- → Can almond extract be added for extra flavor?
Definitely. Adding 1/2 tsp almond extract to the dough enriches the flavor profile just before mixing.