If you are searching for a joyful twist to brighten your holiday table, this Festive Christmas Bread Recipe is the perfect treasure to discover. Bursting with cheerful red and green sprinkles hidden inside a moist, tender crumb, and topped with a sweet, shiny glaze, this bread is as delightful to look at as it is to eat. It’s a fabulously simple way to bring every festive celebration to life, creating a cozy, joyful kitchen moment you’ll want to come back to year after year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Festive Christmas Bread Recipe uses straightforward ingredients that come together to create a spectacular flavor and texture. Each one plays an essential role: from the fluffy eggs to the vibrant sprinkles that bring pops of color to every bite.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, providing structure for a soft loaf.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens perfectly without overpowering the other ingredients.
Baking powder: Helps the bread rise beautifully, making it light and airy.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the bread, balancing the sweetness.
Large eggs: Bind ingredients and add richness to the crumb.
Unsalted butter: Gives moisture and a silky texture to the bread.
Whole milk: Adds tenderness and depth to the batter.
Vanilla extract: Brings a warm, familiar aroma that invites everyone closer.
Sour cream: Keeps the bread incredibly moist with a subtle tang.
Red and green nonpareil sprinkles: The festive stars that make this bread truly holiday-ready.
Powdered sugar (for glaze): Creates a glossy, sweet finish.
Heavy cream or milk (for glaze): Perfect for mixing the glaze to the right consistency.
Vanilla extract (for glaze): Adds depth and ties the glaze flavor to the bread perfectly.

How to Make Festive Christmas Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray, then line it with parchment paper for an easy release later. This step sets the stage for a smooth baking process and beautifully shaped bread.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt. Combining these beforehand ensures even distribution, which helps your bread rise evenly and prevents any salty or floury pockets.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a mixer, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for that tender crumb and sweet flavor, as it incorporates air, which helps the bread rise.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract, infusing the batter with a warm scent that will fill your kitchen with holiday cheer.

Step 5: Stir in Sour Cream and Milk

Add the sour cream and whole milk, mixing just until combined. These add moisture and richness, giving your bread a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently to combine, but be careful not to overmix, as this can make your bread dense. The goal is a batter that is smooth yet soft.

Step 7: Fold in Sprinkles

Gently fold in the festive red and green sprinkles. These little bursts of color create a joyful, celebratory look inside the bread that perfectly echoes the Christmas spirit.

Step 8: Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is pure holiday magic.

Step 9: Cool and Glaze

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream or milk to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle this glaze generously over the cooled loaf, and sprinkle extra festive sprinkles on top to make it shine.

How to Serve Festive Christmas Bread Recipe

Garnishes

For a fun festive touch, garnish slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a spread of cream cheese. A few more red and green sprinkles or a dusting of powdered sugar over the top will elevate the presentation instantly.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with warm beverages like hot cocoa, mulled cider, or a spiced coffee. You might also enjoy it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a platter of cheese and nuts for a balanced holiday brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider wrapping individual slices in cellophane tied with festive ribbon for delightful holiday gifts. Or arrange the bread slices in a circular wreath shape on a serving platter with holly leaves and berries for an eye-catching centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Festive Christmas Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the bread moist and flavorful, ready to enjoy whenever you want a cheerful treat.

Freezing

You can freeze this bread for up to three months. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and place it in a sealed freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before glazing and serving.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven wrapped in foil for 5 to 10 minutes. This brings back the fresh-baked feel and softens the glaze slightly, making it even more irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use different sprinkles for this bread?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the red and green sprinkles for other colors or types depending on the occasion or your preference, but for that classic holiday look, sticking with red and green is great.

Is this bread suitable for freezing before or after glazing?

It’s best to freeze the bread before glazing. Once thawed, you can freshly prepare and drizzle the glaze for the best texture and flavor.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use almond, oat, or soy milk instead of whole milk. The texture might vary slightly but it will still be delicious.

What’s the best way to avoid the sprinkles melting or bleeding colors?

Choosing good-quality sprinkles and folding them in gently helps prevent color bleeding. Also, avoid stirring the batter too vigorously after adding the sprinkles for the best results.

Can I make this bread in a different shape, like muffins or cupcakes?

Definitely! Pour the batter into lined muffin tins and reduce the baking time to about 18 to 22 minutes. Keep an eye on them with a toothpick test for doneness.

Final Thoughts

This Festive Christmas Bread Recipe is more than just a holiday treat; it’s a celebration in every slice that fills your home with warmth, color, and joy. I truly hope you give it a go and discover how easy it is to create unforgettable holiday memories around this charming and delicious bread. Happy baking and joyful celebrations!