Nothing says cozy holiday mornings like a slice of warm, soft, and sweet Christmas bread. This Festive Christmas Bread Recipe is a delightful, colorful loaf that brings joy to every table. Perfect for breakfast, gifting, or adding a cheerful touch to your dessert spread, this easy-to-make bread uses simple ingredients commonly found in your pantry. Its tender crumb, buttery flavor, and vibrant red and green sprinkles make it a treat both for the eyes and the taste buds.
Whether you’re baking with kids, preparing a holiday brunch, or wrapping a loaf for a neighbor, this bread fits right into the holiday spirit. Let’s dive into the details and make your kitchen smell like festive magic.
Ingredients Overview
Yields 1 standard loaf (approx. 8 servings):
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (210g)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk (240ml)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup red and green sprinkles (jimmies style; avoid nonpareils)
Optional topping:
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar
- Additional sprinkles for garnish
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk and spatula
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
- Toothpick or cake tester
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Begin 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. This ensures the bread will release easily once baked and helps maintain its shape. You can also lightly flour the pan for extra assurance.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt. Whisking not only combines the ingredients evenly but also helps create a tender, light crumb. Set aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk ½ cup melted butter with 1 cup granulated sugar until smooth. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in 1 cup buttermilk and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until fully combined. Make sure the mixture is smooth and uniform, as this will create a consistent texture throughout the bread.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula. Stir just until no streaks of flour remain—overmixing can make the bread dense rather than soft and tender.
Step 5: Add Sprinkles
Gently fold in ½ cup of red and green sprinkles. Take care not to overmix; you want the colors to remain distinct for a festive, speckled appearance.
Step 6: Pour Batter into Pan
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle a tablespoon of coarse sugar or additional sprinkles on top if desired. This adds a little crunch and an extra touch of holiday sparkle.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Start checking at around 40 minutes, as ovens can vary, to avoid overbaking. The top should be golden brown, slightly firm, and spring back lightly when touched.
Step 8: Cool and Remove from Pan
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Then carefully lift it out using the parchment paper and transfer to a wire cooling rack. Cooling completely ensures neat slices and prevents the bread from becoming soggy.
Step 9: Slice and Serve
Once fully cooled, use a serrated knife to slice the bread into even portions. Serve as is, or pair with butter, jam, or a drizzle of glaze for a special holiday touch. This bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, gifting, or as a sweet snack throughout the holiday season.
Tips, Variations & Substitutions
- Sprinkle Choices: Stick with jimmies-style sprinkles rather than nonpareils to keep the colors vibrant and prevent them from bleeding into the batter. You can also mix red, green, and white sprinkles for a classic holiday look.
- Add-ins for Extra Flavor: Fold in white chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or dried cranberries to give the bread more texture and seasonal flavor. Mini chocolate chips or festive candy pieces are also a fun option for a kid-friendly version.
- Flavor Boosters: Add ½ teaspoon almond extract or orange zest for a subtle, bakery-style aroma that enhances the holiday vibe. Cinnamon or nutmeg can also be added for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Mini Loaves for Gifting: Divide the batter into smaller loaf pans or muffin tins. Mini loaves bake faster, about 25–30 minutes, and make adorable, giftable treats for neighbors or friends.
- Glaze and Topping Ideas: Drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze or dust with powdered sugar for a pretty, finishing touch. A light coating of melted white chocolate with sprinkles on top adds extra festive flair.
- Ingredient Substitutions:
- Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, combine 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes.
- Butter: Unsalted butter can be swapped with ghee or vegetable oil if needed.
- Eggs: For an egg-free alternative, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg).
With these tips and variations, you can easily adapt this Christmas bread to suit your family’s tastes or make it stand out for special holiday occasions.
Serving Ideas & Occasions
This Festive Christmas Bread is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for a wide range of holiday moments. Serve warm slices for a cheerful breakfast, paired with a pat of butter, a drizzle of honey, or your favorite fruit preserves. It’s also wonderful alongside a cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy mid-morning treat.
For brunch gatherings, layer slices on a festive platter with fresh berries, yogurt, and whipped cream to create a colorful, inviting display. Mini loaves or individual slices can be arranged on dessert tables during holiday parties, adding both flavor and a pop of color. You can even cut it into cubes for a sweet bread pudding or French toast bake, turning leftovers into another festive treat.
This bread also makes a thoughtful homemade gift. Wrap a mini loaf in parchment paper, tie it with a ribbon, and include a small note for neighbors, coworkers, or friends. Its cheerful appearance and comforting flavor make it a memorable addition to holiday gift baskets.
Beyond Christmas morning, it’s ideal for holiday breakfast gatherings, winter brunches, or as a sweet snack for school and office celebrations. Its soft texture, buttery taste, and festive sprinkles create a joyful touch wherever it’s served, making it a true holiday favorite for both casual mornings and special occasions.
Nutritional & Health Notes
This bread is sweet but balanced, making it suitable for breakfast or dessert. Using butter and buttermilk gives it moisture and flavor without being overly rich. Each slice provides a festive treat without overwhelming sweetness.
FAQs
Q: Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?
A: Yes! Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and let sit for 5 minutes before using.
Q: Can I make this bread ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days, refrigerate up to 1 week, or freeze up to 2 months.
Q: Can I add other flavors or mix-ins?
A: Yes, white chocolate, nuts, or dried cranberries work wonderfully without changing the bake time significantly.
Conclusion
This Festive Christmas Bread is a simple, colorful, and cozy addition to any holiday table. It’s beginner-friendly, visually appealing, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a loaf that feels homemade and special, making it an unforgettable treat for holiday mornings, festive brunches, or gift-giving.
Print
Festive Christmas Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Description
A colorful and tender Christmas bread with buttery flavor and festive red and green sprinkles. Perfect for breakfast, holiday brunch, or gifting to loved ones.
Ingredients
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (210g)
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk (240ml)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup red and green sprinkles (jimmies style)
Optional topping:
1 tablespoon coarse sugar
Additional sprinkles for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in buttermilk and vanilla extract.
Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
Gently fold in the red and green sprinkles.
Pour batter into prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Sprinkle coarse sugar or extra sprinkles on top if desired.
Bake 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Start checking at 40 minutes.
Cool in pan 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice and serve, optionally with butter, jam, or glaze.
Notes
For mini loaves, reduce baking time to 25–30 minutes.
Substitute milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar for buttermilk if needed.
Optional add-ins: white chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45–55 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8