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Easter Brunch Monkey Bread Recipe Easy Fluffy Vanilla Glaze

Easter Brunch Monkey Bread - featured image

This fluffy, pull-apart Easter Brunch Monkey Bread is coated in cinnamon sugar and drizzled with a thick vanilla glaze. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing centerpiece perfect for holiday mornings and festive gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 1/4 cups (390g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp or 7g) instant yeast
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warm (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar (for coating)
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted (for coating)
  • 1 1/4 cups (150g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 23 tbsp (30–45ml) milk
  • 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract (for glaze)
  • Pinch of salt (for glaze)
  • Optional: 1/2 cup (75g) chopped pecans or walnuts
  • Optional: 1/2 cup (80g) mini chocolate chips
  • Optional: Colored sprinkles

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix briefly.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
  3. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes (or 5 minutes in a stand mixer) until smooth and elastic. Add flour 1 tablespoon at a time if too sticky.
  5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 45–60 minutes.
  6. Mix 3/4 cup sugar and 2 tsp cinnamon in a small bowl. Melt 1/2 cup butter in another bowl.
  7. Punch down risen dough. Pinch off pieces and roll into 1-inch balls (about 40–45). Roll each ball in melted butter, then in cinnamon sugar.
  8. Grease a bundt pan generously. Layer dough balls in the pan, sprinkling in nuts or chocolate chips if using. Do not pack tightly.
  9. Cover pan with a towel and let rise again for 30–40 minutes, until puffy. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  10. Bake for 28–35 minutes, until golden brown and puffed. Test with a toothpick for doneness.
  11. Let bread cool in pan for 8–10 minutes. Run a butter knife around the edge, then invert onto a serving plate.
  12. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and pourable. Drizzle over warm monkey bread.
  13. Sprinkle with colored sprinkles if desired. Serve warm and pull apart to enjoy.

Notes

For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, substitute plant-based milk and vegan butter. Let dough rise fully for fluffiest results. Glaze while warm for gooey texture. Add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or sprinkles are optional for variety.

Nutrition

Keywords: Easter, brunch, monkey bread, vanilla glaze, pull-apart bread, cinnamon sugar, holiday, easy, fluffy, yeast bread