Christmas Bread

This Christmas Bread recipe is sure to fill your kitchen with the delightful warmth of the holidays. Imagine a soft, fluffy loaf that’s sweetened with sugar and infused with cozy spices. Every bite takes you back to happy moments shared with family and friends. The added festive sprinkles not only make it a treat for the taste buds but for the eyes as well! It’s like a warm hug wrapped in a loaf. Whether you’re serving it at your Christmas brunch or giving it as a gift, this bread combines joy and tradition in every slice. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started on creating this delicious holiday masterpiece together!

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Why This Recipe Works

This Christmas Bread recipe really shines because it balances tender texture with fantastic flavor. The science behind baking plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect loaf. When you cream the butter with sugar, you’re incorporating air into the mixture. This step helps the bread rise beautifully. Baking powder does its job too, contributing to that light and fluffy texture. With the addition of warm spices, every bite is infused with holiday warmth. And let’s not forget those festive sprinkles—they not only look lovely but also add a touch of sweetness that captures the holiday spirit perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Bread

As you slice into your freshly baked Christmas Bread, the sight of colorful sprinkles winks back at you. Each bite brings a wave of sweet vanilla and cinnamon that’s sure to awaken cherished holiday memories. Imagine enjoying this warming treat at a Christmas brunch, or better yet, gifting it to a loved one and watching their face light up with joy. The fluffy, sweet nature of this bread makes it the kind of recipe you’ll want to bake year after year. It’s bound to become a beloved tradition in your home!

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup original sour cream
• ¼ cup whole milk
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ⅔ cup Christmas sprinkles
• 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract for glaze
• Extra Christmas sprinkles for topping

Prepare the Oven and Loaf Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that heats up, grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and grease it with nonstick baking spray. This ensures your delightful bread releases easily once baked.

Cream Butter and Sugar

Take a large mixing bowl and beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Aim for a light and fluffy texture, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes of mixing. This step sets the stage for a light bread.

Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Next, it’s time to add the eggs—one at a time to the bowl. Mix well after each addition. Don’t forget to pour in the pure vanilla extract as you mix, creating that lovely aromatic base.

Blend in Sour Cream and Milk

After that, it’s all about creaminess! Pour in the sour cream and milk, mixing on low speed. You want it to blend without losing that airy quality, so be gentle in your mixing.

Combine Dry Ingredients

Now, grab another large bowl to whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. This step is crucial; it lays the groundwork for a well-mixed batter.

Merge Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture into your wet ingredients. Stir gently until you see everything just combined. Overmixing can make the bread tough, so keep it light!

Add Holiday Sprinkles

Here comes the fun part! With a rubber spatula, carefully fold in the Christmas sprinkles. Be gentle to avoid deflating your beautiful batter.

Pour Batter into Loaf Pan

Spoon that vibrant batter into your prepared loaf pan. Spread it evenly to ensure your bread bakes uniformly.

Bake the Christmas Bread

Slide the loaf pan into your preheated oven and let it bake for 60 to 70 minutes. For the perfect end result, check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.

Cool and Release the Bread

Once it’s baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. After that, carefully remove it and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be so tempting!

Prepare the Glaze

As your bread cools, let’s prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, heavy whipping cream, and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Aim for a smooth, generous consistency that will make your bread shine.

Glaze the Bread

Once your bread is fully cool, pour that luscious glaze over the top. Let it drizzle down the sides—this is where the magic happens! Finally, sprinkle on a bit more of those festive Christmas sprinkles for extra holiday cheer.

Serving Suggestions

You can serve your bread warm or at room temperature. Pair it with a cozy hot cup of coffee or tea to really embrace the holiday spirit.

Storage Tips

If you have any leftover Christmas Bread, wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw it before serving, and you’re good to go!

Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are a couple of fun twists you can try:
– Nutty Delight: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
– Dried Fruit: Include dried cranberries or currants for a fruity twist that pairs beautifully with the sweetness.

Pairing Ideas

This delightful Christmas Bread isn’t just a stand-alone treat. It goes wonderfully with cream cheese or a simple smear of butter. For a festive brunch, serve it along with a bright fruit salad or a hearty egg casserole.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of milk?
Absolutely! Almond milk or oat milk works just fine as alternatives.

2. Is it necessary to add sprinkles?
They’re definitely fun and festive, but you can skip them for a classic approach.

3. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day or two in advance. Just store it properly.

4. What if I don’t have sour cream?
Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for sour cream.

5. How do I know if the bread is done baking?
A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Each slice of this Christmas Bread is a beautiful blend of flavor and holiday spirit. Baking it brings warmth and joy into your home, creating a delightful tradition. So gather your ingredients and embrace the magic of the season with this sweet and colorful treat. Happy baking!

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