Christmas Bread

If you’re looking for a festive treat that brings joy and warmth to your holiday gatherings, this Christmas Bread is just the ticket! This quick bread recipe is a beloved favorite in my house because it’s bursting with cheerful holiday sprinkles and topped with a delightful vanilla glaze. It’s not just delicious; it’s also incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family get-togethers.

Imagine slicing into a warm loaf of Christmas Bread while the aroma fills your kitchen. This treat is great for sharing with friends, gifting to neighbors, or simply indulging in during cozy evenings at home. Trust me; once you make this bread, it will become a cherished part of your holiday traditions!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: This recipe comes together quickly without any complicated steps—perfect for bakers of all skill levels!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids love the colorful sprinkles, and everyone will enjoy the moist and flavorful bread.
• Perfect for Gifting: Wrap a loaf in festive paper and share the joy of homemade treats with loved ones.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake it in advance and store it for up to a week—great for those busy holiday weeks!
• Endless Delightful Flavors: The combination of vanilla and cinnamon creates a comforting flavor that everyone will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that these ingredients are simple, wholesome, and likely already in your pantry. They come together to create something truly special. Here’s what you need to whip up this delightful Christmas Bread:

For the Bread

• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup whole milk
• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ⅔ cup Christmas sprinkles (plus more for topping)

For the Glaze

• 1¼ cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Variations

This Christmas Bread is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations to try that can change up the flavors or add new twists:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
• Fruit Twist: Substitute some sprinkles with dried cranberries or chopped apples for added flavor and texture.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger to give your bread a unique holiday flair.
• Chocolate Delight: Fold in mini chocolate chips along with the sprinkles for an indulgent treat!

How to Make Christmas Bread

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your bread bakes evenly. Don’t forget to spray your 9×5-inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray; we want our beautiful loaf to slide out easily when it’s done!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is key as it incorporates air into the mixture, which helps create a soft and tender bread.

Step 3: Mix in Eggs and Dairy

Add in the eggs and vanilla extract next. Mix just until combined, then gently fold in the sour cream and milk. These wet ingredients add moisture and richness, making the bread extra delicious.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This step helps evenly distribute the leavening agents so that your bread rises perfectly.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Now comes the fun part! Add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix! We want our batter smooth but not tough.

Step 6: Fold in Sprinkles

Gently fold in those festive Christmas sprinkles. Make sure not to overmix them either; we want them intact instead of bleeding color into our batter!

Step 7: Bake Your Bread

Spread your batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in your preheated oven for about 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be beautifully golden brown!

Step 8: Prepare the Glaze

While your bread is cooling, whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze. Once your bread has cooled slightly (about five minutes), transfer it to a wire rack before drizzling on that sweet icing.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Top off with extra sprinkles if you wish! Let everything set before slicing into this beautiful loaf. It’s time to enjoy every delicious bite of your festive Christmas Bread!

Pro Tips for Making Christmas Bread

Baking this delightful Christmas Bread can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially with these handy tips to ensure it turns out perfectly!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allow your butter, eggs, and sour cream to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even baking.
• Don’t overmix the batter: After adding the dry ingredients to the wet ones, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense bread rather than a light and fluffy texture.
• Check for doneness carefully: Every oven is different! Start checking your bread a few minutes before the minimum baking time by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
• Cool properly: Letting the bread cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack prevents sogginess and ensures a nice crust.
• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add in other festive spices like nutmeg or allspice for an extra holiday touch. You can also swap out some of the milk for orange juice or almond milk for different flavor profiles!

How to Serve Christmas Bread

This beautiful Christmas Bread is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it perfect for special occasions. Here are some creative ideas on how to present and serve this festive treat!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar gives your bread a snowy appearance, adding a festive flair without overpowering its flavor.
• Fresh fruit: Slices of strawberries or seasonal citrus can accompany each slice, providing a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the bread.

Side Dishes

• Fruit salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and complements the sweetness of the bread. Consider using berries, kiwi, and mandarin oranges for a vibrant dish.
• Coffee or tea: Serve warm slices alongside hot beverages like spiced coffee or herbal teas. The warmth enhances the flavors and makes for a cozy winter treat.
• Yogurt parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a delightful side that provides creaminess and crunch, balancing the sweetness of the bread.
• Cheese platter: For those who enjoy contrasting flavors, pair your bread with an assortment of mild cheeses and nuts. The savory elements will beautifully complement the sweet notes of your Christmas Bread.

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions at your fingertips, you’re ready to wow your family and friends with your homemade Christmas Bread! Enjoy every slice during this festive season!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Christmas Bread is not only a delightful treat for the holiday season, but it also makes for excellent meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy the festive flavors without the last-minute rush.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover Christmas Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a zip-top bag.
• Be sure to keep it away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

Freezing

• To freeze, slice the Christmas Bread and wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap.
• Place all wrapped slices into a freezer-safe bag or container.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months—perfect for enjoying later!

Reheating

• To reheat thawed bread, simply place slices in a toaster for a couple of minutes.
• Alternatively, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Serve warm for that freshly-baked taste!

FAQs

If you have questions about making this delicious Christmas Bread, you’re in good company! Here are some common inquiries I often receive.

Can I use different types of sprinkles in my Christmas Bread?

Absolutely! While this recipe calls for traditional Christmas sprinkles, feel free to get creative with your favorite colors or shapes. Just ensure they are suitable for baking.

How long does this Christmas Bread stay fresh?

Properly stored, this Christmas Bread will stay fresh at room temperature for about three days. If you freeze it, you can enjoy it even after three months!

What makes this recipe a great choice for holiday gatherings?

This Christmas Bread is not only visually appealing with its colorful sprinkles, but it’s also quick and easy to make. It brings festive cheer to any table and is sure to delight guests of all ages!

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use plant-based sour cream and milk to create a delicious dairy-free version of this Christmas Bread.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking this delightful Christmas Bread! It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays and share love with family and friends. Whether enjoyed as breakfast or dessert, it’s bound to become a cherished tradition in your home. Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with warmth and sweetness!