As the holiday season approaches, kitchens across the world transform into centers of warmth and cheer. One delightful tradition that can elevate your festive spirit is baking a loaf of Christmas bread. This sweet, colorful bread is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for your eyes, adorned with bright sprinkles that echo the joy of the season. The process of making this bread is simple and incredibly rewarding, providing the perfect centerpiece for your holiday gatherings.
Why We Love This Christmas Bread Recipe
What’s not to love about Christmas bread? The combination of rich flavors and festive colors brings nostalgia and joy to any holiday event. It embodies the spirit of giving and togetherness that defines this season. Each bite of the soft, sweet loaf takes you back to cherished memories spent with family and friends. You’ll find that this recipe allows you to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your home, filling it with the sweet aromas reminiscent of Christmases past. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to involve the whole family in holiday preparations—let the little ones help with mixing and decorating, and watch their eyes light up as they enjoy the finished product together!
Ingredients for Christmas Bread
To create your very own Christmas bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2/3 cup Christmas sprinkles, plus more for topping
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar (for icing)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (for icing)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)
With these simple ingredients, you’ll craft a loaf that embodies the essence of the holidays.
How to Make Christmas Bread Directions
- Begin by setting the festive mood in your kitchen! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray. This step is essential to ensure your bread doesn’t stick and comes out beautifully. Set the pan aside while you prepare the batter.
- In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process introduces air into the batter, resulting in a soft and tender bread.
- Once creamy, add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture. Continue mixing just until everything is combined. Next, gently fold in the sour cream and whole milk, ensuring that the mixture is smooth and well-combined. The sour cream adds a delightful richness that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Be sure to combine these dry ingredients thoroughly, as this ensures even flavor distribution throughout the loaf.
- Now, it’s time to bring the wet and dry mixtures together! Pour the dry mixture into the wet mixture and stir gently until just combined. You want to avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a denser loaf. A few flour streaks remaining is perfectly fine!
- With great care, fold in the vibrant Christmas sprinkles. This addition not only brings color and joy to your bread but also makes it festive. Gently mix until they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for about 60 to 70 minutes. Begin checking for doneness between 60 and 65 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the bread is ready! The top should be beautifully golden brown.
- Once baked, carefully remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely. This step enables the steam to escape, keeping your bread fresh and preventing sogginess.
- While the bread is cooling, it’s the perfect time to make your delicious icing. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. You want a smooth, spreadable consistency, perfect for drizzling or spreading over your loaf.
- Once your loaf is cooled to room temperature, spread the icing evenly over the top. Use a rubber spatula for a smooth finish. Don’t forget to sprinkle a few additional Christmas sprinkles on top to make it even more festive!
- Allow the icing to set before slicing your beautiful Christmas bread. The wait will only heighten the anticipation for that first delightful slice!
How to Serve Christmas Bread
This festive bread can be enjoyed in many ways. You might serve it sliced, warm, and drizzled with icing for breakfast or as a sweet afternoon treat. Pair it with a cup of warm cocoa or your favorite seasonal coffee for the perfect holiday indulgence.
For gatherings, consider placing the loaf on a decorative platter, surrounded by your favorite holiday snacks. Guests will love slicing their own piece, and the colorful sprinkles will surely attract attention. You might even consider toasting a few slices in a skillet for a delicious crispy crust—a wonderful way to add a little texture to your treat!
Expert Tips for Christmas Bread
- Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before starting. This ensures it blends well with the sugar, improving the texture of your bread.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix gently until just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense loaf rather than a light and fluffy one.
- Icing Consistency: If your icing is too thick, add a splash more heavy cream until you reach your desired drizzling consistency.
- Cool Completely: Cooling the bread completely before icing is crucial. If it’s too warm, the icing will melt and not set properly.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to customize your bread! Add nuts, dried fruits, or even a hint of almond extract for a unique twist.
How to Store Christmas Bread
Storing your Christmas bread properly can keep it fresh and delicious for days. Allow the bread to cool completely before wrapping it. You can store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to four days. If you need to preserve it for a longer period, consider wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. You can freeze the loaf for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it at room temperature and reheat it gently in the oven for a few minutes, bringing back that fresh-baked flavor.
Variations of Christmas Bread
While this recipe is delicious and festive on its own, there are several ways you can personalize it to suit your preferences:
- Citrus Zest: Adding lemon or orange zest can brighten the flavor profile of your bread and add a delightful fragrance.
- Nutty Addition: Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans work beautifully mixed into the batter for added crunch and richness.
- Dried Fruits: Incorporate dried fruits such as cranberries or apricots for bursts of natural sweetness throughout the loaf.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy warmer flavors, try adding nutmeg or using pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon to create a different spice blend.
- Chocolate Chips: For the chocolate lover, folding in miniature chocolate chips can add an indulgent twist that balances the sweetness of the bread.
FAQs about Christmas Bread
Can I make this Christmas bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! This bread stays fresh for several days and can also be frozen for later enjoyment. Just make sure to wrap it tightly if you’re storing it for the freezer.
What can I serve with Christmas bread?
Christmas bread pairs wonderfully with coffee, hot cocoa, or even alongside a cheese platter for a balanced treat during your holiday gatherings.
Can I use different types of sprinkles?
Yes! Feel free to use any festive sprinkles you like, including colored sugar or themed decorations for the holiday to match your decorations.
How do I know when my bread is done baking?
The best way to check is by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready!
Can I leave out the icing?
While the icing adds a festive touch, you can certainly enjoy the bread without it. It’s delightful on its own, especially if you add some nuts or dried fruits.
Christmas Bread
Ingredients
Bread Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Ensure butter is softened to room temperature.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2/3 cup Christmas sprinkles Plus more for topping.
Icing Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Fold in sour cream and whole milk until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and stir gently until just combined. Fold in Christmas sprinkles.
Baking
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60 to 70 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
- Let the pan cool for 5 minutes before transferring the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely.
Icing
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spread the icing over the cooled loaf and top with additional Christmas sprinkles before allowing the icing to set.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!