Christmas Bread

by Peter Harper

Published on:

Homemade Christmas bread decorated with festive ornaments and spices.

Christmas Bread is a delightful treat that captures the spirit of the season. With its golden crust and soft, fluffy interior, this bread is not only easy to make but also bursts with the aroma of vanilla and holiday cheer. Topping it off with vibrant holiday sprinkles makes it an eye-catching centerpiece for any festive table. This recipe is special because it’s seasonal, sustainable, and perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll find yourself reaching for this Christmas Bread during the holidays, whether as a comforting snack by the fire or a festive addition to your holiday brunch. Its simplicity makes it convenient to whip up, while the delightful combination of flavors and textures is sure to impress family and friends. Versatile enough to be served on its own or as a foundation for various toppings, this bread is bound to become a seasonal favorite.

Seasonal Ingredients Spotlight

This Christmas Bread is packed with seasonal ingredients that bring color and warmth to your table. The all-purpose flour provides a soft, tender base, while the granulated sugar adds sweetness. Brightly-colored holiday sprinkles add a festive touch both visually and flavor-wise. Each bite is infused with the rich aroma of vanilla and the comforting texture that only freshly baked bread can provide. Using fresh, locally sourced ingredients not only enhances the flavors but also promotes sustainability, making your culinary creation even more special.

What You’ll Need

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (for a soft texture)
  • 1 cup sugar (for sweetness)
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder (for leavening)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (to enhance flavor)
  • 1/2 cup milk (for moisture)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for tenderness)
  • 2 large eggs (for structure)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for aroma)
  • 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles (for festive flair)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze) (for sweetness)
  • 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze) (to achieve desired consistency)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze) (to enhance flavor)
  • Additional holiday sprinkles (for topping) (for that finishing touch)

Feel free to substitute almond milk for a dairy-free option or use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.

How to Make This Recipe

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan. The anticipation of warm bread fills the air, setting the mood for baking.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. The texture will be light and fluffy, with the sweetness tickling your nose.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. This mixture should be rich and smooth, giving off a delightful aroma.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and combine until just mixed. Be careful not to overmix; you want a soft and tender dough.

5. Fold in the Sprinkles

Gently fold in the holiday sprinkles, adding pops of color to your batter. This brings a cheerful visual appeal that reflects the holiday spirit.

6. Pour into the Loaf Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. The texture should be thick and inviting, ready to rise in the oven.

7. Bake

Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The bread will rise beautifully and develop a golden-brown crust.

8. Make the Glaze

While the bread cools, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. This glaze will add sweetness and a glossy finish.

9. Drizzle the Glaze

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread and sprinkle with additional holiday sprinkles. The glaze should have a silky texture, perfectly complementing the bread.

10. Slice and Enjoy

Slice the bread and savor each bite of holiday cheer. The soft, fluffy center paired with a crunchy glaze will tantalize your taste buds.

Essential Tools

  • Mixing bowls (for combining ingredients)
  • Whisk (for smooth batter consistency)
  • Loaf pan (for shaping the bread)
  • Measuring cups and spoons (for accurate measurements)
  • Toothpick (for testing doneness)

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

To enjoy this Christmas Bread longer, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, slice and freeze individual pieces, allowing you to enjoy a festive treat anytime!

Perfect Pairings

This Christmas Bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of cocoa or spiced tea for a cozy afternoon snack. For an elegant presentation, serve slices on a decorative platter alongside holly or seasonal fruits. A dollop of whipped cream can also elevate each bite, adding creaminess to the festive flavors.

Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: ~180 kcal
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Sugar: 14 g

Avoid These Common Pitfalls

Dough Too Dry — If your dough seems dry, add a splash of milk until pliable. This will help achieve that desired moistness.

Unevenly Shaped Bread — To avoid this, make sure you spread the batter evenly in the loaf pan before baking.

Pro Tips for Best Results

  • For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
  • Don’t skip the vanilla extract; it adds warmth and depth to your bread.
  • Remember to check for doneness a few minutes earlier to ensure a moist texture without overbaking.

Recipe Variations to Explore

  • Chocolate Chip Christmas Bread: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips for a delightful twist!
  • Nutty Version: Incorporate 1 cup of chopped nuts for added crunch.
  • Dried Fruits: Try mixing in dried cranberries or cherries for a burst of tanginess.

Dietary Adaptations & Safety Info

This recipe can easily be adapted for various diets. Substitute the milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version, and use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free treat. Always check labels for allergens like eggs or nuts if you’re serving guests with dietary restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just bake when you’re ready!

How do I know when the bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the bread is ready!

Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, but it may result in a denser bread. Consider mixing half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a softer consistency.

Can I add spices to this recipe?

Absolutely! Cinnamon or nutmeg would add a lovely seasonal warmth to the bread.

How should I store leftover bread?

Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze slices for later enjoyment!

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

Bring the joy of the season into your kitchen with this festive Christmas Bread recipe. We’d love to see your creations! Tag us on social media and share the holiday cheer. For more delicious festive recipes, explore our holiday category here.

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Christmas Bread


  • Author: meta-savory
  • Total Time: 75 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A delightful treat that captures the spirit of the season with its golden crust and fluffy interior, topped with festive holiday sprinkles.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
  • Additional holiday sprinkles (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and combine until just mixed.
  5. Gently fold in the holiday sprinkles.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
  7. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. While the bread cools, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth for the glaze.
  9. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread and sprinkle with additional holiday sprinkles.
  10. Slice the bread and enjoy!

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, slice and freeze individual pieces.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: Christmas, Bread, Holiday, Dessert, Festive

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