Nothing captures the spirit of the holidays quite like the scent of freshly baked bread wafting through the house. Festive Christmas Bread, with its colorful sprinkles and sweet vanilla glaze, is a modern classic guaranteed to spread cheer at any celebration. Quick and easy to prepare, this loaf blends tradition and fun, making it ideal for Christmas brunch or as a charming homemade gift.
Ingredients
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:
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing just until combined. Next, blend in the sour cream and milk for a soft, moist crumb.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Carefully fold in the Christmas sprinkles, taking care not to overmix to avoid color bleeding.
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden. Let the bread rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the loaf cools, make the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle this over the cooled bread and finish with a sprinkle of extra festive sprinkles. Once set, slice and serve for a delicious, showstopping holiday treat.
Tips for Best Results
- Use nonpareil or jimmies-type sprinkles for vibrant color that holds up when baked.
- Ensure all mixing is gentle, especially when adding sprinkles, to maintain the bread’s bright appearance.
- Store any leftovers wrapped tightly; this bread also freezes beautifully for advance holiday prep.
Festive Christmas Bread is a joyful, simple bake that brings color and warmth to winter celebrations. Share it at gatherings or wrap it up for cozy, edible holiday gifting!