There’s something undeniably delightful about the festive spirit during the holidays, and what better way to celebrate than by baking a sweet, colorful loaf of Easy Christmas Funfetti Bread? This simple recipe brings together the rich flavors of vanilla cake, creamy frosting, and vibrant sprinkles, evoking the joy of Christmas in every slice. Perfect for holiday gatherings, family brunches, or simply treating yourself, this funfetti bread is sure to make your Christmas even merrier.
Why We Love This Easy Christmas Funfetti Bread
This Easy Christmas Funfetti Bread is cherished for several reasons. Firstly, it’s a breeze to make, utilizing a cake mix that cuts down on prep time while maintaining a homemade feel. The vibrant sprinkles bring a festive flair to your baking, making it a visual treat as much as a delicious one. The cream cheese adds rich moisture, ensuring each slice is soft and tender. Additionally, this recipe is versatile enough for novice bakers while still being enjoyable for seasoned chefs. It captures the essence of Christmas with its looks and flavors, helping to create lasting memories.
Ingredients about Easy Christmas Funfetti Bread
To get started on your delightful Easy Christmas Funfetti Bread, gather the following ingredients:
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 3 eggs (at room temperature)
- 14.25 ounces white cake mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup red and green jimmies sprinkles
- 2 cups powdered sugar (whisked or sifted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4-6 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)
- 1-2 pinches salt
The ingredients are simple and readily available, making it easy for you to whip up this festive loaf any time you feel inspired to bake.
How to Make Easy Christmas Funfetti Bread Directions
Creating your Easy Christmas Funfetti Bread is straightforward. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. This is an essential first step that ensures your bread bakes evenly.
Next, take two 8×4 inch loaf pans and spray them generously with baking spray such as Baker’s Joy, which prevents your bread from sticking.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, or in a large mixing bowl with an electric hand mixer, beat together the softened cream cheese and eggs until fully combined. Don’t worry if some small pieces of cream cheese remain unblended; they will incorporate more during mixing with the other ingredients.
Now, add the dry cake mix along with the vegetable oil. Mix this on low speed for about 30 seconds. The batter should start coming together, but it may be a bit crumbly at this point. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and then increase the mixer’s speed to medium-high, beating for about 2 more minutes. The goal here is to achieve a smooth and creamy batter.
Once you have that dreamy batter, fold in the red and green jimmies sprinkles gently with a spatula or a spoon. Stir just until the sprinkles are evenly distributed in the batter; you want to enjoy those colorful bites throughout your loaf.
Now, it’s time to divide the batter between the two prepared loaf pans. Smooth the tops for an even bake. Your pans are ready to go into the oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, and keep an eye on them. They are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once your funfetti bread has baked to golden perfection, take it out of the oven and let it cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. After that, turn the loaves out onto a wire rack or a serving plate to cool completely.
Now that the bread is cool, it’s time to prepare the glaze. In a small mixing bowl, combine the sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, 4 tablespoons of heavy cream (or milk), and a pinch or two of salt. Whisk these together until smooth. If you find the glaze too thick, you can add a bit more heavy cream to achieve your desired consistency or a little extra powdered sugar if you want to thicken it.
Finally, drizzle the glaze over the tops of the cooled loaves, allowing it to cascade down the sides. Let the icing set for about 10-15 minutes; during this time, it will firm up to a satiny finish. Your Easy Christmas Funfetti Bread is now ready to slice and serve!
How to Serve Easy Christmas Funfetti Bread
Serving your Easy Christmas Funfetti Bread takes only a little creativity. Once it’s cooled and adorned with that delicious glaze, you can slice it into thick or thin pieces depending on your preference. This colorful bread makes an excellent centerpiece on any holiday dessert table. You might want to serve it with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
For breakfast, you can toast the slices slightly to enhance the flavors, spreading a bit of additional cream cheese or butter for extra richness. Pair it with a steaming cup of coffee or hot cocoa to kick off a festive morning. If you’re entertaining guests, consider presenting it with an assortment of other pastries or sweets, turning your gathering into a delightful holiday brunch.
Additionally, your friends and family will love the vibrant pop of color in each slice. You can even gift them a loaf wrapped in festive paper, brightening their holiday season with your sweet, homemade treat.
Expert Tips: Easy Christmas Funfetti Bread
While the recipe for your Easy Christmas Funfetti Bread is quite simple, here are some expert tips to ensure your baking goes smoothly:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them blend better, resulting in a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the sprinkles, be careful not to overmix; folding them in gently preserves their vibrant colors.
- Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your loaves a little early. You want them golden brown with a toothpick coming out clean.
- Glaze Consistency: Adjust the glaze to your liking. Some prefer a thicker glaze; add powdered sugar until you reach the desired thickness.
- Cooling: Be patient and wait for the loaves to cool completely before glazing. This prevents the glaze from melting and losing its beautiful finish.
By following these tips, you’ll elevate your holiday baking and impress your guests with perfect, festive loaves every time.
How to Store Easy Christmas Funfetti Bread
Storing your Easy Christmas Funfetti Bread properly ensures its freshness and flavor. Once cooled completely and glazed, if you have leftovers, wrap your loaf tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This helps retain moisture and flavor.
You can also store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it; it will last up to a week when stored properly. However, be mindful that refrigeration can sometimes alter the texture slightly.
If you find that you won’t consume the bread within a week, freezing is an excellent option. Slice the bread, wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply thaw it at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to warm it up.
Variation of Easy Christmas Funfetti Bread
While the classic version of Easy Christmas Funfetti Bread is delightful as is, you can have some fun with variations to enhance flavors or surprise your taste buds. Here are a few suggestions:
- Flavor Infusion: Add a splash of almond extract for a delightful twist or a touch of lemon zest for a refreshing flavor contrast.
- Chocolate Chips: Mix in festive chocolate chips or even peppermint chips. They will melt slightly during baking, creating delicious pockets of gooey goodness.
- Nutty Addition: Chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch to the soft bread.
- Frosting Swirl: Before baking, take half of your batter and swirl in a teaspoon of colored frosting or a layer of Nutella between the two layers of batter for an extra special treat.
- Seasonal Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter to infuse your bread with that cozy holiday aroma.
Each of these variations can bring a new experience while keeping the spirit of your Easy Christmas Funfetti Bread alive.
FAQ
What makes this Easy Christmas Funfetti Bread perfect for the holidays?
This Easy Christmas Funfetti Bread incorporates festive colors and flavors, making it a visually appealing and delicious addition to any holiday gathering.
Is using cake mix an easy way to bake?
Absolutely! Using cake mix simplifies the baking process, allowing you to create a delightful homemade bread without whipping up everything from scratch.
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Yes, you can use different flavors of cake mix such as vanilla or even red velvet for unique variations of this bread.
How can I keep my bread from drying out?
Wrap your bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil to keep it moist, and store it in an airtight container.
Can I freeze Easy Christmas Funfetti Bread?
Yes! Just slice it, wrap each piece well, and store it in a freezer-safe container to enjoy later. Thaw it at room temperature when you’re ready to eat.
Easy Christmas Funfetti Bread
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened) Make sure it is at room temperature.
- 3 pieces eggs (at room temperature) Helps in blending with other ingredients.
- 14.25 ounces white cake mix Use your favorite brand.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil For moisture.
- 1/3 cup red and green jimmies sprinkles For festive color.
- 2 cups powdered sugar (whisked or sifted) For the glaze.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances the flavor.
- 4-6 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk) To achieve your desired glaze consistency.
- 1-2 pinches salt Enhances flavors in the bread and glaze.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Spray two 8×4 inch loaf pans generously with baking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, beat together the softened cream cheese and eggs until fully combined.
- Add the dry cake mix and vegetable oil, mixing on low speed for about 30 seconds, then increase to medium-high and beat for 2 more minutes until smooth.
- Fold in the red and green jimmies sprinkles gently.
- Divide the batter between the two prepared loaf pans, smoothing the tops.
Baking
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Glazing
- In a small mixing bowl, combine sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, 4 tablespoons of heavy cream (or milk), and a pinch or two of salt. Whisk until smooth.
- If the glaze is too thick, add more cream to adjust the consistency.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaves and let it set for about 10-15 minutes.
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