Yuletide Bake

Embrace the warmth and cheer of the holiday season with our delightful Christmas Bread. This soft, tender, and buttery quick bread is infused with enchanting sweet holiday flavors, making it an indispensable part of your festive celebrations. Whether you’re seeking a heartwarming breakfast, a charming dessert, or a thoughtful homemade gift, this recipe promises to deliver joy in every slice.

The aroma of freshly baked bread, mingling with cinnamon and sweet vanilla, is truly the essence of Christmas. Our Quick Bread Recipe for Christmas Bread is designed to capture this magic, offering a delightful treat that’s easy to prepare and even easier to fall in love with. Its tender crumb and rich, buttery taste, complemented by a simple yet elegant sweet glaze, make it a standout on any holiday table.

This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a festive masterpiece, perfect for sharing with family and friends. It’s incredibly versatile, fitting seamlessly into your holiday morning routine, as a comforting snack with a cup of coffee, or as a charming addition to your dessert spread. Beyond its deliciousness, this Christmas Bread is an excellent choice for holiday gifting, showcasing your baking prowess and spreading cheer. If you’re looking for other festive treats, don’t miss our Easy Eggnog Bread or the indulgent Christmas Dessert Lasagna.

Why This Christmas Bread Recipe is a Must-Try

Our Christmas Bread recipe isn’t just another loaf; it’s a celebration of holiday flavors and textures, designed to bring joy and comfort during the most wonderful time of the year. Here’s why this recipe stands out and deserves a spot in your holiday baking repertoire:

• Unbelievably Soft and Tender Texture: Each bite melts in your mouth, thanks to its rich, buttery crumb. The perfect balance of moisture and aeration ensures a delightfully fluffy loaf that’s never dry or dense. It’s the kind of texture that makes you reach for another slice, time and time again, making this the best Christmas Bread you’ll ever bake.
• Irresistibly Festive Flavors: Infused with warm ground cinnamon and a hint of vanilla, this bread embodies the very essence of holiday cheer. The subtle sweetness from the glaze, combined with the joyous pop of Christmas sprinkles, creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and exciting, making it an instant holiday classic.
• Effortless Customization: While perfect as is, this recipe is a fantastic canvas for your creativity. Easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Whether you dream of adding crunchy nuts, decadent chocolate chips, or a burst of citrus zest, this bread welcomes your personal touch, allowing you to create a unique festive quick bread masterpiece every time.
• The Perfect Homemade Gift: Few gifts convey warmth and thoughtfulness quite like a homemade treat. This Christmas Bread slices beautifully, making it an elegant and impressive present for neighbors, teachers, friends, or family. Its festive appearance and delicious taste are sure to brighten anyone’s holiday season, solidifying its place as an ideal holiday gifting bread.
• Remarkably Versatile for Any Occasion: From a cozy Christmas morning breakfast to an elegant brunch centerpiece or a delightful after-dinner dessert, this bread fits perfectly into any holiday meal. Serve it alongside coffee or hot cocoa, or enjoy it on its own as a sweet indulgence. Its adaptability makes it a truly essential holiday bake, whether for a Christmas breakfast bread or a festive dessert.

The Essence of Christmas Bread: A Brief History and Tradition

Christmas bread, in its many forms, is a cherished tradition across cultures, symbolizing warmth, togetherness, and the bounty of the harvest season. Historically, sweet breads made with rich ingredients like butter, eggs, and dried fruits were often reserved for special occasions, making them a luxurious treat during the colder months. In many European countries, various versions of Christmas bread, such as Italian Panettone, German Stollen, or various fruit loaves, are staples during Advent and the Christmas season. These breads often carry symbolic meanings, from wishes for good fortune to celebrations of light and life.

Our Christmas Bread recipe, while a modern quick bread, taps into this rich heritage. It offers the same festive spirit and comforting flavors, but with the added convenience of being a “quick bread” – meaning no yeast, no extensive kneading, and no long proofing times. This makes it an ideal choice for busy holiday schedules, allowing you to enjoy the tradition of homemade festive baking without the time commitment of a traditional yeast bread. It’s a bridge between old-world charm and contemporary ease, ensuring that the essence of Christmas baking remains accessible and enjoyable for everyone looking for an easy Christmas bread recipe.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Christmas Bread

Crafting this delicious Christmas Bread relies on a few simple, high-quality ingredients that come together to create its signature tender texture and festive flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is vital:

Bread Ingredients Explained

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our bread. While some might consider bread flour for a chewier texture, all-purpose flour is precisely what gives this quick bread its desired tender, cake-like crumb. Ensure it’s fresh for optimal results in your homemade Christmas bread.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These are our essential leavening agents. Baking powder provides the initial lift, while baking soda reacts with the acidic sour cream to create a second boost, resulting in a perfectly risen and fluffy loaf. If you find yourself out of baking soda, consult our guide on Best Baking Soda Substitutes.
• Ground Cinnamon: This spice is a cornerstone of holiday flavors. Its warm, sweet, and woody notes infuse the bread with that unmistakable Christmas aroma and taste. Feel free to increase the amount if you prefer a bolder cinnamon presence, or add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for even more complexity, enhancing your sweet Christmas loaf.
• Butter (Softened at Room Temperature): Butter is crucial for both flavor and texture. Using softened butter ensures it creams smoothly with sugar, incorporating air into the mixture which contributes to the bread’s light and fluffy consistency. Avoid melted butter, as it can lead to a dense or greasy loaf, detracting from the buttery Christmas bread experience.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps tenderize the bread. When creamed with butter, it also creates small pockets of air, further contributing to the bread’s airy structure.
• Large Eggs (Beaten): Eggs bind the ingredients, add moisture, richness, and structure to the bread. Beating them lightly before adding to the batter helps ensure they integrate evenly, preventing an overly eggy flavor in certain spots.
• Vanilla Extract: A classic flavor enhancer that complements the cinnamon and adds a touch of aromatic sweetness. Always opt for pure vanilla extract for the best, most authentic flavor profile in your festive quick bread.
• Sour Cream (Full-Fat): This secret ingredient is key to the bread’s incredible richness and moisture. Its acidity also activates the baking soda. Full-fat sour cream is highly recommended for superior texture and flavor; light versions may yield a less moist result.
• Whole Milk: Contributes to the creamy texture and richness of the bread. Just like with sour cream, whole milk is preferred over reduced-fat alternatives to achieve the ideal consistency and flavor for this holiday bread.
• Christmas Sprinkles: Not just for decoration, these colorful additions bring a joyful festive look to your bread. Dividing them allows some to be baked into the batter and others to adorn the finished glazed loaf. Choose high-quality sprinkles that hold their color well during baking, making your Christmas Bread visually stunning.

Simple Glaze Ingredients

A simple yet elegant glaze is the perfect finishing touch for this festive bread, adding a layer of sweetness and a beautiful sheen.

• Powdered Sugar (Sifted): Essential for a smooth, lump-free glaze. Sifting removes any clumps, ensuring a silky consistency that drizzles beautifully over the bread.
• Whole Milk: Used to thin the powdered sugar to the desired consistency. Add it gradually to control the thickness of your glaze.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness of the glaze with its warm, inviting aroma.

You can find the complete list of ingredients with precise measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Creative Christmas Bread Variations

One of the best aspects of this Christmas Bread recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with these variations to create a loaf that’s uniquely yours or to cater to different tastes during the holidays:

• Classic Cinnamon and Sugar Swirl: For a delightful crunchy top and an extra layer of spice, omit the glaze. Instead, sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and granulated sugar generously over the batter before baking. You can even swirl some into the middle of the batter for a beautiful marble effect on your sweet Christmas loaf.
• Decadent Cream Cheese Icing: Elevate your bread with a rich and tangy cream cheese icing. Our Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe would be a perfect complement, adding a luscious creaminess that contrasts wonderfully with the bread’s tender crumb.
• Dried Fruit Medley: Replace or supplement the sprinkles with a festive mix of chopped candied or dried fruits. Cranberries, apricots, cherries, golden raisins, or even candied orange peel would add bursts of flavor and chewiness, enriching the traditional holiday feel of your holiday bread.
• Nutty Crunch: For added texture and a rich, earthy flavor, fold in about ½ to ¾ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the batter. Toasting the nuts lightly before adding them can enhance their flavor even further.
• Chocolate Indulgence: Transform this bread into a more decadent treat by mixing in chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark) or white chocolate chips. The melting chocolate pockets will make each slice a delightful surprise.
• Bright Citrus Zest: Introduce a refreshing brightness by adding the zest of one orange or lemon to the batter. Citrus notes pair beautifully with cinnamon and vanilla, cutting through the sweetness and adding a vibrant, seasonal flavor to your homemade Christmas bread.
• Alternative Glaze Flavors: While vanilla is classic, consider swapping it for almond extract for a delicate nutty note, or maple extract for a cozy, autumnal twist in your glaze. A touch of rum or brandy extract could also add a sophisticated adult flavor.
• Spice Blend Enhancement: Beyond cinnamon, consider adding small amounts of other warm spices like a pinch of ground nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom to deepen the festive spice profile of the bread.

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions for Your Christmas Bread

Follow these simple steps to create a perfect loaf of Christmas Bread that will impress everyone with its tender texture and delightful flavors:

• Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or spray it thoroughly with a non-stick cooking spray. This ensures your beautiful bread will release easily after baking, making your easy Christmas bread recipe even smoother.
• Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisking ensures these dry ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed, which is crucial for a consistent rise and flavor. Set this bowl aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar. In a separate large bowl, preferably using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, pale, and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which is vital for the bread’s tender texture, contributing to that desired buttery Christmas bread crumb.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients. To the butter and sugar mixture, add the beaten eggs, vanilla extract, sour cream, and whole milk. Reduce the mixer speed to low and mix just until all these wet ingredients are fully combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures. Gradually add the whisked dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Use a rubber spatula or a wooden spoon to gently fold them together until just combined. A few streaks of flour are acceptable; overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to a tough, dense quick bread.

Step 6: Fold in Sprinkles. Carefully fold in about 1/2 cup of the Christmas sprinkles into the batter. Mix just enough to distribute them. Be mindful not to overmix, as this can cause the colors from the sprinkles to bleed into the batter, dulling their festive vibrancy and impacting your sweet Christmas loaf’s appearance.

Step 7: Bake the Bread. Pour the prepared batter evenly into the greased loaf pan. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. The bread is done when a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached.

Step 8: Cool Before Glazing. Once baked, let the Christmas Bread cool in the loaf pan for about 10 minutes. This allows it to firm up and prevents crumbling. After 10 minutes, carefully invert the bread onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling completely is essential before applying the glaze to prevent it from melting, ensuring a perfect finish for your festive quick bread.

• Step 9: Prepare and Apply Glaze. While the bread is cooling, prepare your glaze. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of whole milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and free of lumps. Add more milk sparingly if a thinner glaze is desired. Once the bread is completely cool, evenly spread the prepared glaze over the top, letting some drip down the sides for an appealing rustic look.
• Step 10: Final Touches and Serve. Immediately after applying the glaze, sprinkle the remaining Christmas sprinkles over the glazed bread. This ensures they adhere nicely before the glaze sets. Allow the glaze to set for about 15-20 minutes, then slice the bread and serve! Enjoy your homemade festive masterpiece, whether for a Christmas breakfast bread or a sweet treat.

Expert Tips for a Flawless Christmas Bread

Achieving the perfect Christmas Bread is simple with these additional tips and tricks, ensuring your loaf is moist, flavorful, and beautifully presented every time:

• Prevent Over-Browning with Foil: If you notice the top of your bread browning too quickly during baking, but a toothpick test indicates it’s not yet fully cooked inside, gently tent the loaf pan with aluminum foil. This will protect the crust from further browning while allowing the inside to finish baking thoroughly and result in a perfectly baked holiday bread.
• Embrace Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use room-temperature eggs, butter, and milk. Ingredients at the same temperature emulsify more easily, creating a smoother batter and a more uniform, tender crumb in your finished bread. Plan ahead and take them out of the refrigerator at least 30-60 minutes before you begin mixing.
• Avoid the Pitfall of Overmixing: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix only until they are “just combined.” Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a tough, dense, and less tender quick bread. A few small lumps or streaks of flour are preferable to an overmixed batter for a truly buttery Christmas bread.
• Test for Doneness Accurately: The toothpick test is your best friend. Insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the very center of the bread. It should come out clean, or with only a few moist crumbs clinging to it, indicating the bread is perfectly baked through. If it’s wet, continue baking for a few more minutes and re-test.
• Patience for Cooling: Resist the urge to slice into your bread immediately after it comes out of the oven. Allowing it to cool completely in the pan for 10 minutes, then fully on a wire rack, is crucial. This helps the bread set, prevents crumbling, and makes for cleaner, more uniform slices. It also ensures the glaze adheres properly without melting, preserving the beauty of your sweet Christmas loaf.
• Mini Loaves for Gifting: For charming individual servings or easy gifting, divide the batter among mini loaf pans. Remember to adjust the baking time accordingly, as smaller loaves will bake faster. Start checking for doneness around 25-35 minutes. These mini versions make excellent holiday gifting bread.
• Storage is Key for Freshness: Once completely cooled, wrap your Christmas Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. This preserves its moisture and keeps it fresh, whether you’re storing it for yourself or preparing it as a gift.
• Choose Quality Sprinkles: For the most vibrant and non-bleeding results, especially when baking them into the batter, opt for high-quality, professional-grade sprinkles. Some cheaper sprinkles can dissolve or bleed color when exposed to moisture and heat, affecting the visual appeal of your festive quick bread.

Storing Your Christmas Bread

Proper storage is key to keeping your Christmas Bread fresh, moist, and delicious for as long as possible. Whether you plan to enjoy it over a few days or save it for later, here’s how to store it effectively:

• Room Temperature: For immediate enjoyment, store your completely cooled Christmas Bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature. It will stay wonderfully fresh and moist for 2-3 days. If it has a glaze, ensure the glaze has fully set before wrapping to prevent sticking.
• Refrigerate: To extend its freshness, particularly if your bread features a cream cheese frosting or a thick, moist glaze, you can store it in the refrigerator. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then place it in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 1 week. Bring slices to room temperature or warm slightly before serving for the best flavor and texture of your holiday bread.
• Freeze for Longer Storage: Christmas Bread freezes beautifully, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time or enjoying slices whenever a craving strikes.
  • To Freeze a Whole Loaf: Ensure the bread is completely cooled. Wrap it tightly first in plastic wrap, then in a layer of aluminum foil. This double layer protects against freezer burn. Place the wrapped loaf in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
  • To Freeze Slices: For convenience, you can slice the cooled bread before freezing. Place parchment paper between slices to prevent them from sticking, then stack and wrap them securely as you would a whole loaf. This allows you to thaw individual servings of your homemade Christmas bread as needed.
  • Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw the bread at room temperature, either on the counter for a few hours (for slices) or overnight (for a whole loaf). You can also gently warm slices in the microwave or a toaster oven for a “freshly baked” experience.

Serving & Gifting Suggestions for Christmas Bread

This beautiful Christmas Bread is versatile enough for many holiday occasions and makes an incredibly thoughtful gift.

Serving Ideas:

• Christmas Morning Breakfast: A perfect accompaniment to your holiday breakfast spread. Serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream, a side of fresh berries, or simply as is with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or homemade hot cocoa. It’s truly a delightful Christmas breakfast bread.
• Holiday Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange slices on a festive platter alongside other brunch items. Its vibrant sprinkles and appealing glaze make it a visual treat, ideal for any festive quick bread display.
• Sweet Snack: Enjoy a slice as a mid-day treat with a warm beverage. It’s comforting and satisfying.
• Dessert Platter: Cut into smaller squares or slices and arrange on a dessert board with other holiday cookies, chocolates, and fruits for a stunning sweet Christmas loaf presentation.

Gifting Ideas:

• Festive Packaging: Once cooled and glazed, wrap the entire loaf or individual slices in clear cellophane bags, tied with a festive ribbon. Add a small handwritten tag with a personalized message. This makes for charming holiday gifting bread.
• Gift Baskets: Include the Christmas Bread in a larger holiday gift basket with gourmet coffee, tea, homemade jams, or other baked goods.
• Hostess Gift: Bring a beautifully wrapped loaf as a thoughtful gift for your holiday dinner host or hostess. It’s a wonderful gesture that shows appreciation for any homemade Christmas bread.

Troubleshooting Common Baking Issues with Christmas Bread

Even seasoned bakers encounter challenges from time to time. Here are solutions to some common issues you might face when baking this delightful Christmas Bread:

• Bread is Too Dense/Tough: This is almost always a sign of overmixing. Remember to mix the wet and dry ingredients only until “just combined.” A light hand is key for quick breads. Ensure your leavening agents (baking powder/soda) aren’t expired.
• Bread Doesn’t Rise Enough: Check the expiration dates on your baking powder and baking soda. They lose their potency over time. Also, ensure your oven temperature is accurate – an oven that’s too cool might not activate the leavening effectively. Room temperature ingredients also help with proper rising.
• Sprinkles Bleed into the Batter: This happens if they are overmixed or if they are cheap, water-soluble sprinkles. To minimize bleeding, gently fold them in at the very end and use high-quality sprinkles designed to withstand baking temperatures. Some bleeding is normal, but excessive bleeding can be avoided, preserving the festive look of your sweet Christmas loaf.
• Top Browns Too Quickly: As mentioned in expert tips, tent the loaf pan with aluminum foil if the top is browning before the inside is cooked through. This diffuses the heat and allows the bread to bake evenly.
• Glaze is Too Thin/Thick: The consistency of your glaze is easy to adjust. If it’s too thin, gradually whisk in more sifted powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, add a tiny amount of milk (a quarter teaspoon at a time) until it reaches your desired drizzling consistency.
• Bread is Dry: Overbaking is a common culprit for dry bread. Always rely on the toothpick test for doneness rather than just the clock. Ensure your wet ingredients, especially sour cream and whole milk, are full-fat for maximum moisture, resulting in a perfectly buttery Christmas bread.

More Delicious and Easy Quick Bread Recipes

If you loved making this Christmas Bread, you’ll surely enjoy exploring other quick bread recipes that are perfect for any season:

• Scrumptious Apple Bread
• Exotic Hummingbird Bread
• Sweet Strawberry Banana Bread
• Decadent Chocolate Banana Bread

Now it’s your turn to create this irresistibly yummy Christmas Bread! We encourage you to try this recipe and bring some festive cheer into your home. Don’t forget to come back and share your experience by leaving a star rating and a comment below. Your feedback is truly appreciated!

Printable Christmas Bread Recipe Card

Christmas Bread

This Christmas Bread is an easy quick bread recipe loaded with festive sprinkles and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze. It’s perfect for Christmas morning and incredibly delicious.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Cooling Time: 10 minutes (in pan) + complete cooling on rack

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Servings: 8 slices

Cuisine: American

Course: Dessert, Breakfast, Snack

Calories: 504 kcal per serving

Author: Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

For the Bread:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream (full-fat recommended)
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup Christmas sprinkles, divided

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 Tbsp whole milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the beaten eggs, vanilla extract, sour cream, and milk to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined; do not overmix.
6. Fold in Sprinkles: Gently stir in ½ cup of the Christmas sprinkles. Mix minimally to prevent colors from bleeding.
7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
9. Make Glaze: While the bread cools, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of whole milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until smooth.
10. Glaze and Decorate: Once the bread is completely cool, spread the glaze evenly over the top and immediately sprinkle with the remaining Christmas sprinkles.
11. Serve: Allow the glaze to set for 15-20 minutes, then slice, serve, and enjoy your festive Christmas Bread!

Recipe Notes

• If the top of the bread browns too quickly during baking, tent the loaf pan with aluminum foil to ensure even baking without over-browning the crust.
• Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its freshness and moisture.

Nutrition Facts

(Approximate values per serving, based on 8 servings. Please note that nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients used and preparation methods.)

Calories: 504 kcal, Carbohydrates: 83g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 17g, Saturated Fat: 10g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 0.5g, Cholesterol: 81mg, Sodium: 437mg, Potassium: 95mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 55g, Vitamin A: 523IU, Vitamin C: 0.1mg, Calcium: 104mg, Iron: 2mg