Description
This Festive Christmas Bread with Sprinkles is a delightful holiday treat featuring a tender, moist loaf bursting with colorful sprinkles and a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for adding a cheerful touch to your Christmas breakfast or dessert table, this easy-to-make bread combines classic flavors of cinnamon and vanilla with creamy icing and festive sprinkles for a joyful celebration in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread Ingredients
- 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
Icing Ingredients
- 1¼ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the bread after baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and smooth, creating a perfect base for your bread batter.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing. Then stir in the sour cream and whole milk until well incorporated and smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gently add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined, ensuring there are no visible flour streaks. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Fold in Sprinkles: Carefully fold in the Christmas sprinkles to evenly distribute them without causing the colors to bleed.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
- Cool Completely: Transfer the bread onto a wire rack and let it cool completely. Cooling fully prevents the icing from melting when applied.
- Prepare Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until a smooth, spreadable glaze forms.
- Glaze the Bread: Evenly spread the icing over the cooled bread using a rubber spatula, then sprinkle additional Christmas sprinkles on top for extra festive flair.
- Set and Serve: Allow the icing to set for a few minutes before slicing. Serve and enjoy this colorful and festive Christmas bread with family and friends.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh sprinkles that won’t bleed color during baking.
- Ensure the bread is completely cooled before glazing to prevent the icing from melting.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- To make ahead, you can bake the bread a day before and add the icing just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
